Strong, Feminine Girl Names

Felix is rising in the chart for boys, and its feminine variations are sure to follow. The best knows these days, thanks to the TV character, is Felicity, but there's also Felicia and Felice. Like Lucia, Felice is a name with different pronunciations depending on where it's used. The Italians pronounce it fa-LEECH-ay, but the Americanized version is feh-LEESE.

Felipa is the feminine form of Felipe, which is the Spanish and Portuguese version of Philip. Derived from the Greek name Philippos, meaning 'lover of horses' or 'friend of horses,' this name has been used throughout the Spanish-speaking world for centuries. While less common than its masculine counterpart, Felipa carries the same distinguished history and royal connections, as numerous monarchs have borne the name Philip/Felipe. The name has a graceful, melodious sound that reflects its Latin heritage. In modern usage, Felipa remains a traditional choice in Hispanic communities, appreciated for its classic feminine elegance and cultural significance.

Fleur is a generic, delicate flower name that emigrated into the English-speaking world when John Galsworthy bestowed it on one of the Forsytes in his celebrated saga. More recently, there was Fleur Delacour, a French witch and the Beauxbatons champion for the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter.

Gwendolen, an ancient Welsh favorite, retired decades ago in favor of the short form Gwen, but now, as in the case all across the naming board, the nickname has faded and the more distinguished original is up for reappraisal.

This Hebrew name of Queen Esther is well used in Israel (especially for girls born around the holiday of Purim), and in the US is the name of a Zionist women's philanthropic organization. Formerly shunned as hyper-religious, this name entered the Top 1000 in 2007 and has since climbed into the Top 700. Nickname Haddie feels like a natural companion for Addie and Maddie.

Honora and Honoria are two ways of softening the severity of Honor, while retaining its righteous meaning. They were predominant until the Reformation, when the Puritans adopted the abstract virtue names, and were introduced to Britain by the Normans.

Inessa is a truly multi-cultural name, heard in Spain, Germany and Russia, and is related to the names Agnes and Ines/Inez.

Now that Tristan has been rediscovered, maybe it's time for his fabled lover in the Arthurian romances and Wagnerian opera, a beautiful Irish princess, to be brought back into the light as well.

Jacinta, the Spanish word for hyacinth, is a lot softer and sweeter than the English version. The correct Spanish pronunciation is ha-SEEN-ta, though many English speakers would say ja-SIN-ta. Although the name is slightly different, Jacinta is largely associated at present with Australian-born actress Jacinda Barrett.

No, we don't consider Jane too plain. In fact, for a venerable and short one-syllable name, we think it packs a surprising amount of punch, as compared to the related Jean and Joan.

Juniper is a fresh-feeling nature name -- it's a small evergreen shrub -- with lots of energy. A new favorite of fashionable parents, Juniper joins such other tree and shrub names as Hazel, Acacia, and Willow.

Laurel takes Laura back to its meaning in nature, resulting in a gentle, botanical option. Even more directly than Laura, Laurel relates back to the laurel wreath signifying success and peace in ancient Greece and Rome.

A versatile classic, Lucy is both sweet and solid, a saint's name, and the heroine of several great novels. First fashionable in England and Wales, Lucy is now a popular choice in the US, The Netherlands, and New Zealand.

Lumina is a radiant feminine name derived from the Latin word 'lumen,' meaning 'light.' This elegant name carries connotations of brightness, illumination, and enlightenment across various cultures.

Mariae is a feminine name with Latin origins, representing a variant of Maria (Mary). It reflects the Latin genitive form of Maria, essentially meaning 'of Mary.' This connection gives it deep religious significance, as Mary is an important figure in Christianity. The unusual spelling with the 'ae' ending creates a classical, scholarly impression while maintaining the familiar sound of Maria. Mariae remains very rare in contemporary usage, appealing to parents interested in names with historical depth and religious connections. The name has an ethereal, almost poetic quality with its flowing vowel sounds and classical roots.

Marra is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. In Italian, it relates to the word for 'bitter' or may derive from place names in southern Italy. It also appears in Celtic traditions possibly meaning 'of the sea.' Some connect it to the Hebrew name Mary or see it as a variation of Mara from the biblical story of Naomi. Marra has maintained low-profile usage across various cultures rather than experiencing dramatic popularity spikes. Its brevity and melodic quality align with contemporary naming trends favoring short, vowel-ending feminine names. The name carries a subtle sophistication and cross-cultural versatility that may appeal to parents seeking something uncommon yet classically feminine with an international flair.

Sharper and steelier than Martha, but with the same underused vintage appeal.

With the success of all names Max, from Max itself to Maxwell to Maxfield to Maximilian, it's just possible that Maxine could be lured away from her mah-jongg game at the clubhouse and into the nursery. She's already been chosen by hip musician Nick Hexum for his daughter, sister to Echo.

The quality of mercy makes this lovely Puritan virtue name a quiet favorite today. Although it was most popular in the late nineteenth century, Mercy is on its way to a comeback -- it rose 143 spots between 2012 and 2013, making it one of the year's fastest-rising names. Right now, it's still stylish and distinctive, a rare and wonderful combination.