Extreme Favorites for Girls

Francine

French diminutive pet form of Francoise

"from France or free man"

With the advent of Pope Francis, all forms of this ancient and saintly name came up for a fresh look. Along with most other -een and -ine (when pronounced like -een) names for girls, Francine has a…

Quenna

Quenna is a feminine name with uncertain etymology, possibly a variant of 'Queena' or a creative modern coinage. Some suggest it may be related to the English word 'queen,' carrying associations of…

Raphaela

Hebrew, feminine variation of Raphael

"God has healed"

A euphonious and lovely name with a dark-eyed, long-flowing-haired image, Raphaela is, like Gabriella and Isabella, beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream.

Ursule

Ursule is the French feminine form of Ursula, derived from the Latin word 'ursula' meaning 'little female bear.' The name carries a rich history dating back to Saint Ursula, a legendary British…

Xanthe

Greek

"golden, yellow"

X marks the spot in names these days, usually at the middles or ends of names, but here is one that puts it squarely up front. This extravagant name, which, like many Greek names beginning with X, is…

Yasmina

Yasmina is a feminine name of Arabic and Persian origin. It is a derivative of the name Yasmin, which refers to the jasmine flower, known for its sweet fragrance and delicate white blossoms. The…