Girl Names Like Josephine

Miguel de Cervantes invented this elaborate-sounding name -- which roughly translates as "sweetness" -- for the beautiful maiden Don Quixote is obsessed with in his great novel. Even in the fictional world of the book, though, Dulcinea is not the woman's real name; Aldonza is. And because she never appears in person in the text, it's unclear whether she is as beautiful and saintly as the protagonist believes her to be. Probably not, given Don Quixote's track record.

Dulcinea

Josephine is definitely not overused, but now that it's among the Top 100 baby names it might be too common for your taste. Popularity aside, Josephine has many great qualities — French roots, vintage charm, and a dose of quirkiness. Many girl names share these traits with Josephine — perfect if you're searching for alternatives for any reason.

 similar to Josephine include Celestine, Delphine, Marceline, and Seraphine. If you love that Josephine is a long vintage girl name, you may consider choices like Cordelia, Marjorie, or Rosalind.

Josephine is a feminization of the name Joseph, inspiring other 

, such as Henrietta, Albertine, Ottoline, and Theodora.

Josephine is a beautiful name and a lovely choice for a daughter. But if it's is off the table and you need another name that emulates its sound or style, browse our list of 

Alternatives to the name Josephine, including unique, rare, uncommon French names and feminine names for girls (Page 6)