kass's list of names
- Henrietta
Origin:
Feminine variation of Henry, GermanMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
Despite a return to such feminizations of male names as Josephine, Clementine, and Theodora, starchy Henrietta has not made it into that group. Still, if you look hard enough, you'll see that Henrietta has the same vintage charm.
- Hera
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"protectress"Description:
She was queen of the Greek gods, both sister and wife to Zeus, but the name of her Roman counterpart Juno has become much more fashionable these days. That said, we think Hera has possibilities today too, as so many ancient goddess names rise to prominence.
- Hilde
Description:
Hilde is a feminine name of Germanic origin, functioning as both a standalone name and a diminutive of names containing the element "hild" meaning "battle" or "strife." Popular in Scandinavian countries, Germany, and the Netherlands, Hilde carries associations of strength and warrior spirit despite its soft sound. The name has historical significance through figures like the Valkyrie Brynhildr from Norse mythology and various medieval noblewomen. While considered somewhat traditional in Northern Europe, Hilde has a timeless quality that has prevented it from feeling dated. The name's combination of historical depth and brevity appeals to parents seeking names that are substantive yet straightforward. Hilde balances feminine gentleness with underlying strength and resilience.
- Hildegard
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"comrade in arms"Description:
Hildegard is an ancient name that sounds it, but it does have sweet short forms Hildie and Hilda to recommend it, as well as several illustrious historical bearers.
- Invicta
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"invincible"Description:
Elizabeth Holmes named the baby daughter she had during her trial for the Theranos fraud Invicta, perhaps symbolizing that her conviction does not mean defeat. Invicta has been used in mottoes since ancient Roman times, including Roma Invicta, which means Rome Undefeated, and the motto of contemporary Kent, in England. Invicta combines two trends, for word names and Ancient Roman names, in one original name.
- Isadora
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"gift of Isis"Description:
For a long time, Isadora has been overlooked in favor of Isabella, owing perhaps to its association with the tragic modern dancer, Isadora Duncan, or because parents would rather their daughter be a Bella than a Dora. Now, with Theodora back in the charts and vintage names in vogue, Isadora has been slowly gaining more attention over the last decade.
- Jana
Origin:
International feminine variation of JanDescription:
A sweet name with many cross-cultural ties: it's an equivalent of Jane in languages including Czech, Slovak, Dutch, German, Slovene, Catalan, Estonian, and Latvian.
- Jessamy
Origin:
English, variation of JessamineMeaning:
"jasmine flower"Description:
Jessamy and big sister Jessamine are all but unknown in the U.S., but make distinctive alternatives to overexposed Jessica, Jessie, and Jasmine.
- Josefina
Origin:
Hebrew, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish feminine form of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
Sweet and bright international form of Josephine, used in many European countries with various pronunciations of the initial J. A notable bearer is Josefina "Joey" Guerrero, a Filipina spy during World War II.
- Janée
- Kataleya
Origin:
Variation of Cataleya, flower name from English surnameMeaning:
"Cattley's flower"Description:
Variation of Cataleya, both of which are popular among Hispanic families in the US. Zoe Saldana played a character named Cataleya in Colombiana.
- Kwenthrith
- Lacy
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from Lassy"Description:
One of the most feminine of surname names, calling to mind dresses and doilies.
- Laramie
Origin:
Wyoming place-name, FrenchMeaning:
"canopy of leafy boughs"Description:
Laramie was derived from the French word la ramée, meaning "leafy canopy." It was historically a French surname, but today it is a viable first name option for girls or boys. The balance is currently running at about seven girls for every boy named Laramie. The Wyoming city gives it more of a cowgirl Western than French vibe.
- Lilienne
Origin:
Variation of LillianMeaning:
"lily"Description:
If Vivian became Vivienne, why can't Lillian become Lilienne? This pretty name has that chic French ending, and is a fresh way to popular Lily.
- Lilinoe
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"fine mist"Description:
A beautiful Hawaiian mythological name — Lilinoe is the goddess of the rain.
- Lillevi
Origin:
SwedishMeaning:
"little devoted one"Description:
A sweet and sparky modern Swedish name, derived from the word for "little" plus the suffix vi, which may mean "devoted, dedicated". An intriguing alternative to the popular Lily family of names.
- Lilou
Origin:
Occitan pet form of French LilianeMeaning:
"lily"Description:
Lilou is a charming, rarely heard import. Occitan is a language spoken in Provence, in the south of France, in which the suffix "ou" denotes a pet form — thus, Lilou as a short form of Liliane or its Occitan form Liliana or Liliano. Its popularity in France--where it's currently Number 12--can be traced to the 1997 film The Fifth Element.
- Lorelei
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"alluring, temptress"Description:
The lovely Lorelei, a name from old German legend, was a beautiful Rhine River seductress whose haunting voice led sailors to hazardous rocks that would cause them to be shipwrecked. And this siren image clung to the name for ages.
- Lunéciel
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"moon and sky"Description:
At first glance, this looks like a name straight from Middle Earth. However, it simply comes from lune et ciel/.