Royal-ish Names
- Marigold
Origin:
Flower name, from EnglishMeaning:
"golden flower"Description:
Marigold, once found almost exclusively in English novels and aristocratic nurseries, is beginning to be talked about and considered here. It has a sweet, sunny, quirky feel. The marigold was the symbol of the Virgin Mary.
- Melisand
- Nephele
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"cloudy"Description:
An enchanting ancient Greek name belonging to the Greek goddess who was created from a cloud by Zeus and so became goddess of the clouds and mother of the centaurs. The name Nephele is not widely known but as among modern parents become used to Phoebe, Penelope, and Persephone, it may become one of the ancient Greek goddess names that's back in the mix.
- Olimpiada
Origin:
Russian and Ukrainian feminization of Olympias, GreekMeaning:
"from Mount Olympus"Description:
At a whopping five syllables long, Olympiada is a lot of name for a little girl. Thankfully, nicknames abound. Try Pia, Ollie, or Ada.
- Opaline
Origin:
Elaboration of Opal, French, SanskritMeaning:
"gem"Description:
A word name with a touch of Adeline/Caroline/Apolline mixed in, Opaline has a sleek and stylish yet whimsical feel.
- Orestes
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"from the mountain"Description:
A figure in Greek drama who murdered his mother makes for an unconventional choice for a baby name, but it has appeared on the US extended list several dozen times since records began.
- Parisa
Origin:
Iranian/PersianMeaning:
"like a fairy"Description:
Funny how one letter can turn a name from ordinary to special. Parisa is so much more distinctive than either Marisa or Paris.
- Patricius
Description:
Patricius is a masculine name of Latin origin, being the original Roman form of Patrick. It derives from 'patricius,' referring to the patrician class in ancient Rome—the noble aristocrats and ruling elite. The name literally means 'nobleman' or 'of noble birth.' Patricius traveled through history via Saint Patrick (born Patricius), the 5th-century missionary who became Ireland's patron saint. While the shortened form Patrick is widely used internationally, the classical Patricius remains rare, carrying an air of antiquity and scholarly distinction. Those choosing this name often appreciate its historical depth, classical roots, or connection to Latin heritage, though its formality and length make it less common for everyday use.
- Petronille
Origin:
French feminine variation of Petronius, LatinMeaning:
"yokel, woodpecker, stone"Description:
So many names sound better with a French accent, and Petronille is one of them -- it feels unusual in an elegant way. But in the US, you'd have to be adventurous to choose it.
- Petronella
- Rafiq
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"friend, companion, gentle, kind"Description:
Confident Middle Eastern choice. Children will relate to the Rafiki form via the wise guru in Disney's "The Lion King."
- Secora
Description:
Secora is a feminine name of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of Secorra or a creative modern invention. It has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables. Some theories suggest it may be related to the Spanish word "socorro" meaning "help" or "relief," though this connection isn't definitively established. The name has a contemporary feel with classical undertones, making it appeal to parents seeking something unique yet accessible. While rare in mainstream naming statistics, Secora has seen occasional usage in the United States since the late 20th century. Its distinctive sound and spelling give it a memorable quality while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce and spell.
- Seraphina
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"ardent; fiery"Description:
Seraphina is one of the most-searched name on Nameberry, destined for even greater popularity. The highest-ranking angels, the six-winged seraphim, inspired the lovely name Seraphina.
- Sevilla
Origin:
Spanish place-nameDescription:
This legendary Andalusian city, according to myth founded by Hercules, is an undiscovered baby name destination.
- Sixten
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"stone of victory"Description:
Nope, not a misspelling of Sexton or a number name. This Old Norse name is actually a name denoting victory and in the Swedish Top 100..
- Soficita
Description:
Soficita is a feminine diminutive form of Sofia, stemming from Spanish and Latin American naming traditions. The base name Sofia derives from the Greek word 'sophia' meaning 'wisdom.' The addition of the diminutive suffix '-cita' adds a sense of endearment, essentially meaning 'little Sofia' or 'dear Sofia.' This affectionate form reflects the Spanish language's rich tradition of using diminutives to express fondness. While not commonly used as a formal given name, Soficita might appear as a nickname in Spanish-speaking families. The name carries a sweet, gentle quality while maintaining the connection to wisdom associated with its root. Its musical quality with four syllables gives it a rhythmic, melodic flow.
- Soleil
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Trentton
Description:
Trentton is a distinctive masculine name that appears to be an elaborated variation of Trenton, which itself originated as an English surname derived from a place name meaning "Trent's settlement" or "town on the Trent River." The doubled 't' gives the traditional name a modern, unique spelling twist. Trentton emerged primarily in the United States in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, reflecting the trend toward customizing traditional names with alternative spellings. While less common than Trenton, Trentton appeals to parents seeking a familiar-sounding name with an individualistic edge. The name conveys strength and solidity, with its connection to geographical features adding a sense of groundedness and heritage.
- Udell
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"yew-tree valley"Description:
A secret nature name for boys.
- Venetia
Origin:
Italian place-nameDescription:
Venetia, the name of the region encompassing Venice, has a radiant, picturesque authenticity, as do the related Venezia and Venice.