Girls names for boys

Toni Morrison, the modern master of literary names, made this one famous as the title character of a novel. But things didn't work out so well for that Beloved.

Among the children named Heaven are the daughters of TV personality Brooke Burke and rap singer Lil' Mo, who also has a daughter named God'iss Love. Some parents have taken to using Nevaeh instead—Heaven spelled backwards.

Yoland is a feminine name that appears as a shortened form of Yolanda, which has medieval origins. Derived from the French name Yolande, it ultimately comes from the Germanic elements meaning "violet flower" or possibly "ruler of the homeland." This concise variation maintains the elegant essence of Yolanda while offering a more streamlined, modern feel. Though uncommon, Yoland has an international appeal, recognized across various European cultures. The name carries a certain strength and dignity, with its crisp ending providing a contemporary edge. While much rarer than the full form Yolanda, Yoland might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive yet historically grounded name that works well across language boundaries.