Names to Substitute for Danielle

Juliette

French diminutive of Julia, Latin

"youthful or sky father"

Juliette, pronounced with the emphasis on the last syllable, adds a little something extra to Juliet. In the past years it has been rising up the chart. Juliet originated in the Middle Ages as a…

Celeste

Latin

"heavenly"

Celeste is a softly pretty and somewhat quaint name with heavenly overtones, which kids might associate with Queen Celeste of Babar's elephant kingdom. She's a light and lovely choice that's finally…

Daniela

Feminine form of Daniel used in various languages

"God is my judge"

Used across Europe, South America, and the US, Daniela is a popular feminine form of the Hebrew name Daniel. It has ranked in the US Top 300 since the early 90s and it's currently on trend in Spain,…

Arielle

French variation of Ariel

"lion of God"

While not as popular as the Ariel spelling of Little Mermaid fame, this rendition has achieved popularity in its own right. Arielle has been on a steady rise, perhaps helped by the -elle ending…

Estelle

French

"star"

Maybe it's because she shares that winning -elle sound with Isabel and Bella, but Estelle is no longer seen as a muumuu-wearing canasta player of a certain age (think George Costanza's mother on…

Gabrielle

French, feminine variation of Gabriel, Hebrew

"God is my Strength"

The quintessentially elegant and worldly Gabrielle -- designer Coco Chanel's real name -- is on its descent after years on the rise. Gabrielle was a hit in the 90s and early 2000s, peaking at number…

Amelie

French and German variation of Amelia

"work"

Amelia meets Emily, gets a Bohemian spin and a French accent when it becomes Amelie. This favorite among French girl names has been gaining notice here thanks to the charming 2001 French film Amelie…

Simone

French feminine variation of Simon, Hebrew

"listening, hearkening"

Simone, the elegant French feminization of Simon, strikes that all-important balance between unusual and familiar, and it's oozing with Gallic sophistication. A dated choice in its native France,…

Nell

English, diminutive of Helen, Eleanor, et al

"bright, shining one"

Nell, once a nickname for Helen, Ellen, or Eleanor, is a sweet old-fashioned charmer that is fashionably used today in its own right. While Nell is perfectly in tune with contemporary vintage name…

Marielle

Dutch and French diminutive of Mary

"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

Popular in France in the 60s, Marielle is one of many international variations and diminutives of Mary. While actress and author Mariel Hemingway made us aware of the more abbreviated spelling —…

Mirabelle

French

"marvelous"

If you're looking for a fresher belle name than Isabelle, Mirabelle is lovely, and we also like the extra flourish of Mirabella. And if you want a nature tie, Mirabelle is also the name of a delicate…

Danika

Eastern European

"morning star"

Spelling variation of Danica with a modern update.

Gisele

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

Justine

French feminine variation of Justin

"fair, righteous"

Justine is a French name that's never reached the popularity we think it deserves. Like its far-more-common brother Justin, Justine is sleek, and sophisticated, but still user-friendly. Justine has…

Aurielle

Aurielle is a feminine name with French and Latin influences, derived from 'aurum' meaning 'gold.' It's a melodic elaboration of Auriel or Ariel, with the feminine '-elle' suffix adding elegance. The…

Danya

Russian, diminutive of Danielle, Hebrew

"judgment of God"

An energetic name with an embroidered feel.

Lucienne

French feminine variation of Lucian

"light"

Lucienne is a soft and ultra-sophisticated French-accented option in the Lucy family, one that could provide a fresh alternative to such fatigued Gallic choices as Danielle and Michelle. So if you're…

Nicola

German; English, from Greek

"people of victory"

Nicola, an elegant Latinate feminization of Nicholas, has long been standard issue for English girls but for some reason has never voyaged across the Atlantic, which we consider a pity, especially as…

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.

Danique

French variation of Danica

"morning star"

This Danielle/Monique hybrid offers a new twist on an old favorite.