By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 21 pages
of 21
Brazilian Portuguese and German feminization of Damian, Greek
"to tame, subdue"
A name with an ancient pedigree which might prove confusing to the modern ear.
Pet form of Swanhild, Swanaburg, or similar, German, Frisian
"swan; little swan"
Strong, poetic, and with a hint of mystique, Swantje is both a Frisian pet form of names containing the "swan" element, and a stand-alone name, meaning "little swan" or "daughter of the swans". In…
Benedikta is the feminine form of Benedict, derived from the Latin name Benedictus, meaning "blessed." With roots in early Christianity, it gained prominence through St. Benedict of Nursia, the…
Beatrisa is a feminine name that represents a variation of Beatrice, which derives from Latin 'Beatrix' meaning 'she who brings happiness' or 'blessed.' This particular form shows Spanish or Eastern…
English and German diminutive of Dorothy and Dorothea
"gift of God"
Some parents might like this energetic diminutive for Dorothy used in the Bush family, though the traditional Dottie and Dot seem to be coming back.
German
"brave friend"
Writer James Baldwin could make this an inspirational choice for a child of either sex.
English from German
"noble, bearlike"
With the growing popularity for girls of such names as Aubrey and Audrey, Auberon feels like a fresh and viable option.
German variation of Liselotte, combination of Liese and Charlotte
"pledged to God + free man"
Also spelled Liselotte, this is a clunky-but-cute compound name of German, Danish, Swedish, and Dutch origin. It combines elements of popular Elizabeth with popular Charlotte to create a name with a…
English
"eagle power"
Feminine spin on Arnold that received a brief flurry of use in the early 1990s.
Anastasie is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from 'anastasis' meaning 'resurrection.' It's the French form of Anastasia, a name with deep historical and religious significance in Orthodox…
Femininzation of Herman, German
"army man"
Hermine and Hermina once ranked in the US Top 1000 for girls, but the First World War put an end to the popularity of these and many other German names. Now, both names are extinct though father name…
Amilie is a delicate feminine name that appears as a variant spelling of Amélie, the French form of Amelia. Originating from Germanic roots meaning 'work' or 'industrious,' the name carries a sense…
Scandinavian, Norse, German, Dutch
"enclosure, stronghold; brave, hardy spear"
Gerda is one of two things: a modern, Latinized form of the Old Norse name Gerd or a feminine form of the masculine German name, also Gerd. Not currently in style, it has a strong, ancient sounding…
Feminine form of Philinos, German, Greek
"friend, lover"
A feminine form of an Ancient Greek name, Philine was popularized in the 18th century by the author Goethe, who used it in his novel Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship . Also spelled as Philina, it…
Diminutive of Meret, German
"little pearl"
This rare literary name appears in Gottfried Keller's 1855 novel Der grüne Heinrich ( Green Henry ). Fiesty and beautiful Meretlein lived in the woods and was constantly causing trouble. Ultimately,…
"beloved God"
This feminine form of Gottlieb sounds as medieval as it is. It's one medieval name that has not made it into the modern age.
Amalea is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Amalia, which derives from Germanic roots meaning "work" or "labor," suggesting industriousness. Alternatively, it…
English diminutive of Maud or Matilda, German
"battle mighty"
Malkin is medieval short form of Maud or Matilda, popular in the Middle Ages. The name later developed folkloric associations, sometimes referring to a female cat (particularly a green-eyed one) or a…
German variation of Louisa
"renowned warrior"
Obscure form of an old-fashioned favorite that's poised to make a comeback. This version, which owes as much to Alison as to Louisa, has a stylish A beginning and a multi-syllabic feminine grace.
English, German, French, Irish
"whose, of which; highest part, above; one from South Munster"
A new-age literary name, Dessen is the surname of Y.A. author, Sarah Dessen, writer of That Summer, Just Listen, and The Truth About Forever . With nickname Dessie, it may appeal to fans of the…
