By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 607 pages
of 607
Swahili
"rebellious"
Americans use Asani for their sons and daughters, but it originated as a Swahili masculine given name. With its bold meaning and popular -i ending, it appeals as a gender neutral name, given to 40…
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.
Emmersyn is a feminine name representing a modern, feminine adaptation of the surname Emerson, which historically meant 'son of Emery' with Germanic roots meaning 'industrious' or 'powerful.' This…
Kamaya is a name with several possible origins. It may derive from Sanskrit, where 'kama' means 'love' or 'desire' and 'maya' can mean 'illusion' or 'magic.' In Japanese, 'Kamaya' could be formed…
Soliana is a beautiful feminine name with roots in Latin and Italian languages. It's likely derived from 'sol', meaning 'sun', giving it a warm, radiant quality. The name conveys brightness, hope,…
Zalaya is a modern feminine name with a melodic quality and contemporary appeal. While its precise origins are uncertain, it may have emerged as a creative variation of names like Zariah, Zalia, or…
Hindi
"beyond birth; infinite"
In Sikhism, ajooni is the concept of divine formlessness — a tenet of the religion as Sikhs do not worship idols. The Hindi-language drama Ajooni has boosted this name in the US where it has tripled…
Emarie is a modern feminine name that appears to be a creative blend of traditional elements. It likely combines the popular prefix 'Em-' (found in names like Emma, Emily, and Emilia) with 'marie,' a…
Feminine variation of Eugene, Greek
"wellborn, noble"
Eugenia, a name scarcely used at all since the 1980's, is another that flourished a century ago and could be due for a revival. Eugenia has some interesting literary references, including the…
Harmonii is a feminine name that represents a modern, stylized variation of 'Harmony.' With its distinctive double 'i' ending, it offers a contemporary twist on the musical concept of sounds blending…
Spanish, feminine variation of Juan
Pervasive in all Spanish-speaking cultures, Juanita, like Juana, has not emigrated.
Kaliya is a feminine name with multiple possible origins across different cultures. In Sanskrit traditions, Kaliya (कालिय) refers to a serpent in Hindu mythology defeated by Krishna. In Slavic…
Combination of Maya and Nayeli or Eliana, Spanish
"mother's sun"
Bright, bubbly, and melodic, Mayeli is a pretty name with a variety of meanings. First appearing in the US stats in the late 80s, a recent year saw it given to more than 60 girls. If you view the…
Mihira is a feminine name with Sanskrit origins, derived from a word meaning 'sun' or 'solar.' In Hindu tradition, Mihira is another name for Surya, the sun deity, symbolizing light, warmth, and…
Greek, feminine variation of Philip
"lover of horses"
Philippa is a prime example of a boy's name adapted for girls that was common as crumpets in Cornwall, but rarely heard stateside. That was before the advent of royal sister-in-law Philippa…
Feminine variation of Robert, English from German
"bright fame"
Roberta has been one of the most successful feminization names, up at #64 in 1936. It's a name that's found all over children's lit, often nicknamed Bobbie or Robbie, though Bertie is another…
Variation of Susanna
Part Susanna, part Suzanne, Suzanna is a smidge less attractive than either of those classic options but still carries some appeal. But you (and your child) WILL be spelling it forever.
Talayah is a modern feminine name with possible Arabic origins. It may be a creative variation of the name Talaya, which has roots meaning 'rain' or 'morning dew' in certain Arabic interpretations.…
Italian variation of Victoria, Latin
"victory"
An appealing Italianate alternative to the classic queenly Victoria, though in Anglophone countries it will be forever misunderstood as Victoria. Could be an appealing long form for a girl called not…
Wynona is a feminine name with Native American origins, specifically from the Sioux language, meaning 'firstborn daughter.' The name gained wider recognition through various cultural references,…
