That extra feminine touch

This form of Alannah was derived directly from the Gaelic term a leanbh, meaning "child." Though not as popular as the more traditional Alana spelling, it has consistently charted in the US since 2007. Alannah Myles is popularizing this spelling of Alana.

Antonia is stronger than most feminized boys’ names, reflecting the pioneer spirit of Willa Cather's classic novel My Antonia. Antonia is hovering near the bottom of the US popularity list, which may be an excellent reason for you to use it.

Clementine is a Nameberry favorite that broke back into the US Top 1000 in 2014 after more than half a century off the list.

Like the French author with whom the name is most closely associated, Colette is a chic and charming name that is being rediscovered. After disappearing for nearly 30 years, Colette rejoined the Top 1000 in 2012 at Number 659 and has continued to rise since then.

Dava is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variation of Davina, the feminine form of David, which comes from Hebrew meaning 'beloved.' Alternatively, it could be derived from the Russian word for 'gift' or have Sanskrit roots where it means 'divine.' Dava maintains a simple yet distinctive quality with its two syllables and gentle sound. Though relatively uncommon, it appeals to parents seeking a short, memorable name with cross-cultural appeal. The name carries a subtle strength and elegance without being overly frilly. Dava has maintained a steady but low profile in naming statistics, making it an option for those who want something recognizable but not frequently encountered.

Fiona entered the American consciousness with the opening of the 1954 Broadway musical Brigadoon, but didn't come onto the U.S. popularity list until 1990.

With Isabel getting so popular, parents are searching for new varieties of the name, and Isabeau is one that makes a lovely French twist.

Johanna is the version of this name used in Holland, Germany, and Scandinavia. The extra h makes Johanna a slightly more dignified version of Joanna.

Together with Julian, the name Juliana/Julianna derives from Julius, a Roman family name. Its origin is shrouded in history, but possible roots include Latin iuvenis, meaning "youthfu"; Greek ioulos, meaning "downy-bearded"; or Jovis, a form of Jupiter, which means "sky father".

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.

Louisa, a quaint but strongvintage name, is an example of the idea that these days, old-style girls’ names are more fashionable when they end with an a rather than with an e, as in Julie/Julia, Diane/Diana. So for the next generation, Louisa may rise again, especially with the growing popularity of other Lou/Lu-starting names, like Lucy and Luna. Louisa reentered the US Top 1000 in 2014 after a 45 year absence.

Mason with a French accent. Some parents may pick this spelling as an attempt to feminize or distinguish from trendy Mason.

Michaella is a feminine variation of Michael, a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'Who is like God?' This elaborated feminine form combines the strength of the original biblical name with a distinctly elegant quality. The additional syllables and double 'l' give Michaella a more flowing, melodic sound than the simpler Michaela or Michelle. While less common than these alternatives, Michaella has maintained steady usage across English-speaking countries and parts of Europe. The name bridges traditional religious heritage with contemporary style, appealing to parents seeking a name with substantial meaning and feminine grace. Michaella suggests intelligence, spiritual depth, and individuality. Its spelling variations include Mikaella and Mikaela, though this version with 'ch' maintains closest connection to the original Michael.

More stylish than either Paula or Pauline, it was given a glamour gloss by model Paulina Porizkova in the nineties.

Philippa is a prime example of a boy's name adapted for girls that was common as crumpets in Cornwall, but rarely heard stateside. That was before the advent of royal sister-in-law Philippa Middleton, who goes by the lively nickname Pippa.

A fabled storybook name via the heroine of Sir Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe (1819), which featured a heroine called Rowena of Hargottstanstede, and also a Harry Potter name, as Rowena Ravenclaw, founder of one of the Hogwarts houses..

Theodora is one of the most revival-worthy of the charmingly old-fashioned Victorian valentine names, softly evocative but still substantial, as is the reversed-syllable Dorothea.

Though rarely used now that many parents would rather appropriate men's names than sweeten them with feminine endings, Thomasina does have some vintage appeal.

Willa has become increasingly fashionable, with its combination of Willa (born Wilella) Cather-like pioneer strength and the graceful beauty of the willow tree.