Feminizations of Male Names
- Clemence
Origin:
French feminine variation of ClementMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
Calm, composed, and chic. Often seen with an accent in France, as Clémence.
- Thaddea
Origin:
Feminine variation of Thaddeus, AramaicMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
Although Thaddeus has long been used in this country, Thaddea is almost unknown and, with its air of mystery, could make a distinctive choice.
- Melchiora
Origin:
Feminine form of MelchiorMeaning:
"king of light"Description:
A feminized form of Melchior, the name of one of the Biblical Magi (or Three Wise Men) and therefore associated with Christmas.
- Axelle
Origin:
French feminine form of AxelMeaning:
"father of peace"Description:
Putting the emphasis on the "elle" softens a name that seems at once futuristic and medieval.
- Rafaela
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese version of Hebrew RaphaelaMeaning:
"God has healed"Description:
This euphonious and lovely name is an internationally appealing choice, that, like Gabriela and Isabela before it, is beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream. Also spelled Raffaella (Italian), Raffaela (German), or Raphaela (Hebrew), it was given to around 50 girls in the US in 2023.
- Caspara
Origin:
Feminine variation of Casper or Jasper, PersianMeaning:
"bringer of treasure"Description:
An unusual feminization of boy name Caspar with a beautiful meaning and familiar nicknames Cassie and Cass. It is also the name of a sports clothing brand.
- Placida
Origin:
Italian and SpanishMeaning:
"serene"Description:
A name that's more familiar in its male form, Placido, but this can be a similar-feeling alternative to Serena.
- Malika
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"master"Description:
Malika is an attractive multi-cultural name--it is also a pet form of Amalia in Hungary.
- Stavra
Origin:
Feminine variation of Stavros, GreekMeaning:
"cross"Description:
Stavra is the female version of the classic Greek name Stavros, sometimes erroneously anglified as Stephanie (which means crown) or Stella (star).
- Madhavi
Origin:
Feminization of Madhava, SanskritMeaning:
"of the springtime"Description:
An epithet of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi — the personification of fertility, prosperity, and wealth.
- Zoila
Origin:
Greek, “lively”Description:
A unique relative of Zoe via the Ancient Greek name Zoilos, borne by a 4th century BC cynic philosopher.
- Rolande
Description:
Rolande is a feminine name of French origin, representing the female form of Roland. The name derives from Germanic elements meaning 'fame' and 'land,' suggesting someone of renowned courage or a famous throughout the land. With its elegant French styling and subtle 'e' ending that designates femininity in French naming traditions, Rolande carries an air of sophisticated European heritage. The name enjoyed modest popularity in French-speaking regions during the early-to-mid 20th century but remains relatively uncommon today. Rolande possesses a certain vintage dignity, evoking images of strength and classical refinement. While never achieving widespread international usage, the name continues to appeal to parents drawn to French naming traditions or seeking a name with historical depth that hasn't been overused.
- Danique
Origin:
French variation of DanicaMeaning:
"morning star"Description:
This Danielle/Monique hybrid offers a new twist on an old favorite.
- Josepha
Origin:
Feminine variation of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
Josepha is less heard in this country than in other parts of the world, seen as a slightly awkward feminization a la Ricarda and Benjamina. In the U.S., Josephine or Joanna is the more usual feminine form of Joseph, though you might consider Josepha if you want to break rank.
- Maxima
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of MaximusDescription:
Max names were one of the hottest trends for boys in the mid-2010s, and are still very popular. The girl versions haven't seen so much love, unfortunately. (Or fortunately, if you love them and want them to stay rare!) Maxima got some attention in 2015 when Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan used it for their daughter, but few parents have copied them.
- Leandra
Origin:
Feminine variation of Leander, GreekMeaning:
"lion-man"Description:
With the rise of many once-dated leonine names, from Leona to Lionel to Leonora, Leandra is an unusual choice that might be looking at a comeback..
- Xaverie
Origin:
Feminine variation of Xavier, BasqueMeaning:
"new house"Description:
Xaverie is a feminine name derived from Xavier, which itself comes from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning 'the new house.' Most famously associated with St. Francis Xavier, the 16th-century missionary, the name carries religious significance for many Catholic families.
- Petronilla
Origin:
Roman and Italian feminine variation of PetroniusMeaning:
"yokel, woodpecker, stone"Description:
Petronilla is an ancient saint's name that relates to the Roman family name Petronius, thought to mean yokel or woodpecker, though some connect it with Petra or Peter, meaning stone. With the resurgence of so many ancient Roman names, the elaborate and pretty Petronilla or its French form Petronille seem more usable these days than they have in centuries.
- Timea
Origin:
Hungarian feminine variation of TimaeusMeaning:
"honor"Description:
This obscure but simple name is related to a Latinized form of an ancient Greek appellation that receives a mention in both Plato's Dialogues and the New Testament. Timmea and Timmia have also been found.
- Urbana
Origin:
Latin, feminine form of UrbanMeaning:
"of the city"Description:
If you live in the city, you might call your urban baby Urbana; if you live in the suburbs--don't even think of Surbana.
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