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classic and unusual character names for Women

  1. Sailor

    • Origin:

      Occupational name

    • Description:

      Supermodel Christie Brinkley launched an entire name genre when she picked this breezy occupational name for her daughter in 1998, and it has become more prevalent in recent decades. The Saylor version, which you might consider a spelling spin or a surname-name, is now among the Top 500 names for girls, given to three times as many baby girls as the Sailor spelling. Counted together, Saylor and Sailor were used for about 1000 baby girls in one recent year in the US, versus about 100 boys.
  2. Scholastica

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "scholarly"

    • Description:

      The 6th-century Saint Scholastica was an Benedictine abbess, and is the patron saint of education. In modern times, her name has been connected to various educational institutions. This clunky name probably works best on groups rather than people.
  3. Secret

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "kept from knowledge or view"

    • Description:

      Mysterious.
  4. Semiramis

    • Origin:

      Queen of Babylon

    • Description:

      Semiramis was the most important Queen of Assyria, who conquered much of Asia. Semiramis restored ancient Babylon and protected it with a high brick wall that completely surrounded the city. Then she built several palaces in Persia, reigned much of Asia Minor effectively and conquered Libya and Ethiopia.
  5. Seraphe

    • Description:

      Seraphe is a feminine name with celestial origins, derived from 'seraph' (plural: seraphim), referring to a type of heavenly being or angel in religious texts. These celestial entities are often depicted with six wings and are considered among the highest order of angels. The name carries connotations of divine light, purity, and spiritual devotion. Seraphe is quite rare in usage, giving it an ethereal, distinctive quality. The name has multicultural appeal, with connections to Hebrew, Christian and Islamic angelology. Its melodic sound with the soft 'ph' ending creates a gentle yet mystical impression, appealing to parents seeking a name with spiritual significance and uncommon beauty.

  6. Seraphima

    • Description:

      Seraphima is a feminine name with celestial origins, derived from 'seraphim'—the highest order of angels in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. The name literally connects to the Hebrew word 'seraph,' meaning 'to burn,' reflecting the fiery, radiant nature attributed to these heavenly beings. This elaborate form expands on the more common Serafina or Seraphina, adding an exotic, mystical quality. While rare in Western countries, variations of this name have historical usage in Eastern Orthodox countries, particularly Russia, where it appears as Serafima. The name carries powerful connotations of spiritual purity, divine protection, and ethereal beauty. Its uncommon nature appeals to parents seeking a name with profound religious significance and melodic elegance.
  7. Serendipity

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "unexpected good fortune"

    • Description:

      A unique virtue name with a sound as happy and lively as its meaning.
  8. Serenella

    • Origin:

      Italian, elaboration of Serena

    • Meaning:

      "serene"

    • Description:

      Both rhythmic and serene, Serenella is one of the Italian names for girls virtually unknown in the US but definitely usable. An unusual route to Ella as a short form?
  9. Serenity

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "peaceful"

    • Description:

      Peaceful, calm, and untroubled: these are qualities parents may be hoping for, either on their parenting journey or in their child’s life. The name Serenity encapsulates these hopes, conjuring up a sense of balance, composure, and ease.
  10. Sericea

    • Origin:

      Plant name

    • Description:

      The common name for the invasive weed scientists call Lespedeza cuneata has a Roman feel that's become sought after among certain parents. But soundalikes Circe and Servilia have much longer histories as first names.
  11. Sesame

    • Origin:

      Food name and word name

    • Description:

      Poppy is the most widely-used seed name, opening the door for Sesame. While Sesame has a pretty sound, it is not often used as a name -- fewer than five baby girls were given the name in the US in 2021. In kids' minds, this might be overly associated with Sesame Street.
  12. Severine

    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Severus; Latin

    • Meaning:

      "stern"

    • Description:

