9 Letter Girl Names

Penélope is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Penelope, a name with ancient Greek origins. In Greek mythology, Penélope was the faithful wife of Odysseus who waited twenty years for his return from the Trojan War. The name is believed to derive from Greek elements meaning 'weaver' or possibly 'duck,' as she was known for weaving and unweaving a burial shroud to delay her suitors. The accented form Penélope is particularly popular in Spanish-speaking countries and Brazil. The name's popularity has increased globally in recent decades, partly due to the fame of Spanish actress Penélope Cruz. It combines classical heritage with a melodic quality and cross-cultural appeal. Parents are often drawn to its combination of historical depth, feminine elegance, and the strength associated with its mythological namesake.

Penélope

The mixed-race heroine of one of Gertrude Stein's Three Lives searches for knowledge and power.

Melanctha

If you're looking for a really untouristed place name, Aquitaine could be it.  Aquitaine is a region of France that includes both Bordeaux and Biarritz and is famous for such food and drink as its pates and cassoulets, Armagnac brandy and Bordeaux wines.

Aquitaine

Sansonnet

Macmillan is an unusual feminine given name that originated as a Scottish surname, derived from the Gaelic 'Mac Maolain,' meaning 'son of the tonsured one,' often referring to a devotee of St. Columba. While predominantly known as a family name and publishing house, its use as a first name is exceptionally rare. The name carries a distinguished, literary association due to the famous Macmillan publishing company. When used for girls, it offers a strong, intellectual quality with potential nicknames like 'Mac' or 'Millie' providing softer alternatives. Its rarity makes it a bold choice that stands out dramatically from popular feminine names, appealing to parents seeking a name with Scottish heritage and unusual distinction.

Macmillan

Mcpherson as a feminine given name represents an uncommon and distinctive choice that originated from a Scottish surname. Traditionally, Mcpherson (meaning "son of the parson/minister") comes from the Gaelic "Mac a' Phearsain." While primarily known as a family name, its transition to a first name follows the modern trend of using surnames as given names. This practice became particularly popular in American naming culture. As a feminine first name, Mcpherson remains exceptionally rare, offering a strong, unique identity with Scottish heritage connections. The name carries connotations of dignity and tradition, while breaking conventional gender-naming norms, making it an unusually distinctive choice for girls.

Mcpherson

Mallarmé is an unusual feminine name derived from a distinguished French surname, most famously associated with Stéphane Mallarmé, the influential 19th-century Symbolist poet. This literary connection gives the name intellectual and artistic connotations. As a given name, Mallarmé is exceedingly rare, appealing to parents with strong ties to French culture or literary backgrounds. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing sounds and elegant accent, embodying French sophistication. Its rarity ensures individuality while its cultural pedigree provides substance. The name carries an inherent poetic quality, evoking images of artistic sensibility and creative expression. While challenging for non-French speakers to pronounce correctly, Mallarmé offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with profound cultural significance and artistic heritage.

Mallarmé

Kathyleen is a feminine name that appears to be a creative variation of Kathleen or a combination of Kathy and the suffix 'leen.' The traditional Irish name Kathleen derives from 'Caitlín,' the Irish form of Katherine, ultimately meaning 'pure.' Kathyleen emerged primarily in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, possibly as parents sought to blend the nickname Kathy with the full name Kathleen. This variation maintains the classic appeal of Kathleen while incorporating the popular nickname directly into the formal name. While never extremely common, Kathyleen saw modest usage between the 1940s and 1970s. The name carries the same warm, traditional qualities as Kathleen but with a slightly more distinctive spelling that sets it apart.

Kathyleen

Samanthia is an elaborated feminine form of Samantha. Samantha itself emerged in the 18th century in America, possibly as a feminine form of Samuel, which has Hebrew origins meaning "name of God" or "God has heard." The variant Samanthia adds a more lyrical quality with the additional syllable. While less common than Samantha, which gained significant popularity in the 1960s-1980s, Samanthia offers a more distinctive alternative with the same potential for nicknames like Sam or Sammy. The name carries a blend of classical elegance and modern appeal, particularly for parents seeking a name with familiar roots but a unique presentation.

Samanthia

Sammantha is a feminine name that represents an alternative spelling of the classic name Samantha. The original Samantha emerged in America during the 18th century, possibly created as a feminine form of Samuel, which means 'heard by God' in Hebrew. The distinctive double 'm' spelling gives Sammantha a more elaborate, personalized feel while retaining the meaning and heritage of the original. Samantha gained significant popularity in the 1960s, partly due to the character in the television show 'Bewitched.' While the Sammantha spelling is less common, it appeals to parents seeking a familiar name with a unique twist. The name carries connotations of strength and intelligence, with the friendly nickname options of Sam or Sammie.

