​
​
Advanced Search

Gutsy Gals

  1. Quimby

    • Origin:

      Variation of Quenby, English

    • Meaning:

      "queen's settlement"

    • Description:

      Virtually never heard in this country, with a quirky quality.
  2. Dwyn

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Dwynwen

    • Meaning:

      "wave"

    • Description:

      Short, but still kind of a mouthful.
  3. Xanthipe

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "yellow horse"

    • Description:

      Xanthipe, also spelled Xanthippe, is the name of the wife of Socrates. Challenging for English speakers, it's also dramatic and alluring.
  4. Binnie

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "crib, wicker basket"

    • Description:

      Like Minnie and Winnie, eccentric enough to appeal to the iconoclastic parent.
  5. Delly

    • Description:

      Delly is a feminine name that typically functions as a diminutive form of names like Adele, Cordelia, or Delilah. With English origins as a nickname, it has occasionally emerged as a given name in its own right. The name has a cheerful, friendly quality with its bouncy sound and '-ly' ending. Delly gained some recognition following the popularity of Australian basketball player Matthew Dellavedova, nicknamed "Delly." As a standalone name, it remains uncommon, making it distinctive without being unrecognizable. The name evokes a sense of warmth and approachability with its informal, endearing quality. Its simplicity makes it easy to pronounce across different languages and cultures.
  6. Dorrit

    • Origin:

      Danish diminutive of Dorothea, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"

    • Description:

      The "Little Dorrit" title character of Charles Dickens' novel was actually named Amy; Dorrit was her last name. The Dorit spelling is a short form of Dorothea in Danish and Dorrit has been used as a first name, but its origins are as a surname derived from Dorothea or Durward.
  7. Floretta

    • Description:

      Floretta is a delicate feminine name with Italian and Latin origins, serving as a diminutive form of Flora. It derives from the Latin 'flos' meaning 'flower,' conveying images of blossoming beauty and springtime. This ornate variation adds the charming Italian diminutive suffix '-etta,' giving it an extra touch of femininity and grace. Though uncommon in contemporary usage, Floretta enjoyed modest popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name carries a vintage elegance that aligns with the revival of elaborate, romantic names from this era. With its melodic four syllables and botanical associations, Floretta appeals to parents seeking a name that's both feminine and distinctive, while potential nicknames like Flora, Flor, Etta, or Retta offer versatility.

  8. Benita

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "blessed"

    • Description:

      In fashion limbo with Anita and Juanita.
  9. Millay

    • Origin:

      English literary name

    • Description:

      Pretty and distinctive choice for poetry lovers.
  10. Gussy

    • Description:

      Gussy is a feminine name that typically functions as a diminutive or nickname for names like Augusta, Augustine, or Gustava. With English origins, it carries a vintage, playful charm reminiscent of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name evokes a sense of nostalgic whimsy and has occasionally appeared as a standalone given name. In literature and period dramas, Gussy often characterizes spirited, vivacious female characters. Though rarely found in contemporary birth records as a formal name, it continues to serve as an affectionate nickname. The name's cheerful, unpretentious quality gives it a friendly, approachable character.
  11. 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.

  12. Tancy

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "immortal"

    • Description:

      This adorable name of the young daughter on "Big Love" might be thought of as a variation of Tansy, an obscure flower name whose star may rise on the heels of such current favorites as Lily and Daisy.
  13. Tulia

    • Origin:

      Spanish feminine form of Roman family name Tullius, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Tulia, rhyming with Julia, is one of several offshoots of the noble Roman family name Tullius, best known as the middle name of the philosopher Cicero. While the single L is considered the Spanish and Polish form, Tullia may be used in Italy. There's also Túlia, a Hungarian form of Finnish Tuuli, meaning "wind".
  14. Fannie

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Fanny, diminutive of Frances

    • Meaning:

      "from France; free man"

    • Description:

      It's hard to believe, via a 21st-century sensibility, that Fannie was ever a Top 50 name. But Fannie was even more popular than Fanny in its late 19th-century heyday, and stuck around much longer, staying on the Top 1000 until the 1960s while Fanny fell off in 1940. Today, however, Fannie sounds antiquated at best, and rude at worst.
  15. Penina

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      A jewel-encrusted choice, far more unusual than Pearl.
  16. Bluma

    • Origin:

      Yiddish

    • Meaning:

      "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).
  17. Clia

    • Origin:

      Invented literary name

    • Description:

      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.
  18. Columbine

    • Origin:

      English from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "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.