Unconventional Feminizations of Male Names
- Earla
Origin:
English, feminine variation of EarlDescription:
If there's an ancestral Earl you want to honor, consider Early instead.
- Earlene
Origin:
Feminine form of Earl, English aristocratic titleDescription:
Earlene is even more out of style than Earl. These are among the names that have not been revived ala the Hundred Year Rule.
- Edmonia
Description:
Edmonia is a feminine name of uncertain etymology, though it may be a feminine form of Edmund, a Germanic name combining elements meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune' and 'protection.' The name gained some prominence in the 19th century, notably through American sculptor Edmonia Lewis (1844-1907), who achieved international recognition for her work. Despite this historical figure, Edmonia has remained relatively uncommon in usage throughout recorded naming statistics. The name saw modest usage in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but declined in popularity thereafter. While uncommon today, Edmonia carries a certain vintage charm and distinguished sound that appeals to parents seeking a rare name with historical connections. Its pronunciation typically places emphasis on the second syllable: ed-MOH-nee-ah.
- Edwine
Description:
Edwine is a feminine variation of Edwin, an ancient Anglo-Saxon name combining elements meaning 'rich' or 'prosperous' and 'friend.' While Edwin has remained predominantly masculine throughout history, Edwine represents a feminized adaptation with the addition of the final 'e.' This variant is quite rare compared to other feminine forms like Edwina. Historically, Edwine may have appeared occasionally in medieval periods when spelling variations were more fluid. The name carries connotations of wealth, friendship, and nobility, with connections to Edwin of Northumbria, a significant 7th-century Anglo-Saxon king. Parents might choose Edwine to honor family traditions while adapting a traditionally male name for a daughter, offering a blend of strength and feminine quality.
- Elliotte
Origin:
Feminine form of Elliot, Anglicization of Elijah or Elias, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah is God"Description:
There's more than one reason why parents might consider this rising name for a daughter. George Eliot was the pen name of English writer Mary Ann Evans, one of the leading authors of the Victorian era. The possibility of nickname Ellie is another factor.
- Emmanuelle
Origin:
French, feminine variation of EmanuelMeaning:
"God is with us"Description:
The female version of Emanuel could become more prominent, though for some it still carries a steamy image dating back to a then sensationally erotic French film. Singer and Shameless star Emmy Rossum's full name is Emmanuelle.
- Emmette
Description:
Emmette is a feminine variation of Emmett, which derives from the Hebrew name 'truth' or from the Old German 'ermen' meaning 'whole' or 'universal.' This feminized version maintains the strength of the original while adding a touch of softness with the final 'e.' While Emmett has gained popularity for boys, Emmette remains quite uncommon for girls, offering a distinctive choice. The name has a vintage charm similar to other revived classics, yet stands apart with its unique ending. Emmette shares qualities with gender-neutral names that have gained popularity, though it leans feminine in this spelling variation.
- Enrica
Origin:
Italian, feminine form of EnricoDescription:
Novel way to honor Grandpa Henry.
- Ernestine
Origin:
Feminine variation of ErnestDescription:
One time joke name, à la Lily Tomlin's bossy telephone operator, Ernestine is ready for a possible reevaluation, like cousins Josephine and Clementine..
- Eugenie
Origin:
French form of Eugenia, GreekMeaning:
"wellborn, noble"Description:
Eugenie enjoyed a major dusting off when Fergie and Prince Andrew chose it for their daughter, restoring a patina of royal sheen it hadn't had since the time of Napoleon III's glamorous empress--who spent much of her life in England. It was also borne by Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, after whom Prince Andrew's younger daughter was named.
- Eustacia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"fruitful"Description:
Eustacia, the ancestor of mid-century fave Stacy, is just the kind of fusty old relic that might be polished up for modern use. Eustacia Vye is the central character of Thomas Hardy's The Return of the Native.
- Felixa
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"happy, lucky"Description:
The futuristic consonant x sets this apart -- for better and worse -- from all the other Felices, Felicias, and Felicitys.
- Frederica
Origin:
Feminine variation of Frederick, English from GermanMeaning:
"peaceful ruler"Description:
Frederica is an interesting possibility for the parent unintimidated by its old-fashioned formality, and who can appreciate the vintage charm and verve lurking beneath its stuffiness.
- Glenna
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"glen"Description:
Honoring a male relative. Be bold and go with Glenn.
- Gustava
Origin:
SwedishMeaning:
"staff of the gods"Description:
Imposing, if not intimidating.
- Jacoba
Origin:
Hebrew, feminine variation of JacobDescription:
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.
- Jamesina
Origin:
Feminine variation of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
More grown up than Jamie, but never given to more than 13 baby girls in the US per year (and that back in 1968). Modern parents prefer Jamie, Jameson or even James itself, as Blake and Ryan Reynolds chose in 2014.
- Joelle
Origin:
Feminine variation of Joel, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah is his God"Description:
Joel is one of those boys’ names that's never been super-popular yet has never been UNpopular either -- it's been in the Top 400 in the US since we started keeping statistics in 1880. So it's inevitable that its female form Joelle would gain visibility too, and indeed Joelle was used most widely during Joel's reign in the Top 100, from the late 1960s through the early 1990s.
- Josepha
Origin:
Feminine variation of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
Josepha is less heard in this country than in other parts of the world, seen as a slightly awkward feminization a la Ricarda and Benjamina. In the U.S., Josephine or Joanna is the more usual feminine form of Joseph, though you might consider Josepha if you want to break rank.
- Keitha
Origin:
Scottish, feminine form of KeithMeaning:
"wood"Description:
This Scottish name for girls has been sued since the 19th Century as a feminine given name, and has a surprisingly feminine sound for a feminization.