Sammantha

Esparanza is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of the Spanish name 'Esperanza,' which means 'hope' or 'expectation.' Derived from the Latin 'sperare' meaning 'to hope,' it carries powerful connotations of optimism and positive anticipation. While the traditional spelling Esperanza is more common, Esparanza offers a slight variation that maintains the name's essential pronunciation and meaning. The name has deep cultural significance in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly connected to 'Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza' (Our Lady of Hope) in Catholic traditions. Though less common than its traditional counterpart, Esparanza provides a beautiful option for parents seeking a name with profound meaning and Latin roots. The rhythmic five syllables create a melodious quality that flows naturally in conversation despite its substantial length.

Esparanza

Macarthur as a feminine given name is quite unusual, as it's traditionally a Scottish surname meaning "son of Arthur." The name gained prominence through historical figures like General Douglas MacArthur. While uncommon as a first name for girls, it follows the trend of using surnames as given names, similar to Madison or Kennedy. The masculine associations make it a bold, unexpected choice for a girl, perhaps appealing to parents seeking a strong, distinctive name. Mac or Artie could serve as natural nicknames. The name carries connotations of strength, leadership, and military heritage, creating an impression of resilience and authority.

Macarthur

Elizebeth is an alternative spelling of Elizabeth, one of history's most enduring feminine names. The traditional Elizabeth derives from the Hebrew Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath' or 'pledged to God.' This variant spelling with an 'e' instead of 'a' gives the classic name a slightly different visual appearance while maintaining its regal sound and historical connections. Throughout history, Elizabeth has been borne by queens, saints, and notable women across many fields. The Elizebeth spelling has historical precedent as well—Elizebeth Smith Friedman, a pioneering American cryptanalyst, bore this spelling. While less common than the traditional spelling, Elizebeth offers a subtle distinction for a name with deep historical roots and royal associations.

Elizebeth

Salvadora

Philomene is a feminine name of Greek origin derived from 'philomenes,' meaning 'loved' or 'sweet-singing.' It's connected to Greek mythology through Philomela, who was transformed into a nightingale, giving the name associations with music and beautiful sounds. Philomene is more common in French-speaking regions and parts of Europe, though it remains relatively rare globally. The name enjoyed modest popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become less common. It carries an elegant, classical quality that appeals to parents seeking sophisticated traditional names with literary connections. Variations include Philomena, Filomena, and Philomèna.

Philomene

An elaboration of Mariana and a sea-inspired choice that once ranked in the US Top 1000 in the late 19th century. 

Marianita

Theodocia is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from the elements 'theos' meaning 'God' and 'doxa' meaning 'glory' or 'praise,' essentially translating to 'glory of God' or 'praise of God.' It's a variant form of Theodosia, which was borne by several early Christian saints. This elaborated feminine form shares roots with the masculine Theodore. The name has an elegant, classical quality with its Greek origins and rhythmic syllables. Theodocia fell from common usage centuries ago and remains extremely rare in contemporary naming practices. It offers potential nicknames like Thea, Theo, or Docia. The name carries an air of antiquity and scholarly refinement, appealing to parents drawn to names with historical depth and religious significance.

Theodocia

Margretta is a feminine name representing an elaborate variation of Margaret, which derives from Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' This expanded form adds an extra syllable and ending flourish to the classic name, creating a more ornate, traditional impression. Margretta carries the same rich historical legacy as Margaret, which has been used by saints, queens, and notable women throughout European history. The name has a somewhat old-world, vintage charm with its extended form feeling reminiscent of naming conventions from earlier centuries. While less common than Margaret or even Margareta, Margretta offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with historical depth, feminine elegance, and a slightly uncommon variation of a recognized classic.

Margretta

Sallianne is a feminine name that combines the classic 'Sallie' (a diminutive of Sarah, meaning 'princess' in Hebrew) with 'Anne' (derived from Hannah, meaning 'grace'). This compound creation offers a charming, somewhat old-fashioned quality that evokes Southern American naming traditions. The double 'l' and double 'n' give the name a distinctive spelling while maintaining its traditional roots. Sallianne provides versatility through potential nicknames like Sallie, Anne, or Annie. While never reaching widespread popularity, this name occasionally appears in families seeking to honor multiple relatives in one name. Its four-syllable structure creates a rhythmic, melodious sound that carries an air of gentility and warmth, reminiscent of combined names popular in previous generations.

Sallianne

Esperansa is a variation of Esperanza, a feminine Spanish name meaning "hope" or "expectation," derived from the Latin "sperare" (to hope). This alternative spelling replaces the 'z' with an 's', giving it a slightly different visual appearance while maintaining the original pronunciation. The name carries profound symbolic meaning, representing optimism and positive expectations for the future. In Hispanic cultures, Esperanza has significant cultural and religious associations, often connected to Our Lady of Hope in Catholic traditions. While the standard spelling Esperanza is more common, Esperansa offers a subtle variation that maintains the name's beautiful meaning and melodic quality while providing a unique twist. The name embodies aspiration and resilience.