Alternatives to Gabriella
- Esmeralda
Origin:
Spanish and PortugueseMeaning:
"emerald"Description:
Esmeralda came into use as an applied use of the Spanish word for emerald, esmeralda. In the 1831 Victor Hugo novel Notre-Dame de Paris, also known as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, the heroine was born Agnes, but called La Esmeralda in reference to the jewel she wears around her neck. The name Esmeralda got increased visibility via the Disney version of the story.
- Estella
Origin:
Latinate form of EstelleMeaning:
"star"Description:
Estella is a pretty Latin name that's sounding more and more stylish, remembered as the ward of Miss Haversham in Dickens's Great Expectations. Though Estella ranked as high as Number 110 in the 1880s, it now sits near the bottom of the US Top 1000 along with near-twin Estelle. Either would be well worth considering as an alternative to the popular Stella.
- Fiorella
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"little flower"Description:
Not only are individual flower names more popular (and out-there) than ever, but so too are the more generic names like Florence and Flora. While brother name Fiorello became known via long-term New York Mayor LaGuardia, the lovely Fiorella has never crossed cultures. She could join Arabella as a post-Isabella ella choice.
- Francesca
Origin:
Italian variation of FrancesMeaning:
"from France or free man"Description:
Francesca is a lighter and much more feminine choice than the classic Frances, and one that is increasingly popular with upscale parents.
- Gabby
Description:
Gabby is a feminine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a familiar diminutive for Gabrielle, Gabriella, or Abigail. Derived ultimately from the Hebrew name Gabriel, meaning 'God is my strength,' Gabby projects a friendly, approachable personality. The name rose in popularity during the late 20th century as parents increasingly chose casual-sounding names as official given names. Gabby carries a cheerful, energetic quality that often matches its meaning in slang as someone who is talkative. In sports contexts, the name gained visibility through notable athletes like Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas. While maintaining its casual charm, Gabby offers versatility as its bearer can always opt for a more formal version in professional settings.
- Gabella
Description:
Gabella is a feminine name with possible Italian or Latinate origins. It may be derived from 'Gabriella,' a feminine form of Gabriel (meaning 'God is my strength'), or potentially from Italian vocabulary where 'gabella' historically referred to a type of tax or duty. With its melodic quality featuring soft consonants and open vowel endings typical of Italian naming patterns, Gabella has a distinctly romantic, European sound. This extremely rare name appeals to parents seeking unusual alternatives to more common names like Gabriella or Isabella. Despite its pleasant sound and potential connection to the popular Gabriel family of names, Gabella remains exceptionally uncommon in naming records across most countries.
- Gabrielle
Origin:
French, feminine variation of Gabriel, HebrewMeaning:
"God is my Strength"Description:
The quintessentially elegant and worldly Gabrielle -- designer Coco Chanel's real name -- is on its descent after years on the rise.
- Gemella
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"twin"Description:
A pretty possibility for a Gemini girl.
- Genovella
Description:
Genovella is a lyrical feminine name that appears to be a romantic elaboration of Genoveva or Genevieve, names deriving from Germanic elements meaning 'woman of the race' or 'tribal woman.' This ornate variation adds a melodic quality through its flowing syllables and soft ending. While exceedingly rare in documented usage, Genovella exemplifies the tradition of embellishing classic names with decorative suffixes. The name evokes images of medieval romance and Renaissance elegance, carrying an almost fairy-tale quality. Its connection to the more familiar Genevieve provides it with historical grounding while its unique form offers distinctiveness. Genovella would appeal to parents drawn to elaborate, feminine names with a vintage, romantic aesthetic who want something truly uncommon yet still anchored in naming tradition.
- Georgette
Origin:
French, feminine variation of GeorgeDescription:
Has a musty 1940s feel. Try Georgia -- or Georgiana.
- Georgiana
Origin:
English, feminine variation of GeorgeMeaning:
"farmer"Description:
Long a popular upper-crust form in England, where it's pronounced George-ee-AH-na, Georgiana has been been neglected here. But with Georgia growing more popular and the general fashion for elaborate feminine names, Georgiana might have room to grow.
