Names That Mean Renowned

Lova, a Louise relative virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top girl names in Sweden.

The name of a monk who is the patron saint of blacksmiths -- not a twentieth-century occupation or baby name.

Luiza livens up Louisa. The insertion of the letter "Z" adds a lot more pizzazz.

Cleta was one of the Charities or Graces.

More popular among German Shepherds than baby boys.

Lovis is Lovisa's quirkier counterpart — if you're searching for a name that combines Scandinavian style with retro darlings Avis and Mavis, Lovis could be your girl.

Wheezy short form of lovely name, featured in the movie "Steel Magnolias." Go for Lou or Lulu instead.

Vola comes from Volodya, a masculine Russian name that is often used as a nickname for Vladimir.

A name with two strong literary associations, one overwhelmingly negative -- Lolita's pedophilic narrator Humbert Humbert -- and one positive, in the preferable European version: Italian author Umberto Eco.

Clytie was a sea nymph who loved the sun god Helios, who spurned her. She turned into the heliotrope flower.

Lutza is largely unknown in the English-speaking world and might remain that way, due to its resemblance to klutz.

Unfashionably ornate female form of unfashionable Roderick.

In the US it might be read as a creative spelling of '50s hit Luann, but in France Louane is pronounced the rhyme with "swan" — preferable for a modern baby.