Once Upon a Time Baby Names

Dianora (DEE-ah-NOR-ah) is an Italian name found in the opera La Spinalba . The author of the libretto is unknown, but the music was written by Francisco Antonio de Almeida. The character named Dianora is not the main character, she is instead the step mother who is confused by her step-daughter's actions. While her step daughter Spinalba and niece Elisa are trying to fall in love and avoid certain suitors, Dianora's husband goes mad that his daughter (Spinalba) is running around town dressed as a man to thwart Elisa's potential love-match with Spinalba's betrothed. Throw in a few more suitors and the whole thing becomes even more comedic, but eventually Dianora figures out what's going on and decides on a plan of action, setting everyone straight. As a variant of Diana, Dianora means "divine." Many Italians currently have this name, and it can be traced back to the mid-1400s. However, it is unused in the U.S. and exceedingly rare.

Why yes, you can! Here is a sampling of options: Adele Adela Adelaide Adelania Adelina Adamina Adea Adelia Adelise Adeliska Adeliz Adeliza Adelora Adiala Adiana Admira Adora Ada Adia Adriana Adair Adina Adira

Romaric (Eng. ROH-mar-ik, Fr. roh-mar-EEK) was a boy of noble birth living in a Frankish kingdom, specifically Austrasia in the 6th and 7th centuries, under the rule of Queen Brunhilda. After Brunhilda killed his parents he wandered about the country, until she was overthrown and killed. Later the Irish Saint Columbanus became Romaric's role model/teacher, and Romaric participated in the court of King Theodebert II. With the approval of Saint Eustace and the help of Romaric's friend Saint Amatus, he built a dual monastery/convent for men and women called Remiremont on the land he owned from being part of the Count Palatine lineage. He lived out his days helping friends and family there until his death in 653. Saint Romaric's feast day is December 10. He is sometimes referred to as Romaricus, and Romary seems to be a modern French variant. Currently there are at least three other well known people named Romaric: a professional footballer from the Ivory Coast, born Koffi Ch...