Names That Mean Feminine
Across 12 pages
of 12
Nicola
German; English, from Greek
"people of victory"
Nicola, an elegant Latinate feminization of Nicholas, has long been standard issue for English girls but for some reason has never voyaged across the Atlantic, which we consider a pity, especially as…
Nicoletta
Italian and Spanish, diminutive of Nicole, feminine variation of Nicholas, Greek
"people of victory"
If you loved Nicole growing up but now are looking for a new spin, Nicoletta may interest you. The slightly sleeker French version is Nicolette. A shorter form is Coletta, or you could shorten it…
Noelia
Spanish, feminine variation of Noel
This name of an admired Puerto Rican pop singer has been picked up by hundreds of Hispanic parents.
Oracia
Spanish, feminine variation of Horace
Rarely used aristocratic name with ancient roots and less than appealing sound.
Orlanda
Spanish and Italian, feminine variation of Orlando
Orlanda is an intriguing feminization of Orlando, almost unknown in this country.
Polina
Russian and Basque, feminine variation of Paul
This version of the more familiar Paulina is occasionally used in the US, though some may see it as relating more to the word pole than to the classic Paul.
Paolina
Italian and Portuguese, feminine variation of Paul
"small"
Turning Paul or Paol -- whether it's as Paolo, Paolina, or even Paola -- instantly makes it more romantic and appealing.
Paule
French, feminine variation of Paul
This, the simplest French female version of Paul, was brought into the U. S. mix by novelist Paule Marshall, whose roots are in the West Indies.
Pauline
French, feminine variation of Paul
"small"
Pauline had its moment of glory a century ago, when movie audiences were thrilling to the silent serial The Perils of Pauline , released in 1914. A Top 50 name in the US between 1908 and 1930, it…
Paulette
French, feminine diminutive of Paul
"small"
It's interesting how names imported to the US from other countries and cultures have fashion cycles based on their culture of origin. Paulette along with cousins Annette and Claudette were the most…
Paulille
French, feminine variation of Paul
Almost completely unknown in this country: an intriguing possibility.
Pavla
Czech, feminine variation of Pavel
Distinctive Slavic choice.
Pedra
Spanish
"rock"
Pedra has never caught on with anything like the popularity of its male counterpart, Pedro. The Greek Petra sounds a lot cleaner and more refined.
Petra
Greek
"rock, stone"
A strong Greek name with pan-European charm, Petra is a relatively recent feminization of Peter, though it relates back to an incredible ancient city in Jordan that was rediscovered in the early…
Petronilla
Roman and Italian feminine variation of Petronius
"yokel, woodpecker, stone"
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…
Philippine
French, feminine variation of Philippe
"lover of horses"
Philippine might be taken as an ethnic identification rather than a name in the U.S. Philippa would be more easily understood, though if you don't mind eternally correcting people, Philippine can…
Pierette
French, feminine diminutive of Peter
Balletic, à la pirouette.
Plácida
Spanish
"tranquil, peaceful"
Familiar outside the Hispanic community through male opera singer Placido Domingo, this name has a calm, serene feeling.
Raphaela
Hebrew, feminine variation of Raphael
"God has healed"
A euphonious and lovely name with a dark-eyed, long-flowing-haired image, Raphaela is, like Gabriella and Isabella, beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream.
Ronalda
Scottish, feminine variation of Ronald
Not even if your husband is named Ron.