Greek Names

Time was, even C-starting Catherines who called themselves Kate spelled it with a K, but Cate Blanchett changed all. Cate is now as acceptable as (but not as well used as) Kate. Cait might be short for Caitlin.

Quite common in traditional Greek families, but for others, we think Plato might be easier to handle.

Phyllon, the male version of Phyllis (which gives you a clue to its pronunciation), was introduced as a baby name by Dutch model Doutzen Kroes and her husband DJ Sunnery James. Phyllon is one of those nature names that hides its true, well, nature.

Ilene might be a phonetic way to spell Aileen or Eileen, though in the end people may have more luck pronouncing the original.

Justina was the pre-Justine feminization of Justin, now a possible alternative to Christina. Oddly, while Justine feels like a name unto itself, Justina feels like a pinned-together feminization in the mold of Richarda or Benjamina. Still, it may appeal as one of the unusual-yet-familiar girl names starting with J.

Eleusine is the botanical name of genus of grasses found across Africa and Asia. It also has a lovely soft sound and look. This might be a great choice for nature lovers or African or Asian parents looking for something with heritage meaning that's still quite unusual. Bonus points for its very fashionable "El" beginning

Previously Timothy's dusty and outdated sister, now actually feels fresher than its brother name. With Thea names right on trend at the moment, this could be a surprising and even more unusual alternative to Theodora or Dorothea for lovers of vintage names and that stylish Thea sound.

This spelling variation hasn't followed cousins Zoe and Zoey up the charts. Even though there are a number of feasible spellings, Zoie along with Zooey might cause some unwanted confusion.

Original form of the more familiar Calliope, the muse of epic poetry.

There's still only one.

Cleora is a now-extinct name (there were no babies named Cleora recorded in the U.S. in 2012) that achieved some standing in the early 20th century thanks to the craze for all things Egypt-related. A range of Cleopatra diminutives, including Cleo, Cleora, Cleona, and Cleola, made the Top 1000 then as the ancient tombs were opened in Egypt.

One Greek mythological name -- she was the goddess of order -- not yet embraced by American parents.

Arete is a minor goddess in Greek mythology who personifies the idea of excellence or perfect virtue. There is also a mythological queen Arete, with her sister an "exacter of justice".

A rarely used name meaning from Delos, a sacred island to the ancient Greeks. A more interesting and musical choice might be Delius, after the British-born composer of lush rhapsodies.

Eustacia, the ancestor of mid-century fave Stacy, is just the kind of fusty old relic that might be polished up for modern use. Eustacia Vye is the central character of Thomas Hardy's The Return of the Native.

Kostas makes the ancient emperor's name more approachable.

Pastoral poetry name, associated with shepherds and nymphs.

Anastasia is a lovely yet very long name, and Stasia is a fresher, classier short form than Stacy.