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If You Like Annalise, You'll Love . . .

jacquiepaige
By jacquiepaige
Updated Thu May 25 2023
These smooth and feminine-sounding German names are perfect for your little tochter.
  1. Alice

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "noble"

    • Description:

      Alice is a classic literary name that's both strong and sweet, ranking in the US Top 100 and popular throughout the Western world. Alice is derived from the Old French name Aalis, a diminutive of Adelais that itself came from the Germanic name Adalhaidis, which is composed of the Proto-Germanic elements aþala, meaning "noble," and haidu, "kind, appearance, type."
  2. Amelia

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "work"

    • Description:

      Amelia is one of the hottest girls' names, a successor to the megapopular Emma and Emily. Amelia, the Number 2 choice in England, is now also comfortably ensconced in the US Top 10, where it ranked as the third most popular name for girls in 2024.
  3. Anja

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian; Finnish; Slovene; Croatian; Serbian, from Russian

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Anja is one of the most international of several versions of Ann/Anna now being imported, also including Anya and Annika.
  4. Annalise

    • Origin:

      German, combination of Anna and Lise

    • Meaning:

      "grace and pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Variously spelled Annalise and Annaliese as well as several other forms, this is not a modern smoosh but a traditional German combo-name with a definite Heidi-esque feel.
  5. Bernadette

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "brave as a bear"

    • Description:

      Although feminizations ending in "ette" are not particularly popular now, Bernadette is a pleasant, feminine, but strong name that doesn't feel prohibitively dated. And though strongly associated with the saint who saw visions of the Virgin Mary—Saint Bernadette of Lourdes—it is now no longer strictly inhabiting the Catholic diocese.
  6. Clarissa

    • Origin:

      Elaboration of Clara

    • Meaning:

      "bright, clear"

    • Description:

      Clarissa, the daintier version of Claire, has a long literary history of its own, having been featured in the novels of Samuel Richardson, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf—Clarissa was the title character of Mrs. Dalloway—not to mention the 1990s teen sitcom, Clarissa Explains it All.
  7. Eleonora

    • Origin:

      Italian, German, Dutch, and Polish variation of Eleanor

    • Description:

      Makes a serious name frilly and feminine, which, depending on your viewpoint, might be a good or a bad thing. In this case, we vote good.
  8. Elissa

    • Origin:

      Variation of Alice or Elizabeth

    • Description:

      The Elissa version of a long-popular name is fading in favor of Alyssa, Eliza and other variants. The legion of other forms and spellings includes Alissa, Allissa, Allyssa, Alyssa, Elissah, Ellisa, Ellissa, Ellyssa, Elys, Elyssa, Elyssia, Ilissa, Ilysa, Ilyssa, Lissa, Lissie, Lissy Lyssa.
  9. Ella

    • Origin:

      German; English

    • Meaning:

      "all, completely; fairy maiden"

    • Description:

      Ella is a sweet, simple name that owes much of its current popularity to the popularity of other names, from Emma to Bella to Emily to Ellie.
  10. Elsa

    • Origin:

      German diminutive of Elisabeth

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Lost in limbo for decades and decades, Elsa now stands a good chance of following along in the progression from Emma to Ella to Etta, thanks to the ice queen heroine who "Let It Go" in the wildly popular Disney movie Frozen. The name shot all the up to Number 286 (its highest ranking since the 1890s) in the year after the release of the movie, though it's now dropped back down the list in the US.
  11. Emelie

    • Description:

      Emelie is a feminine name of Germanic origin, serving as a variant spelling of Emilie or Emily. These names ultimately derive from the Roman family name Aemilius, meaning 'rival' or 'emulating.' This charming variation is particularly popular in Scandinavian countries, especially Sweden, as well as in French-speaking regions. Emelie carries a delicate, vintage quality that balances traditional roots with a fresh feel. While Emily has dominated English-speaking countries, Emelie offers a subtle European flair that distinguishes it from the more common spelling. The name has experienced steady popularity since the late 20th century, appreciated for its classic femininity and international appeal. Its four syllables flow melodiously, contributing to its enduring charm across generations.

  12. 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.
  13. Greta

    • Origin:

      German, diminutive of Margarethe

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      Greta is an Old World name long tied to the iconic Garbo, but now synonymous with environmental activism.
  14. Heidi

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Adelheid; German

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"

    • Description:

      Heidi became known — and popular — via the 1880 eponymous children's classic by Swiss writer Johanna Spyri and, despite decades of American Heidis of all sizes, shapes, and personalities, the name seems permanently tethered to that spunky little girl on the Alpine mountaintop in the book and Shirley Temple movie.
  15. Isobella

    • Description:

      Isobella is a feminine name that represents a beautiful variation of Isabella, which itself derives from Elizabeth. With Hebrew origins, the name ultimately means 'pledged to God' or 'God is my oath.' The spelling with 'o' instead of 'a' gives the name a distinctive touch while maintaining its elegant, timeless appeal. Isobella gained popularity in English-speaking countries primarily in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, part of the trend favoring elaborate, romantic girls' names. While less common than Isabella, which saw tremendous popularity in the 2000s, Isobella offers a slight uniqueness while still carrying the same classic heritage. The name has a melodious quality with its four syllables and conveys a sense of grace and femininity.
  16. Johannah

    • Description:

      Johannah is a feminine name that serves as an elaborated form of Hannah, which comes from the Hebrew name Channah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' This elegant variation combines elements of Hannah with the feminine form of John (meaning 'God is gracious'). The name has historical roots dating back centuries and appears in various European naming traditions. While less common than Hannah or Joanna, Johannah has maintained consistent, if modest, usage throughout the years. The name saw periodic increases in popularity during the 19th century and has experienced small revivals as parents seek traditional names with distinctive spellings. Johannah offers the appeal of familiar sounds with a touch of uncommon elegance.
  17. Juliane

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "youthful or sky father"

    • Description:

      Variant of Julianne
  18. Karoline

    • Origin:

      German and Scandinavian variation of Caroline, French

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      Karoline is the form of the classic Caroline commonly used in Germany and throughout Scandinavia, where it is popular. It's an acceptable if not traditional spelling variation, given to nearly 100 baby girls in the US last year, versus almost 3000 named Caroline.
  19. Liesel

    • Origin:

      German diminutive of Elizabeth

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Sweet but sleek, and distinctive, Liesel is an old German nickname-name for Elisabeth. It might have once seemed inextricably tied to to its country of origin, but now, like Elsa, Enzo, Saoirse, Freya, Soren, and Heidi, it leans more towards being international and European chic.
  20. Lilie

    • Description:

      Lilie is a feminine name derived from the flower lily, which has long symbolized purity, innocence, and beauty. This elegant spelling variation adds a continental European flair to the more common Lily, resembling the German and French word for the flower. Lilie has a delicate, refined quality while maintaining the natural charm of floral names. Though less frequently used than Lily, Lilie has attracted parents seeking a subtle twist on the popular flower name. The name evokes images of the graceful white bloom that has been featured in art and literature for centuries as a symbol of purity. With its soft sounds and gentle associations, Lilie presents as both feminine and sophisticated, appealing to those who appreciate classic botanical names with a subtle unique spelling.