classic and unusual character names for Women
- Oline
Origin:
Scandinavian, feminine short form of Ole or OlafDescription:
Oline is an old school feminization of the classic Scandinavian Ole or Olaf that is still popular enough to rank among the Top 100 girl names in Norway.
- Olive
Origin:
English, from Latin, nature nameMeaning:
"olive tree"Description:
Though greatly overshadowed by the trendy Olivia, Olive has a quiet, subtle appeal of its own -- and is now enjoying a remarkable comeback. Olive is one of only four girl names starting with O on the US Top 1000. Cool couple Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen chose it for their daughter, reviving the name to stylishness, and now Drew Barrymore has a little Olive too, as has country singer Jake Owen.
- Olympia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"from Mount Olympus"Description:
With its relation to Mount Olympus, home of the Greek gods, and to the Olympic games, this name has an athletic, goddess-like aura, making it the perfect Olivia substitute.
- Opal
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"gem"Description:
Opal is on the verge of a repolishing, following other jewel names like Ruby and Pearl. A Top 100 name during the first two decades of the twentieth century, the opalescent Opal has a good chance of coming back as another O-initial option.
- Orchard
Origin:
English from LatinMeaning:
"garden yard"
- Orenthia
Description:
Orenthia is a feminine name with a stately, classical sound. It may be related to the Greek word "oranthus" (mountain flower) or could be a creative elaboration of names like Orenda or Orinth. The name has a melodic quality with its multiple syllables and flowing pronunciation. Orenthia is extremely rare, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a unique name with a timeless quality. Its structure echoes classical Greek or Roman feminine names, giving it an air of antiquity and elegance. Despite its rarity, the name has a natural rhythm that makes it accessible and memorable. The feminine ending "-thia" connects it stylistically to names like Cynthia or Anthea, providing some familiar context despite its uncommon nature.
- Oriel
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"golden"Description:
Pretty Victorian-feeling cousin of Ariel; also, more prosaically, a kind of bay window.
- Orinthia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"to excite, to stir the mind"Description:
A pretty, feminissima name, more distinctive than Cynthia. George Bernard Shaw used it for a character in his play The Apple Cart, about which it is said 'Orinthia is a name full of magic for me.'
- Orlagh
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"golden princess"Description:
A variation of Orla and a fast rising choice in England and Wales in 2022.
- Orlaith
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"golden princess"Description:
In early, pre-Norman Ireland, this name was borne by both a sister and a niece of high king Brian Boru. Now, the English form Orla is more commonly used.
- Osyth
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"god war"Description:
Saint Osyth was a 7th century martyr who founded a monastery and was beheaded by pirates. She is usually depicted in images carrying her own head. Variations of her name include Osgyth, Osith, and Ositha.
- Ozella
Description:
Ozella is a feminine name with uncertain origins, possibly derived from the Hebrew name Azaliah (meaning 'God has set aside') or as a feminine form of Oswald (from Germanic elements meaning 'god' and 'power'). It may also have developed as a creative elaboration of names like Ozell or Ozel. Ozella gained limited recognition in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly in Southern states. The name has a lyrical, flowing quality with its melodious sound and distinctive 'z' consonant. Ozella remains quite rare, giving it an air of uniqueness and vintage charm. Those bearing this name might appreciate its uncommon nature and the way it combines softness with a certain strength in its consonants.
- Oswaldine
- Ovia
- Paisley
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"church, cemetery"Description:
For a name related to a Scottish town, a patterned Indian fabric, and a country singer named Brad, Paisley has seen remarkable success. After appearing, seemingly out of nowhere, it is now an American favorite.
- Paloma
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"dove"Description:
Paloma is vibrant and ruby-lipped a la jewelry designer Paloma Picasso, but it also suggests peace, as symbolized by the dove. Paloma is a highly recommended striking but soft name, one of the best of the names that mean peace and girls' names starting with P.
- Pamina
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"little honey"Description:
This operatic Italian name -- it appears in Mozart's "The Magic Flute" -- is a more unusual route to the nickname Pam/Pammy.
- Pandora
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"all gifted"Description:
Pandora has occasionally been used by the British gentry (for girls with brothers who might be called Peregrine) and is now starting to be heard in the US too: It was given to 34 baby girls last year.
- Papillon
Description:
Papillon, meaning 'butterfly' in French, is a delicate and distinctive feminine name. Though primarily recognized as a dog breed (the French Papillon spaniel with butterfly-like ears), it has occasionally been adopted as a human name. The butterfly symbolism gives this name associations with transformation, beauty, and freedom. As a human name, Papillon remains extremely rare, appealing to parents drawn to unique French-derived names with clear natural imagery. The name's pronunciation (pap-ee-YON) adds to its exotic feel. While uncommon in mainstream usage, it shares qualities with other nature-inspired names like Mariposa or feminine French names.
- Parthenope
Description:
Parthenope is a rare feminine name from Greek mythology, belonging to one of the Sirens who, according to legend, drowned herself when her songs failed to lure Odysseus. The ancient Greek city that would later become Naples was named Parthenopolis after her, as her body was said to have washed ashore there. The name derives from Greek elements meaning 'virgin face' or 'maiden voice.' Despite its rich historical and mythological associations, Parthenope remains extremely uncommon as a personal name. Those who bear it might appreciate its unique quality, classical heritage, and melodic pronunciation. It offers an exceptionally distinctive option for parents drawn to mythological names with profound cultural significance.