Female Character Names

Katniss Everdeen is the heroine of the popular Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, whose name comes from the (very real) edible aquatic plant of the genus Sagittaria. Katniss's father tells her that if she "finds herself," she'll never go hungry. Other unusual botanical names in the series include Primrose, Posy, Rue, and Clove, all for girls. Several of the boys' names come from ancient Rome: Cato, Seneca, Flavius, Caesar. Katniss the name has less appeal than Katniss the heroine, though it's definitely more attractive than Renesmee.

Pheobe is an alternative spelling of the more conventional 'Phoebe,' a feminine name with ancient Greek origins meaning 'bright' or 'pure.' This variation maintains the pronunciation of the original but features a transposed 'o' and 'e.' The name derives from Greek mythology, where Phoebe was a Titaness associated with the moon and prophecy. While less common than the standard spelling, Pheobe occasionally appears in naming records, sometimes as an intentional variation and other times as a spelling error. The name carries the same melodic quality and classical heritage as Phoebe, which has enjoyed moderate popularity throughout the English-speaking world. Those named Pheobe share connections to a name with rich mythological associations and a meaning that evokes light and clarity.

Piper is a bright, musical name that entered the list in 1999, one year after the debut of the TV series Charmed, which featured a Piper, and it's been a consistent riser since. Piper Kerman is the memoirist whose prison experiences provided the basis for the hit Netflix series Orange is the New Black.

With the return of the less obvious virtue names such as Verity and Prudence, vintage nickname names like Pru may follow in their wake.

Peaceful, calm, and untroubled: these are qualities parents may be hoping for, either on their parenting journey or in their child’s life. The name Serenity encapsulates these hopes, conjuring up a sense of balance, composure, and ease.