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  1. Cressida
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "gold"
    • Description:

      Cressida is a pretty mythological and Shakespearean heroine name much better known in Britain than it is here — an imbalance the adventurous baby namer might want to correct.
  2. Eulalia
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "sweetly speaking"
    • Description:

      Eulalia is a melodious name with a southern drawl, thanks to those lilting double Ls.
  3. Evangeline
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "bearer of good news"
    • Description:

      Evangeline is a romantic old name enjoying a major comeback, thanks to its religious overtones, Eva's popularity, and the star of the TV megahit Lost, Evangeline Lilly. Evangelia and Evangelina — two variants of Evangeline — are sure to tag along for the ride.
  4. Gwendolyn
    • Origin:

      Variation of Gwendolen, Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "white ring"
    • Description:

      One spelling variation that's more popular than the original, this somewhat old-fashioned name might be in honor of poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first African-American to win a Pulitzer prize for poetry, or may be a way to get to the modern short form Gwen.
  5. Larkin
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "rough, fierce"
    • Description:

      While Larkin takes this name from bird to surname, there are actually more female Larkins these days than male, and it's a name that works as well for either gender. It has the literary connection to poet Philip Larkin too.
  6. Ottiline
    • Description:

      Ottiline is a rare feminine name with Germanic and Old English influences. It appears to be a variant of Ottoline, which combines elements meaning 'prosperity' and 'serpent' or 'dragon.' The name carries an aristocratic, vintage quality, having been occasionally used among European nobility, particularly in the early 20th century. British socialite and literary patron Lady Ottoline Morrell helped bring attention to this elegant name. Ottiline offers distinctive melody with its flowing syllables and refined sound. While decidedly uncommon in contemporary usage, it appeals to parents drawn to elaborate vintage names with historical depth. The name provides opportunities for friendly nicknames like Otti or Line while maintaining its dignified full form for formal contexts.
  7. Posy
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "a bunch of flowers"
    • Description:

      A sweet, nostalgic nosegay kind of name, Posy has been long fashionable in England, a country of gardeners, but this pretty bouquet-of-flowers name is still rarely heard in the US, though it could be seen as a more unusual possible alternative to Rosy or Josie.
  8. Rora
    • Description:

      Rora is a concise, feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a shortened form of Aurora, the Roman goddess of dawn, or derive from the Scottish Gaelic word for "seashore." In some contexts, it could be related to the Latin "ros" meaning "dew." Rora has remained quite rare throughout recorded naming history, never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries. The name's brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal, while its soft sounds create a gentle impression. The dual-syllable structure with repeating 'r' sounds gives Rora a rhythmic, almost musical quality. Its uncommonness makes it attractive to parents seeking a distinctive name that's straightforward to spell and pronounce.