Ancient Girl Names

Constantina is a pretty, feminissima, if lengthy, variation on the Constance theme. The fourth century Constantina, also known as Constantia and Constantiana, was the eldest daughter of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great and his second wife Fausta, daughter of Emperor Maximian. Constantina received the title of Augusta by her father, and is venerated as a saint; in English she is also known as Saint Constance.

One of the Sirens in Greek mythology, Ligeia was also the title character in an Edgar Allan Poe story. The mythological Ligeia was half-bird, half-woman. Spelling may also be Lygeia or Ligia.

Has the fusty charm of recently excavated ancient Roman male names like Augustus and Magnus, which might just appeal to the fearless baby namer.

Will assure your daughter she's numero uno.

A name found in 16th century marriage records, but still manages to sound like a modern, made-up elaboration of MERRY.

A feminine form of Rufus, which has potential in the current trend for ancient Roman names.

An ancient Roman name, lost to time.

Anyone who remembers the classic novel or film "The Prisoner of Zenda" would find this an odd choice.

There are several better Cal- names that don't simply echo a male form.

Tertia—which is occasionally used in the UK, but rarely in the US, would make an unconventional but interesting possibility for the third child in a family. Terza and Terzo are lively Italian female and male variations.

Not as common as brother Sergio, but still quite frequently heard in the Hispanic community, as in Bolivian singer Sergia Llanos.

This ancient feminine form is the kind of name your child will grow into...at least by her fiftieth birthday.

Columba is an early saint's name that rhumbas to a modern beat. While the original St. Columba is male, the name sounds more appropriate for a girl in the modern world. Leave variations Colm and Callum for the boys.

The name of a woman who played a dramatic role in ancient Roman legend, it seems quite slight for modern use. Variation: ARIA

Related to the Roman name Titius and the more modern Titus, the "tit" syllable would be problematic for any modern girl. Try the similar Russian name Tatiana.

Pronounced mah-zah, Maaza means a pleasant scent, usually from a yellow daisy popular in Ethiopia. Hot young Ethiopian-American novelist Maaza Mengiste introduced the name to our shores.

Fabia is one of several pleasant international-accented female versions of Fabian.

A rarely heard ancient Latin names for girls that has a not-so-appealing brand name feel. Try Alba instead.

An Indonesian name that is virtually unknown in the Western World but that is eminently portable, sister of India and Indre or Indra.

Unfortunately, everyone will hear Crispina, the feminine form of Crispin, as Christina.