By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 15 pages
of 15
German, Slovene, and Scandinavian form of Maya; also, Arabic
"splendid"
Whether you pronounce it my-a, ma-zha or ma-ha, Maja is an intriguing choice. Sometimes associated with Goya's famous painting "The Naked Maja." As a cognate of Maya, it's a Top 10 name in Slovenia…
Spanish diminutive of Maria
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Used especially in Latin America, this would make a funky spin on Maria. The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea");…
French combination of Marie and Anne
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + grace"
Variant of Marianne
German variation of Madeline; combination of Mary and Magdalen
Marlene Dietrich made it famous when she condensed her first two names, Maria and Magdalena. Now more often pronounced with two syllables rather than three.
English and French diminutive of Matilda, German
"battle-mighty"
Maude, also spelled Maud, is a lacy, mauve-tinted name that was wildly popular a hundred years ago, but has been rarely heard in the past fifty. Some stylish parents are starting to choose it again,…
Norse, variation of Margaret
"pearl"
This is a Scandinavian variant of Margaret, and is pronounced MEH-teh or MET, rhyming with jet.
Mechtilde is a feminine name with deep Germanic medieval roots, representing an older form of the name Matilda. It derives from the German elements 'macht' meaning might or strength and 'hild'…
Latin
"greatest"
Diminutive of Maxine, Maxima or Maximiliane
Melain is a delicate feminine name with likely French or Celtic roots. It may be a variation of Melanie, which comes from the Greek 'melania' meaning 'dark' or 'black.' Alternatively, it could be…
German
"strong in work"
Combining the mild and the innocent, this sweet and feminine name is worthy of a comeback, in the mode of Madeline and Cecilia. Its original, also attractive form is Melisende, which came from…
German, diminutive of Maria
"beloved; drop of the sea, bitter"
Mitzi is a sparky German nickname name that might appeal to parents drawn to the genre of lively vintage girl names that proliferated in 1930's musicals. Actress and entertainer Mitzi Gaynor (born…
"water nymph"
If you love Dixie, Trixie and Pixie, this name of a mermaid-like sprite in German folklore may be for you. It might also make an update for Nicki.
"wealthy"
The memorable folk singer, an early single-name celeb, brought this into the spotlight. The French variation is Odette.
Odila is a feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from the root 'od' meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune.' It's the feminine form of Odilo, and is related to names like Odilia and Ottilie. The name…
Odiel is a feminine name of Dutch origin, though it remains quite rare even in the Netherlands. It likely derives from Germanic elements, possibly related to 'odel' meaning 'inheritance' or…
Olympie is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from 'Olympia', the sanctuary site of the ancient Olympic Games. The name carries associations with Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the Greek…
"prospers in battle"
Wears long blonde braids, carries a spear, and sings duets with Brunhild. But variations Ottilie, Ottiline, or Ottoline are both unusual and chic.
Ramonda is a feminine name with Spanish and Italian roots. It is the feminine form of Raymond, which derives from Germanic elements meaning 'advice' and 'protection.' The name has connections to…
"wise protector"
More out of style than Raymond.
German variation of Hebrew Raphaela
"God heals"
Whether spelled Raffaela, Rafaela, Raffaella, or Raphaela, a euphonius name with a dark-eyed, long-flowing-haired image. Like Gabriella and Isabella, is beginning to be drawn into the American…
