Names That Mean Gracious

This common name for both boys and girls in Scandinavia would definitely work better as a feminine name in the U.S.

Anže was originally a nickname for Janez, a Slovene form of Johannes, but now ranks in the Slovene Top 20 as an independent name.

A gorgeous Hebrew name that was originally used for boys, but is now increasingly used for girls as well. As a bonus, you get the sweet built-in nickname Nina.

La is the French prefix used to indicate paternity, much the same way Mc or O' are used in Irish and the son suffix is used in English. First names with the La prefix were popularized in the 19th century by the Free Blacks of New Orleans, who used La plus the father's first name, making Lashawn (or LaShawn) a name meaning son (or child) of Shawn, a phonetic spelling of Sean, the Irish variation of John.

Juana with an X factor.

Emphasizes a four-syllable pronunciation, rather than the traditional three of Giovanni.

Popular Irish name brought here by singer Sinead O'Connor, could make a striking choice for a child with deep Irish roots.

Feminization of Evan

An lesser-known member of the John-Joan family, though popular in its native habitat, has never emigrated, possibly due to its non-intuitive pronunciation.

A Gaelic form of Jane which shares its simple, sleek look – but is much rarer. The Anglicized form Sheena peaked at #80 in the US in 1984, inspired by singer Sheena Easton.

Rare feminine form of Hans — a John derivative — occasionally heard in Germany and other German-speaking countries.

The Catalan form of Mercedes, with the same Marian associations.

This diminutive of Ivan is commonly used for girls in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Currently fashionable in Slovenia.

Elaborate, ultra-feminine variation of Gianna.

Maori form of Joanna