Byzantine Royalty names for girls

A royal name in ancient Egypt that's never quite made it to the modern world, though nickname Cleo is widely used. Other now-extinct Cleopatra diminutives, including Cleora and Cleola, achieved some popularity in the early 20th century when there was a crazy for all things Egypt-related as the ancient tombs were opened and artifacts displayed. In the US, Cleopatra became a popular silent film in 1917 starring Theda Bara.

A rare and refined name, which could make for a surprising route to cute nickname Connie.

Constantina is a pretty, feminissima, if lengthy, variation on the Constance theme. The fourth century Constantina, also known as Constantia and Constantiana, was the eldest daughter of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great and his second wife Fausta, daughter of Emperor Maximian. Constantina received the title of Augusta by her father, and is venerated as a saint; in English she is also known as Saint Constance.

A name with an ancient pedigree which might prove confusing to the modern ear.

Fashionably Continental and much fresher than Dominique, though it's been used since the Middle Ages. Dominica can be spelled any number of ways, from Dominika to Domenica, but we prefer this version.

Eirene, modernized to Irene, was the Greek goddess of peace. Eirene or Irene was also the name of an early empress and several saints.

This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.

Think the letter X is always cool in names? Meet Eudoxia. An ancient name with a great meaning, associated with a number of saints and Byzantine royals. You might also like the similar Eudocia or Eudora.

Eugenia, a name scarcely used at all since the 1980's, is another that flourished a century ago and could be due for a revival.

Ancient martyr's name that, though not especially appealing, might still be mildly possible, especially for Anglophiles. It was widely used in early Scotland, but was overtaken by its nickname, Effie.

This rare name, used by a Byzantine saint, is not as attractive as other Greek "Eu" name like Eugenia, Eulalie and Eudora. This probably belongs in the footnotes of the history books.