Latin Names

This variation on the Julia theme has stayed in play due to the popularity of Julianne Moore, though it now sits at the bottom of the US Top 1000.

A 3rd century saint's name sometimes used in Catholic communities, and in Western European countries like Portugal and Italy.

Florence is back, and the adorable short form Flory (or Florie) is too. Or you could just choose Flora and cover all bases with one stroke.

A saint and surname often heard in Italy.

Lucasta was invented by seventeenth century poet Richard Lovelace for a collection of poems dedicated to a lover named Lucy, and is familiar through the Eugene O'Neill play and film Anna Lucasta. Lucasta is a distinctive, rarely used choice and a logical extension of the Luke/Luc/Luca names.

Fans of the classic French film actor Jean Gabin might want to consider this one. Gabin is also a harmonica-playing character in the manga and anime series "Mirmo!"

Attractive ancient name borne by several saints but sullied by association with yeast infection.

Widely used in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, has an air of generosity and could easily be adopted here.

See AMIAS.

Just think about those inescapable "sexy" nicknames. The related Sixtus is not a huge improvement.

A lot of parents claim to want a name that's different, but if you really do, Aquilina, modern-feeling but based on an ancient favorite, would be one good choice.

The names may sound the same, but they have different origins and meanings. Take your pick.

Auriel is a Roman name that was revived during the nineteenth-century craze for unique names. Could make an interesting substitution for the popular Aurora or Ariel.

An unusual possibility; Zea would fit right in with schoolmates named Tea and Leya.

The only version that works for boys anymore is the Latinate Hilario or Ilario. Better to look to Felix for a happy-meaning name.

A name borne by nine popes and several saints, which carries strong Catholic connotations. British politician Jacob Rees-Mogg named his sixth child Sixtus Dominic Boniface Christopher in 2017.

Saintly, and a Mother Superior to boot.

The original version of an Old World name more often found as the Spanish Salvador or the Italian Salvatore.

Adventurous parents are venturing deeper into the garden in search of fresh names, but remember that this also makes for an alcoholic brunch.

Dayana is an Hispanic variant of Diana, notably belonging to Venezuelan actress, model and producer Dayana Mendoza. It also belongs to a South American orchid whose name derives from the surname of English botanist John Day. Its use can be partly attributed to the popularity of Diana, the Princess of Wales.