German Names

Historic association with Leopold damns it.

Some older sources list this as a German variation of Richard, though modern Germans spell Richard just like we do.

If you must name your child Leopold, at least call him Leo.

Soft, gentle, and non-Germanic, but the final s almost makes it sound plural.

Bernessa is a rare form of the old-fashioned biblical name Bernice, once stylish but now fallen from favor -- though according to the Hundred Year Rule, it could be time for a comeback.

Paulin's -in suffix and two-syllable rhythm make this a fashionable alternative to the original, though it looks like an abbreviation of Pauline.