Names That Mean Grace

This spin on the popular Hannah is widely-used in Europe and pronounced similarly to Hannah. It may also be a short form of Johanne, from John/Joan.

Hanne

There was a time when <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/162/french-names">French names</a> like Annette, Paulette – and Nanette – were chic, but now, we'd have to say "No, no, Nanette".

Nanette

Diminutive form of Anna, pronounced "ah-nee-tsa" in Slovene, Croatian and Serbian and like Annika in Romanian.

Anica

German combo name borne by German Green politician Annalena Baerbock.

Annalena

A compound name that mirrors the cadence of Caroline but with a twist at the end. The name was briefly popular during the 30s and 40s. 

Carolann

Hendel

Not quite Nanette and not quite Ninon, this is one of the more unusual 'ette' options.  There was an eponymous Spanish film, starring Elsa Pataky, based on a novel.

Ninette

A modern spin on Liana, and Leanne, possible inspired by the Game of Thrones / A Song of Ice and Fire character Lyanna Stark too. Relating back to the climbing plant, the liana, or to the compound Leanne meaning "meadow grace", Lyanni makes a playful, modern twist.
 
The name Lyanni shot up the stats in 2024 when it was given to 43 girls, having only ever appeared in the charts on two other occasions, in 2017 and 2011, when it was given to 6 girls. One possible influence could be Portuguese singer Luciana Abreu and footballer Yannick Djaló, who have a daughter called Lyanni, who has had more of a presence on her mother's social media in recent years.

Lyanni

Anouk, made famous by French actress Anouk Aimée, is a singular name with a lovely sound and a Bohemian feel. Anouk Aimée was born as Francoise, but adopted the first name of the character she played in her debut film.
 Anouk, which is quite popular in The Netherlands, was the name of the young daughter in the French film Chocolat. (some other interesting character names in that movie are Vianne, Roux and Dedou.) The Belgian supermodel spells her name Anouck Lepére.
 Anouk is one of the most appealing of the An-starting names.

Anouk

A lively, affectionate Russian pet name that is never given as a full name in its homeland, but has found some popularity in upper-crusty British society. It's also a surprising cultural crossover name due to its resemblance to the Indian name Anushka. British-Indian musician and composer Anoushka Shankar, daughter of Ravi, is a famous bearer.

Anoushka

Charming alternative to the overused Grace. 

Engracia

An appealingly international spin on Grace. 

Graziana

The added h turns Anita alluring and breathy. 

Hanita

For Americans, a little too he for a she. 

Panna is a name with many allusions — in addition to being a Hungarian variant of Anna (PAWN-naw) and a Hindi gemstone name (PAHN-nah), it is also a serene and sacred city in India and the Italian word for cream (PA-nuh). Panna might make a fresh alternative to Anna or Hannah. 

Panna

Zaynab is the name of the Prophet Muhammad's oldest daughter.  When written as Zaynabu or Zainabu, it's a name found in both the Arabic and Swahili languages and cultures.

Zaynabu

Highly unusual; conceivable alternative to Daniel. 

Chaniel

Eastman is a solid, old-style Atlantic seaboard surname.  But as a first name, we think Easton works better.

Eastman

Hulbert

Annik is a pleasing combination of unusual and familiar.  As first Ann and now Anna become overused, you might want to explore its wilder variations such as this Eastern European short form.