Up my sleeve

Melisande

French form of Millicent, German

"strong in work"

This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized…

Melisende

Norman, German

"strong in work"

Melisende, the mellifluous name of a 12th century queen of Jerusalem, gave rise to the more modern Millicent, after it was brought to England by the Normans. Ultimately, it comes from the Gothic…

Melodia

Greek

"song"

An elaborate and poetic form of Melody, Melodia comes from the Greek melos meaning "song". It may additionally be considered the Spanish form of the word name, more traditionally spelled as Melodía.…

Melusine

French, folkloric name

Melusine was a figure from early European folklore, associated with the water. Her legends are especially connected with the northern and western areas of France, as well as the Low Countries. She is…

Odile

French variation of German Otthild

"prospers in battle"

Odette's evil Swan Lake twin -- gives the name a sinuous, sensuous appeal. It was a popular choice in France in the 20th century and made the Top 40 back in 1952, however, it has since fallen out of…

Ophelie

French variation of Ophelia

"help"

Though this name properly takes an accent over the first e, most Americans would probably have trouble pronouncing it with French elan. Ophelie is the title of a Rimbaud poem, Ophelie Davis is a…

Orella

Latin

"announcement from the gods, oracle"

A pleasantly unfamiliar addition to the ella family of names.