jlindseymorgan's list "Matzoh Ball" of 5 great name ideas: Tempest - AMALTHEA!

Matzoh Ball

Tempest is one of those names that could go either way. Cool, evocative modern word name? Or asking for trouble?  Your call, but if you decide the former image is dominant, be warned that some people will see it as the latter.


Tempest

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. 

Sirena

Sleek, sharp, and soulful, Isolde is the German form of Iseult, the fabled lover of Tristan in the Arthurian romances. First appearing in the 12th-century, the name was fairly popular in the form of Iseult, Yseut, Yseult, and Ysolt, however, it wasn't until the 19th-century that this form began to catch on, after the composer Richard Wagner used it for his 1865 opera (and for his own daughter!)
 
Seen as a symbol of undying love, Isolde was an Irish princess who accidentally drinks a love potion and falls in love with the nephew of the king she was betrothed to. The story ends in tragedy, but with Tristan, Romeo, and Juliet all familiar choices, this connection doesn't need to hold you back.
 
The exact etymology of the name is unknown but one suggestion is that it comes from Germanic elements to mean "ice ruler" or "ice battle" giving it a strong, wintery feel. Alternatively, it may have Brythonic origins, in which case it could mean "she who is gazed upon."
 
More likely to be used in the Netherlands or in Germany than in the US, it could appeal more widely as an intriguing alternative to Isabel, Iris, Ines, and Imogene. Given to 15 American girls in a recent year, it comes with user-friendly nicknames Izzy and Sol, though Iso is the one used in Marilyn French's novel The Women's Room.
 
Variations of Isolde include Iseult, Isolt, Isoud, Isolda, Izolda, Isotta,and Yseult.

Matzoh Ball

Tempest

Sirena

Isolde

AERIS

AMALTHEA