Portuguese Girl Names

Cristina is one case where the streamlined version feels more alluring.

In Pierre Benoit's novel, Antinea is a beautiful and charming queen with a hideous secret: She has a cave wall with 120 niches carved into it, one for each of her lovers. Only 53 have been filled; when all 120 have been filled, Antinea will sit atop a throne in the centre of the cave and rest forever.

Vanina is a name that is, at first glance, miles apart from its origin. But once you say it aloud and look for it, you can see the direct line from Evangelina to Vanina. Vanina could also be a good alternative for people who like the sound of Vanille or Vanilla, but can't bring themselves to use a flavor as a name.

This possible word name, which rhymes with Maia, makes an even more distinctive alternative.

Ovidia is the unusual feminine form of the ancient Roman Ovidius, most famous as the name of the exiled 1st century Roman poet Ovid. Modern male form Ovidio is known in Spain and Portugal. Ovida is another variation.

A rare name even among Basque speakers (fewer than 20 women in Spain are called Elixane), this beautiful name has drawn some attention via Elixane Lechemia, the French pro-tennis player.

This evocative Spanish surname would make an unusual but lively choice for a girl.

A Portuguese and German variant of Lucia which was particularly popular in Brazil during the 20th century.

A name that refers to a title of the Virgin Mary -- "Maria des Neves," or Maria of Snows.

A favorite in Brazil, with the z adding extra zest.

Graca, typically written in Portuguese as Graça, is a stylish virtue name that has never made the charts in the US. The pronunciation rhymes with the Spanish word "casa."

Way before January Jones made this month a fashionable girls' name, there was Princess Januaria of Brazil, daughter of the King of Portugal and the Archduchess of Austria. One of the most pointed yet most original January baby names.

Turning Paul or Paol -- whether it's as Paolo, Paolina, or even Paola -- instantly makes it more romantic and appealing.