Nova

Meaning: (New, Chases Butterfly (Hopi), Astronomy: a nova is a star that releases a tremendous burst of energy, becoming temporarily extraordinarily bright.)

Origin: (Latin, Native American)

Pronunciation: (NOH-vah, Go to this site and run your cursor over the name Nova to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=nova&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

I have the name Terranova on my blog but never added Nova alone so the other day when I heard this name on T.V I decided I might as well add it. The name is beautiful and astronomy wise it is a beautiful name to be given to a character. The Native American meaning is beautiful and cute too. It's a short name which could be a major plus as well.

Capernaum

Meaning: (Village of Nahum [Comforter [that is, an encourager] or Village of Comforting.)

Origin: (Hebrew, Biblical)

Pronunciation: (Capp-er-num, cuh-per-num, Ca·per′na·um, Go to this site and run your cursor over the name Capernaum to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=capernaum&submit=Submit)

Gender: Uni-Sex

I was reading the bible the other day and I read this town name. I love the meaning and the look of the name. It is really cool looking and a cute nicknames could be Caper or Cap.

Cheyne

Meaning: (Oak Hearted, From the Oak Grove, God is Gracious, This unusual and interesting name is of Old French origin, introduced into England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066. The derivation is from the Old French "chesne, chesnai", oak tree, oak grove, from the Medieval Latin "casnetum", and the surname may be either locational or topographical in origin. As a locational name, Cheyne may derive from any of the places named with the Old French "chesnai", such as Quesnay in Calvados and La Manche, Le Quesnay in Seine-Inferieure, or Quesnay-Guesnon in Calvados. As a topographical name, Cheyne denoted residence near a conspicuous oak tree, or in an oak forest. In some few cases, the surname may have originated as a nickname for a man with a "heart of oak". The surname is now found widespread in Scotland, where the first known bearer of the name is William de Chesne, who witnessed a charter in 1200. The development of the name includes the following examples: Hugh de Cheisnei (1166, Oxfordshire); Robert de Cheinnei (1183, Lincolnshire); William de Cheny (1235, Suffolk); and Alexander de Cheyne (1296, Sussex). In the modern idiom the surname has several spelling forms including Cheney, Chainey, Cheine, Chiene and Cheyne. One Abram Cheynei was an early emigrant to the New World colonies, leaving London on the "Expedition" in November 1635, bound for the Barbadoes. A Coat of Arms granted to the family is chequy gold and blue, a red fesse fretty gold. The Crest is a buck's head erased. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Radulfus de Caisned, which was dated 1086, in the Domesday Book, Sussex, during the reign of King William 1, known as "The Conqueror", 1066 - 1087. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling. Read more: http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Cheyne#ixzz1raDwsGoU)

Origin: (Old French, Scottish, English, Celtic, Hebrew)

Pronunciation: (CHEYN, CHAIN-ee, CHAIN, Go to this site and run your cursor over the name Cheyne to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=cheyne&submit=Submit)

Gender: Uni-Sex

I am reading a book: A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer and one of the characters lived in London on Cheyne Walk, a ritzy neighborhood. I liked the look of the name Cheyne and once I researched the meaning I loved it even more. It's a strong and powerful name.

Kingsley

Meaning: (From a surname which was originally derived from a place name meaning "King's Wood" in Old English. From the King’s Wood/ Meadow, From the King’s Field, King’s Forest Clearing. This interesting name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is a locational surname deriving from any one of the places called 'Kingsley' in Cheshire, Hampshire and Staffordshire. The places in Cheshire and Staffordshire are recorded as 'Chingeslie' in the Domesday Book of 1086 and that in Hampshire as 'Kyngesly' in 1210. The place names all share the same meaning and derivation, which is 'the glade, clearing, of the king', or 'chieftain', derived from the Old English pre 7th Century 'cyning', king, originally chieftain, tribal leader, with 'leah', thin wood, glade, clearing. Locational surnames were usually acquired by those former inhabitants of a place who moved to another area, and were thereafter best identified by the name of their birthplace. Charles Kingsley (1819-1875), the English clergyman and author of 'Westward Hol', and 'The Water Babies' is probably the best known bearer of the name. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William de Kingesle (witness), which was dated 1246, The Lancashire Assize Rolls, during the reign of King Henry 111, 'The Frenchman', 1216-1272. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.Read more: http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Kingsley#ixzz1rIfwZJc6)

Origin: (English (Modern), Old English)

Pronunciation: (KING-zlee, KINGZ-lee)

Gender: Male

Kingsley is a surname which is on one of my surname posts but recently I have been posting surnames I had as first names, Ex. Ramsey, Maelum. I think Kingsley is a cool name but it might be better as a middle name or surname. The meaning is nice and the name seems strong.