      This long-popular name in France sounds fresh, elegant and unusual here. Severine is the name of the most recent gorgeous James Bond Girl in the film Skyfall. Students of film history will associate the name with the complex character Catherine Deneuve played in the 1967 Bunuel classic, Belle de Jour..
  13. Shamarea

    • Description:

      Shamarea is a unique feminine name with modern origins, likely emerging as a creative blend of elements from various sources. It may incorporate 'Sha-' (suggesting shine or sharing) with 'marea' (possibly evoking the Spanish word for tide or sea). While uncommon in mainstream naming records, Shamarea represents the trend of distinctive, melodic names with personalized spellings. The name has a rhythmic quality with its three syllables and may appeal to parents seeking something distinctive yet pronounceable. Though statistics on its usage are limited, Shamarea appears most frequently in the United States, particularly from the 1990s onward, reflecting contemporary preferences for innovative, individualized names.
  14. Shammara

    • Description:

      Shammara is a distinctive feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Shamara, which could have Hebrew roots related to 'shamar' meaning 'guardian' or 'keeper.' Alternatively, it might have connections to Arabic or African naming traditions. The doubled 'm' creates a rhythmic quality when pronounced. Shammara gained modest recognition in the United States during the 1990s but remains relatively uncommon. The name has a melodic flow and exotic feel that makes it stand out while still being approachable. Its uniqueness gives it a contemporary feel despite potential ancient linguistic roots.
  15. Shanandoah

    • Description:

      Shanandoah is a feminine name inspired by the Shenandoah River and Valley in Virginia, USA. Of Native American origin, possibly from the Oneida language, it's believed to mean 'beautiful daughter of the stars' or 'river through the spruces.' This poetic interpretation has made it an appealing choice for parents drawn to names with natural connections and American heritage. While uncommon, Shanandoah offers the friendly nickname options of 'Shana' or 'Doah.' The name evokes imagery of natural beauty and carries a musical quality, reflecting its association with the folk song 'Oh Shenandoah.'
  16. Shellina

    • Description:

      Shellina is a feminine name likely derived as an elaboration of 'Shelly,' which itself is a diminutive of Michelle (Hebrew, 'who is like God') or a reference to shells found on beaches. The suffix '-ina' adds a feminine, diminutive quality common in many languages. This elegant variation creates a more formal-sounding alternative to Shelly while retaining its connection to natural elements and its gentle sound. Shellina remains relatively uncommon, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet distinctive. The name carries connotations of natural beauty, with its connection to seashells suggesting delicacy and uniqueness. Its flowing syllables and feminine ending give it a graceful, melodic quality suitable for a girl's name.

  17. Sheridan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "searcher"

    • Description:

      Sheridan is one surname-name that hasn't come into style for either gender, though it was lightly used for boys around the turn of the 20th century and girls 100 years later. The name does have an attractive sound and an appealing meaning.
  18. Snowdrop

    • Description:

      Snowdrop is a delicate nature-inspired feminine name derived from the early-blooming white flower that often emerges while snow still covers the ground. This botanical name symbolizes hope, purity, and resilience as snowdrops are among the first flowers to bloom at winter's end. Though uncommon as a given name, Snowdrop belongs to the category of modern flower and nature names that have gained popularity in recent decades. The name carries a whimsical, ethereal quality that appeals to parents drawn to nature-themed names. Snowdrop combines the purity associations of snow with the gentle beauty of a small flower, creating a name that's both distinctive and meaningful.
  19. Soleil

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "sun"

    • Description:

      An attractive French word name known here via former child TV star Soleil Moon Frye, aka Punky Brewster. It started to be lightly used in the U.S. in the 1920s and is now attracting some attention as both a sunny nature and an international word name. It's currently in the Nameberry Top 500.
  20. Soley

    • Origin:

      Icelandic nature name, variation of Sólja, Faroese

    • Meaning:

      "buttercup"

    • Description:

      Sóley is the Icelandic word for the buttercup flower, derived from the words meaning "sun" and "island." It is also used on the Faroe Islands as a short form of Sólja.

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