Ancient Girl Names

Phillida is a "Masterpiece Theatre" appellation, proper to an almost comical degree yet might make an original way to honor an ancestral Phyliis. Actress Phyllida Law is the mother of Emma and Sophie Thompson.

A cute alternative to FANNY, with a slight Russian accent.

Eoforhild is an Anglo-Saxon name, the source of Everild, Everil, and Averill. In its Latinized forms, Everild and Everilda, it was the name of a 7th century saint.

A variation of the Anglo-Saxon name Eoforhild, via the Latinized form Everild, this Old English name feels reminiscent or Avril, Ariel, and Everly, but wouldn't feel out of place in a chivalrous tale or an old poem. It was notably borne by Everil Worrell, a writer of "weird fiction", and is also used as a surname. It may also be written as Averill, which might feel more familiar.

In Greek mythology, Alcestis is a princess who sacrifices herself to save the life of her husband, King Admetus. Heracles later rescues her from the underworld and she is reunited with her husband. Euripides' famous play "Alcestis" was based on the same myth. More difficult than Penelope or Artemis, Alcestis still has a soft and sweet sound that could make it appealing to parents interested in mythology or theatre.

Derived from the Old English elements hroð and friþ, Rosfrith is a poetical yet rugged sounding choice, meaning "glory, fame, peace, and happiness". It has been used since at least the 7th century, but most notably was chosen by the founder of the Oxford English Dictionary, James A. H Murray, for one of his daughters. It also appears in the popular novel The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams.

The name of a 3rd century Illyrian queen, nowadays mostly used by Albanians. A notable namesake is Kosovar-Albanian fashion designer Teuta Matoshi.