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Girls' List for Nic

helennapp
By helennapp
Updated Mon Sep 26 2022
gathering names for my SIL
  1. Adorabelle

    • Description:

      Adorabelle is a charming feminine name that combines the word 'adorable' with the popular '-belle' suffix, meaning 'beautiful' in French. This elaborately sweet name has a vintage, whimsical quality reminiscent of the Victorian era when ornate names were fashionable. While not having deep historical roots as a traditional name, Adorabelle follows the pattern of constructed names that became popular in the 19th century. It remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking something distinctively feminine and romantic. The name naturally evokes qualities of loveliness and charm, suggesting a person worthy of adoration. Its musical quality and positive connotations make it a bold but enchanting choice.

  2. Amabelle

    • Origin:

      Variation of Amabel

    • Description:

      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.
  3. Annabelle

    • Origin:

      Combination of Anna and Belle or French form of Amabel

    • Meaning:

      "loving"

    • Description:

      This is a charming name that rose steeply along with other-belle names, such as Isabelle, until the horror film Annabelle and its sequels knocked it out of favor. Made famous by the Edgar Allen Poe poem Annabel Lee. Annabelle is saucy and stylish, a tad upscale, has a sense of humor, is melodious and lively, but is unfortunately off its peak.
  4. Antoinette

    • Origin:

      French feminine diminutive form of Antoine

    • Meaning:

      "priceless one"

    • Description:

      This feminization of Anthony, like other early French forms, such as Babette and Nanette, is not heard as often as it once was, but it could be time for a reappraisal of this delicate Gallic choice.
  5. Arabelle

    • Origin:

      Variation of Arabella, Latin, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "yielding to prayer; lovable"

    • Description:

      This more succinct form of the elegant Arabella might appeal to those who are looking for a less popular spin on Annabel or those who like the sounds of Arabella but want something with fewer frills. Given to 120 girls in 2023, it is around ten times less popular than its longer counterpart.
  6. Arielle

    • Origin:

      French variation of Ariel

    • Meaning:

      "lion of God"

    • Description:

      While not as popular as the Ariel spelling of Little Mermaid fame, this rendition has achieved popularity in its own right.
  7. Babette

    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Barbara

    • Description:

      A less common relic of the Claudette-Paulette-Annette era.
  8. Colette

    • Origin:

      French, short form of Nicole, feminine variation of Nicholas, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "people of victory"

    • Description:

      Like the French author with whom the name is most closely associated, Colette is a chic and charming name that is being rediscovered. After disappearing for nearly 30 years, Colette rejoined the Top 1000 in 2012 at Number 659 and has continued to rise since then.
  9. Cosette

    • Origin:

      French literary nickname

    • Meaning:

      "little thing"

    • Description:

      Cosette is best known as the heroine of Les Miserables. In the Victor Hugo novel, Cosette was the nickname given to the girl named Euphrasie by her mother. Although Hugo invented the name, some etymologists believe it's a spin on Colette, originally a female short form of Nicolas.
  10. Emma

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "universal"

    • Description:

      Emma has now been among the top girl names in the United States for several years, claiming the Number 1 crown in 2008 and again from 2015 to 2018 before dropping back to second place.
  11. Emmeline

    • Origin:

      Old French form of archaic German Amal

    • Meaning:

      "work"

    • Description:

      Emmeline is an Emma relative and Emily cousin that is destined for greater use in the wake of the megapopularity of those two names. A recommended Nameberry fave, Emmeline hopped onto the US Top 1000 in 2014 for the first time ever. While it is genuinely an old name, it was rarely used a century ago; only 17 baby girls were named Emmeline in 1915, the same number as were named Ernie!
  12. Giselle

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "pledge, hostage"

    • Description:

      Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen undoubtedly gave this name a boost. The French pronunciation (jiz-ELLE) gives it a more graceful, balletic, gazellelike feel.
  13. Harriet

    • Origin:

      English variation of French Henriette

    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"

    • Description:

      Harriet has long been considered a stylish, upscale name in England, but it's still waiting to be revived in the US—though some parents seeking a solid, serious semi-classic are beginning to consider it.
  14. Isabelle

    • Origin:

      French variation of Isabel

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Isabelle is the French variation of Isabel, which emerged in the Middle ages as an Occitan form of Elizabeth. Medieval queens Isabella of Angoulême and Isabella of France helped popularize the name in the United Kingdom. Isobel is the Scottish version, Isabella the Italian, and Izabel is used in Brazil.
  15. Isobelle

    • Description:

      Isobelle represents an elegant variation of the classic name Isabel or Isabella, featuring the distinctive French-influenced spelling. This feminine name has deep historical roots, ultimately deriving from the Hebrew name Elizabeth, meaning 'devoted to God.' The addition of the final 'le' gives Isobelle a particularly graceful, sophisticated quality. While less common than Isabel or Isabella, this spelling has gained some popularity among parents seeking a slightly more distinctive version of the beloved classic. Isobelle carries the same regal associations as its variants, having been borne by numerous queens and nobility throughout European history. The name combines timeless appeal with a touch of uniqueness in its presentation.
  16. Juliette

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "little Julia"

    • Description:

      Juliette, pronounced with the emphasis on the last syllable, adds a little something extra to Juliet. In the past years it has been rising up the chart.
  17. Linette

    • Description:

      Linette is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive of Line or Lina, which themselves derive from names ending in -line or -lina, such as Caroline, Emmeline, or Angelina. The name means 'little Line' or can be interpreted as 'little flax' in reference to the flax plant that produces linen. With its soft, melodic sound and French flair, Linette has maintained steady but modest usage throughout the 20th century. It peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1960s but remains relatively uncommon. Linette offers a delicate, feminine option that balances traditional roots with a certain lyrical charm, making it appeal to parents seeking a name that's recognizable but not overused.

  18. Lisette

    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Elizabeth or Lise

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Lisette, also spelled Lizette, is a dainty,, if somewhat dated, Gallic offshoot of Elizabeth. It reached its U.S. peak of popularity in 1999, then fell off the list in 2001.
  19. Lorette

    • Description:

      Lorette is a feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive of Lora or Laura. These names ultimately derive from the Latin "laurus," meaning "laurel tree," which symbolized victory and honor in ancient times. Lorette has a delicate, graceful quality with its soft ending, embodying French elegance and refinement. In French culture, it also has religious connotations through association with Our Lady of Loreto. While never tremendously common in English-speaking countries, the name has maintained consistent if modest usage. Lorette offers a sophisticated alternative to more widely used Laura derivatives, appealing to parents seeking a name with French flair and classical roots.
  20. Lunette

    • Description:

      Lunette is a delicate feminine name with French origins, derived from 'lune,' meaning 'moon.' The '-ette' suffix adds a diminutive quality, essentially meaning 'little moon.' This celestial connection gives Lunette an ethereal, enchanting quality. In French folklore, Lunette appears as a character in Arthurian legends, where she serves as Lady Laudine's confidante. The name has never been widely popular in English-speaking countries but maintains a consistent presence as a distinctive choice. Its lyrical sound and romantic French associations appeal to parents seeking something feminine yet uncommon. The lunar connection also resonates with those drawn to celestial or nature-inspired names.