By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 326 pages
of 326
Miarose is a modern compound feminine name that combines the popular short form Mia (derived from Maria, meaning 'beloved' or 'wished-for child') with the classic floral name Rose. This contemporary…
Milanie is a feminine name that likely developed as a variation of Melanie, which comes from Greek roots meaning 'black' or 'dark.' The spelling with 'i' instead of 'e' gives it a distinctive quality…
French
"to admire"
A pretty name that may pose pronunciation problems for non-French speakers or those who've never encountered it, but it is worth the effort. Pronounced meer-AY (or closer to MEE-RAY in French), it…
Monse is a feminine name of Spanish origin, commonly used as a nickname for Montserrat, which refers to the 'jagged mountain' in Catalonia, Spain where the famous monastery of Santa Maria de…
Diminutive of Regina, Latin
"queen"
Boyish short form of Regina, which is so clunky it's cool. Reggie has a retro charm that feels fresh again. Female Reggies include Reggie Rocket from Rocket Power , adding a sporty, spunky vibe to…
Short form of Richard, English, German
"dominant ruler"
A traditional nickname for Richard, popular in the 60s, Richie joins Scottie and Stevie as "boyish"-nickname-names for girls. Used occasionally in the 20th-century, it re-entered the US charts in…
Saphire is a feminine name derived from the precious gemstone sapphire, known for its deep blue color. This alternate spelling omits one 'p' from the traditional 'sapphire,' giving it a unique touch…
English word name or elaboration of Star
"aspirational actress; little star"
A sound-alike to Scarlett, Starlette might be considered a word name, associated with actresses on the brink of stardom, or it may be an elaborate form of Star, with the diminutive -lette suffix.…
Stefanie is a feminine name that represents a German and Dutch variation of Stephanie, ultimately derived from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning "crown" or "garland." This elegant name carries…
Latin
"one, unity"
Ace is a retro nickname most often used for boys, as in Ace Ventura. While some celebrities have adopted it for their sons, there's nothing that makes this name exclusively male.
Adalene is a feminine name with Germanic roots, likely derived from the elements 'adal' meaning 'noble' or 'aristocratic' and 'lene,' a diminutive suffix conveying endearment. It can be considered a…
Alaine is a feminine name with multiple cultural roots. It has French origins as a feminine variation of Alain, ultimately derived from the Breton name Alan, meaning 'handsome' or 'cheerful.' In some…
Spanish and Portuguese combination of Ana and Marie
"grace + drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Variant of Annemarie
Annelie is a charming feminine name with Germanic and Scandinavian origins. It developed as a variation of Anneli, which itself is a Nordic diminutive of Anna. The name combines the grace of Anne…
Diminutive of Albertine or Alberta, English or Germanic
"noble, bright"
So uncool it's cool! Bertie makes for a boyish nickname for Alberta, Roberta, Bertille, Albertine... or just use it on its own, à la Billie or Frankie. Old school unisex nickname names are back in…
English diminutive of Catherine
"pure"
Time was, even C-starting Catherines who called themselves Kate spelled it with a K, but Cate Blanchett changed all. Cate is now as acceptable as (but not as well used as) Kate. Cait might be short…
French variation of Cecilia
"blind"
Attractive, underused name made famous by the heroine of The Color Purple. Still, if you're going to go to Celie, why not go all the way to Celia or Cecelia? You can always use Celie for short.
Daphnee is a feminine name representing a French-influenced spelling variation of Daphne. The name derives from Greek mythology, where Daphne was a nymph who transformed into a laurel tree to escape…
Darlette is a feminine name that serves as a diminutive form of Darlene, which itself derives from the English word 'darling,' meaning beloved or dear one. The addition of the French-influenced…
Esmie is a charming feminine name that developed as a diminutive form of Esme, which itself derives from the Old French word 'esmé' meaning 'esteemed' or 'beloved.' This sweet, vintage-sounding name…
