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By Etymology · Updated May 2023
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Italian diminutive of Maria
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Marietta would make for a classy and uncommon long form for cool nickname Etta. The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea");…
French, feminine variation of George
Has a musty 1940s feel. Try Georgia -- or Georgiana.
Danish, Norwegian, and German form of Amalia or Amelia
"work"
Popular in Norway and Denmark, but familiar across Europe, Amalie can be pronounced as a-MAHL-yah, much like sister Amalia. A variation of Amelia, it shares the same Germanic element, amal meaning…
French, from Latin Ariadne
"very holy one"
Soft and delicate French name rarely heard here.
Breton form of Anna
"grace"
Also spelled Anael, this offers a new spin on an old standard. Or even a couple of old standards, if you count Annabelle.
French variation of Lilian
"lily, a flower"
Now that Lily has become hugely popular, parents in love with this flower name are looking further afield for substitutes such as Liliane and Liliana.
French
"sky"
This simple yet evocative French word name was chosen for her daughter by model Niki Taylor. While Ciel may be pronounced in French with two syllables, many will pronounce it as "seal" and there may…
Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese version of Matilda, German
The German Matilda has some European variations that are popular in their native countries. Matilde ranks in Italy's and Portugal's Top 10 for girls, while the French variation Mathilde ranks among…
Feminine form of Oliver, French, Latin
"olive tree"
A feminine form of Oliver and a diminutive of Olive, Olivette could make an interesting choice for those who love Colette and Violette, but also Olivia. It was used in the 19th century French opera…
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…
French; Norwegian; Danish; Dutch; German, variation of Matilda
"battle-mighty"
Mathilde is even more popular in France than Matilda, a hipster favorite thanks to Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger, is here. And the French pronunciation, while confusing to English speakers,…
Variation of Anais
Anais, the name forever attached to the daring French-born American novelist and diarist Anais Nin, is unusual and French enough without appending an e, though some may think it clarifies…
French variation of Agatha, Greek
"good woman"
Agathe is a hugely popular name in contemporary France, even if it's English-speaking counterparts have not yet warmed to the usual English version, Agatha. The two-syllable French pronunciation is…
"lark"
Alouette is a sweet Gallic twist in the stylish bird name genre made familiar via the charming French children's song, Alouette, gentile alouette .
"blessed"
A French form of Benedict that makes a smooth and elegant choice, although the pronunciation may trip people up in an English speaking environment.
French from German
"famous in battle"
Pronounced klo-TEELD, this name is well used in France, but rarely heard here; it has a chic and sophisticated air.
Emilienne is an elegant feminine name with French origins. It serves as the feminine form of Emilien, which derives from the Roman family name Aemilius, meaning 'rival' or 'eager.' This sophisticated…
Etienette is a delicate feminine French name, functioning as the female form of Etienne (the French equivalent of Stephen). It ultimately derives from the Greek 'Stephanos,' meaning 'crown' or…
French variation of Fabia
"bean grower"
Instead of the usual French suspects -- Danielle, Isabelle, Gabrielle -- why not consider Fabienne, which is less common and just as pretty.
Felicie is a charming feminine name of French origin, serving as a variation of Felicity. Derived from the Latin 'felicitas' meaning happiness or good fortune, it carries the beautiful meaning of…
