-ian/-ien/-ion
- Florian
Description:
Florian is a feminine name derived from the Latin word "floris" meaning "flower." Despite its feminine usage, Florian is traditionally more common as a masculine name, particularly in German, Austrian, and Romanian cultures. The female version emerged as part of the trend of adopting masculine names for girls. It carries connotations of blossoming beauty and springtime vitality. As a feminine name, Florian remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Women named Florian often appreciate its unique blend of strength and natural beauty. The name's connection to flora also associates it with growth, renewal, and natural elegance.
- Gian
Origin:
Italian, diminutive of GiovanniMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Gian sounds (almost) like John, so there's some potential for confusion, but the spelling makes it unmistakeably Italian. It could be a solution if longer names like Gianni and Gianluca aren't your style.
- Gillian
Origin:
Feminine variation of JulianMeaning:
"youthful"Description:
Gillian is a name that was in common usage in Great Britain until the 1970s, when it dropped out of the Top 100 and is yet to return. Until recently, it had not crossed the Atlantic in significant numbers, except in the short form Jill.
- Hadrian
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"dark-haired"Description:
Most parents would find this old Roman name pretentious compared to the more accessible Adrian, but some history buffs just might want to commemorate the enlightened emperor.
- Julian
Origin:
English from Latin, variation of JuliusMeaning:
"youthful, downy-bearded, or sky father"Description:
Cool and charming, with plenty of flair and sophistication, Julian manages to strike the balance between being a sensible classic and contemporary choice. Appealingly international, it is no wonder Julian is a rising star.
- Julien
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"youthful, downy-bearded, or sky father"Description:
Julien is the handsome French form of Julian, which 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".
- Julienne
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"youthful or sky father"Description:
Fine in France, but here it means vegetables sliced into thin strips.
- Justinian
Description:
Justinian is a masculine name of Latin origin, drawing its heritage from the illustrious Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, who ruled from 527 to 565 CE and was known for his significant legal reforms and architectural achievements like the Hagia Sophia. The name derives from the Latin 'iustus,' meaning 'just' or 'righteous,' with the suffix adding a sense of belonging or connection. Justinian conveys strength, wisdom, and moral integrity, making it an excellent choice for parents drawn to names with historical gravitas and positive character associations. While relatively uncommon, Justinian offers the familiar nicknames 'Justin' or 'Justo' for everyday use, combining accessibility with distinguished historical roots.
- Katrien
Description:
Katrien is a Dutch and Flemish feminine name, serving as a variant of Katherine, which ultimately derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, meaning 'pure.' Popular in the Netherlands, Belgium, and other Dutch-speaking regions, Katrien has a charming European flair that distinguishes it from more common Katherine derivatives. The name carries a sense of cultural heritage while remaining accessible to English speakers. Katrien has maintained steady popularity in its regions of origin without becoming overly common. With its pleasant rhythm and recognizable roots, the name appeals to parents seeking something with established historical connections but a distinct international character. Katrien can also be associated with the familiar character Katrien Duck (Daisy Duck) in Dutch Disney publications.
- Lilian
Origin:
Alternate spelling of Lillian, EnglishMeaning:
"lily; pledged to God"Description:
Lilian is the far less popular than the 'Lillian' spelling. To avoid a lifetime of mistakes and misspellings, we suggest you go with the Lillian spelling, which also looks more polished on paper. Whichever spelling you prefer, these names are benefitting from the fashion for girls' names starting with L.
- Lucian
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"light"Description:
Lucian is a sleeker, more sophisticated version of Lucius that is climbing in tandem with other Lu-starting names.
- Marian
Origin:
French medieval variation of Marie, HebrewMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
Marian's (and sister spelling Marion's) image has gone through a sea change of late, recalling less middle-aged matron and more Robin Hood's romantic Maid Marian. Some influences: the SJ Parker-M. Broderick twin daughter Marion and the glamorous French actress Marion Cotillard.
- Marion
Origin:
English and French diminutive of MarieMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
An underused classic that has proved surprisingly unisex over the last few decades, being given to roughly the same number of baby girls and boys in the US from the 1970s to the 2000s. For a girl, Marion has a sturdy old-fashioned charm.
- Marion
Origin:
French derivative of MaryMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
Fun fact: Marion was the birth name of movie star John Wayne. Although commonly thought of as a female name today, it was actually more popular for boys until the late 19th century, and was given to roughly equal numbers of boys and girls throughout the 1970s-2000s.
- Maximillian
Origin:
Variant of MaximilianDescription:
We see no reason to add an extra "L" to Maximilian -- it's long enough as is.
- Mirian
Description:
Mirian is a feminine name with roots in several cultures. It's a variant of Miriam, which has Hebrew origins and traditionally means 'bitter' or 'beloved'. In some Latin American countries, particularly in Georgia and other Eastern European regions, Mirian is used as both a feminine and masculine name. As a feminine name, Mirian has maintained modest popularity over the decades, offering a slightly unique alternative to the more common Miriam or Marian. The name carries a classic, timeless quality while still feeling distinctive. In recent years, it has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it an option for parents seeking a traditional name with an uncommon flair.
- Olivian
Origin:
Romanian variation of OliverDescription:
As both Oliver and Olivia grow in popularity throughout the English-speaking world, parents may seek variations that are the same-but-different and Olivian is one such choice. Attractive and easy to understand, yet some confuse it with Olivia.
- Orion
Origin:
Greek mythology nameDescription:
The Greek mythological hunter who was turned into a constellation is much more often used for boys.
- Rian
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little king"Description:
More authentic and original form of Ryan, but far less common of the two spellings in the US. There were about 170 baby boys named Rian in the US last year, versus over 4000 named Ryan.
- Rion
Origin:
from the Irish word for QueenDescription:
A much prettier and feminine version of the boys name Ryan which is starting to be used for girls, while still retaining the Irish feel and the regal meaning.