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South African Girl Names

cherrygalore
By cherrygalore
Updated Thu May 25 2023
A list of Afrikaans girl names. Some of which are derived from France, Netherlands and Germany.
  1. Charlize

    • Origin:

      Afrikaans feminization of Charles, French

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      Charlize is a name that owes its very life to a star: elegant blond South African actress Charlize Theron. She was named after her father, whose name was Charles. Charlize jumped onto the popularity lists in 2004, the year the actress won the Oscar for lead actress in Monster.
  2. Petronella

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "rock, stone"

    • Description:

      Petronella, and its shorter sister Petra, are both feminizations of Peter. While Petronella is a name with deep history, it's extremely rare. It was given to no baby girls on record in the US last year.
  3. Laiken

    • Description:

      Laiken is a contemporary feminine name with American origins, though it's occasionally used for boys as well. This modern creation likely emerged in the late 20th century as part of the trend toward surnames as first names and inventive spellings. Laiken may be a variation of Lake or an alternative spelling of Laken, potentially meaning 'from the lake.' The name has a fresh, crisp sound with its short syllables and clean consonants. While never reaching high popularity rankings, Laiken saw modest usage starting in the 1990s, particularly in the United States. Parents might choose this name for its contemporary feel, nature connection, and distinctive yet accessible quality.
  4. Behati

    • Origin:

      Afrikaans version of Beatrice

    • Meaning:

      "blessed; she who brings happiness"

    • Description:

      Namibian supermodel Behati Prinsloo, who has walked the runway for every designer from Prada to Versace to Vera Wang, has introduced us to this Afrikaans version of Beate or Beatrice, a rhythmic twist on an international favorite.
  5. Elize

    • Description:

      Elize is a feminine name that is a variant of Elizabeth, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my oath' or 'pledged to God.' This simplified form offers a modern, streamlined alternative to the classic Elizabeth while maintaining its elegant essence. Popular in various European countries, particularly in the Netherlands and South Africa, Elize combines sophistication with approachability. The name gained moderate popularity in the late 20th century and continues to appeal to parents seeking a name that feels both traditional and contemporary. Its concise form and pleasing sound make it distinctive without being complicated, offering a perfect balance between familiarity and uniqueness.
  6. Jacoba

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, feminine variation of Jacob

    • Description:

      Now that Jacob has been the top boys' name for several years, this may come to the fore, the way Michaela did after Michael's long reign at Number One. For now, it's one of the more unusual girl names starting with J.
  7. Talisa

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      Talisa is a recent addition to the Tali family, brought to light by actress Talisa Soto.
  8. Aneska

    • Description:

      Aneska is a feminine name with Slavic roots, primarily functioning as a diminutive form of Anna or as an independent name. Derived from the Hebrew Hannah meaning "grace" or "favor," Aneska adds the affectionate Slavic suffix "-eska" creating a name that sounds both familiar and distinctive. Popular in Eastern European countries like Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Russia, the name has gradually gained some recognition internationally. Aneska carries a youthful, friendly quality while maintaining sophistication. The name blends traditional heritage with a modern sound, appealing to parents seeking a name with European flavor that remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries while being straightforward to pronounce.
  9. Andrietta

    • Description:

      Andrietta is a feminine name that serves as an ornate diminutive form of Andrea or Andria, ultimately derived from the Greek name Andreas, meaning 'courageous' or 'manly.' This elaboration adds a distinctly feminine and romantic quality to the original name through the melodic Italian-style suffix '-etta.' While uncommon in mainstream usage, Andrietta carries an air of vintage sophistication and European charm. The name has a musical quality with its four syllables and rolling consonants. Though rare in contemporary naming trends, Andrietta might appeal to parents drawn to elaborate, romantic names with historical resonance. Its relative obscurity offers the advantage of uniqueness while still maintaining recognizable roots. The name suggests a blend of strength (from its meaning) and delicacy (from its construction), creating an interesting contrast that gives it character and depth.

  10. Noeline

    • Description:

      Noeline is a refined feminine name derived from the French name Noël, meaning 'Christmas.' Created by adding the feminine suffix '-ine' to Noel, it relates to the Christmas season and carries festive connotations. Particularly popular in France, French-speaking regions, and Australia during the mid-20th century, Noeline has a vintage charm that distinguishes it from more common holiday-inspired names. The name peaked in popularity between the 1930s and 1950s but has become less common in recent decades. With its elegant sound and seasonal connection, Noeline appeals to parents seeking a name with subtle Christmas associations or French linguistic roots while offering the friendly nicknames 'Noel' or 'Lina.'
  11. Francina

    • Description:

      Francina is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the masculine name Francis, which means 'Frenchman' or 'free one.' This elegant variation appears in multiple European languages, including Dutch, Catalan, and various Scandinavian languages. The name carries a sophisticated yet approachable quality, with the familiar 'Fran' sound leading to a more distinctive ending. While less common than Frances or Francesca, Francina has maintained a steady presence throughout history. In some countries, it's pronounced with the emphasis on the second syllable (fran-SEE-na), while others stress the first syllable. Potential nicknames include Fran, Franci, or Nina, offering versatility for the bearer as she grows.
  12. Alizea
    • Alletta
      • Anneline
        • Delize
          • Dolinde
            • Elandri
              • Elmarie
                • Elzebe
                  • Engela