Gutsy Gals
- Binnie
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"crib, wicker basket"Description:
Like Minnie and Winnie, eccentric enough to appeal to the iconoclastic parent.
- Benita
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"blessed"Description:
In fashion limbo with Anita and Juanita.
- Xanthipe
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Galia
Description:
Galia is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hebrew, it means 'wave of God' or 'God will redeem,' while in Russian and Slavic languages, it serves as a diminutive of Galina, meaning 'calm' or 'serene.' The name also has connections to ancient Gaul (modern-day France), potentially meaning 'stranger' or 'foreigner.' Galia has an elegant, international appeal with its flowing sound and relatively simple pronunciation. The name has enjoyed modest popularity in Israel, Eastern Europe, and among parents seeking distinctive yet accessible multicultural names. With its cross-cultural significance and melodic quality, Galia offers a beautiful option that feels both exotic and approachable, combining strength and femininity in its brief but impactful syllables.
- Millay
Origin:
English literary nameDescription:
Pretty and distinctive choice for poetry lovers.
- Selda
Description:
Selda is a feminine name with Turkish origins, derived from the elements 'sel' meaning 'flood' or 'stream'. In Turkish culture, the name carries connotations of flowing beauty and natural grace. While primarily used in Turkey and among Turkish diaspora communities, Selda has gained some recognition internationally through notable figures like Turkish folk singer Selda Bağcan. The name remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality for those who bear it. Its melodic sound and meaningful etymology make it appealing to parents seeking a name with both cultural significance and aesthetic appeal.
- Penina
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
A jewel-encrusted choice, far more unusual than Pearl.
- Dwyn
Origin:
Diminutive of DwynwenMeaning:
"wave"Description:
Short, but still kind of a mouthful.
- Tancy
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Mela
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"religious service"Description:
Unlike Pamela and Melanie, Mela feels fresh and unusual.
- Decla
Origin:
Irish, feminine variation of DeclanDescription:
Has an incomplete feeling....
- 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.
- Dorrit
Origin:
Variation of DorotheaDescription:
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 Dorotea in Danish and Dorrit has been used as a first name, but its origins are as a surname derived from Dorothea or Durward.
- 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.
- 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.
- Columbine
Origin:
English from 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.