feminine names beginning with e

  1. Elisa
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian, diminutive of Elizabeth
    • Description:

      Elisa is one of the most appealing of this contingent of Elizabeth-related names. In the US, Eliza is much more stylish these days, but Elisa is very popular internationally — especially in Europe and Latin America.
  2. Elisabeth
    • Origin:

      German, Dutch, Danish, English, variation of Elizabeth, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      This spelling of the classic name is found in France, Germany, Greece, and other cultures, and is worn by such notables as Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Elisabeth Shue, Elisabeth Moss, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. The name's pronunciation is usually just like the Z version, but some parents choose this because they want to discourage the Liz or Lizzie short forms and so pronounce it as if it has Lisa in the middle.
  3. Echo
    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name
    • Meaning:

      "echo or sound"
    • Description:

      Echo, the pretty, resonant name of a legendary nymph, was the heroine of Joss Whedon's sci-fi series Dollhouse. Nick Hexum, of the band 311, named his daughter Echo Love.
  4. Electra
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "amber, shining, bright"
    • Description:

      Though the plays by Sophocles and Eugene O'Neill and via the "Electra Complex" proposed by psychoanalyst Carl Jung, this name has, unfortunately, become associated with incest and murder.
  5. Ester
    • Origin:

      Variation of Esther, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "star"
    • Description:

      This simplified spelling is a bit too polyester, though this is also the authentic Slavic version of an Old Testament name that's being rediscovered.
  6. Eithne
    • Origin:

      Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "nut kernel"
    • Description:

      Pretty and soulful name of a goddess from Irish mythology and several Irish saints. Singer Enya, born Eithne Ní Bhraonáin, has made the Anglicized spelling familiar. Eithne comes from the vocabulary word "kernel", which was used as a term of praise in old bardic poetry.
  7. Elsbeth
    • Origin:

      German variation of Elizabeth, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Although they could be easily confused, Elsbeth is a fairly unusual contracted German version of Elizabeth, while cousin Elspeth hails from Scotland. With its 'beth' ending, Elsbeth feels closer to the mother name.
  8. Estrella
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "star"
    • Description:

      Bright and vibrant but elegant too, Estrella is a rising star among Hispanic families that would make a good cross-cultural choice too. A Spanish word name that literally means "star", it is similar to other popular names with the same stellar meaning such as Esther and Stella.
  9. Emelia
    • Origin:

      Variation of Emilia or Amelia, Latin, Germanic, "rival;work
    • Description:

      Emelia takes elements from soundalike sisters Emilia and Amelia, which actually derive from different roots and have different meanings.
  10. Enna
    • Description:

      Enna is a feminine name with multiple possible origins, including as a variation of Anna (Hebrew for 'grace'), a shortened form of names like Ennaline or Marienna, or derived from the ancient city of Enna in Sicily. In Finnish, 'enna' means 'predict' or 'foresee,' adding another layer of meaning. This short, symmetrical name has a gentle yet distinct sound that travels well across different languages and cultures. While never widely common, Enna has seen occasional usage throughout history and across different regions. Its simplicity, melodic quality, and cross-cultural adaptability make it appealing to modern parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible with a subtle ancient resonance.
  11. Essie
    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Esther, Persian, or Estelle, French
    • Meaning:

      "star"
    • Description:

      Cute short form of Esther, now associated with the iconic nail polish brand.
  12. Erika
    • Origin:

      English and Scandinavian variation of Erica, Norse feminization of Eric or Italian word name
    • Meaning:

      "eternal ruler; heather"
    • Description:

      This is a more spunky and Nordic looking variant of Erica, but the k also makes the connection to the beautiful flower less apparent.
  13. Emmanuelle
    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Emanuel
    • Meaning:

      "God is with us"
    • Description:

      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.
  14. Eda
    • Origin:

      English, Turkish
    • Meaning:

      "wealthy, well-mannered"
    • Description:

      An medieval English diminutive of Edith, which could make an unusual addition to simple vintage revivals like Eva, Ada and Ida. In Turkish, it means "well mannered".
  15. Emberly
    • Origin:

      English elaboration of Ember
    • Meaning:

      "ember"
    • Description:

      The Kimberly of the current age, but currently less popular than either Ember or Everly.
  16. Eveline
    • Origin:

      English or French
    • Meaning:

      "desired; or water, island"
    • Description:

      Variant of Evelyn or Aveline
  17. Esmee
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Esme
    • Description:

      Esme and by extension Esmee have gotten more popular in the US in recent years, but that extra e can confuse an already-confusing pronunciation, especially if you start adding accents.
  18. Emilie
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Emily; German and Scandinavian feminine form of Aemilius
    • Description:

      Unlike most creative spellings, this one isn't overly trendy or overdone—in fact, it's quite delicate and pretty. However, it is clearly suffering from the plethora of similar names that are flowing around right now (Emelie, Emilia, Emily, Emilee, Amelie, Amelia) and has fallen more than 300 spots since 2013. It might be time for Emilie and her sisters to be left alone for a while.
  19. Evette
    • Origin:

      French, spelling variation of Yvette or diminutive of Eve, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "yew tree or life"
    • Description:

      Evette could be considered a spelling variation of the French Yvette, a feminization of Yves, which has a botanical meaning, or a pet form of Eve, meaning life. About 50 baby girls were named Evette in the US last year, with three times that many named Yvette.
  20. Evita
    • Origin:

      Spanish, diminutive of Eva
    • Description:

      There's only one Evita.

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