Meaning: Its source is an English expression meaning "Fortunate discovery."

Narrative: Serendip was the ancient name of Siri Lanka. In the 18th century, British writer Horace Walpole noted a fairy tale purported to originate in that country called The Three Princes of Serendip. These princes had the happy facility of making lucky discoveries of things they were not even seeking. From the name of their country, he fashioned a new English word that has gained great currency in the last two centuries.

A Chicago, Illinois family named Wicklund emailed us about the use of Serendipity as a girl's name because they hope to give it to their daughter, who should be showing up some time in 1998. The meaning of the name is paramount in the Wicklunds' minds, they tell us, because they want her name to match that of their son -- Chance.