By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 7 pages
of 7
Spelling variation of Karen, Danish variation of Katherine
"pure"
Modernized spelling not enough to revive Karen.
Daven as a feminine name represents an interesting gender crossover, as it's more commonly recognized as a masculine name of Celtic and Hebrew origins. For girls, it offers a modern, strong…
Scandinavian, diminutive of Hedvig
Hedda is a card-carrying member of the league of older, slightly bohemian urban names like Nedda, Andra, and Petra; also linked to Ibsen heroine Hedda Gabler, as well as being the basis of cruel joke…
Scandinavian
"holy, blessed"
A traditional Nordic name, Helga was extremely popular throughout Scandinavia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In Germany, it was a Top 10 pick from 1924 to 1943. And it still ranks in the…
Else is a feminine name with Germanic origins, functioning as both a standalone name and a short form of names containing the element 'Elis' such as Elisabeth or Elise. In German and Scandinavian…
Scandinavian, diminutive of Federica or Erica
Pretty but slight.
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…
Grethe is a feminine Scandinavian name, primarily used in Norway and Denmark, that functions as a variant of Greta or Margaret. Its ultimate origins trace back to the Greek 'margarites' meaning…
"god's rune; secret battle"
Difficult name familiar here mainly via D. H. Lawrence's Women in Love .
Hedvig is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'hadu' meaning 'battle, combat' and 'wig' meaning 'war.' Despite these fierce origins, the name has developed a refined,…
"sword goddess"
Pronunciation problems overwhelm this name.
Scandinavian variation of Isaac
When the Danish author Karen Blixen chose Isak Dinesen as her male pseudonym, she set a precedent that could well be followed today.
Jakobe represents a modern variant spelling of Jacob, which derives from Hebrew meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.' This contemporary spelling combines traditional roots with distinctive…
Variation of Jannik
"God is gracious"
With its upbeat Slavic/Scandinavian air, it has the most potential of all the Jan names.
Danish and Norwegian diminutive of Johanna
This common name for both boys and girls in Scandinavia would definitely work better as a feminine name in the U.S.
Jytte is a feminine Danish name with Norse roots, functioning as a Danish form of Judith. The original Hebrew name Judith means 'woman from Judea' or 'praised,' while Jytte has evolved its own…
Kyran as a feminine name represents an interesting gender crossover, as it originated primarily as a masculine name in Irish tradition. Derived from the Gaelic name Ciarán (from 'ciar' meaning 'dark'…
Danish variation of Katherine or Karen
Karin was a fairly popular spelling variation of Karen in the US but fell off the Top 1000 in the late 80s, as Karen's popularity wained. Today, the Karen meme interferes with the otherwise appealing…
Kieron is traditionally a masculine name of Irish origin, though listed here as feminine. It represents an anglicized spelling of the Irish name Ciarán or Kieran, derived from 'Ciar' meaning 'dark'…
Karan as a feminine name has multiple cultural origins. In Hindi, it's primarily masculine, meaning 'helper' or 'one who acts,' but has been adapted as a feminine name in Western contexts. It may…
