8 Letter Girl Names
- Polyxena
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"very hospitable"Description:
Polyxena was a minor figure in Greek mythology - a daughter of King Priam and a love interest of the famed warrior Achilles. The name is a bit clunky but could be pulled off by the right woman.
- Mourning
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"grief, sorrow"Description:
Mourning was recorded as a name among enslaved people in 19th-century America, where other names that capture the atrocities of slavehood — such as Suffer, Misery, and Hardtimes — were used as well.
- Trillian
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
Douglas Adams invented this name for a character (aka Tricia) in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It has a nice, trilly sound, and is accessible via its kinship with Gillian/Jillian.
- Idelette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"work"Description:
A quaint French diminutive of Ida, borne by Idelette Calvin, wife of the French theologian and reformer John Calvin.
- Bethesda
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"house of mercy"Description:
Unlike other place names, this one might be tied too tightly to a single locale -- the Maryland suburb of D. C. -- to work as a first name.
- Shandiin
Origin:
Navajo, Native AmericanMeaning:
"sunshine"Description:
In the Navajo language, sháńdíín is the word for "sunshine". At its peak, the name Shandiin was used for 12 baby girls in 2003 and 2005.
- Tuulikki
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"little wind"Description:
Tuulikki is a Finnish name meaning "little wind" -- tuuli means wind in Finnish -- and also the name of a forest goddess. Supermodel Else Hosk, whose mother is Finnish, chose this name for her daughter.
- Jaquetta
Description:
Jaquetta is a feminine name with medieval French origins, serving as a diminutive form of Jacques (the French equivalent of James). The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning 'supplanter.' Jaquetta emerged in medieval Europe, particularly in aristocratic families, with notable bearers including Jacquetta of Luxembourg, mother of Elizabeth Woodville (queen consort to Edward IV of England). The name features various spelling variations including Jacquetta and Jaketta. While never extremely common, Jaquetta experienced modest usage in the United States during the mid-to-late 20th century. The name carries an air of nobility and historical elegance, offering a distinctive alternative to more common feminine forms of James such as Jamie or Jamesina.
- Arrianna
Origin:
Spelling variation of ArianaDescription:
Arrianna is a more-unusual spelling variation of the names that are most popularly found as Ariana or Arianna. All are forms of the Greek Ariadne. Given its many spellings, that extra r only complicates things.
- Oliviane
Description:
Oliviane is a refined feminine name that appears to be an elaborate variation of Olivia, which derives from the Latin word 'oliva' meaning 'olive tree.' The addition of the elegant '-ane' suffix gives the name a French-inspired sophistication. Olive trees have symbolized peace, fertility, and bounty since ancient times, lending the name meaningful associations. Though quite rare in usage statistics, Oliviane offers an uncommon alternative for parents who appreciate the popularity of Olivia but desire something more distinctive. The name has a graceful, flowing quality with its four syllables and soft consonants. Oliviane bridges classical roots with a contemporary feel, making it timeless yet unique.
- Cattleya
Description:
Cattleya is a delicate feminine name derived from the genus of orchids known for their showy, colorful blooms. The flower was named by botanist John Lindley in 1824 to honor William Cattley, an English horticulturist who successfully cultivated the species. As a given name, Cattleya emerged as part of the botanical naming trend, appealing to parents seeking something unique yet naturally beautiful. The name conveys elegance, rarity, and natural beauty. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has gained some popularity in Brazil and among families appreciating its exotic floral association. The nickname 'Cat' or 'Leya' offers more casual alternatives.
- Carleigh
Origin:
Spelling variation of CarlyDescription:
Carleigh, a fancier way of spelling Carly, reflects the trend toward trying to make an ordinary name more special by fiddling with the spelling. Yes, Leigh is a feminine way to spell Lee, so Carleigh is theoretically an acceptable way to spell Carly, but it doesn't really work that way. People will wonder: is it Car-lay? Car-lee-uh? And your child will forever have to spell her name. Stick with Carly....or better, Carla or Carlin, or better yet, Charlotte or Caroline.
- Flaminia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"priest"Description:
A feminine form of the Latin name Flaminius, which derives from flamen: a Roman priest devoted to a particular "official" deity.
- Léonette
Description:
Léonette is a delicate feminine name with French origins, formed as a diminutive of Léonie, which itself derives from the Latin name Leo meaning 'lion.' The addition of the suffix '-ette' creates a meaning along the lines of 'little lioness,' giving the name a combination of strength and grace. While relatively uncommon, Léonette carries an elegant, sophisticated quality characteristic of French naming traditions. The accent mark over the 'é' emphasizes its French heritage and pronunciation. This name would be more frequently encountered in French-speaking regions or among families with French cultural connections, though it remains a distinctive choice that combines classical roots with a touch of refinement.
- Zenechka
Description:
Zenechka is a feminine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Russian and Ukrainian cultures. It functions as a diminutive or endearing form of names like Zenaida or Zenovia. The suffix '-echka' adds a sense of affection and warmth in Slavic naming traditions. The root 'Zen' may connect to the Greek name Zenovia, meaning 'life of Zeus'. Zenechka remains relatively rare outside Eastern European communities but offers a distinctive and melodic choice for parents seeking something unique. Its exotic sound and rhythmic quality make it appealing despite its unfamiliarity in Western naming traditions.
- Ántonia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"beyond price, valuable"Description:
Putting an accent on it, as Willa Cather did in her famous novel, would endlessly confuse the waters for a young girl. The name is every bit as lovely and distinctive as simply Antonia.
- Paradise
Origin:
Ancient Iranian, via Greek and LatinDescription:
A name with pleasant associations on a par with Eden and Heaven. It has been in low but steady use since the 1990s.
- Eupraxia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"good conduct"Description:
This rare name, used by a Byzantine saint, is not as attractive as other Greek "Eu" name like Eugenia, Eulalie and Eudora. This probably belongs in the footnotes of the history books.
- Gwenneth
Description:
Gwenneth is a feminine name of Welsh origin, an elaborated form of Gwen, which means 'white,' 'fair,' or 'blessed' in Welsh. It shares roots with names like Guinevere and Jennifer, all stemming from the Welsh element 'gwen.' The spelling with double 'n' and 'th' ending gives Gwenneth a distinctly Celtic feel while maintaining a romantic, medieval quality. Less common than the variant Gwyneth (popularized by actress Gwyneth Paltrow), Gwenneth offers a slightly different take on this traditional Welsh name. It peaked in popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon. The name evokes images of Celtic heritage, fairy tales, and has an elegant, somewhat aristocratic bearing that appeals to parents drawn to names with historical depth and cultural significance.
- Nichelle
Origin:
American, contemporary variation of MichelleDescription:
A modern twist on Michelle spotlighted by Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols.