Heroines from Barbie

Corinne

French variation of Greek Korinna

"maiden"

Corinne is one of the names that, it might surprise you to learn, ranked among the US Top 1000 girl names until 2020, when it fell off the charts after 140 years. Its most popular year was 1926, when…

Courtney

English from French

"short nose; courteous, from the court"

Among the Top 20 names of the 1990s, today's Courtney is more apt to be the babysitter than the baby. Courtney has dropped since its peak at Number 17 in 1995. Familiar from Courtney Love and…

Delia

Greek

"born on the island of Delos"

Delia is a somewhat neglected southern charmer that stands on its own but also might be short for Adelia or Cordelia. Delia's name is based on that of the Greek island of Delos, which in Greek myth…

Edeline

Variation of Adeline, French from German

"noble, nobility"

An Old French variation of the popular Adeline and Adelina, Edeline may appeal to those who want something rare-but-familiar, to anyone looking to honor and Edward or Edith, or to those who want…

Janessa

American invented name

"god is gracious + butterfly"

This newly invented name is most likely a combination of Jane and Vanessa. Though it may not have as long of a history as more traditional names, Janessa has been a staple on the bottom half of the…

Kathleen

Anglicized form of Irish Caitlin

"pure"

Kathleen is the early Irish import version that came between Katherine and Kaitlin, and which hasn't been used in so long it's almost beginning to sound fresh again. It was a surprise pick by one of…

Barbie

English diminutive of Barbara, Greek

"foreign woman"

Despite the voluptuous doll's various career choices, from astronaut to doctor, her name still remains a euphemism for "bimbo".

Stacey

Stacey is a feminine name (though also used for boys) with Greek origins, derived from Eustace, meaning 'fruitful' or 'productive.' Initially a diminutive of Anastasia, meaning 'resurrection,' Stacey…

Millicent

German

"strong in work"

Combining the mild and the innocent, this sweet and feminine name is worthy of a comeback, in the mode of Madeline and Cecilia. Its original, also attractive form is Melisende, which came from…

Delancey

French

"from Lancey"

This is an energetic dance of an Irish surname, great for both genders. Could also be spelled Delancy.

Erica

Norse feminization of Eric or Italian word name

"eternal ruler; heather"

The straightforward Erica is a Norse feminization that was long associated with the complex, mega-popular character Erica Kane, played by Susan Lucci for decades on the soap opera All My Children .…

Azura

English, Persian

"sky blue, lapis lazuli"

A sparkly elaboration of the color name Azure, Azura is a vivid choice that may appeal to those who enjoy Azaria, Aurora, Astrid, and Alara. Used in English to mean "sky blue", azure ultimately comes…

Theresa

English form of the Spanish Teresa

"to harvest"

The popular appeal of the strong, intelligent Saint Teresa of Avila, combined with the selfless compassion of the more recent Mother Teresa, have fused to give this second-tier classic a somewhat…

Raquelle

Raquelle is a feminine name that serves as an elaboration of Rachel, which comes from Hebrew origins meaning 'ewe' or 'female sheep' - traditionally symbolizing innocence and gentleness. The…

Nori

Japanese, English short form or Eleanor, Leonora, Nora, Honora, or North, form of Nor or Nuri, Arabic, Turkish

"ceremonial rites, doctrine, seaweed; unknown, honor, north; my light"

Nori is one of those names with several origins that would have no trouble assimilating into a variety of cultures. It might also be associated with the dried seaweed used to wrap sushi or with the…