Royal Names for Girls
- Talullah
Origin:
Irish, Anglicized variation of TuilelaithMeaning:
"lady of abundance"Description:
Talullah or Talulla, the old Irish name of two early saints, is almost identical to the Native-American Tallulah. A modern hipster favorite, however it's spelled.
- Alberta
Origin:
English, feminine variation of AlbertMeaning:
"noble, bright"Description:
This jazzy old name could make a comeback, the way Josephine and Ella have. In England the name was popularized by Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, after whom her governor general of Canada husband named the North American province. Jazz singer Alberta Hunter was a noted bearer.
- Eugenie
Origin:
French form of Eugenia, GreekMeaning:
"wellborn, noble"Description:
Eugenie enjoyed a major dusting off when Fergie and Prince Andrew chose it for their daughter, restoring a patina of royal sheen it hadn't had since the time of Napoleon III's glamorous empress--who spent much of her life in England. It was also borne by Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, after whom Prince Andrew's younger daughter was named.
- Franziska
- Leonore
Origin:
German short form of EleanorDescription:
Leonore is a melodic variation of the wide range of names related to Eleanor and, via a different root, Leonie that are so stylish throughout Europe right now and bound for greater visibility in the U.S. The name of one of the little princesses of Sweden, Leonore carries the gravity of Eleanor with more quirky charm.The only downside: Spelling and pronunciation confusion given so many similar variations, from Lenora to Leonie to Eleanora and onward.
- Laetitia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"gladness, happiness"Description:
Laetitia adds a layer of ancient patina to the more prosaic LETITIA.
- Melita
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"honey"Description:
A coffee filter.
- Laurence
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"from Laurentum"Description:
A feminine form in France, this boyish choice could make a fresh alternative to Lauren or Laura -- or be an inventive way to honor Grandpa Larry.
- Salma
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"safe"Description:
Mexican-born actress Salma Hayek lends a large dollop of glamour to this name that would otherwise resemble the middle-aged Selma.
- Alfreda
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"elf power,"Description:
With a meaning like "elf power," Alfreda could find some appeal among fantasy enthusiasts. "Freda" makes for a pleasant nickname.
- Ninette
Origin:
French diminutive of AnnMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Not quite Nanette and not quite Ninon, this is one of the more unusual 'ette' options. There was an eponymous Spanish film, starring Elsa Pataky, based on a novel.
- Eleonore
- Maxima
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of MaximusDescription:
Max names were one of the hottest trends for boys in the mid-2010s, and are still very popular. The girl versions haven't seen so much love, unfortunately. (Or fortunately, if you love them and want them to stay rare!) Maxima got some attention in 2015 when Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan used it for their daughter, but few parents have copied them.
- Fabiola
Origin:
French, Italian, and German variation of FabiaMeaning:
"bean grower"Description:
Fabiola was the romantically elaborate name of a saint who organized the first hospice. Neither Fabiola nor Fabia appear on the most recent US extended list of names given to five or more babies, though Fabiana and Fabianna are both used.
- Marcela
- Clementina
Origin:
Spanish feminine form of Clement, LatinMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
The Spanish version, with its -eena ending, takes the name out of the Oh My Darlin' realm, which for many American parents may be just the thing.
- Khadija
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"premature child"Description:
The Prophet Muhammad's first wife and the first convert to Islam, and a very popular name in the Muslim community. It ranks in the Top 200 girls' names in France, Italy and England & Wales (alongside variant Khadijah just below the Top 200).
- Josepha
Origin:
Feminine variation of JosephMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
Josepha is less heard in this country than in other parts of the world, seen as a slightly awkward feminization a la Ricarda and Benjamina. In the U.S., Josephine or Joanna is the more usual feminine form of Joseph, though you might consider Josepha if you want to break rank.
- Leopoldine
Origin:
French feminine version of LeopoldMeaning:
"brave people"Description:
A sophisticated girls' name for those attracted to Leona, Leonie and Leonore.
- Ariane