User-created list
By RuthShterna · Updated May 2023
Across 95 pages
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French, feminine form of Henri
Henriette is to Henri (or Henry) what Charlotte is to Charles. Yet this elegant French name is surprisingly rare in the States.
Diminutive of Joan, English
"God is gracious"
A Colonial-era nickname for Joan.
Latin
"lucid, clear"
Pretty, delicate and crystal clear, with the readymade nickname of Lucy.
Nena is a charming feminine name with Spanish and Italian origins. It traditionally serves as a term of endearment meaning 'little girl' or 'baby' in Spanish. The name gained international…
Greek, diminutive of Euphemia
"fair speech"
This can be a short form of any Greek girls' name starting with 'Ef', such as Efstraria or Efrosini. It has also been suggested as a possible nickname for Elizabeth.
German
"protective helmet"
Hilma is heard in Germany and the Scandinavian countries, and sometimes used as a shortening of Wilhelmina--though there are more appealing German names for girls . to be found. Hilma Wolitzer is an…
English
"pure light"
Lucasta was invented by seventeenth century poet Richard Lovelace for a collection of poems dedicated to a lover named Lucy, and is familiar through the Eugene O'Neill play and film Anna Lucasta .…
"blessed"
Saintly, and a Mother Superior to boot.
French, feminine variation of Michael
One of those quintessentially French names still wearing a beret, also too tied to the image of tires.
French from German Hedwig
"war"
Haitian writer Edwidge Danticat highlighted this sophisticated, chignon-wearing choice for literate parents.
Variation of Amabel
This unusual Belle name just might have a chance at greater visibility in this era of all names bell-related, from Queen Isabella to the upwardly mobile Belle and Annabelle to -- why not-- Amabelle.
French
"weasel"
Fur names. We don't think so.
Feminine variation of Robin
Heard in Scotland, not in Schenectady.
Compound name, blending Susan and Ellen
"shining lily"
Suellen is a smoosh name that combines two classic names into one that feels both mid-century and modern, a little like Carolyn, a bit like Elowen. Notably used by Margaret Hill in her novel, Gone…
"first"
Will assure your daughter she's numero uno.
Femininzation of Herman, German
"army man"
Hermine and Hermina once ranked in the US Top 1000 for girls, but the First World War put an end to the popularity of these and many other German names. Now, both names are extinct though father name…
Feminine variation of Zephyr, Greek
"west wind"
Zephyr may not be a name often heard in the U.S., but its variations are used throughout Europe. Zephyrine, a cousin in sound and feel if not in fact to such lovely names as Severine and Seraphina,…
French, feminine variation of Severus; Latin
"stern"
This long-popular name in France sounds fresh, elegant and unusual here. Severine is the name of the most recent gorgeous James Bond Girl in the film Skyfall . Students of film history will associate…
Latin, diminutive of Frances
"from France or free man"
If Frances and Fran are too serious for you, and Fanny too saucy, you might like Franny, still identified by some with J. D. Salinger's Franny and Zooey stories.
Diminutive of Frances
This short form has been pretty much replaced by Frankie, however, it could fit in with other clunky but charming names, like Peggy, Bess, and Enid.
