Iambic Girl Names

Laverne

French

"springlike"

Although it has a sweet meaning, this name feels dated nowadays, like a fifties poodle skirt. Lavender may be a fresher alternative.

Lucine

Armenian, English, French

"moon; light; grove, light"

Sweet and stylish, Lucine is a versatile choice that can be used as a spelling variation of the celestial Armenian name Lusine. It is equally considered an elaboration of the classic Lucy and as a…

Malai

Thai

"garland of flowers"

A sleek and simple Thai name with a wonderful floral meaning.

Mckay

English variation of Mckayla, Gaelic

"who is like God; son of Aodh"

McKay is the Anglicized form of Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodh" in Gaelic. Aodh is the origin of names such as Aidan and Hugh, making McKay a subtle way to honor people with those names.…

Richelle

Richelle is a feminine name of French origin, created as a feminine form of Richard, meaning 'brave power' or 'strong ruler.' This elegant name gained modest popularity in the United States during…

Sydelle

Diminutive of Sarah, Sydney, or Siegfriede

"princess; Saint Denis; victorious peace"

An elaborate diminutive name that had its (quiet) heyday back in the 1920s and 30s, Sydelle is likely derived from Sarah (via Sadie), Siegfriede (meaning "victorious peace"), or Sydney ("St Denis").…

Victoire

French

"victory"

Adds French flair to Victoria, though many Americans would find pronunciation a challenge.

Martine

French

"warlike"

Sleek and sophisticated.

Nichelle

American, contemporary variation of Michelle

A modern twist on Michelle spotlighted by Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols.

Cyrene

Greek

"supreme power"

Cyrene was a mythical nymph and huntress who was beloved by the god Apollo. He founded a city named after her in what is now Libya and made her the queen. Derived from Greek and pronounced with three…

Zelene

Zelene is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from Selene, the ancient Greek goddess of the moon. The 'Z' variation gives this classical name a contemporary edge while maintaining its…

Zohar

Hebrew

"light, brilliance"

A Top 100 name in Israel, where it is overwhelmingly feminine. Zohar is currently used equally between girls and boys in the US but is rising far more quickly for boys.

Axelle

French feminine form of Axel

"father of peace"

Putting the emphasis on the "elle" softens a name that seems at once futuristic and medieval.

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…

Marine

Latin

"from the sea"

Marine was trending for a long time in France, but the far right politician Marine (born Marion) LePen has dampened the mood.

Nanette

French diminutive of Anne

"grace"

There was a time when French names like Annette, Paulette – and Nanette – were chic, but now, we'd have to say "No, no, Nanette".

Reuelle

Hebrew

"friend of God"

Spelling a bit elaborate and confusing.

Babette

French diminutive of Barbara, Greek

"stranger"

A less common relic of the Claudette-Paulette-Annette era. Babette's Feast is a 1987 Danish film based on a Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen) story about a cook who wins the lottery and prepares an…

Carlene

English feminization of Carl or Charles, German, French

"free man"

A handful of baby girls are still named Carlene every year, but today other feminizations of Charles or Carl, from Carly to Charlotte, are much more popular.

Danette

Danette is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Dana or Danielle, which themselves derive from the masculine Daniel, meaning "God is my judge" in Hebrew. Popular…