User-created list
By Fantastique · Updated May 2023
Across 25 pages
of 25
German
"grace + god is my light"
A pretty and substantial German smoosh name, a combination of Hanne and Eleonore. Most popular in Germany from the 1930s to the 1950s. Former German Chancellors Helmut Kohl and Helmut Schmidt both…
English
"dry valley"
Underused literary name (as in the poet John) with a -den ending that's very much in style.
Greek
"golden apple"
Euphonic hybrid of the sounds of Melissa and Laura. Melora Hardin is an actress who was featured on The Office.
English variation of Arabella, Latin; Scottish
"yielding to prayer; lovable"
There were only SIX baby girls named Arabel in the US last year, astonishing when you consider the popularity of Arabella, used for over 1300 baby girls, and Arabelle, given to over 100. As isabel is…
Brette is a feminine name of French origin, representing a feminine form of Brett, which derived from a Middle English surname meaning 'a Breton' or 'someone from Brittany.' The addition of the final…
"from Brinsley"
The 'ley' ending makes this British surname name ripe for consideration as a feminine girls' name. Brinsley joins such sisters as Kinsley and Tinsley.
"to sprout, to swell"
Bryony is an unusually strong plant name --the bryony is a wild climbing vine with green flowers --that caught on in the U.K. before sprouting here. The name of the young character in the Ian McEwan…
Diminutive of Christopher
The new kid on the block in terms of Christopher short forms, it was introduced into the mix by actor Topher Grace, who didn't like Chris.
Irish
"descendant of Flannghal"
Long before the vogue of using Irish surnames for girls, writer Flannery O'Connor gave this one some visibility. It has a warm (flannelly) feel and the currently popular three-syllable ee-ending…
French variation of Isabel
"pledged to God"
With Isabel getting so popular, parents are searching for new varieties of the name, and Isabeau is one that makes a lovely French twist. Isabeau of Bavaria was the wife of King Charles VI of…
Lilley is a feminine name that evolved from both a surname and a nature-inspired source. As a surname, it derived from the Old English 'leah' meaning 'woodland clearing' or 'meadow.' As a given name,…
Fruit name
British-born novelist Plum Sykes has taken this rich, fruity name out of the produce section and put it into the baby name basket. It's more appealing than Apple, more presentable than Peaches. The…
"sensible, prudent"
Stately and elegant, but with the familiar sounds of Sophia and Sophie, Sophronia was a familiar choice back in the 19th century but has since fallen into obscurity. Derived from the Greek sophron ,…
Spelling variation of Bryony, Greek
Briony may be the variation and Bryony the original, but many parents will see this as the more authentic-feeling version of this attractive botanical name. Melodic and bright, it was once a Top 400…
Word name
"fate"
The next Destiny? Kismet seems like it might be fated for increased use.
Latin
"lily"
An unusual flower name deriving from the Latin word for lily (lilium), this variant has always been popular in Scotland.
Swedish, contracted form of Birgit
"high goddess"
Brisk but rather brittle. Britt Eklund was a Bond Girl in the 1974 The Man with the Golden Gun . Britt is a contracted form of Birgit, but be aware that it does come with the strong possibility of…
French
"flaxen haired"
Although the accent in Linnet is on the first syllable, it could be confused with the dated Lynette.
French or Breton
"chief or prince"
Another female relative of Saint Mael.
Combination of Mary and Lou
"bitter; renowned warrior"
This charming name, popular in France and the Netherlands, has not traveled to the U.S. yet but would make a modern way to honor grandma Mary or Louise, or as a perfect short form of Mary Louise. Or,…
