Names That Mean Renowned

Obscure form of an old-fashioned favorite that's poised to make a comeback. This version, which owes as much to Alison as to Louisa, has a stylish A beginning and a multi-syllabic feminine grace.

One of the few Lu- names that you've probably never heard of, Lulie could prove a good alternative for Luna, Lucy, and Lula.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Unfashionably ornate female form of unfashionable Roderick.