Iambic Girl Names

Germaine

Feminine variation of Germain, French

"from Germany"

Linked to the early days of feminism via Germaine Greer, this saint's name feels neither French nor German enough -- which just might make it the perfect blend of the two cultures. All forms of…

Gervaise

French

"skilled with a spear"

Predominantly male choice that nevertheless has a pretty sound and fashionable unisex feel.

Bisan

Arabic or Palestinian place name

Notably borne by Palestinian journalist, activist, and filmmaker Bisan Owda, Bisan is a name of Arabic origin, with a concise look and bright sound. The exact meaning of the name is unknown, however…

Gisele

The French variation of Giselle was made famous by the spectacular Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen.

Andrine

Andrine is a feminine name of Norwegian and Scandinavian origin, derived from the Greek name Andreas, meaning "manly" or "brave." It is a feminine form of André or Andrew. In Norway, the name has…

Gustine

French, Dutch

"great, magnificent"

An old school French and Dutch diminutive of Augustine, which is a female name in those countries.

Albane

Feminine form of Alban, French, Latin

"white, bright; from Alba"

A stylish choice in France where it ranked in the Top 50 in a recent year, Albane is a relative of zippy Alba, but with the weightier feel of Constance, Mathilde, Hortense, and Ludivine. It…

Clemence

French feminine variation of Clement

"mild, merciful"

Calm, composed, and chic. Often seen with an accent in France, as Clémence.

Claudette

French, feminine variation of Claude

"lame; enclosure"

Once seen as a dated French Claudette-Colbert feminization, along with Annette and Paulette, we can see Claudette moving into a more plausible Colette-Cosette arena. While some may be put off by the…

Bettine

Bettine is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Elizabeth or Bette. With Dutch and German roots, it combines elegance with a touch of sweetness. The name carries the same meaning…

Clarice

Medieval form of Clarita, a derivative of Clara

"bright, clear"

If you’re a fan of the annual animated Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, you’ll recognize the name of Rudolph’s beautiful doe sweetheart, pronounced cla-REES—uncomfortably close to the Silence of the…

Inez

Spanish variation of Agnes

"pure, virginal"

Also spelled Ines, this name of the prudish mother of Don Juan in the Byron poem has a touch of mystery, but has also been fully integrated into the American name pool. Inez Milholland and Inez Hayes…

Ines

Italian, Portuguese, Slovene and Croatian variation of Agnes

"pure, virginal"

This form of Agnes, Ines has always been popular since the true story of the thwarted lovers Queen Ines of Castro and King Peter of Portugal. This has to be one of the most heartbreaking and bloody…

Clarette

Clarette is a delicate feminine name derived from the Latin word "clarus," meaning "clear," "bright," or "famous." It can be considered a diminutive form of Clare or Clara, with the French-inspired…

Bertille

French

"heroine, bright maiden"

The name of medieval French saint, similar to Sally Field's name, Bertrille, on the old The Flying Nun sitcom, leading some to expect the word "Sister" in front of it.

Amore

Italian

"love"

Loving Italian choice with a built-in lullaby.

Iman

Arabic

"faith"

One of the best-known African names in the Western World because of the Somali-born model and wife of the late David Bowie.

Iseult

Celtic

"ice battle"

Strong and sharp but with a pretty, poetic feel about it, Iseult appears in the world of Arthurian legend. Also written as Yseult, Ysolt, and Isolde, the name might have Germanic roots, blending is…

Ilknur

Turkish

"first light"

Derived from the Turkish ilk meaning "first" and the Arabic nūr meaning "light", Ilknur is the anglicized spelling of İlknur. A popular choice in Turkey and Azerbaijan, it is a name with an evocative…

Citron

French

"lemon"

A Gallic twist on a word or nature name, which has a nice lemony feel.