Names That Mean Form
Across 34 pages
of 34
Abrielle
Short form of Gabrielle
Sometimes, a new name is created by lopping off the first letter or letters. Such is the case with Abrielle, which feels like Gabrielle without its shirt.
Kasia
Diminutive of Katarzyna, Polish, Greek
"pure; cassia, cinnamon"
An attractive and intriguing choice with an appealing blend of gentle and sharper sounds, Kasia is a diminutive of Katarzyna, the Polish form of Katherine. Ultimately from Greek, it is generally…
Ailis
Scottish Gaelic
"noble"
This attractive and unique Scottish form of Alice can also be found in the spelling Aileas. Like Alice, it ultimately derives from the Germanic name Adalheidis. Spelt with the fada, Ailís, it's Irish…
Alva
English form of Irish Ailbhe, Swedish and Norwegian feminine form of Alf
"white; elf"
While the male Alva or Alvah relates directly to the minor Biblical character, the female version is more likely an Anglicized form of the Irish name Ailbhe, or a feminine form the name Alf (and Alf-…
Ali
Short form of Alison or Alice or Arabic
"supreme, exalted"
One of the sweet simple unisex names balanced enough to stand on its own. Ali can either be used as a shortening of Al- beginning names. For example, comedian Ali Wong is an Alexandra. Ali is also an…
Aliz
Hungarian variation of Alice, from German
"noble"
Aliz, traditionally spelt Alíz, is a Top 50 name in Hungary and puts a zippy spin, thanks to that final z, on the classic Alice. Its similarity to names such as Elise may cause some confusion, but…
Belle
Short form of Isabelle or French
"beautiful"
Belle has nothing but positive associations, from "belle of the ball" to "Southern belle" to the heroine of Disney's Beauty and the Beast . As if this weren't enough good things, Belle is also one of…
Amedee
French form of Amadeus
This variation of Amadeus may not be as familiar in the United States, but it has potential for French speaker and those with a French lineage.
Mali
Welsh form of Molly or Thai
"jasmine flower"
Seems unfamiliar, till you realize everyone will just hear it as Molly. In Wales, Mali is a Top 100 name.
Amelina
Old German form of Emmeline and Amelia
"work"
Now that the range of names including the modern Emmeline and Amelia -- relatives of each other, but of neither Emily nor Emma -- has become so fashionable, the original root name Amelina is also due…
Amaranta
Spanish and Italian form of Amarantha
"unfading"
Amaranta is the unusual and intriguing Latinate form of the Greek botanical name Amarantha, which connects to an eternal mythical figure. An excellent choice for the parent who wants an A name but…
Emilie
Spelling variation of Emily; German and Scandinavian feminine form of Aemilius
Unlike most creative spellings, this one isn't overly trendy or overdone—in fact, it's quite delicate and pretty. However, it is clearly suffering from the plethora of similar names that are flowing…
Emeline
French form of German Amelina
"work"
An old name, with a history separate from Emily and Emma and a different kind of vintage feel, that's a possible alternative to top-of-the-pops names. More common spelling is Emmeline.
Aminah
Arabic
"trustworthy, faithful"
The usage of this Arabic name has been increasing in the US, joining the Top 1000 for the first time in 2015. Aminah bint Wahb was the mother of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
Stacia
Short form of Anastacia or Eustacia
This short form can stand on its own, perhaps because of the familiarity of Stacy, of which it may also be a variation. But Stacia feels somehow more modern and stylish than 60s-style Stacy. Stasia…
Andrina
English feminization of Andrew, Greek
"strong and manly"
Andrina is best-known as an older sister of The Little Mermaid.
Aniceta
Latinized feminine form of Ancient Greek
"unconquerable"
A delicate name with strong roots, Aniceta is most often used in contemporary Spain. Saint Anicetus was an ancient pope and martyr.
Antoinette
French feminine diminutive form of Antoine
"priceless one"
This feminization of Anthony, like other early French forms, such as Babette and Nanette, is not heard as often as it once was, but it could be time for a reappraisal of this delicate Gallic choice.…
Aoibh
Celtic, Short Form Of aoibheann
"beautiful, radiant"
One of many Irish names that, despite pronunciation challenge, are beginning to be taken into consideration here as authentic Celtic versions of familiar English names.
Apolline
French form of Apollonia, feminine variation of Apollo, Greek mythology name
"destroyer"
Apolline is a luscious French name chic in Paris -- it's a Top 100 name for baby girls in France -- and ripe for the plucking in the English-speaking world. Derived from the mythological name Apollo,…