Cressida

Meaning: (Golden, Medieval English name originating from the Greek name Chryseis. In Greek Mythology, Chryseis was the daughter of Chryses (meaning Golden), and she was named in honor of her father. Cressida therefore means Golden. Various medieval tales describe her as a woman of Troy, daughter of Calchus, who leaves her Trojan lover Troilus for the Greek hero Diomedes. Shakespeare's play 'Troilus and Cressida' (1602) was based on these tales. Cressida's meaning is daughter of Chryses; golden. The name is well known among English speakers from the Trojan princess Cressida in the legend of Troilus and Cressida, as told by Chaucer and Shakespeare among others. Chaucer used the name in the form Criseyde (Old English), from Boccaccio's Criseida (Old English), which was apparently from Chryseis (Old Greek) under the influence of Briseida. Briseida means 'daughter of Brisis', while Chryseis means 'daughter of Chryses' and is ultimately from the Greek element 'chrysos' (golden). Both names are mentioned in Homer's Iliad. The modern form Cressida was created when Shakespeare Latinized Chaucer's name. It was first adopted by English speakers in the 20th century, in spite of the negative history in literature; Shakespeare's Cressida is lascivious, Boccaccio's is faithless, and Chaucer's is naive and easily misled.)

Origin: (Greek, Greek Mythology, English, Medieval English, Literature, German)

Pronunciation: (KRES-ə-də (English), KREHSahDah, CRESS-id-a, CREH-sih-duh, Go to this site and run your cursor over the name Cressida to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=cressida&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

I forget what I was looking at the other day but I came across this name. I love the meaning and the Mythological History behind it. It almost looks a bit like my name. It has four of the letters in the same order as in my name Cassidy. Cressida is a unique name and can fit very many genres and eras. Nickname possibilities could be Cress or Essie which are cute.

Ismay / Ismae

Meaning: (Ice or Iron Maiden, Feminine form of Esme: An Old French variant of the Latin aestimatus meaning Esteemed or amatus meaning loved. This very rare and interesting name is of early medieval English origin, from a female personal name found recorded in England from the 13th Century on, spelt variously Ysemay, Isemay, Ysmay and Isamaya. The given name is thought to derive from an Old German compound name, 'Ismagi(n)', translating as 'iron-strength', and also forming the origin of another female personal name, Ismena or Ismenia. 'Ismay' is the only surname to derive from the given name Ismay, although Ismenia has been the origin for many variant surnames, such as Emeney, Emmence, Emans and Immink. The marriage of one Alyce Esmay and Henry Hamon was recorded on October 29th 1568 at St. Giles, Cripplegate, in London, and John Ismay married Elizabeth Martin at St. Margaret's, Westminster, on October 14th 1656. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ralph Isemay or Hyssmaye, which was dated circa 1200, Charters of Sheffield, Yorkshire, during the reign of King John, known as 'Lackland', 1199-1216. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling. Read more: http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Ismay#ixzz1rIQeSFIh)

Origin: (Old German, Old French, Latin)

Pronunciation: (IHSMEY, iss-may, Go to this site and run your cursor over the name Ismay to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=ismay&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

The other day I was checking emails and I get books of the month emails from Amazon.com and I saw a book on there which I looked up. I didn't care for the plot but I loved the name of the heroine which was Ismae. Upon looking it up I saw the original spelling Ismay and so I decided to add both Ismae and Ismay. The meaning is great and the name is unique. Ismay / Ismae which is a feminine form of Esme I think is more rare and unused compared to Esme which has become super popular after the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Myers. Plus I never really cared for the name Esme, I like Esmeralda *This name is on my list of posts* which is the original lengthened version of Esme before Esme became a stand alone name.

Peony

Meaning: (Praise Giving, Flower Name, As a Chinese name motif, the Peony signifies riches and honor. The Peony is named after Paeon (also spelled Paean), a student of Asclepius, the Greek God of Medicine and Healing. Asclepius became jealous of his pupil. Zeus saved Paeon from the wrath of Asclepius by turning him into the Peony flower. It was originally believed to have healing qualities, so it was named after the Greek Medical God Paeon.)

Origin: (English (Rare), Greek, English Nature Name)

Pronunciation: (PEE-a-nee, PEE-ah-nee, PAY-uh-nee, Go to this site and run your cursor of the name Peony to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=peony+&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

I used to not like this flower name but recently I keep hearing it and I do like the meaning and history behind the name. I also think Peony flowers are pretty. This could work if you are looking for a rarely used flower name for a character.

Euphemia

Meaning: (Pleasant Speech, Fair Speech, Well Regarded, Sweetly Spoken, Well Spoken, To Speak Well, Early Christian name and the name of a Fourth Century virgin martyr. The pet form Effie became popular in the 19th Century. The word “Euphemism” derives from the same root.)

Origin: (Greek, Latin, English (Archaic)

Pronunciation: (You-fee-mee-ah, yoo-FEM-ee-a, Yuw-FEH-Miyah, Go to this site and run your cursor over the name Euphemia to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=euphemia&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

I was flipping channels a few weeks ago and started watching the second part of a mini series called True Woman and it wasn't until the end I realized I had seen it but many years ago. Any way one of the characters was named Euphemia and I really like the name. I like the meaning and the look though I have seen most people don't like it and think it's too old fashioned. I am actually planing to use this name on one of my future characters and have her nickname to be Effie.

Seneca

Meaning: (Old, Place of Stones, From the Old Latin word Senectus, The name of Ancient Roman Orator and father of Seneca who was a Philosopher, Dramatist, and Advisor to Nero.)

