By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 6 pages
of 6
Variation of Genevieve or Geneva, French
"tribe woman or juniper"
The rare name Genoveva might be thought of as a variation of the French names Genevieve or Geneva, which have different roots and meanings. An unusual, pretty choice.
Yiddish, variant of BATYA
"foreign woman"
Basha bears a family resemblance to other newly popular Slavic names Sasha and Mischa, all of them hearty, warm and welcoming.
Greek
"woman from Lydia"
A more unique take on Lydia — both names refer to Lydia, the area of Asia Minor recognized in the Bible. Lydian has an added musical connection, thanks to the Lydian mode — a chord progression often…
Arabic
"captivating woman"
This name of a beautiful Moorish woman character in Don Quixote is rarely heard.
Latin
"woman of honor"
This is an eighteenth century elaboration of Honor found in Charles Dickens ( Bleak House ) but rarely heard here and now.
"Persian woman"
Parents seeking a distinctive New Testament name might consider this one. Adopted by some Puritans in the seventeenth century, Persis was used in the William Dean Howells novel The Rise of Silas…
Hungarian, variant of Magdalen
"woman from Magdala or high tower"
Spanish, Portuguese, from Greek
"good woman"
Traditionally spelled Águeda, this is a Spanish & Portuguese form of Agatha.
English diminutive of Barbara, Greek
Barb is a midcentury nickname name that, like Deb and Sue, feels terminally dates now. But with the revival of Barbie, Barb may not be far behind.
Estonian
"strength of a spear + pledged to God or woman from Lydia"
A cute and lively Estonian girl name, Kerli is a combination of Kertu — the Estonian form of Gertrude — and either Eliisabet or Liidia — the Estonian forms of Elizabeth and Lydia. A notable bearer of…
Azerbaijani form of Fatima
"a woman who abstains"
Popular in Azerbaijan, this is a spelling variation of the internationally popular Fatima, which has an Arabic origin.
Latvian; Lithuanian; Slovene; Croatian; Serbian, from Greek
A variant spelling of Lydia used in several European countries.
Romanian
A sweet and feminine Romanian variant of Magdalene.
Polish and Slavic diminutive of Barbara, Greek
Basia functions as a diminutive or nickname for Barbara, though many people now use it as a standalone name. The name derives from the Greek word 'barbaros,' originally referring to non-Greek…
Hungarian, from French
"tribe woman"
A stately and darkly romantic variant of Genevieve, used in the Hungarian language.
Icelandic, Norse
"shining, glittering goddess; shining wise woman"
Poetic and powerful, Glódís is a popular Icelandic name, comprised of the Norse elements glóa meaning "glitter, shine, glow" and dis meaning "goddess, female deity", "woman, lady", or "wise woman,…
The Greek form of Magdalene.
English word name
"woman of rank, lady"
This noble title — the female equivalent of a knight — makes an inventive choice for a daughter. More subtle than Queen or Princess, Dame is a fresh way to get in on the regal word name trend. We…
Italian, from French
A romantic, flowy form of Genevieve with extra flair and the cute nickname Effie to boot.
Variation of Judith, Hebrew
"woman from Judea"
Yehudah is the Old World variation of Judith, used mostly for boys.
