Aglae to Zulma: Names of my Spanish-Cajun Ancestors

  1. Marie Elina
    • Marie Uranie
      • Marie Zulma
        • Minos
          • Odette
            • Origin:

              French, from German
            • Meaning:

              "wealthy"
            • Description:

              Odette is the good swan in Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake, a role for which Natalie Portman won an Oscar ---and it would make a particularly soigne, sophisticated yet upbeat choice, unlike some of the more dated other 'ette'-ending names.
          • Odile
            • Origin:

              French variation of German Otthild
            • Meaning:

              "prospers in battle"
            • Description:

              Odette's evil Swan Lake twin -- gives the name a sinuous, sensuous appeal.
          • Ophelia
            • Origin:

              Greek
            • Meaning:

              "help"
            • Description:

              Floral, elegant, and bold, Ophelia re-entered the US Top 1000 in 2015 after more than 50 years off the charts. It has risen more than 700 spots since then and shows no signs of slowing down. Now in the US Top 300, could Ophelia one day become the next Olivia or Amelia?
          • Prosper
            • Origin:

              Latin
            • Meaning:

              "favorable, prosperous"
            • Description:

              In France, pronounced PRO-spare, Prosper is a fairly common name; here it presents a worthy aspirational message for a child.
          • Romain Alfred
            • Theodule
              • Origin:

                French form of Theodulus, “slave of god”
              • Description:

                While some might assume this to be a variation on Theodore, Theodule's etymolgy actually stems from Theodulus. Though neither of these forms have attraction much attention recently, both Theodore and nickname Theo are rising up the US popularity charts. This could create an alternate path to the desirable nickname.
            • Viola
              • Origin:

                Latin
              • Meaning:

                "violet"
              • Description:

                Viola has several positive elements going for it: the rhythm of the musical instrument, the association with the flower, the trending 'Vi' beginning and its leading role in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.