Names That Mean Form

Nuala

Irish, short form of Fionnuala

"white shoulders"

Officially a shortening of the traditional and tricky Gaelic Fionnghuala/Fionnuala, Nuala makes a lovely choice all on its own. Nuala is well-used in Ireland.

Calvina

Latin, feminine form of Calvin

There are several better Cal- names that don't simply echo a male form.

Fannie

Spelling variation of Fanny, diminutive of Frances

"from France; free man"

It's hard to believe, via a 21st-century sensibility, that Fannie was ever a Top 50 name. But Fannie was even more popular than Fanny in its late 19th-century heyday, and stuck around much longer,…

Catriona

Scottish form of Katherine, Greek

"pure"

This Katherine variation, used through Ireland and Scotland, is pronounced like Katrina. The name became popular after the Crusaders brought home stories about the colorful fourth century martyr,…

Gavi

Short form of Gavrielle

"God is my strength"

A short form of Gavrielle, used predominantly in Israel, much like an equivalent to Gabi or Gabby.

Gabi

Short form of Gabriella

"God is my strength"

Cute nickname but the "gabby" synonym might prove problematic, especially is your daughter is chatty....or not.

Gala

Russian and Slavic feminine form of Galina

Festive name of the wife of Salvador Dali. In Spanish, Gala comes from the Roman name Galla, a feminine form of Gallus meaning "rooster" or "a person from Gaul".

Galina

Russian and Slavic feminine form of Galen, Greek

"calm, healer"

Commonly used in Russia, has an Old World Slavic feel. The original Galen can be used for girls as well as boys.

Jovana

Serbian and Macedonian feminine form of John, Hebrew

"God is gracious"

This Slavic variation would make a pleasant and slightly more unusual alternative to Johanna or Giovanna.

Andrina

English feminization of Andrew, Greek

"strong and manly"

Andrina is best-known as an older sister of The Little Mermaid.