Desert Mystic

Identified with a region famous for its gold, more commonly spelled Ophira.

Famously the mother of Alexander the Great. These days, her name is more commonly seen in the form of Olympia.

A strong Greek name with pan-European charm, Petra is a relatively recent feminization of Peter, though it relates back to an incredible ancient city in Jordan that was rediscovered in the early nineteenth century.

A warm-sounding Arabic name with a gentle meaning, mentioned frequently in the Quran.

Spice names are increasingly appealing to the senses of prospective parents; this one, belonging to a precious spice derived from the crocus has a vaguely orange-scented-incense sixties feel.

The Portuguese word for sapphire was formerly a Top 100 name in Portugal.

The soft and pretty name of one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad.

A beautiful and evocative place-name that deserves wider use.

A soft and interesting Hebrew name long popular in France, where it has ranked in the Top 400 since 1986 (as Salomé). Ex-ER star Alex Kingston named her daughter Salome Violetta.

Alluring and lovely — and much more distinctive now than Samantha or Tamara. Samara is a city in western Russia, a winged seed like the whirlygigs that fall from maple trees, as well as a bona fide first name that could make a more unusual update on Samantha or Mara. It can also be a variant spelling of the Arabic name Samira or Sameera.

Shiny cousin of Samara with an intriguing meaning. Increasingly associated with the charming Samira Wiley, a perennial scene-stealer on "Orange is the New Black" and "The Handmaid's Tale."