Meaning: Its source is a Latin expression meaning "Lost."

Narrative: This name was created by William Shakespeare for the heroine of his play A Winter's Tale (written about 1610).

As a baby, Perdita is exposed to die because her father mistakenly believes her to be another man's child. She is rescued by a shepherd, who calls her Perdita because she was lost.

Though she is discovered and wooed by a prince, their marriage is forbidden because of her apparent lack of pedigree. When her origins are discovered, a happy ending ensues.