Girls firsts
- Sosie
Origin:
Variation of Sosi, Armenian, or diminutive of Susan or Sophie, Hebrew, GreekMeaning:
"palm tree; lily; wisdom"Description:
Sweet and cosy but with substance too, Sosie is a rare, multicultural name. Used as a short form of Susan, Sosan, Sophie and Sophia, it could make a fresh alternative to Suzy, Izzy, or Josie; alternatively, it's an Armenian name in its own right, derived from Sosi meaning "palm tree".
- Mariposa
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"butterfly"Description:
Mariposa is a rare, romantic choice with an intriguing meaning.
- Cleopatra
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"glory of the father"Description:
A royal name in ancient Egypt that's never quite made it to the modern world, though nickname Cleo is widely used. Other now-extinct Cleopatra diminutives, including Cleora and Cleola, achieved some popularity in the early 20th century when there was a crazy for all things Egypt-related as the ancient tombs were opened and artifacts displayed. In the US, Cleopatra became a popular silent film in 1917 starring Theda Bara.
- Thessaly
Origin:
Greek, place name, meaning unknownDescription:
The name of an area in northern Greece, known in the era of Homer's Odyssey as Aeolia, Thessaly makes a spirited and pretty place name. Reminiscent of Tessa, Rosalie, and Thea, the name likely derives from that of an ancient tribe, though the exact meaning isn't known.
- Lucilla
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"light"Description:
A delicate name with an ancient pedigree, more appealing to some than Lucille. It elaborates on Lucy and even Lucia and feels more distinctive than Lucinda.
- 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.
- Camelia
Origin:
Romanian and Spanish form of CamelliaMeaning:
"camellia flower"Description:
A floral name, used in Romania and popular in Moldova too. Camellia is the English form, while Camélia is used in France. The flower itself is named after botanist George Josef Kamel.
- Delphinia
Description:
Delphinia is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from 'Delphi,' the sacred site in ancient Greece famous for its oracle. The name is connected to Apollo, who was called 'Delphinian Apollo' after transforming himself into a dolphin. Delphinia can also be associated with the delphinium flower, known for its striking blue color. This elegant, classical name has never been common but appeals to parents drawn to botanical names with historical depth. It has a flowing, feminine quality with its soft consonants and musical rhythm. Delphinia offers multiple nickname options including Delphi, Del, or Fina. The name projects an image of mystical wisdom, natural beauty, and classical refinement.
- Angelou
Origin:
Literary name, GreekMeaning:
"angel"Description:
If you want to move beyond Maya, you might consider this distinctive last name of poet Maya Angelou. Born Marguerite Annie Johnson, Angelou was given the nickname Maya by her brother and adopted Angelou from her first husband, whose last name was Angelos.
- Melisandre
Origin:
French variation of Millicent, GermanMeaning:
"strong in work"Description:
The romantic fairy tale-like name has come to modern attention via the beautiful but terrifying sorceress in Game of Thrones. The character may look as lovely as her name sounds, but it's hard to imagine a parent familiar with the book wanting to use the name for their child. Two alternate directions: Millicent or Melisande.
- Constantia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"constant, steadfast"Description:
A rare and refined name, which could make for a surprising route to cute nickname Connie.
- Elsinore
- Azula