By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 326 pages
of 326
French
"warrior"
Marcheline was the first name of Angelina Jolie's late mother, who was part French-Canadian, which Jolie and Brad Pitt used as the middle name for their twin daughter Vivienne. The name is related to…
English place-name and surname
Obscure surname and Yorkshire and Lincolnshire place-name (where it's spelled Ferriby) makes a jaunty first. Placed in the public eye by Manhattan socialite Ferebee Bishop Taube.
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…
Alexene is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from the name Alexander, meaning 'defender of mankind' or 'protector of people.' This elegant variation adds a feminine touch to the classic…
Alissandrine is an elegant feminine name of French origin, derived as an elaborate variant of Alexandra. This uncommon and ornate name combines the French style of Alessandrine with alternative…
Allexine is an unusual feminine name that likely evolved as an elaboration of Alex or Alexis, with a distinctive feminine ending. The double 'l' and unique 'xine' suffix give it an ornate, elegant…
Composite of Sara and Lee
"princess; meadow"
The cake company pretty much knocked this otherwise-pretty compilation name out of consideration for most parents.
Alexande appears to be a feminine variant or alternative spelling of Alexander, which derives from Greek elements meaning 'defender of the people.' While Alexander is traditionally masculine, this…
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.
Basque
"mine"
As Nerea, in the Spanish Top 100, but this streamlined version is one of those golden choices that's both supremely simple and intriguingly rare.
Invented literary name
A combination-type name invented by L. Frank Baum for a Princess character who first appears in his book Ozma of Oz .
A fanciful concoction whipped up by L. Frank Baum for a beautiful and powerful princess in one of his Oz books.
Literary invention
Fanciful feminissima name created by L. Frank Baum for a character in The Patchwork Girl of Oz .
"loyal"
A kind of French virtue name, an affectionate form of Fidele.
French feminization of Jeremy or Jeremiah, Hebrew
"the Lord raises up"
The French Jeremine is one of the softest and most modern sounding of the "JER"-starting names. If you're naming a baby girl for Grandma Geraldine or Geri (or grandpa Jerome), consider Jeremine,…
Hawaiian goddess of fire
Pele is a female name in Hawaiian culture that could make a provocative choice for a modern girls. Others might think you named your daughter after the all-time great soccer player, but the simple,…
