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Feminizations of Male Names

  1. Nigella

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Nigel; botanical name from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "black"

    • Description:

      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.
  2. Xaverie

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Xavier, Basque

    • Meaning:

      "new house"

    • Description:

      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.
  3. Galena

    • Origin:

      feminine of Galen

    • Meaning:

      "calm"

    • Description:

      Galena is the feminine of the Galen, which means calm. Galena is also a mineral-related name, a type of lead.
  4. Juana

    • Origin:

      Spanish, feminine variation of Juan

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Juana has not achieved the popularity in the U.S. of the male version Juan. Whereas Juan has made it almost to the Top 50 on the U. S. hit parade, sister Juana has barely entered the thousand most popular. It is nevertheless a popular choice in Mexico.
  5. Armande

    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Armand

    • Description:

      Feminine form of Armand, has an elegant charm.
  6. Raymonde

    • Description:

      Raymonde is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'ragin' (counsel) and 'mund' (protection). It represents the female counterpart to Raymond. Particularly popular in French-speaking regions, Raymonde enjoyed its height of popularity in France during the early to mid-20th century. The name carries connotations of wisdom and guardianship, suggesting someone who offers both intelligent advice and protective care. While less common in English-speaking countries, Raymonde maintains an air of sophisticated French elegance that appeals to parents seeking a name with European flair. Its distinctive ending gives the traditionally masculine Raymond a gentle, feminine quality while preserving the strength of its meaning.
  7. Zoila

    • Origin:

      Greek, “lively”

    • Description:

      A unique relative of Zoe via the Ancient Greek name Zoilos, borne by a 4th century BC cynic philosopher.
  8. Joske

    • Origin:

      Dutch, from Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"

    • Description:

      A Dutch feminine form of Joseph, created by adding the -ke suffix to the traditionally male Jos. Joske could be a stylish European alternative if you want to honor a Joseph but Josie and Josephine aren't quite your style.
  9. Rolande

    • Description:

      Rolande is a feminine name of French origin, representing the female form of Roland. The name derives from Germanic elements meaning 'fame' and 'land,' suggesting someone of renowned courage or a famous throughout the land. With its elegant French styling and subtle 'e' ending that designates femininity in French naming traditions, Rolande carries an air of sophisticated European heritage. The name enjoyed modest popularity in French-speaking regions during the early-to-mid 20th century but remains relatively uncommon today. Rolande possesses a certain vintage dignity, evoking images of strength and classical refinement. While never achieving widespread international usage, the name continues to appeal to parents drawn to French naming traditions or seeking a name with historical depth that hasn't been overused.

  10. Josepha

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Joseph, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"

    • Description:

      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.
  11. Placida

    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "serene"

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      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.

  13. Gilberte

    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Gilbert

    • Description:

      You might be able to make this work if you pronounce it the sophisticated French way: zhil-bare.
  14. Jacoba

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, feminine variation of Jacob

    • Description:

      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 girl names starting with J.
  15. Kristine

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Christine

    • Description:

      Christine was one of the first megapopular C-to-K baby names, from Scandinavian variations such as Kristine and Kirsten to Kris, Kristy, and Kristy. While Kristine retains its krisply lovely sound, it's lost much of its kool.
  16. Melchiora

    • Origin:

      Feminine form of Melchior

    • Meaning:

      "king of light"

    • Description:

      A feminized form of Melchior, the name of one of the Biblical Magi (or Three Wise Men) and therefore associated with Christmas.
  17. Sebastiane

    • Origin:

      French female form of Sebastian, Latin from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "man of Sebastia"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      French feminine form of Cyril

    • Meaning:

      "lordly"

    • Description:

      Cyril has several attractive femaie forms, including the French Cyrielle as well as Cyrilla. The one downside of this unique name is that many English speakers will pronounce it like cereal, so you'll constantly be explaining, "No, it's siri-ELLE."
  19. Madhavi

    • Origin:

      Feminization of Madhava, Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "of the springtime"

    • Description:

      An epithet of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi — the personification of fertility, prosperity, and wealth.
  20. Antonine

    • Origin:

      Feminine diminutive of Antoine, French form of Anthony

    • Meaning:

      "priceless one"

    • Description:

      The roles of vintage French girl names are filled with now-rare feminizations, such as Antonine. More usual forms today are Antonia or even Antoinette.