Feminisation Names - by ethelmary

  1. Albertine
    • Origin:

      French feminine variation of Albert
    • Description:

      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.
  2. Alexandria
    • Origin:

      Variation of Alexandra, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      Alexandria turns classic Alexandra into a more distinctive place-name, in both Egypt and Virginia, while also giving it a touchy of frilliness. The name peaked in the 90s when it entered the US Top 100 for the first time, but has since been on decline.
  3. Alexandrine
    • Origin:

      French and German variation of Alexandra
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      Alexandra is a name with many international variations, elaborations and short forms, and Alexandrine is one of the more unusual. Another, Alexandrina, was the first name of Queen Victoria.
  4. Apollonia
    • Origin:

      Greek, Feminine variation of Apollo, Greek sun god.
    • Description:

      This name of a third-century Christian martyr has an romantic, appealing feel in the modern world. It first came to American attention via Prince's love interest in the film Purple Rain.
  5. Arthurine
    • Origin:

      Feminine form of Arthur, Celtic
    • Meaning:

      "bear"
    • Description:

      If you're looking for a girl's name that honors an ancestral Arthur, try Artis.
  6. Bernadette
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "brave as a bear"
    • Description:

      Although feminizations ending in "ette" are not particularly popular now, Bernadette is a pleasant, feminine, but strong name that doesn't feel prohibitively dated. And though strongly associated with the saint who saw visions of the Virgin Mary—Saint Bernadette of Lourdes—it is now no longer strictly inhabiting the Catholic diocese.
  7. Cecilia
    • Origin:

      Feminine form of Cecil, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "blind"
    • Description:

      Cecilia is a lovely classic name deservedly enjoying a new turn in the sun. Always among the Top 500 girls' names in the US, Cecilia is now at its highest point ever.
  8. Charlotte
    • Origin:

      French, feminine diminutive of Charles
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      Charlotte, the name of the young Princess of Cambridge, is the latest classic name to join Sophia, Emma, Olivia, and Isabella at the top of the popularity list. It is now among the most popular girl names in many English-speaking and European countries.
  9. Clementine
    • Origin:

      French feminine version of Clement, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "mild, merciful"
    • Description:

      Clementine is a Nameberry favorite that broke back into the US Top 1000 in 2014 after more than half a century off the list.
  10. Edwina
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Edwin
    • Meaning:

      "wealthy friend"
    • Description:

      Edwina may still be taking tea in the parlor, but we can see her joining friends like Matilda and Josephine for a comeback, especially if pronounced like Edwin rather than Edween.
  11. Emiliana
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Emily
    • Meaning:

      "rival"
    • Description:

      The enormous popularity of Emily and Emma means that parents will be looking further afield for substitutes -- and this is one of the prettiest.

  12. Ernestine
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Ernest
    • Description:

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

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "fruitful"
    • Description:

      Eustacia, the ancestor of mid-century fave Stacy, is just the kind of fusty old relic that might be polished up for modern use. Eustacia Vye is the central character of Thomas Hardy's The Return of the Native.
  14. Floriana
    • Francesca
      • Origin:

        Italian variation of Frances
      • Meaning:

        "from France or free man"
      • Description:

        Francesca is a lighter and much more feminine choice than the classic Frances, and one that is increasingly popular with upscale parents.
    • Franziska
      • Frederica
        • Origin:

          Feminine variation of Frederick
        • Meaning:

          "peaceful ruler,"
        • Description:

          Frederica is an interesting possibility for the parent unintimidated by its old-fashioned formality, and who can appreciate the vintage charm and verve lurking inside its stuffiness.
      • Friederike
        • Georgiana
          • Origin:

            English, feminine variation of George
          • Meaning:

            "farmer"
          • Description:

            Long a popular upper-crust form in England, where it's pronounced George-ee-AH-na, Georgiana has been been neglected here. But with Georgia growing more popular and the general fashion for elaborate feminine names, Georgiana might have room to grow.
        • Harriet
          • Origin:

            English variation of French Henriette
          • Meaning:

            "estate ruler"
          • Description:

            Harriet has long been considered a stylish, upscale name in England, but it's still waiting to be revived in the US—though some parents seeking a solid, serious semi-classic are beginning to consider it.