Amish Names

Justina was the pre-Justine feminization of Justin, now a possible alternative to Christina. Oddly, while Justine feels like a name unto itself, Justina feels like a pinned-together feminization in the mold of Richarda or Benjamina. Still, it may appeal as one of the unusual-yet-familiar girl names starting with J.

Heinz has become a cartoonish German name, prone to ketchup teasing.

Disproportionately common among the American Amish.

A playful and vintage nickname for Elizabeth, Isabelle, or Isabella, if you're hoping to avoid Izzy, Lizzy, Belle, or Beth.

This spelling of Melinda is used primarily in Amish communities.

Form of Elfrida that has an old-fashioned sound you just might find cool.

A variation of the German Irma, Erma emerged in the 19th century in English-speaking countries where its similarity to timeless Emma might have helped it gain popularity. In fact, if you follow its Germanic roots, it relates back to irmin meaning "whole, great", the same as Emma does.

In its native Germany, Gerhard was very popular a hundred years ago and is now rather old-fashioned. It isn't much used by English speakers either, but has a certain clunky charm about it.

That er sound -- as in Myrna, Myrtle, and Bernice -- sounds terminally dated.

A blend of Mervyn and Marvin that is every bit as dated as either of the originals. That -erv sound is difficult no matter what. Mervin is still used today among Amish families.

Rumors abound about Waneta, which is a Canadian place name. Some say it's an Anglicization of Juanita, while others claim it's a Native American name. Interestingly, Waneta is a common name among the American Amish.

Klaas is a traditional Dutch and Frisian masculine name, functioning as a shortened form of Nicholas or Nikolaas. Originating from the Greek name Nikolaos, it combines the elements "nike" (victory) and "laos" (people), meaning "victory of the people." Widely used in the Netherlands and parts of northern Germany, Klaas has been a staple name for centuries, particularly in rural and traditional communities. In Dutch folklore, Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) is a beloved figure associated with gift-giving, indirectly boosting the name's cultural significance. Though uncommon outside Dutch-speaking regions, the name's brevity and strong consonant sounds give it a distinctive character that travels well. It typically appears as a full name rather than a nickname.

This Old Testament name, also translated as Ido, is well-used in the modern Middle East but nearly unknown in the US. The Biblical Iddo was a minor prophet who lived in the time of Solomon.

This spelling variation of trending unisex Ari — both diminutives of Hebrew Ariel — means "lion of God".

This spelling of Delilah is disproportionately common among the Amish.

A Ukrainian nature name with a history of use in the US among the Amish community.

Emanual is a variant spelling of Emmanuel, a name with Hebrew origins meaning 'God is with us.' This masculine name carries biblical significance, as it appears in the Old Testament as a prophecy of the Messiah and is later associated with Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. While less common than the traditional spelling Emmanuel, Emanual maintains the same powerful religious connotation and melodic quality. The name has maintained modest popularity throughout Western countries, particularly in Christian communities. With its four syllables and rhythmic sound, Emanual conveys strength, spirituality, and divine protection, making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with religious significance.

Katura is a feminine name with biblical origins, variant of Keturah, who was Abraham's second wife in the Old Testament. The name derives from Hebrew and means "incense" or "fragrance." This alternative spelling maintains the original pronunciation while offering a more phonetic approach. While uncommon in mainstream usage, Katura has maintained a quiet presence, occasionally chosen by parents seeking a name with biblical significance but less common than traditional choices like Sarah or Rebecca. The name carries a mystical, exotic quality with its connection to aromatic incense and ancient heritage. Katura offers a distinctive choice with meaningful historical and spiritual roots while providing a melodic, feminine sound.

Dannie is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Daniel, meaning 'God is my judge' in Hebrew. While the spelling 'Danny' is more common for boys, 'Dannie' represents a less frequent variant. This spelling is sometimes used to distinguish it from the nickname form, potentially indicating it as a given name in its own right. Dannie has a friendly, approachable quality typical of names ending with the 'ie' sound. The name can also be used for girls, making it one of the truly unisex names. Though not currently ranking high on popularity charts for boys, Dannie offers a slight twist on the familiar Danny while maintaining its casual, amiable character.

This variation of the more well known Alvin adds an unusual and feminine touch to the original. It sounds a bit more like what it means--"elf friend."