​
​
Advanced Search

Getting to Annie

augusta_lee
By augusta_lee
Updated Tue May 16 2023
  1. Adriana

    • Origin:

      Latin, feminine variation of Adrian

    • Meaning:

      "man of Adria"

    • Description:

      This a-ending feminine form of Adrian, from the northern Italian city of Adria, is a soft and lovely Italian choice. It appears as a character in Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors.
  2. Alanis

    • Origin:

      Female variation of Alan

    • Meaning:

      "handsome, cheerful"

    • Description:

      Singer Alanis Morissette made this twist famous. She was named for her father Alan, who is said to have spotted this version in a Greek newspaper. So far it has been pretty much a one-person name, but could make a distinctive update of Alana — especially with s-ending names making a comeback. Alanis is a Top 100 choice in Puerto Rico.
  3. Alanna

    • Origin:

      Variation of Alana

    • Meaning:

      "handsome, cheerful"

    • Description:

      The extra n makes it feel less like an feminization of Alan and more like a name unto itself. Alanna is more common in Puerto Rico than the original Alana.
  4. Altanna

    • Description:

      Altanna is a rare feminine name with uncertain origins, possibly a modern variant of Alanna or a creative combination of elements like "Alt" (meaning high or elevated in Germanic languages) and "Anna." The name has an ethereal, almost mythological quality that gives it a distinctive presence. Altanna remains quite uncommon in naming records, making it a truly unique choice for parents seeking an original name with a melodic sound. The name's rarity means it carries few preconceptions or stereotypes, allowing a child to truly make it their own. With its flowing syllables and unusual construction, Altanna sounds both contemporary and timeless. The name offers a blend of strength and femininity with its strong consonants balanced by its soft ending.

  5. Amandine

    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Amanda

    • Meaning:

      "much-loved"

    • Description:

      This fragrant, almond-scented name has hardly been heard in this country, which is a pity--we've loved it since John Malkovich used it for his now grown daughter.
  6. Anaelle

    • Origin:

      Breton form of Anna

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Also spelled Anael, this offers a new spin on an old standard. Or even a couple of old standards, if you count Annabelle.
  7. Anahita

    • Origin:

      Persian

    • Meaning:

      "immaculate"

    • Description:

      Anahita is the name of the water goddess who rules, among other things, fertility and wisdom. Associated with Venue, Anahita is a stylish Iranian name for girls.
  8. Anaise

    • Origin:

      Variation of Anais

    • Description:

      Anais, the name forever attached to the daring French-born American novelist and diarist Anais Nin, is unusual and French enough without appending an e, though some may think it clarifies pronunciation.
  9. Anastasia

    • Origin:

      Greek, feminine variation of Anastasios

    • Meaning:

      "resurrection"

    • Description:

      Anastasia is the feminine form on Anastasius, a Greek name derived from the word anastasis, meaning "resurrection." It was a common name among early Christians, who often gave it to daughters born around Christmas or Easter. There are handful of saints named Anastasia, including the patron saint of weavers.
  10. Anatola

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "from the east"

    • Description:

      Attractive place-name, of a beautiful resort region of Turkey.
  11. Andorra

    • Origin:

      European place-name

    • Description:

      Andorra is the pretty name of a pocket-sized princedom in the Pyrenees, noted for its skiing.
  12. Andromache

    • Origin:

      Greek,"battle of man"

    • Meaning:

      "battle of man"

    • Description:

      Andromache is a name found scattered throughout ancient literature. She was Hector's long-suffering wife in The Iliad and The Odyssey, featured in The Trojan Women and Andromache by Euripides, then later appeared in Shakepeare's Troilus and Cressida, and Jean Racine's 1667 play Andromaque. It is not likely to make many appearances in the modern world.
  13. Andromeda

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Meaning:

      "advising like a man"

    • Description:

      One of the stellar unique baby names from mythology, Andromeda was the beautiful daughter of Cassiopeia who, like her mother, literally became a star--the constellation that bears her name.The Bohemian Andromeda makes a dramatic and adventurous choice in a time when four-syllable mythological names are gradually making their way into the mainstream.
  14. Anemone

    • Origin:

      Flower name; Greek

    • Meaning:

      "daughter of the wind"

    • Description:

      Anemone is a floral name that relates to the ancient Greek myth of the famous love story of Aphrodite and Adonis, in which Aphrodite transforms her wounded lover's blood into a flower, the crimson anemone, whose blossoms are opened by the wind — accounting for its other name, windflower.
  15. Angelica

    • Origin:

      Italian, Polish, Russian diminutive of Angela

    • Meaning:

      "angel or angelic"

    • Description:

      Angelica is by far the choicest form of the angelic names -- more delicate than Angelina, more feminine than Angel, more modern than Angela. But though Angelica is so lacy and poetic, it lags behind the bolder Angelina (probably for obvious reasons).
  16. Anise

    • Origin:

      Nature name

    • Description:

      Name of the licorice plant, this spice comes in the shape of a star, giving this name an extra level of sweetness.
  17. Anisette

    • Description:

      Anisette is a delicate feminine name derived from the sweet, anise-flavored liqueur of the same name. The liqueur itself takes its name from anise, an aromatic herb used in cooking and traditional medicine. With French linguistic roots, Anisette has a distinctly European flair and sophisticated sound. The '-ette' suffix adds a diminutive, feminine quality typical of French naming patterns. While exceedingly rare as a given name, Anisette offers parents a unique option with built-in sweetness and cultural associations. The name might appeal to families with French heritage or those with connections to culinary traditions. Its rarity ensures individuality while its familiar sound pattern makes it accessible.
  18. Anisha

    • Origin:

      Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "lord"

    • Description:

      A multi-cultural choice overflowing with charm.
  19. Anita

    • Origin:

      Spanish diminutive of Ana; Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "grace; unguided"

    • Description:

      Once a Top 100 name, this Spanish diminutive of Ana still retains some of her Latin flair. A notable namesake is noted attorney Anita Hill, another is the great jazz singer Anita O'Day. Plus there's Disney cred via the lead human character in 101 Dalmatians.
  20. Anjali

    • Origin:

      Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "gift"

    • Description:

      This Indian name meaning gift or offering feels familiar via sound-alikes Angela or Angelina, and made a brief appearance on the U.S. Top 1000. Anjali is a pretty route to a name that's at once easy to understand and uncommon.