-

Eugenie enjoyed a major dusting off when Fergie and Prince Andrew chose it for their daughter, restoring a patina of royal sheen it hadn't had since the time of Napoleon III's glamorous empress--who spent much of her life in England. It was also borne by Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, after whom Prince Andrew's younger daughter was named.

Possibility for a dark-haired babe.

This name's meaning derives from the material from which the mythical sculptor Pygmalion chiselled his ideal woman - she was carved from ivory. Pygmalion fell in love with his creation and Aphrodite, taking pity on him, brought the sculpture to life. The woman was named Galatea due to her incredibly pale skin. The Pygmalion myth was the inspiration behind the story of "My Fair Lady" starring Julie Andrews on stage and Audrey Hepburn on screen.

Marlena is a feminine name with various European origins, primarily formed as a blend of 'Maria' and 'Elena' or 'Magdalena.' The name carries a romantic, elegant quality while maintaining strength. With Latin roots connected to the names Mary and Helen, Marlena suggests traditional feminine virtues like grace, nurturing, and inner beauty. Though never among the most popular names in the US, Marlena has maintained consistent usage since the mid-20th century, with periodic boosts from characters in literature and television. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables, making it both sophisticated and accessible. Marlena offers the appeal of being recognizable without being overly common.

In Nabokov's notorious novel, Lolita is the pet name given by the pedophilic narrator, Humbert Humbert, to his victim: a young girl called Dolores and nicknamed Lola or Lo by her mother. Still, it seems that a few parents are prepared to look past this problematic association, seeing this as a offbeat option for those who defy convention. We would recommend thinking seriously about the background of this name before bestowing it on your daughter.

Wisecracking waitress name stuck in the luncheonette. Started as nickname for girls named Regina -- queen in Latin -- now mostly a canine choice.

Audacious offshoot of Roxanne, the wayward heroine of the musical Chicago.

This euphonious and lovely name is an internationally appealing choice, that, like Gabriela and Isabela before it, is beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream. Also spelled Raffaella (Italian), Raffaela (German), or Raphaela (Hebrew), it was given to around 50 girls in the US in 2023.

Carlotta has a large measure of finger-snapping charm and substance — despite being a not too pleasant character in The Little Mermaid. Carlotta is also the diva/prima donna in The Phantom of the Opera, and there was an Empress Carlotta of Mexico.

Venceslau is a masculine name of Slavic origin, representing the Portuguese and Spanish form of Wenceslaus (or Václav in Czech). The name derives from the Slavic elements 'venets' (crown, wreath) and 'slava' (glory), meaning 'crowned with glory' or 'greater glory.' It gained prominence through Saint Wenceslaus, the 10th-century Duke of Bohemia who became the patron saint of the Czech people. This particular spelling variation has been most common in Portuguese-speaking regions, particularly Brazil and Portugal, as well as in some Spanish-speaking areas. While never extremely widespread, Venceslau has maintained continuous usage throughout the centuries, especially among families wishing to honor the saint or their Slavic heritage. The name carries associations of nobility, leadership, and piety, reflecting the historical character of the martyred duke celebrated in the Christmas carol 'Good King Wenceslas.'

Fiery names are blazing hot right now, and this one would fit right in.

Baltasar is a masculine name of ancient Babylonian origin, representing a variation of Balthazar, one of the three Magi or Wise Men who visited Jesus according to Christian tradition. The name derives from the Babylonian 'Bel-shar-uzur' meaning 'Bel protect the king', with Bel being a title for the god Marduk. Baltasar remains particularly popular in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, where it's often associated with Epiphany celebrations. The name carries an air of wisdom, mystery, and ancient nobility. In literature and art, Baltasar/Balthazar appears frequently, further enhancing its cultural significance. This heritage-rich name offers parents a distinctive option with substantial historical and religious connections spanning multiple cultural traditions.

Schoolchildren will recognize this name via Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.

Portuguese form of Philippa