By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 776 pages
of 776
Diminutive of Jane
"God is gracious"
Janet started as a pet form of Jane but has long been used independently. Jane is a feminine form of John, which derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan. Janet can also be considered a variation of…
French variation of Joy
Pronounced as the English word joy, rather than as the French phrase joie de vivre, Joie might produce more complications than joy.
Josey is a sweet, approachable feminine name typically considered a diminutive form of Josephine, which derives from the Hebrew name Joseph meaning 'God will add.' This spelling variation, with an…
Variation of Kaylin
Kaylen is a little bit Kayla, a little bit Kay plus Lynn, and ultimately one of those modern names that is unlikely to survive the future.
Arabic
"treasure"
Kenza may feel perfectly in step with modern names like McKenzie and Kinsey and Kendra, but there was an 8th century Moroccan queen named Kenza so the name has deep roots. Kenza is that rare name…
Spelling variation of Kylie
"boomerang"
Kiley is one of the more reasonable of the Kylie variations, which also include Kilea, Kilee, Kileigh, Kili, Kilie, Kylee, Kyley, Kyli, ad infinitum. Despite its similarity to the popular Riley, the…
Diminutive of Leonard, German
"brave lion"
This old man nickname feels remarkably fresh when applied to girls and can be used as a short form of Lena, Helena, Magdalena, Lennon or Lennox. The pan-European Leni is identical in sound yet feels…
Spelling variation of Lily or diminutive of Lilian
Lili has been blooming in many forms for a couple of decades now. The Lili version will surely get more attention now that the Duke and Duchess of Susses, aka Harry and Meghan, are using is as a…
French or Breton
"chief or prince"
This feminine form of Mael has the distinctive "aelle" ending found in Brittany. In the French spelling Maëlle, it is a Top 100 girls' name in France.
Mayah is a beautiful feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Maya, which has roots in various cultures. In Hebrew, it can mean 'spring' or 'water', while in…
Miral is a feminine name with roots in several linguistic traditions. In Arabic, it can relate to meanings like 'provider' or be connected to the word for myrrh. In Hebrew contexts, it might be…
Irish
"noble good"
Mona had more than a moment in the sun, peaking in 1950 at Number 230 but falling off the Top 1000 completely in the late 1980s. Its similarity to the word "moaner" undercuts the appeal of its…
Lechitic
"to fade, disappear"
Niya is an alternative name for Lilith, a demon or goddess in mythology. Niya is still worshipped today in a cult located in parts of Eastern Europe.
German
"godly helmet"
Selma has recently been given a more youthful spin via actresses Selma Blair and Salma Hayek. But while Selma has not yet become popular again in the US, it is widely used in both Sweden and Norway.…
Skarlett is a contemporary feminine name that represents a stylized spelling variation of Scarlett. The original name comes from the Old French 'escarlate,' referring to a rich, bright red color or…
Word name or short form of Astoria
Storie may be viewed in two ways: a respelling of whimsical word name Story, or a nickname for Astor or Astoria. Meaning "a tale, a telling of events" or perhaps "hawk", Storie made its debut to the…
Diminutive of Christina et al
Tina, despite its petite and tinkly image, is apt these days to be replaced by the more elegant originals, Christina and Martina.It does have some strong namesakes, though, in Tina Turner (born Anna…
Word name
"in a truthful way"
A would-be up-and-comer if it wasn't for the spiked seltzer brand.
A bit too self-congratulatory and, understandably, exceedingly rare. Still, if you're looking for a modern virtue name for your daughter, this may be one of the best qualities to exemplify.
Blakley is a feminine name with English origins, though it's also used occasionally for boys. Originally a surname derived from Old English elements 'blæc' (black) and 'leah' (clearing, meadow),…
