Updated September 2019
Across 35 pages
of 35
American place-name
"Charles' town"
Charleston is one of those baby names that may become more popular thanks to its nickname Charlie, now used about equally for boys and girls. If you want to call your daughter Charlie but believe she…
Russian, Ukrainian and Bulgarian version of Alexandra, Greek
"defending men"
Aleksandra is the preferred spelling in many Eastern European languages and cultures, but for English-speakers it's ironically more confusing if also perfectly phonetically clear.
Annastasia is an elaborate variation of Anastasia, a name with Greek origins meaning 'resurrection' or 'one who will be reborn.' This spelling adaptation maintains the name's regal, feminine…
Charolette is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Charlotte, which derives from the masculine name Charles, ultimately meaning 'free man' or 'warrior.' This alternative spelling…
Georgianna is a feminine name derived from the masculine George, which comes from the Greek name Georgios meaning "farmer" or "earth-worker," from the elements ge (earth) and ergon (work). Georgianna…
Monserrath is a feminine name derived from Montserrat, which refers to the serrated mountain range near Barcelona, Spain, and the famous Benedictine monastery there dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This…
Gwendolynn is a feminine name representing an elaborated spelling of Gwendolyn, which derives from Welsh elements 'gwen' meaning 'white,' 'blessed,' or 'pure' and 'dolen' meaning 'ring' or 'bow.'…
Latin
"bright and beautiful"
A combination name that might be dismissed as a clown and cow name. The sounds are nevertheless pretty and the meaning is good - though spellings Claribel or Clarabel might help distance it from the…
English from Italian
"nightshade, beautiful lady"
Literally meaning "beautiful lady" in Italian, Belladonna is the name of a poisonous flower also known as nightshade. This connection gives an otherwise flowery name a darker, more dramatic edge.
Spanish
"Candlemas"
A bright and appealing Spanish name traditionally given to honor the church festival of Candlemas, which commemorates the presentation of Christ in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary.
Igbo
"my God will never fail"
Made most familiar in English-speaking countries by prize-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chimamanda has a wonderful meaning and can be shortened to Chima or the spunky Chi. In 2022, it…
French, feminine variation of Emanuel
"God is with us"
The female version of Emanuel could become more prominent, though for some it still carries a steamy image dating back to a then sensationally erotic French film. Singer and Shameless star Emmy…
Avangeline is a unique feminine name that appears to be a variant of Evangeline, combining elements of 'Eva' or 'Ava' with 'Evangeline.' The traditional Evangeline derives from Greek meaning 'bearer…
Mariaalice combines two classic feminine names—Maria and Alice—into a distinctive compound name. Maria, derived from Hebrew, means "sea of bitterness," "rebellion," or more commonly interpreted as…
Brookelynn is a feminine name representing an elaborate variant of Brooklyn. This compound name combines elements of Brooke (meaning 'small stream') and Lynn (from the Welsh element 'llyn' meaning…
Franchesca is a feminine name that represents a romantic variation of Frances or Francesca. Derived from Latin origins meaning 'free one' or 'from France,' this spelling adds a distinctive flair to…
Mariaelena is a feminine name that combines two classic names of Latin origin: Maria and Elena. Maria derives from the Hebrew name Miriam and has been one of the most enduringly popular feminine…
Yoruba
"from the body of the Lord"
Authentically spelled Tiaraolúwa, this melodious girl name combines Yoruba roots with the appealing sound of the name Tiara.
Kimberlynn is a contemporary feminine name that represents a creative combination of Kimberly and the popular suffix -lynn. This modern compound name emerged during the late 20th century as part of…
Norman
"man power"
Montgomery is an increasingly popular name for boys, especially in the UK, and now it's being used for girls as well in the US, where more than 50 baby girls were named Montgomery last year.