Feminizations of Male Names

Has the fusty charm of recently excavated ancient Roman male names like Augustus and Magnus, which might just appeal to the fearless baby namer. 

Horatia

Now that Jacob has been the top boys' name for several years, this may come to the fore, the way Michaela did after Michael's long reign at Number One. For now, it's one of the more unusual <a href="https://nameberry.com/search/girls-names/j">girl names starting with J</a>.

Jacoba

Jacobine is a rare -- no baby girls received the name in the US last year -- feminine form of the popular Jacob. But Jacobine has a quirky appeal. The Jacobins were a radical political club formed during the French revolution as well as an order of Dominican friars.  

Jacobine

Although Thaddeus has long been used in this country, Thaddea is almost unknown and, with its air of mystery, could make a distinctive choice. 

Thaddea might be a unique substitute for the increasingly popular Theodora or Thea.

Thaddea

Stavra is the female version of the classic Greek name Stavros, sometimes erroneously anglified as Stephanie (which means crown) or Stella (star).

Stavra

Josepha is less heard in this country than in other parts of the world, seen as a slightly awkward feminization a la Ricarda and Benjamina.  In the U.S., Josephine or Joanna is the more usual feminine form of Joseph, though you might consider Josepha if you want to break rank.

Josepha

A zippy feminine form of Joseph used in Slovenia and Croatia, based on the regional variant Jožef.

Jožica

Not only stern and serious, but a little too severe.

Severina

An Italian feminization of Samuel that comes off as dated, we can't imagine many parents choosing Samuela over Samantha. 

Samuela

A name that's more familiar in its male form, Placido, but this can be a similar-feeling alternative to Serena.

Placida

Petronilla is an ancient saint's name that relates to the Roman family name Petronius, thought to mean yokel or woodpecker, though some connect it with Petra or Peter, meaning stone.  With the resurgence of so many ancient Roman names, the elaborate and pretty Petronilla or its French form Petronille seem more usable these days than they have in centuries.

Petronilla

A name that sounded unthinkably priggish until it became attached to Domestic Goddess British TV chef Nigella Lawson (named for her father), who gave it a big dollop of glamour. 

Nigella

Nicandra is the name of a plant known as apple-of-peru and also shoo-fly plant. It's also the feminine form of Nicander, an ancient Greek poet, physician, and grammarian.

Nicandra is the name of the heroine of the novel Loving and Giving by the Anglo-Irish writer Molly Keane.

Nicandra

Hendrika is a feminine Dutch name derived from the masculine Hendrik (the Dutch form of Henry), meaning 'ruler of the home' or 'estate ruler.' This feminine adaptation features the suffix '-ika,' a common Dutch feminine ending. Popular in the Netherlands and among Dutch communities worldwide, Hendrika reached its peak popularity in the early to mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades. The name is sometimes shortened to affectionate forms like Henny, Rika, or Rieke. Hendrika carries a strong, traditional European character with its Germanic roots, offering both historical depth and a distinctive sound that sets it apart from more common feminine names in English-speaking countries.

Hendrika

This pretty female form of Laurence originated in ancient Rome and is still sometimes heard in the Latino community. It is one of the many intriguing <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/515/latin-names-for-girls">Latin names for girls</a> worth consideration by modern parents, as a more distinctive spin on Laura or Lauren. The name's rhythm also makes it perfect for Ren or Wren as a nickname.

Laurentia

Xaverie is a feminine name derived from Xavier, which itself comes from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning 'the new house.' Most famously associated with St. Francis Xavier, the 16th-century missionary, the name carries religious significance for many Catholic families. 

This feminine form is particularly popular in French-speaking regions and parts of Eastern Europe. Pronounced zah-veh-REE or ex-AV-er-ee depending on the language context, Xaverie maintains the distinctive 'X' initial while adding a delicate ending appropriate for feminine usage.

 The name projects strength and uniqueness with its uncommon first letter, yet remains connected to historical tradition. Though virtually unknown in the US, Xaverie appeals to parents seeking a rare name with historical depth and cross-cultural recognition.

Xaverie

Sebastiane is not a common feminization but may become more so as Sebastian achieves international popularity.

Sebastiane

Caspia is both a feminization of the rising star Caspian, and the name of a flower that often grows near the sea or on salt marshes. Likely derived from the Latin term Caspii, meaning "white", Caspia could make an unexpected full name for Cassie or perhaps an alternative to Juniper.

Caspia

This rare feminization of Christopher blends in the sounds of the popular Josephine and is certainly more unexpected than Christine or Christina. German artist Christophine Reinwald (sister of playwright Friedrich von Schiller) is one notable bearer, while writer Jean Rhys used the name for a character in her 1966 Jane Eyre retelling, Wide Sargasso Sea. In the Caribbean and the UK, Christophine is also the colloquial name for the chayote fruit, a type of gourd named as such in reference to Christopher Columbus.

Christophine

An unusual feminization of boy name Casper with a beautiful meaning and familiar nicknames Cassie, Cass and Perrie.

Caspera

 rather than unisex baby names: Alexandra not Alex, Charlotte not Charlie.

You may be attracted to these baby names because you want to name a daughter after dad or grandpa but give her a distinctly feminine name. Or maybe you simply love the traditional feel of many of these classic baby girl names, which are rooted in tradition.

Along with Alexandra and Charlotte, other

 feminizations of male names in the US Top 200

 include Emilia, Gabriella, Gianna, Josephine, Lucia, Samantha, Valentina, and Victoria. A number of feminizations are now considered mom — or even grandma — names, such as Paula, Christine, Nicole, and Carla.

There are many names you may not realize are feminizations because 

the feminine form is much more common than the male

. Anastasia, for example, derives from the male name Anastasios, and Cecilia comes from Cecil.

Feminizations of male names, with top girl names and unique girl names that are variations of male names, with meanings, origins, and popularity. (Page 8)