By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 15 pages
of 15
German
"strong protection"
An ancient saint's name belonging to an 8th century English missionary. Variants include Walpurga and Walpurgis.
"ruler"
Where's Walda? Out of the running.
Minchen is a feminine name of German origin, functioning traditionally as an affectionate diminutive of Wilhelmine or Minna. The suffix "-chen" is a German diminutive indicating smallness or…
Helmine is a feminine name of Germanic origin, functioning as a feminine form of Wilhelm (William). It combines the Germanic elements "wil" (will, desire) and "helm" (helmet, protection), thus…
Feminine form of Caecilius, Latin
"blind"
The ancient Roman name that gave us Cecilia, Cecily, and related names. This spelling looks authentic, but might raise more pronunciation problems than it solves.
Helma is a feminine name with Germanic origins, functioning as a diminutive form of names containing the element "helm," meaning "helmet" or "protection." It can be considered a variation of…
Agna is a feminine name with ancient roots spanning multiple cultures. In Latin contexts, it relates to 'agnus' meaning 'lamb,' symbolizing gentleness and purity. The name also appears in Indian…
"alluring, temptress"
We think the more spelling, Lorelei, works better.
"goose"
The meaning is kind of silly, but the name might make a distinctive update of Janet.
Italian, German, Dutch, and Polish version of Eleanor
"bright, shining one"
The usual form of Eleonara is Eleanora, with each syllable pronounced, but transposing, adding, or subtracting a vowel or syllable here or there works fine and adds to the international, feminine…
Variation of the word wild or German
"to strive"
Wilda (or Wylda) has two widely divergent images. Pronounced vill-da, it feels like a cousin of Hilda: a sturdy and none-too-attractive prairie settler. But you can also think of her as wild-ah, as…
"to travel, to proceed"
Old man's name just conceivable for a girl--makes a new spin on Wendy.
German variation of Mary
"bitter"
Pronounced MY-keh, this German form of Mary was very popular a few decades ago. Might make a fresh alternative to Mikayla and sisters. The Frisian version is Maike, and the Biblical male Micah sounds…
Mary has hundreds of variations around the world, and this German form, pronounced Ma-RYE-keh, is virtually unknown in English-speaking lands. A possible alternative to Mariah?
German and Frisian short form of Elizabeth
"pledged to God"
Elizabeth is a name of hundreds of variations, but this German name for girls , redolent of the Olde Country, is unfamiliar in the U.S. and likely to remain so.
Norman, German
"strong in work"
Melisende, the mellifluous name of a 12th century queen of Jerusalem, gave rise to the more modern Millicent, after it was brought to England by the Normans. Ultimately, it comes from the Gothic…
French form of Millicent, German
This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized…
German short form of Cornelia
"horn"
Cute tomboyish diminutive that's popular in Germany but has not spread far. An interesting choice for the parent who wants an elaborate feminine proper name with a modern short form.
German feminine diminutive of Roman name Crescens
"to grow"
Senta is a lovely name, but if you name your daughter Senta, will the kids call her Santa? Maybe, but this obscure yet simple German name for girls .may appeal to parents searching the untraveled…
The German name for girls Wylda was introduced to the world by British filmmaker/artist, director of Fifty Shades of Gray Sam Taylor-Wood and her actor husband, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who named their…
