Formal Names

  1. Cornelia
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Cornelius, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "horn"
    • Description:

      In ancient Rome, Cornelia was considered the paragon of womanly virtue, making it a handsome name with an excellent pedigree. It's rare today, so if you want a name no one else is using, somewhat reminiscent of Amelia and the Shakespearean Cordelia, Cornelia should be on your list. Cornelia's short forms might include Cora, Nelia or Nell--anything but Corny.
  2. Cecillia
    • Donatella
      • Origin:

        Italian, feminine diminutive of Donato
      • Description:

        Stylish and dramatic, a la Donatella Versace.
    • Dorothy
      • Origin:

        English variation of Greek Dorothea
      • Meaning:

        "gift of God"
      • Description:

        In the 1930s, Dorothy left Kansas and landed in the Land of Oz; by the '80s she had become a Golden Girl, living in Miami with roommates Blanche and Rose, giving her a decidedly older image. But parents today seeking a quiet classic are bringing Dorothy back—she reentered the Top 1000 in 2011 after almost completely disappearing.
    • Eleanor
      • Origin:

        English variation of French Provencal Alienor, meaning unknown
      • Description:

        Eleanor's straightforward feminine image combined with its royal medieval history is striking just the right note for parents in search of a girls' name that combines substance and style.
    • Elisaveta
      • Elizabeth
        • Origin:

          Hebrew
        • Meaning:

          "pledged to God"
        • Description:

          Elizabeth is one of the most popular girls' names of all time, the female equivalent of James or William. Yet Elizabeth has so much going for it—rich history, broad appeal, and timeless style—that no matter how many little girls are named Lizzie, Eliza, and Beth, you can still make Elizabeth your own.
      • Emiliano
        • Origin:

          Italian and Spanish variation of Emil
        • Meaning:

          "rival"
        • Description:

          Emiliano is an appealing Latinate version of Emil, with the same gentle sounds but additional flair. Popular in Chile and Mexico, where it ranks in the Top 20, Emiliano is also a rising name in the US.
      • Emmaline
        • Origin:

          Spelling variation of Emmeline
        • Description:

          This iteration of the name makes the link to the ultra-popular Emma even more obvious. It lags behind alternate spelling Emmeline on the US Top 1000 list.
      • Emmanuel
        • Origin:

          Hebrew
        • Meaning:

          "God is with us"
        • Description:

          Emmanuel--spelled with one or two 'm's'-- was popular with early Jewish immigrants, until overused nickname Manny caused it to fade. Now, this important biblical name is being revived in its full glory.
      • Emmanuella
        • Evangeline
          • Origin:

            Greek
          • Meaning:

            "bearer of good news"
          • Description:

            Evangeline is a romantic old name enjoying a major comeback, thanks to its religious overtones, Eva's popularity, and the star of the TV megahit Lost, Evangeline Lilly. Evangelia and Evangelina — two variants of Evangeline — are sure to tag along for the ride.
        • Feliciano
          • Flavian
            • Origin:

              Latin
            • Meaning:

              "yellow hair"
            • Description:

              A Latin clan name that may rise again along with other things Roman.
          • Francesca
            • Origin:

              Italian variation of Frances
            • Meaning:

              "from France or free man"
            • Description:

              Francesca is a lighter and much more feminine choice than the classic Frances, and one that is increasingly popular with upscale parents.
          • Genevieve
            • Origin:

              English from French
            • Meaning:

              "tribe woman"
            • Description:

              Genevieve is derived from the Germanic medieval name Genovefa, or Kenowefa, which consists of the elements kuni, meaning "kin", and wefa, meaning "woman." The medieval saint Genevieve, patroness of Paris, defended the city against Attila the Hun through her rational thinking, courage and prayer.
          • Gertrude
            • Origin:

              German
            • Meaning:

              "strength of a spear"
            • Description:

              Could cute nickname Gertie, remembered as cute five-year-old Drew Barrymore in E.T., revive the long shunned Gertrude?
          • Guinevere
            • Origin:

              Welsh
            • Meaning:

              "white shadow, white wave"
            • Description:

              Guinevere was the name of the beautiful but ill-fated queen of Camelot, for so many years eclipsed by its modern Cornish form Jennifer. Today, Guinevere could be a cool possibility for adventurous parents intrigued by this richly evocative and romantic choice.
          • Gwendolyn
            • Origin:

              Variation of Gwendolen, Welsh
            • Meaning:

              "white ring"
            • Description:

              One spelling variation that's more popular than the original, this somewhat old-fashioned name might be in honor of poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first African-American to win a Pulitzer prize for poetry, or may be a way to get to the modern short form Gwen.
          • Henriette
            • Origin:

              French, feminine form of Henri
            • Description:

              Henriette is to Henri (or Henry) what Charlotte is to Charles. Yet this elegant French name is surprisingly rare in the States.