!Forget Josephine! REAL Girls names inspired by Boys names
- Allister
- Carlie
Origin:
Spelling variation of CarlyDescription:
The ie ending injects this late 20th century favorite with a bit of late 19th century charm. But not quite enough to make it a good 21st century choice.
- Christelle
Description:
Christelle is a feminine name of French origin, developed as a diminutive form of Christine, which itself derives from the Greek 'Christos' meaning 'anointed one.' The suffix '-elle' adds a delicate, feminine quality to the name. Popular primarily in French-speaking regions including France, Switzerland, and Quebec, Christelle gained notable popularity during the 1970s and 1980s. The name carries Christian associations while embodying French elegance and sophistication. Christelle has a melodious quality with its soft consonants and flowing sound pattern. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, it has gained appreciation among those seeking names with European flair. Bearers of this name might appreciate its connection to faith traditions while enjoying its distinctively French character and refined aesthetic appeal.
- Chloete
- Dannah
Description:
Dannah is a feminine name with Hebrew roots, possibly derived from the word 'dan' meaning 'judge' or 'God is my judge.' This melodic name has gained modest recognition in the United States since the late 20th century but remains relatively uncommon. Dannah carries a contemporary feel while maintaining connections to traditional naming patterns. The name has a gentle yet distinctive quality, with its repeated 'ah' sound creating a rhythmic flow. Some parents may choose Dannah as an alternative to more common names like Dana or Hannah, appreciating its unique character while still having familiar elements. The name projects warmth and individuality.
- Dashelle
- Harlie
Description:
Harlie is a contemporary feminine name that gained popularity as both a given name and nickname in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Originally a diminutive or variant of Harley, which derived from Old English elements meaning 'hare clearing' or 'meadow,' Harlie has evolved into an independent name with its own identity. The spelling with 'ie' ending gives it a distinctively feminine touch compared to the unisex Harley. The name conveys a sense of playfulness, energy, and contemporary style. Harlie saw increased usage during the trend toward surnames as first names and the rising preference for names ending with the 'lee' sound. The name projects a friendly, approachable personality while maintaining a touch of uniqueness.
- Hennie
Description:
Hennie is a feminine diminutive form of Henrietta or Hendrika, which ultimately derive from Henry and Henrik, meaning "home ruler" or "ruler of the household." With Dutch and Scandinavian origins, Hennie has a warm, friendly quality that maintains its traditional charm. In the Netherlands, it's sometimes used as a standalone name rather than just a nickname. The name has modest usage in the United States but enjoys greater popularity in countries like the Netherlands, Norway, and South Africa. Hennie combines the appeal of vintage feminine names with a light, approachable sound that works well in contemporary settings.
- Harlequin
- Henrielle
- Joelle
Origin:
Feminine variation of Joel, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah is his God"Description:
Joel is one of those boys’ names that's never been super-popular yet has never been UNpopular either -- it's been in the Top 400 in the US since we started keeping statistics in 1880. So it's inevitable that its female form Joelle would gain visibility too, and indeed Joelle was used most widely during Joel's reign in the Top 100, from the late 1960s through the early 1990s.
- Justine
Origin:
French feminine variation of JustinMeaning:
"fair, righteous"Description:
Justine is a French name that's never reached the popularity we think it deserves. Like its far-more-common brother Justin, Justine is sleek, and sophisticated, but still user-friendly.
- Joelie
- Justelle
- Kamrin
Description:
Kamrin is a modern feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be an alternative spelling of Cameron (meaning 'crooked nose' or 'crooked river' in Scottish Gaelic) or could be related to the Arabic name Kamran (meaning 'successful' or 'fortunate'). This contemporary spelling variation began gaining modest popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, appealing to parents who appreciated its strong sound and uniqueness. The name has a crisp, confident quality with its punchy 'K' beginning and clean ending. While Kamrin can be used for any gender, it has been more frequently given to girls in recent decades. Its relative rarity makes it distinctive, while its familiar sound pattern makes it accessible and easy to pronounce.
- Krissette
- Lina
Origin:
Arabic; Latin diminutiveMeaning:
"tender"Description:
This pretty, succinct Arabic name is also commonly used as a nickname for names like Carolina.
- Robynne
Description:
Robynne is a feminine variant of Robin, which originated as a diminutive of Robert, derived from the Germanic elements 'hrod' meaning 'fame' and 'beraht' meaning 'bright'. This unique spelling with 'y' and double 'n' gives the traditional name a more distinctly feminine appearance. While less common than Robin or Robyn, Robynne emerged primarily in the mid-20th century as parents sought more elaborate feminine versions of traditionally masculine or unisex names. The name carries connotations of brightness and distinction, much like its root name. Though never reaching high popularity charts, Robynne maintains a steady presence among parents looking for a name with familiar sounds but distinctive spelling.
- Stelle
Description:
Stelle is a delicate feminine name with celestial origins, derived from the Latin 'stella' meaning 'star.' This elegant variation maintains the poetic imagery of its root while offering a more distinctive spelling and pronunciation (typically STELL). Less common than Stella, which has enjoyed popularity revivals, Stelle remains a rare celestial choice that carries associations with light, guidance, and cosmic beauty. The name has appeared across various European cultures, particularly with Italian connections. Stelle offers versatility—sophisticated enough for a professional adult while remaining sweet for a child. Its brevity eliminates the need for nicknames, though Star might serve as an endearing English equivalent. For parents seeking a name that balances familiarity with uniqueness, Stelle provides celestial symbolism in a refined package.
- Tally
Origin:
Diminutive of TaliaMeaning:
"gentle dew from heaven"Description:
Nickname sometimes heard on its own, sort of an updated Sally and playmate of Hallie.