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Exotic Lovelies for Girls

KatherineC
By KatherineC
Updated Tue May 23 2023
    • Agnella

      • Description:

        Agnella is a delicate feminine name with Latin roots, functioning as a diminutive form of Agnes. The name Agnes itself derives from the Greek word 'hagnos' meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' Agnella essentially translates to 'little lamb' or 'little pure one,' carrying connotations of innocence and gentleness. Popular during medieval times in European countries, particularly Italy, Agnella later fell into obscurity. While uncommon in modern English-speaking countries, it retains usage in parts of Europe and among families honoring traditional naming patterns. The name offers a rare vintage option with religious undertones and a soft, melodic sound. For parents seeking names with historical depth but minimal contemporary usage, Agnella provides an elegant alternative to more common Agnes variations.

    • Alizala

      • Description:

        Alizala is an uncommon feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may represent an elaborated form of Aliza (a Hebrew name meaning 'joy') with a decorative suffix, or could blend elements of popular names like Aliza and Layla. Another possibility is derivation from Arabic linguistic roots related to beauty or precious qualities. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its alternating 'a' and 'l' sounds creating a rhythmic pattern. Alizala remains extremely rare in English-speaking countries and does not appear on popularity charts. Its exotic sound and multicultural possibilities make it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with international flair and feminine musicality.
    • Brisa

      • Origin:

        Spanish

      • Meaning:

        "breeze"

      • Description:

        Brisa is commonly used in Latino families, all but unheard of in others.
    • Chiara

      • Origin:

        Italian

      • Meaning:

        "light, clear"

      • Description:

        Chiara is a lovely and romantic Italian name that's familiar but not widely used here: a real winner. You might consider Chiara instead of Claire, Clara, Cara, or even Keira.
    • Elettra

      • Origin:

        Italian variation of Electra, from Greek

      • Meaning:

        "amber, shining, bright"

      • Description:

        Less electric and more serene than Electra which comes with a lot of tragic and psychoanalytical baggage, Elettra is the Italian form that ranks in the Top 200 in the Italian charts. Nicknames Etta, Lettie, and Elle make this doubly appealing.
    • Esme

      • Origin:

        French

      • Meaning:

        "beloved"

      • Description:

        Esmé comes from the past participle of the Old French verb esmer, meaing "to esteem" or "to love." It can also be considered a derivative of the Spanish name Esmeralda, which means "emerald".
    • Eulalia

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "sweetly speaking"

      • Description:

        Eulalia is a melodious name with a southern drawl, thanks to those lilting double Ls.
    • Ginevra

      • Origin:

        Italian variation of Guinevere or Jennifer

      • Meaning:

        "white shadow, white wave"

      • Description:

        This lovely alternative for the Jennifer-lover ranks among the most popular girls' names in Italy. At this point in the US, the legions of Jennifers born in the 1970s are starting to become grandmas, so Ginevra might make an apt honor name for granny Jen.
    • Kalindi

      • Origin:

        Hindi, variation of Kalinda

      • Meaning:

        "sun"

      • Description:

        Kalindi is a lovely, rhythmic name refers to one of the seven sacred rivers of India.
    • Martina

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "warlike"

      • Description:

        A feminine form of Martin, this strong and zestful sounding name is popular in Argentina, Chile, Spain, and Italy, where it ranks in the Top 30. Also familiar in Czechia, the UK, Slovakia, and Switzerland, it has never made it big in the US, and fell out of the charts back in the 2000s.

        Ultimately associated with Mars, the Roman god of war and with the 3rd century patron saint of Rome, it has also been borne by two notable tennis players, Martina Navratilova and Martina Hingis.
    • Meri

      • Origin:

        Finnish; Maori "sea; Mary"

      • Meaning:

        "sea; Mary"

      • Description:

        Upbeat name that cheers you as soon as you hear it. One famous bearer is Maori feminist Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia.
    • Mila

      • Origin:

        Slavic, Russian

      • Meaning:

        "gracious; dear"

      • Description:

        Mila is a popular name that took a 125 year nap, ranking in the Top 1000 in 1881 and then not ranking again until 2006, after actress Mila Kunis appeared on That 70s Show.
    • Neela

      • Origin:

        Hindi, Sanskrit

      • Meaning:

        "sapphire blue"

      • Description:

        A variation of Nila, a name spread through African by the substantial Indian population there. Also a variant of Neala and Neila.
    • Nia

      • Origin:

        Swahili; Welsh form of the Irish Niamh

      • Meaning:

        "resolve; brilliance"

      • Description:

        Short but energetic and substantial, Nia has special meaning for African-American parents, as it's one of the days of Kwanza. Nia also benefits by its similarity to (yet differentness from) the megapopular Mia.
    • Nico

      • Origin:

        Italian, diminutive of Nicola

      • Meaning:

        "people of victory"

      • Description:

        A much more dynamic nickname than Nicky for any of the Nic-names. Part of a growing trend of boyish nicknames for girls - alongside Stevie and Lou - Nico has cheerful, snappy sounds, and a fresh, sassy image.
    • Oona

      • Origin:

        Irish, variation of Una

      • Meaning:

        "lamb"

      • Description:

        Oona is a name made famous by Eugene O'Neill's daughter, who became Charlie Chaplin's wife. One of the original Oona's granddaughters was named after her, and is now an actress famous in her own right for playing Talisa of Volantis in HBO's "Game of Thrones." The double-o beginning gives their name a lot of oomph.
    • Paloma

      • Origin:

        Spanish

      • Meaning:

        "dove"

      • Description:

        Paloma is vibrant and ruby-lipped a la jewelry designer Paloma Picasso, but it also suggests peace, as symbolized by the dove. Paloma is a highly recommended striking but soft name, one of the best of the names that mean peace and girls' names starting with P.
    • Parisa

      • Origin:

        Iranian/Persian

      • Meaning:

        "like a fairy"

      • Description:

        Funny how one letter can turn a name from ordinary to special. Parisa is so much more distinctive than either Marisa or Paris.
    • Petra

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "rock, stone"

      • Description:

        A strong Greek name with pan-European charm, Petra is a relatively recent feminization of Peter, though it relates back to an incredible ancient city in Jordan that was rediscovered in the early nineteenth century.