Unconventional Feminizations of Male Names

Wilhelmina might once have been condemned as a clunky relic best left in the past, but a steadily increasing number of parents are dusting it off for their 21st century babies. A reasonably popular choice in the 19th century, but out of favor by the 1950s, in the last decade, Wilhelmina has attracted more attention, and was given to around 110 babies in a recent year.

Philippa is a prime example of a boy's name adapted for girls that was common as crumpets in Cornwall, but rarely heard stateside. That was before the advent of royal sister-in-law Philippa Middleton, who goes by the lively nickname Pippa.

This pretty, international feminization of Matthew was chosen by Mira Sorvino for her daughter, Mattea Angel. As the Spanish Mateo and the Italian Matteo become more popular for baby boys throughout Europe, the English-speaking world, and the Americas, Mattea is sure to get wider recognition. And as Theo and Thea have become fashionable names, Teo and Tea are rising too.

Frederica is an interesting possibility for the parent unintimidated by its old-fashioned formality, and who can appreciate the vintage charm and verve lurking beneath its stuffiness.

Lucienne is a soft and ultra-sophisticated French-accented option in the Lucy family, one that could provide a fresh alternative to such fatigued Gallic choices as Danielle and Michelle.

Eugenie enjoyed a major dusting off when Fergie and Prince Andrew chose it for their daughter, restoring a patina of royal sheen it hadn't had since the time of Napoleon III's glamorous empress--who spent much of her life in England. It was also borne by Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, after whom Prince Andrew's younger daughter was named.

This name is the feminization of mythological name Lysander, which is best known to English-speakers as a character in Shakespeare's comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Simona is a feminine name of Italian and Eastern European origin, serving as the feminine form of Simon, which derives from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning 'he has heard.' This elegant name has remained consistently popular in Italy, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other European countries. In Italy, it gained particular recognition through famous bearers like Olympic swimmer Simona Quadarella. While less common in English-speaking countries, Simona offers a sophisticated international alternative to the more familiar Simone. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing vowel sounds and soft consonants. Simona projects both strength and femininity, combining classical roots with a contemporary feel. Its cross-cultural appeal makes it accessible across various languages while maintaining its distinctive character.

Though rarely used now that many parents would rather appropriate men's names than sweeten them with feminine endings, Thomasina does have some vintage appeal.

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.

There's more than one reason why parents might consider this rising name for a daughter. George Eliot was the pen name of English writer Mary Ann Evans, one of the leading authors of the Victorian era. The possibility of nickname Ellie is another factor.

Possibility for a dark-haired babe.

Feminine spin on Moses and European river name that's also the name of a wine.

Manuela is one feminine form that's more energetic than the male original, and is worth considering if you're seeking an easily assimilated Spanish name.

The female version of Emanuel could become more prominent, though for some it still carries a steamy image dating back to a then sensationally erotic French film. Singer and Shameless star Emmy Rossum's full name is Emmanuelle.

One time joke name, à la Lily Tomlin's bossy telephone operator, Ernestine is ready for a possible reevaluation, like cousins Josephine and Clementine.

A feminization of Adam with several sweet nickname options — Addie, Ada, Minnie, or Mina being a few.

Albertine and Alberta are old-fashioned feminizations ala Geraldine and Roberta. This is the kind of name that sounds very dowdy until a hip celebrity chooses it, at which point we don't know how we missed its coolness all this time.

Previously Timothy's dusty and outdated sister, now actually feels fresher than its brother name. With Thea names right on trend at the moment, this could be a surprising and even more unusual alternative to Theodora or Dorothea for lovers of vintage names and that stylish Thea sound.

Kevina is a feminine form of Kevin, which derives from the Irish name Caoimhín, meaning "handsome birth" or "gentle birth." The name combines the original masculine name with the feminine suffix "-a," following a common pattern for creating female versions of male names. This practice became particularly popular in the mid-to-late 20th century. While Kevin reached peak popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, Kevina has remained relatively uncommon. The name carries the same Irish heritage as its masculine counterpart, making it appealing to parents with Irish connections seeking a less common feminine option. Kevina maintains a recognizable quality while offering distinctiveness compared to more widespread feminine names.