Gutsy Gals
- Abelia
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"sigh, breath"Description:
This feminine form of Abel is also a flower name and makes a distinctive alternative to the widely used Abigail. There is a similar name, Adelia, that is beginning to be rediscovered thanks to the trend for all names Adel- related.
- Adara
Origin:
Arabic, HebrewMeaning:
"maidens; noble, exalted"Description:
A charming multicultural choice with a daring yet grounded sound, Adara is a both a Hebrew name with a noble meaning, and an Arabic name with ties to astronomy. Popular in Puerto Rico and Spain, it is also on the rise in the US.
- Ardelia
Description:
Ardelia is a feminine name with classical roots, derived from the Greek word "ardis" meaning "arrow" or possibly related to "ardent," suggesting warmth and passion. This elegant name has historical usage dating back centuries but remains relatively uncommon today. Ardelia appears in literature and historical records, including as a character name in various works. The name has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables and romantic sound. While never achieving mainstream popularity in English-speaking countries, Ardelia maintains appeal for parents drawn to vintage names with classical origins and a sophisticated, somewhat exotic flair.
- Augusta
Origin:
Feminine variation of Augustus, LatinMeaning:
"great, magnificent"Description:
Augusta is a dignified name reminiscent of wealthy great-aunts, but with the fashion for both August and Gus for boys, Augusta could get some fresh energy.
- Beatrix
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"she who brings happiness; blessed"Description:
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.
- Benita
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"blessed"Description:
In fashion limbo with Anita and Juanita.
- Binnie
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"crib, wicker basket"Description:
Like Minnie and Winnie, eccentric enough to appeal to the iconoclastic parent.
- Bluma
Origin:
YiddishMeaning:
"flower"Description:
This floral name, related to bloom and Blossom, is common in the Jewish community, but not often heard outside it. Other Yiddish nature names are Ita (star), Masha (rising water), and Mayim (water).
- Cilla
Origin:
Diminutive of PriscillaMeaning:
"ancient"Description:
Takes the priss out of Priscilla.
- Circe
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"bird"Description:
In Greek myth, Circe, daughter of Helios, the sun, was a sorceress living on the island of Aeaea, who could turn men into animals with her magic wand, which is just what she did to Odysseus's crew in Homer's Odyssey, transforming them into swine. All was forgiven, however, as Circe and Odysseus later had a child together—Telegonus.
- Clelia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"famous"Description:
The obscure yet not unappealing name of a legendary heroine of Rome. The ancient Clelia escaped an Etruscan invader by swimming across the Tiber River.
- Clemency
Origin:
English feminine variation of Clement, LatinMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
One of the rarest of virtue names, Clemency could come back along with the more familiar Puritan virtue names such as Hope and Faith. It has a rhythmic three-syllable sound, and offers a more virtuous alternative to the more popular Clementine.
- Clementine
Origin:
French feminine version of Clement, LatinMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
Clementine is a Nameberry favorite that broke back into the US Top 1000 in 2014 after more than half a century off the list.
- Clia
Origin:
Invented literary nameDescription:
Clia could be seen as a variation of Clea (probably another invented literary name), or the creation of L. Frank Baum for a mermaid Princess character in one of his Oz books. Offers a similar choice to Cleo vs Clio.
- Columbine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"dove"Description:
A beautiful flower name deriving from the Latin word for dove. Sadly, in America this name is now forever linked with a tragic terrorist attack on a Colorado high school.
- Cressida
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"gold"Description:
Cressida is a pretty mythological and Shakespearean heroine name much better known in Britain than it is here — an imbalance the adventurous baby namer might want to correct.
- Dara
Origin:
Hebrew, Slavic or IrishMeaning:
"pearl of wisdom; gift; or oak tree"Description:
Though Dara was an (extremely wise) male figure in the Bible, this name feels mostly feminine to modern Americans. The Irish Gaelic version, Darragh, is well-used in contemporary times for boys.
- Darla
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"darling"Description:
Dimpled Our Gang comedy name.
- Darly
Description:
Darly is a feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive form of Darla or possibly as a feminine variation of Daryl. The name Darla derives from the English 'dear one' or 'beloved,' while Daryl has Old English roots meaning 'darling' or 'beloved.' Darly has a sweet, approachable quality with its soft ending sound. The name remains relatively uncommon, giving a child a distinctive yet accessible identity. Darly has a contemporary feel while still connecting to traditional naming patterns. The name's brevity and easy pronunciation make it practical across languages and cultures. Though not frequently found in naming statistics, Darly fits with modern trends favoring shorter names with friendly, approachable sounds.
- Decla
Origin:
Irish, feminine variation of DeclanDescription:
Has an incomplete feeling....