feminine names beginning with d

Dacia is an ancient place-name -- it was in Eastern Europe -- as lacy as Dacey, but more substantial.

Yes, though it seems so extreme, girls were actually sometimes given this name a century ago; now it is so uncommon it would make a strong springtime statement. Biggest obstacle: the nickname Daffy.

One of the flower names, used occasionally in Britain (where it's pronounced DAY-lee-a). It seems to have recovered from what was perceived as a slightly affected la-di-dah air. The flower was named in honor of the pioneering Swedish botanist Andreas Dahl, which means dale.

Daisy, fresh, wholesome, and energetic, is one of the flower names that burst back into bloom after a century's hibernation. In 2024, it burst back into the Top 100 for the first time since 1908.

A name with a bit of glamor but also cowgirl vibes, Dallas entered the US Top 1000 for girls in 1992. It fell out of style during noughties, but reappeared in 2012 when other gender neutral names like River, Sawyer, Rowan, and Blake were also climbing fast.

This name found in both Celtic and Scandinavian mythology has gone from all-boy to almost all-girl, retaining a strong, unisex quality. However, it has dropped following its three-decade heyday from the 1960s to the 1990s.

Short form occasionally used on its own, with an open and friendly androgynous quality.

While Danica may sound similar to Dana, Danielle, and Daniela, Danica is not a variation. Danica, a delicate and unique Slavic name meaning "Morning Star," is synonymous with Venus in many countries.

Used across Europe, South America, and the US, Daniela is a popular feminine form of the Hebrew name Daniel. It has ranked in the US Top 300 since the early 90s and it's currently on trend in Spain, Portugal, Chile, Mexico, and Lativia.

Daniella, Daniela, and Danielle were among the hottest names for twenty years, but now, though still popular, they can no longer be considered stylish options, lagging behind the newer Ella, Stella, Bella, Gabriella, and Isabella.

Along with Daniela, Michelle, Nicole, and Denise, Danielle was a big hit from the 1960s to the nineties, sitting comfortably in the Top 20 for several years. Parents then responded to its chic, sophisticated Gallic image, and though it has lost some of its sheen, it's still a widely used choice.

Spelling variation of Danica with a modern update.

This Dana-Donna variation has started to carve out its own place on popularity lists; an interesting alternative to Daniella as a namesake for a relative named Daniel.

Danni is a versatile name used primarily for girls but occasionally for boys as well. It originated as a diminutive of longer names like Danielle (feminine) or Daniel (masculine), derived from the Hebrew meaning 'God is my judge.' This shorter form emerged as an independent name in the late 20th century, reflecting the trend toward casual, approachable names. The spelling with an 'i' ending gives it a youthful, modern appearance compared to alternatives like 'Danny.' Danni strikes a balance between cute and professional, allowing it to grow well with its bearer. Its cross-cultural accessibility and straightforward pronunciation have contributed to modest but consistent usage across English-speaking countries, particularly appealing to parents who value simplicity and informality while maintaining connections to traditional naming patterns.

In Greek mythology, Daphne was the nymph daughter of Peneus, a river god. Peneus saved Daphne from Apollo’s romantic obsessions by transforming her into a laurel tree. It is from this myth that the plant genus daphne, which contains the laurel species, gets its name.

Darcey is a feminine name with both French and Irish influences. Originally a surname derived from the French place name 'Arcy' with the prefix 'd'' (meaning 'from Arcy'), it transitioned to a given name in the 20th century. Some also connect it to the Irish name Dorsey, meaning 'dark one' or 'from the dark fortress.' Darcey gained notable visibility through ballet dancer Darcey Bussell in the UK. The name has a graceful, artistic association while maintaining a contemporary feel. Though never extremely common, it has enjoyed steady usage since the 1990s, particularly in the United Kingdom. Parents often choose Darcey for its combination of traditional roots and modern appeal, with spelling variations including Darcy and Darcie.

Darci is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Darcy, which originated as an English and French surname derived from a place name in Normandy (d'Arcy, meaning 'from Arcy'). This spelling with an 'i' ending gives the name a distinctly feminine appearance compared to the unisex quality of Darcy. Darci gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, appealing to parents seeking names with a contemporary feel. The name has a playful, energetic quality while maintaining sophistication. Its short, crisp sound makes it practical and memorable, contributing to its modest but consistent usage.

While the traditional Darcy spelling is solidly gender-neutral, the -ie ending of Darcie gives this name unabashedly feminine flair. Darcie is a Top 100 choice in England and Scotland, and briefly ranked in the US from 1967-1977, along with 1980 and 1984.

Delicate ballerina name with grace, charm, and heft courtesy of Jane Austen's Mr.