Delia

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A feminine first name of Greek and Roman origin, often used in English-speaking countries ; a title of the goddess Artemis, linked to the island of Delos where she was worshipped
2. A female personal name with classical roots ; an epithet given to Artemis, the huntress goddess, after her birthplace on the island of Delos
3. Used as a woman's first name with ancient Greek origins ; a surname-like cult title for Artemis, derived from the sacred island of Delos where she was born

Etymology: "Delia" is a Polish word that English has taken over without changing its form. Its spelling and sound stay as they are in Polish, rather than being reshaped to fit English patterns, as happens to many loanwords over time. Because it has not been adapted, it still looks foreign on the page, so a reader meets it as a Polish term first and an English one second.