The Hoarder's List of Names

Lyssa

Short form of Alyssa or Greek mythological name

"anger, fury, rage"

Most contemporary English speakers will hear the name Lyssa as short for the long-popular Alyssa or Melissa. But Lyssa is a bona fide Greek mythology name, though not a very appealing one. The…

Christiana

Latin feminization of Christian, Greek from Latin

"follower of Christ"

Not cutting edge, but still graceful and feminine. Parents who care about style may pass on all names Chris (or Kris) related, which were so popular in the second half of the 20th century. But…

Jorie

Diminutive of Marjorie or Jordan

Poet Jorie Graham is the best-known (okay: only known) bearer of this fresh, spirited spin on the Cory-Tory-Rory group. The boys' Jory is a Cornish nickname for George.

Sirena

Greek

"entangler"

Sounds like Serena, but refers to the mythological sirens -- half woman, half bird -- who virtually sang men to death. Not a great role model for your little girl.

Elira

Elira is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. In Albanian culture, it derives from the word for 'free' or 'freedom,' making it a name with powerful symbolic significance. Alternatively,…

Sybella

Variation of Sybil or Sibyl

"seer, oracle"

The lovely Sybella is being nudged into the spotlight by two influences: the original Sybil (the most popular spelling) or Sibyl, name of the beauteous youngest sister of television's period megahit…

Reed

English

"red-haired"

Sleek, unisex surname rarely heard for girls -- which could be seen as an asset.

Primrose

English flower name

"first rose"

A quaint and quirky flower name, until recently considered a bit too prim for most American classrooms but brought back to life in recent years by the attractive character of Primrose "Prim" Everdeen…