Names That Mean Feminine

Orlanda is an intriguing feminization of Orlando, almost unknown in this country.

As Joaquin enters the American mainstream, his sister might just follow.

Now that Jacob has been the top boys' name for several years, this may come to the fore, the way Michaela did after Michael's long reign at Number One. For now, it's one of the more unusual girl names starting with J.

Rather than going with a yooneek spelling like Macen (or Maysen or Masyn), we'd suggest sticking with the original Mason, as Kelsey Grammer did for his daughter.

Novel way to honor Grandpa Henry.

Balletic, à la pirouette.

Ulrica has an Old World sound that may not be user-friendly in the modern US.

Edmee is an antiquated name easily mistaken for the ore popular Esme. In the classic French novel by Colette,Cheri, Edmee is the name of the young women Cheri (who is a male) marries.

If you live in the city, you might call your urban baby Urbana; if you live in the suburbs--don't even think of Surbana.

Donia is a name with many possible origins. Besides a short female form of Donald, it may also be a form of the Italian Donna meaning lady, a variation on the Arabic Donya meaning world, or a Celtic name of the Don family, which all have meanings related to dark or darkness.

This Slavic variation would make a pleasant and slightly more unusual alternative to Johanna or Giovanna.

Distinctive Slavic choice.

Pedra has never caught on with anything like the popularity of its male counterpart, Pedro. The Greek Petra sounds a lot cleaner and more refined.

Rare and ethereal.

A dark-haired femme fatale choice.

One of those feminizations that came over shortly after the Mayflower but has been lost at sea ever since.

Makes Geraldine seem positively groovy.

Feminine form of Armand, has an elegant charm.

Also a town in Italy, this name could find use as a feminine tribute to an Alphonso in the family.