Origin: (Latin, Ancient Roman)

Pronunciation: (SEH-neh-ka, SEN-a-ka, Go to this site and run your cursor over the name Seneca to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=+seneca&submit=Submit)

Gender: Uni-Sex

I heard this the other day when I was watching an interview on T.V with an actor that was in the Hunger Games Movie. Apparently a character in the book / movie is named Seneca (I have not read the books or watched the movie). I like the name and I have chosen it for a last name of one of my characters. I think it would be cool as a first name and just because it's in The Hunger Games doesn't mean you can't use it on your character.

Bryony

Meaning: (Vine, Ivy, To Swell, To Sprout, Poisonous climbing vine.)

Origin: (English, English Nature Name)

Pronunciation: (BRIY-a-nee, BRIE-a-nee, BREE-a-nee, Go to this site and run your cursor over the name Bryony to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=bryony&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

I never really liked this name but recently I have been seeing and hearing this name everywhere. I am actually thinking of using this name on one of my characters soon. Upon first hearing it I thought it sounded too harsh and the meaning wasn't all that great but I am liking it more and more lately. It's a great nature name too.

Ariadne

Meaning: (Very Holy One, Chaste, Devout, Most Holy, Derived from the elements ari (very, much) and nos (holy). Is a name borne in Greek Mythology by King Minos daughter, who gave a thread to Theseus, which enabled him to escape from the labyrinth and the Minotaur, but she was later abandoned by Theseus. Eventually she married the god Dionysus, and when she passed away as mortals do she became a constellation. Name of a Byzantine Empress from Late 5th Century. Saint Ariadne of Phrygia (Second Century) was a slave who became a martyr.)

Origin: (Ancient Greek, Greek Mythology, English)

Pronunciation: ( arr-ee-ADD-nay, a-ree-AD-nee, ah-ree-AHD-nee, ah-ree-AD-nee, Go to this site and run your cursor over the name Ariadne to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=ariadne&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

I was looking at Greek names the other day and came across this name which I though of adding to this blog. I really loved the name but then I realized this wasn't the first time I had seen the name because upon editing one of my novels a few days later I saw I had used this name on a very minor character already and forgot. The meaning is beautiful and it has an interesting history of the bearers of this name in both mythology and real life. See as this name is an older name it could be used in a great many genres and eras as well. A nickname option could be Aria which is beautiful on it's own *Aria is on my list of posts*.

Euterpe

Meaning: (Delight, Well Pleasing, Giving Much Delight, Good, Give Pleasure, One of the nine muses, the muse of music, song, dance, and joy. She was said to have invented the double flute.)

Origin: (Greek, Greek Mythology)

Pronunciation: (You-turp-ee, you-ter-pee, you-tur-pay, Go to this site and run your cursor over the name Euterpe to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=euterpe)

Gender: Female

When I was looking up the Greek muses the other day besides Calliope *already on the list of posts* Euterpe was the only other muse name I liked. It looks and sounds a bit foreign to an English speaker obviously but I think the meaning is beautiful.

Andorra

Meaning: (To Walk, The Forest, Shrub Covered Land, Country bordered by France and Spain.)

Origin: (French, Arabic, Spanish, Basque)

Pronunciation: (ae-n-d-AW-r-uh, Ann-dor-uh, Go to this site and run your cursor over the name Andorra to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=andorra++++++&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

I really liked this name when I saw this on a map once. I also saw the other day that it was a name of someone but I can't remember where I saw it. The meaning is good and everyone that reads my blog knows I love the name Dora but when it's combined with other names (ex. Dorabella, Adorabella *both on my list of posts*) so I love the name Andorra.

Ramsey

Meaning: (Wild Garlic Island, Transferred use of the Scottish surname originating from several different place names. It is derived from the name Hraem’s Island, which is from the Old English elements harem (n) (Raven) and eg, ig (Island); From Ram’s Island, which is from the old English Ramm (a Ram) and eg, ig (Island), or from Rams Island, which derived it’s name from old Norse elements Ramm (Strong) and ey (Island)

Origin: (Old English)

Pronunciation: (RAM-zee)

Gender: Male

I saw this on a blog the other day but I didn't really like it as a first name. I have it on one of my posts as a surname but I didn't really like it as a first name when I first read it. The meaning "Wild Garlic Island" isn't all that great but the other meanings are strong I guess. Now I sort of like it but I don't know if I would ever use it on any of my characters but I will never say never.

Calliope

Meaning: (Beautiful Voice, Muse of Epic / Heroic Poetry and Eloquence, One of the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, Believed to be Homer’s muse, the inspiration for Odyssey and the Iliad.)

Origin: (Greek, Greek Mythology)

Pronunciation: (Kah-ly-ah-pee, cah-LYE-oh-pee, Ka-LIE-a-pee, Kal-eye-oh-pee, Go to this site and run your cursor over the name Calliope to here how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=calliope+++++++++++&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

I have never much liked this name mainly because I always want to pronounce it way wrong. It is also a name not many people now a days would really like but I think this would be a great character name. It is beautiful and has a beautiful meaning and interesting history.