User-created list
By RuthShterna · Updated May 2023
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Hungarian diminutive of Lívia and Lídia, Hindi variant of Lila, Italian, Swedish, and Danish word name
"to envy; from Lydia; lilac; little; purple"
This sweet and underused name is a multicultural choice with a surprising number of meanings. It is used as a diminutive of Lívia and Lídia in Hungary (meaning "envy" and "from Lydia" respectively),…
Feminine form of Oliver, French, Latin
"olive tree"
A feminine form of Oliver and a diminutive of Olive, Olivette could make an interesting choice for those who love Colette and Violette, but also Olivia. It was used in the 19th century French opera…
Rosey is a charming feminine name that functions both as a diminutive of Rose and as a variant spelling of Rosie. With its floral origins, it carries the symbolism of the rose flower—beauty, love,…
Greek
"beloved, bandage"
A paramour of Alexander the Great and the heroine of a Jules Massenet opera based on the life of a fourth century Egyptian saint, this name is nothing if not dramatic. Often spelled with a diaeresis…
Feminine variation of Augustus, Latin
"the exalted one"
Derived from the Ancient Roman family name, Augustinus, itself a form of Augustus, this elaborate form is less familiar than August and Augusta, but it has the flair of Georgiana and Evangelina.…
English variation of Candace, Latin
"white, pure, sincere"
Candice is the spelling of this ancient name used by actress Candice Bergen. Candice is a form of Candace, an ancient title of a dynasty of Ethiopian queens mentioned in the New Testament. A few…
"glory"
Clio is the name of the ancient Greek mythological muse of history and heroic poetry, one that is rich with modern charm and would make an intriguing choice, especially thanks to its dynamic…
Italian and Spanish variation of Delphine
The Spanish and Italian variation of the sophisticated French Delphine is also the word for "dolphin". A popular choice in Uruguay and Argentina, the name is rarely used in the US.
Variation of Dora; also Anglicized variation of Irish Doireann
"sullen"
Much fresher Irish imports available for colleens now.
"generous gift"
Eudora is the name of five minor goddesses of Greek mythology and a major goddess (in the person of Pulitzer Prize-winning Eudora Welty) of modern American literature. Eudora is pleasant and…
Starla is a feminine name that emerged in mid-20th century America as a creative elaboration of the word 'star.' This celestial-inspired name peaked in popularity during the 1970s and early 1980s,…
German
"spear of strength"
Innocent, sincere, and bright-eyed, and as outdated as its mother name, Gertrude.
French
"noble type"
A chic and sassy French choice, popular in France but likely to be confused with the more prosaic Alex in English-speaking countries. Although sometimes used in the US as a variant spelling of Alex,…
Irish
"from the hollow"
Cool a few decades ago, along with Lori and Tori. Currently out of fashion but may make a retro tomboy choice as an offbeat spin on Charlie.
English diminutive of Deborah, Hebrew
"bee"
The quintessential friendly fifties name, nearly epidemic in its day. Now many grownup Debbies have reverted to the full and lovely form of their name, which modern parents often avoid because of the…
Greek, alternate form of Demeter
Demetria is a dramatic ancient Greek earth goddess possibility with the star-studded nickname Demi. Young actor/singer/songwriter Demi Lovato was born Demetria, but contrary to common hearsay, Demi…
English variation of Irma, English, German, Slovene
"whole, great, universal; army man"
A variation of the German Irma, Erma emerged in the 19th century in English-speaking countries where its similarity to timeless Emma might have helped it gain popularity. In fact, if you follow its…
Czech; Latvian; Polish; Bulgarian; Lithuanian, from Greek
"peace"
This form of Irene feels fresher and gives the classic name a chic, international flair. It's most commonly used in Eastern Europe.
Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian variation of Isadora, Greek
"gift of Isis"
The Isidora spelling, though equally legitimate, is about 90 percent less common than Isadora.
French, diminutive of Jeanne
"God is gracious"
Jeannette is a feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive of Jeanne (the French form of Jane/Joan). Ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, the root of John meaning 'God…
