Jubanshee's Favorite Girl Names

Olena

Ukrainian, Hawaiian

"torch, shining light; turmeric, yellow, ginger"

This chic Ukrainian form of Helen is relatively unknown outside of its native country, but it definitely has international appeal. Olia or Olenka are the usual Ukrainian diminutives, but tomboyish…

Polina

Russian and Basque, feminine variation of Paul

This version of the more familiar Paulina is occasionally used in the US, though some may see it as relating more to the word pole than to the classic Paul.

Galiya

Galiya is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Russian and Slavic usage, it's a variant of Galina, meaning 'calm' or 'serene.' In Hebrew, it can mean 'wave of God,' while in Arabic…

Jovana

Serbian and Macedonian feminine form of John, Hebrew

"God is gracious"

This Slavic variation would make a pleasant and slightly more unusual alternative to Johanna or Giovanna.

Clary

Botanical name or variation of Clare, Latin

"bright, clear"

There are many variations of Clare and Clara, but this might be one of the simplest and most surprising. Clary can be a diminutive of the Latin name Clara, meaning 'bright' or 'clear,' or it might…

Sonya

See SONIA.

Sonia

Russian and Scandinavian variation of Sophia

"wisdom"

Early European import, well known in the 1940s via Norwegian skating movie star Sonja Henie, that has sailed back across the Atlantic, despite the rising popularity of other Russian names.

Yuliya

Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, Bulgarian

"youthful, downy"

Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian and Bulgarian form of Julia.

Saoirse

Irish

"liberty"

Before the young Irish actress Saoirse Ronan made her mark in the films Ladybird and The Lovely Bones , few of us had heard this name, let alone known how to pronounce it. But now it is slowly way…

Jericho

Biblical place-name

The scope of biblical names has expanded to include sacred place-names, and this makes a plausible possibility, though it does have a masculine feel.

Priya

Sanskrit

"beloved"

Priya originated in India as a name derived from the Sanskrit word for "beloved." In India, where names are often given based on one's birthday and horoscope, Priya is traditionally given to girls…

Beatrix

Latin

"she who brings happiness; blessed"

Beatrix has a solid history of its own apart from Beatrice, with that final x adding a playful, animated note to the name's imposing history and stately vibe. In the earliest sources it is recorded…

Marlaina

Marlaina is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Marlena or an elaboration of Marlene. Its roots trace back to the combination of 'Mary' and 'Magdalene,' referring to the biblical…

Rona

Scottish spelling variation of Rhona; Norwegian; Hebrew

"might; song"

Rona ranked in the US Top 1000 in the mid-20th century but holds new meaning in the 2020s. "Rona" has become slang for coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, which gives the name a dark and somber…

Seneca

Latin surname and Native American

"people of the standing rock"

Seneca was both a Roman philosopher-statesman and is a Native American Iroquois tribe. Occasionally used for both girls and boys, Seneca is now a Hunger Games character.

Ceres

Roman

"nourishment"

Little known name of the goddess of the harvest — her name literally means nourishment, and is the origin of the word cereal. A possibility for the parent seeking something original, but with the…

Danae

Greek

An intriguing mythological name whose one challenge might be pronunciation questions. In Greek myth, Danae, a goddess of music and poetry, was the mother of Perseus by Zeus, who appeared to her in…

Vesta

Latin

"pure"

The name of the Roman goddess of the household is not recommended for your little goddess. More on that deity: Vesta is primarily associated with the vestal virgins, her priestesses, who tended the…

Hestia

Greek

"hearth, fireside"

Hestia is the name of the Greek goddess of the hearth, home and chastity. Though Hestia has been long dormant as a name, it's a possibility for the parent in search of a classic name with deep roots…

Elisheva

Hebrew

"pledged to God"

Elisheva was the original name of Aaron's wife in the Book of Exodus; Elisheva gains strength and distinction via the v sound.