- Giabella
Description:
Giabella is a feminine name that appears to be a modern variation or combination of names like Gabriella and Isabella. It likely blends the Italian elements "gia" (God is gracious) with "bella" (beautiful). This melodic name carries an inherently romantic, elegant quality with its flowing syllables and Italian flair. Though not historically traditional, Giabella has gained some modest popularity in recent decades as parents increasingly seek distinctive yet musical names for their daughters. The name evokes images of beauty and grace, and its uniqueness allows a child to stand out while still having a name that feels familiar and is relatively easy to pronounce. Its similarity to more common names gives it accessibility while maintaining individuality.
- Gianella
Origin:
Compound name, Gian and Ella, Italian and GermanMeaning:
"God is gracious and completely"Description:
Gianella is a new compound name on the rise for baby girls, up more than 1000 places from 2022 to 2023 though still hiding beneath the Top 1000.
- Ginevra
Origin:
Italian variation of Guinevere or JenniferMeaning:
"white shadow, white wave"Description:
This lovely alternative for the Jennifer-lover ranks among the most popular girls' names in Italy. At this point in the US, the legions of Jennifers born in the 1970s are starting to become grandmas, so Ginevra might make an apt honor name for granny Jen.
- Gisella
Description:
Gisella is a feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from 'gisil' meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage' (in ancient times, noble children were sometimes exchanged as political hostages to ensure peace between kingdoms). It's a variant of Giselle, which gained recognition through the romantic ballet of the same name. The name has been used across Europe for centuries, particularly in Germany, Italy, and Hungary, where Saint Gisela was the wife of King Stephen I. Gisella carries an elegant, classical quality with its melodic sound and romantic associations. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, it maintains steady usage among parents drawn to its international appeal and sophisticated sound.
- Gracella
Description:
Gracella is a feminine name blending the popular name Grace with a melodic Latin ending. Derived from Latin roots meaning "grace" or "favor," it embodies elegance and divine blessing. The -ella suffix adds a gentle, flowing quality that enhances its feminine appeal. Though relatively uncommon, Gracella emerged as a creative variation during the late 20th century when parents began seeking more distinctive spins on classic names. It shares similarities with names like Graciela (Spanish) and Graziella (Italian), but maintains its own unique character. The name suggests qualities of poise, beauty, and charm. Gracella offers the meaningful heritage of Grace with a more elaborate, romantic sound that stands out while remaining accessible and intuitive to pronounce.
- Gracie
Origin:
English, diminutive of GraceDescription:
Cute Gracie is one of the more recently revived nickname names by parents who chose it over the more formal Grace--or variations like Graziella or Grania. Country singers Faith Hill and Tim McGraw cut straight to the nickname when they called one of their daughters Gracie, and actors Ron Livingston and Rosemarie DeWitt named their newborn daughter Gracie James. Gracie Gold is a popular young figure skater.
- Graciela
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"grace"Description:
A sparky and feminine elaboration on Gracia, Spanish for "grace".
- Graciella
Description:
Graciella is a feminine name that beautifully elaborates on the name Grace. It combines the Latin 'gratia' meaning 'grace' or 'favor' with the Spanish diminutive suffix '-ella,' creating a name that essentially means 'little grace.' This charming variation carries the elegance of Grace while adding a romantic, melodious quality particularly appreciated in Hispanic cultures. Though less common than Graciela (with one 'l'), Graciella has a slightly more ornate feel. The name embodies qualities of elegance, divine blessing, and charm. Parents might choose this name for its graceful sound, spiritual connotations, or to honor Hispanic heritage while maintaining connections to the classic virtue name Grace.
- Graziella
Origin:
Italian, diminutive of Grazia or variation of GraceMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Graziella, an Italian form of Grace, is another Latin version that adds spice. Consider Graziella as a distinctive alternative to either Grace or Gabriella.