Gutsy Gals

Fenna

Dutch and Frisian

"peace"

The vintage Fenna, an old lady name making a comeback in the Netherlands, originates in Friesland in the northern part of the country, where the Fries language is spoken. Rhyming with Jenna, it's…

Selda

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.…

Dilly

English diminutive of Delia, Greek, or Dilys, Welsh

"born on the island of Delos; genuine, steadfast, true; "

Somewhat light and silly on its own.

Delphina

Latin from Greek

"of Delphi; womb"

Delphina is another form of the sleek French Delphine, rising in popularity. The Blessed Delphina was a Provencal nun.

Tegwen

Welsh

"fair, white, blessed, beautiful"

Tegwen is a Welsh name that balances between clunky and mystical, sweet and tough. Created back in the 19th century by blending the element teg "beautiful, pretty", with the element wen "fair, white,…

Tancy

Greek

"immortal"

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.

Adara

Arabic, Hebrew

"maidens; noble, exalted"

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…

Nima

Hebrew, Arabic, and Hindi

"thread, hair; blessing; margosa tree"

Multicultural name often heard in the Near East. Also spelled Neema and Nimah.

Lilabet

Lilabet is a charming feminine name that originated as an affectionate Scottish diminutive of Elizabeth. The name gained wider recognition as it was the childhood nickname of Queen Elizabeth II, used…

Meliora

Latin, Cornish

"better; honey"

Unusual and lush Roman name adopted, improbably, by the Puritans. The Cornish version, pronounced mel-YOHR-ah, has been in use since the 13th century.

Circe

Greek

"bird"

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…

Cressida

Greek

"gold"

Cressida is a pretty mythological and Shakespearean heroine name much better known in Britain than it is in the US. Given to just 7 girls in a recent year, it shares the cool golden meaning of…

Millay

English literary name

Pretty and distinctive choice for poetry lovers.

Odilia

Germanic

"fatherland; wealth, fortune"

Though it has never charted in the United States, this frilly name has the elements some brave, modern namers might find attractive—namely, the initial O and the -ia suffix. St. Odile of Alsace, also…

Elettra

Italian variation of Electra, from Greek

"amber, shining, bright"

Less electric and more serene than Electra which comes with a lot of tragic and psychoanalytical baggage, Elettra is the Italian form that ranks in the Top 200 in the Italian charts. Nicknames Etta,…

Clia

Invented literary name

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…

Dimity

Type of cotton cloth

Dimity is fairly common in Australia, but unheard of outside of it, which is surprising given its similarity to names like Amity, Verity, and Cassidy. The fabric probably became used as a name given…