Names That Mean Man
Across 9 pages
of 9
Carly
English feminization of Carl, German
"free man"
Though a couple of its more "creative" spellings—Carli and Karlee, for example—are still on the rise, this feminine form of Carl, popularized by singer Carly Simon in the 1970s, could by no stretch…
Karlee
Variation of Carly, English
"free man"
This nouveau spelling peaked at Number 583 in 2004. In spite of its trend-making K and "ee" ending, Karlee is much less popular than the original Carly.
Carol
English, feminine variation of Charles
"free man"
A Caroline abbreviation that was wildly popular with Mom's generation...or Grandma's. At one time it was a name for baby girls born at Christmas . because of its association with Christmas carols.…
Carolyn
English variation of Caroline, French
"free man"
The phonetic Carolyn spelling, which was very popular from the 1920s to the '60s, has been steadily on the wane while Caroline herself has stayed strong. Carolyn Keene was the pseudonymous author of…
Charlene
English feminization of Charles, German and French
"free man"
Charlene is a Charlotte variation that, along with similar names like Arlene and Marlene, spiked in popularity in the 1940s and fifties, reaching a high of Number 100 in 1949. Most parents today…
Charlize
Afrikaans feminization of Charles, French
"free man"
Charlize is a name that owes its very life to a star: elegant blond South African actress Charlize Theron. She was named after her father, whose name was Charles. Charlize jumped onto the popularity…
Diandra
Greek
"twice a man; divine woman"
Diandra is one of many variations on Diana, but without the regal, classic feel. For some, that might be a drawback, while others may see it as a plus. On one hand the name could be interpreted to…
Fanny
Diminutive of Frances, English from Latin
"from France; free man"
As this word is less often used to mean derriere, it becomes more possible to view Fanny as the kind of appealingly quaint nickname name, like Josie and Nellie, that many parents are favoring now.
Fanchon
French variation of Frances
"from France; free man"
Fanchon is a sweet and affectionate Gallic choice.
Françoise
French variation of Frances
"from France; free man"
In France it's sometimes bestowed as a patriotic gesture; in English-speaking places it has an air of genteel sophistication.
Fanya
Slavic and Russian diminutive of Frances
"from France; free man"
Fanya might make an international and unusual short form for the classic Frances, or could stand as a full name on its own. Definitely classier than Tanya but with the same Eastern European flavor.
Fran
Diminutive of Frances
"from France or free man"
This short form has been pretty much replaced by Frankie, however, it could fit in with other clunky but charming names, like Peggy, Bess, and Enid.
Franny
Latin, diminutive of Frances
"from France or free man"
If Frances and Fran are too serious for you, and Fanny too saucy, you might like Franny, still identified by some with J. D. Salinger's Franny and Zooey stories.
Fancy
Diminutive of Frances
"free man"
Old fashioned nickname that some girls just might be able to pull off. You'd just have to be sure your little Fancy was one of them.
Francine
French diminutive pet form of Francoise
"from France or free man"
With the advent of Pope Francis, all forms of this ancient and saintly name came up for a fresh look. Along with most other -een and -ine (when pronounced like -een) names for girls, Francine has a…
Gary
English
"spear man"
While not generally thought of as unisex, this is a male name that, like Perry and Barry, has occasionally been used for girls over the years.
Lolo
Diminutive of Caroline
"free man"
A peppy nickname name associated with Lolo (born Lori) Jones, American track and field champ.
Romilly
English
"citizen of Rome"
Originally a surname deriving from the Roman twin Romulus, this attractive name was introduced to the English-speaking world as a first name by painter Augustus John who used it for his son. Romilly…
Adriano
Italian
"man from Adria"
Adriano is a dashing Italian name which gets around the possible gender confusion of Adrian.
Amadi
African
"free man"
This name from the Igbo language of Africa, which feels like the more-familiar Arabic Ahmad, might be an original and attractive choice.