By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 72 pages
of 72
French
"new town"
More often used in Britain than here, where most names ending in ville fall into the unthinkable class, this might make an exception via fans of the musical Neville Brothers. Charles Dickens used the…
Marcelle is the feminine form of Marcel, a name with Latin origins derived from 'Marcellus,' a diminutive of Marcus meaning 'dedicated to Mars,' the Roman god of war. Popular in France and other…
French and German
"famous throughout the land"
Rollin is a masculine name with related to the more familiar Roland. It might also be derived from an Old French surname meaning 'little roll' or 'small land.' Used in English-speaking countries…
French short form of Nathanael or Gwenael
Predominantly used as a boy name, this short form of Nathanael ("gift of God") or Gwenael ("blessed and generous") was also given to 17 girls in the US in a recent year.
Short form of Prudence, English virtue name
"caution"
After a long time in limbo, Prudence is now so clunky it'a cool, and it's starting to make a comeback, along with other Puritan virtue names like Mercy, Patience, and Constance. Its short form, Prue,…
Rosette is a delicate feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Rose. It literally means 'little rose,' referring to the small, rose-shaped decoration or ribbon…
Zenia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Greek name Xenia, meaning "hospitality" or "foreign," reflecting the ancient Greek concept of welcoming strangers.…
Variation of Anais
Anais, the name forever attached to the daring French-born American novelist and diarist Anais Nin, is unusual and French enough without appending an e, though some may think it clarifies…
"white"
Blanche, which originated as a nickname for a pale blonde and then became associated with the notion of purity, was in style a century ago, ranking in the double digits until 1920. She then had to…
Davide is the Italian form of David, a masculine name with Hebrew origins meaning 'beloved' or 'favorite one.' This variant maintains the biblical connection to King David while adding a distinctly…
"oak tree"
An appealing surname-name that sounds perfectly feminine, unless you consider the association to Vice President Dick.
"servant"
In Arthurian legend, Lancelot was one of the most dashing of the Knights of the Round Table who eventually had an affair with Queen Guinevere: it makes for a romantic story-- but perhaps overly…
Germanic
"fatherland; wealth, fortune"
Though it has never charted in the United States, this frilly name has the elements some brave, modern namers might find attractive—namely, the initial O and the -ia suffix. St. Odile of Alsace, also…
"love"
Aime is a delicate feminine name with French origins, derived from the French verb 'aimer' meaning 'to love'. Pronounced 'EM' or 'EYM-ay', this simple yet meaningful name carries warmth and affection…
Variation of Beau, French
"handsome, beautiful, beauties"
An alternative spelling to short and punchy Beau, this form coincides with the French plural form of the word. It recently entered the US Top 1000 for boys in 2025, having steadily risen up the…
Elinore is a feminine name that represents a variation of Eleanor, a name with Greek origins meaning 'bright, shining one' or 'light.' This spelling variant maintains the elegant, classic feel of…
Spelling variation of Breton, French
"from Brittany"
Veering toward Brittany.
Occitan pet form of French Liliane, or French compound of Lili and Louise
"lily; lily + renowned warrior"
Sweet, enchanting Lilou is considered both a pet name from the Occitan language (spoken in Provence in the south of France), and a compound name, blending floral Lili with classic Louise. It peaked…
English
"woman from Magdala or high tower"
Biblical name long associated with the fallen-yet-redeemed Mary Magdalen, now rising improbably into the ranks of the fashionable among parents hungry for classic yet distinctive girls' names. The…
Jeremie is a masculine name representing the French variation of Jeremy, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah), meaning "appointed by God" or "God will uplift." This…
