User-created list
Softer Sounding Names
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Jonquille
French flower name, from Latin
"reed"
Jorah
Hebrew
"early rain"
Jorah, a Biblical name with a lovely nature-related meaning, might make a fresher alternative to the overused Jordan. It's similar to the feminine Nora, Cora, and Laura, but depending on your…
Josette
French,pet form of Josephine, feminine of Joseph, Hebrew
"Jehovah increases"
One of the group of French 'ette'-ending names that emigrated to this country in the last century, though never as popular as some others, such as Claudette and Paulette--it did have a little…
Kei
Japanese
"blessing, excellent, respect, wise, jewel"
A succinct and simple Japanese name with a variety of good meanings, Kei is a unisex choice that has been leaning feminine in recent years, thanks to the popularity of longer form Keiko. Pronounced…
Kore
Greek
"maiden"
Kore is the original Greek form of the modern Cora, a name that's heading straight for the top of the charts in the English-speaking world. Kore was an alternate name for Persephone, goddess of the…
Lace
English word name
Lace is a delicate feminine name derived from the English word for the ornate fabric made from intricately looped threads. As a given name, it emerged primarily in the late 20th century when word…
Laure
French form of Laura, English from Latin
"from Laurentum or bay laurel"
Laure is a feminine French name derived from the Latin 'laurus,' meaning 'laurel tree' - a symbol of victory and honor in ancient times. It functions as both a standalone name and the French form of…
Leander
Greek
"lion-man"
Leander was once an almost unknown name, however, with the popularity of Leo and the rise of Leandro, it now feels like a perfectly accessible alternative to Leon or Alexander. In Greek legend,…
Leith
Scottish river name
"wet"
This is an unusual surname and geographical name of medieval Scottish origin that might serve as a possible alternative to the aging Keith, though it's a bit tough on the tongue. More popularly spelt…
Lianna
Variation of Liana, French
"to climb like a vine"
Subtle botanical choice with cross-cultural appeal. Streamlined Liana is more common.
Lianne
Variation of Leanne, English combination of Lee + Anne
"meadow grace"
Lianne is occasionally used independently, but fairly flimsy. Our advice: Keep looking for a name that carries more individual authority.
Liara
English
"citadel; weary; my light"
Lilting and light, Liara is a contemporary choice with a well established sound. First appearing in the US stats back in the 90s,it took off in 2012 when the final game in BioWare's Mass Effect…
Liese
German and Dutch diminutive of Elizabeth
"pledged to God"
A short form of Elisabeth, similar in sound to the 60s favorite Lisa.
Linden
Variation of Lyndon
"linden tree hill"
The graceful, natural image of the verdant shade tree transcends any connection with President Johnson. A sturdy tree that can live for centuries, Linden was actually quite a popular boys' name from…
Linus
Greek
"flax"
Can Linus lose its metaphorical security blanket and move from the Peanuts page onto the birth certificate? We think it has enough charm and other positive elements going for it for the answer to be…
Lior
Hebrew
"I have a light"
Lior is a unisex name frequently heard in Israel, capturing the popular light theme through its meaning. For English speakers, the one down side is possible pronunciation confusion with "liar,"…
Lisanne
Dutch combination of Elisabeth + Anne
"God is my oath + grace"
A bit like Annelise in reverse, Lisanne is a sleek but gentle Dutch compound name that was popular in the 2010s.
Lise
Diminutive of Elisabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
Lise is most often found in the U.S. as the second half of the hybrid name Annalise. Canadian journalist Lyse Doucet bears a pretty alternative spelling, pronounced LEESE.
Loch
Scottish Gaelic
"lake"
Loch is a watery word that sounds more like a name because it's one step removed from its English form. Pronounced as "lock," it's also a short form of the variously-spelled Lachlan.
Lore
Lore is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In German tradition, it's a shortened form of Eleanor or Lorelei, while in Spanish it can be a diminutive of Dolores. The name literally means…