Clunky and Eccentric Feminizations
- Adamina
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"child of the red earth"Description:
A feminization of Adam with several sweet nickname options — Addie, Ada, Minnie, or Mina being a few.
- Adolpha
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"noble wolf"Description:
Nein.
- Alberta
Origin:
English, feminine variation of AlbertMeaning:
"noble, bright"Description:
This jazzy old name could make a comeback, the way Josephine and Ella have. In England the name was popularized by Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, after whom her governor general of Canada husband named the North American province. Jazz singer Alberta Hunter was a noted bearer.
- Albertina
Origin:
Diminutive of Alberta, feminine form of Albert, GermanMeaning:
"noble, bright"Description:
Albertina is a dainty, antiquated -- dare we say demure? -- pet name for Alberta, the feminine spin on the once-popular Albert. With Albert one of the classic boys' names due for a comeback, we can imagine more little girls named Albertina than the zero who get the name today.
- Albertine
Origin:
French feminine variation of AlbertDescription:
Albertine and Alberta are old-fashioned feminizations ala Geraldine and Roberta. This is the kind of name that sounds very dowdy until a hip celebrity chooses it, at which point we don't know how we missed its coolness all this time.
- Albina
Description:
Albina is a feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'albus' meaning 'white' or 'bright.' The name suggests qualities of purity, clarity, and radiance. Historically popular across Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia, Poland, Slovenia, and Albania, Albina has been used since ancient Roman times. In Catholic tradition, Saint Albina was a 3rd-century martyr. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century in Slavic countries but became less common in recent decades. Albina offers a classical European sound with a delicate yet distinctive quality. In some cultures, it's associated with the dawn or morning light, symbolizing new beginnings and hope.
- Alfonsa
Description:
Alfonsa is the feminine form of Alfonso, a name with Germanic origins derived from the elements 'adal' (noble) and 'funs' (ready), combining to mean 'noble and ready' or 'ready for battle.' The name entered wider European usage through Visigothic influence in Spain, where numerous kings bore the name Alfonso. Alfonsa has been most commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries and Italy, though it remains relatively uncommon compared to other feminine forms of masculine names. The name carries an elegant, traditional quality with its classical roots and melodic sound. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, it offers a distinctive option with established historical credentials.
- Alfonsina
Origin:
SpanishDescription:
Spanish feminine diminutive of Alfonso.
- Alfonsine
Origin:
German, feminine variation of AlphonseDescription:
Also a town in Italy, this name could find use as a feminine tribute to an Alphonso in the family.
- Alfreda
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"elf power,"Description:
With a meaning like "elf power," Alfreda could find some appeal among fantasy enthusiasts. "Freda" makes for a pleasant nickname.
- Aloisia
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"famous fighter"Description:
Inventive female form of Aloysius.
- Aloysia
Description:
Aloysia is a feminine name with Latin roots, serving as the female form of Aloysius, which derived from the Old German name Chlodovech (modern Ludwig or Louis), meaning 'famous warrior' or 'renowned fighter.' With a rich European heritage, Aloysia has been used particularly in Catholic communities, owing to the veneration of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga. The name carries an elegant, classical quality with its flowing vowels and distinctive sound. While never among the most common names in English-speaking countries, it has maintained consistent usage, especially in families with German, Italian, or Spanish heritage. Aloysia offers the appealing nickname options of Loy, Loysi, or Isa.
- Alvina
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"elf-friend"Description:
This variation of the more well known Alvin adds an unusual and feminine touch to the original. It sounds a bit more like what it means--"elf friend."
- Amadea
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"God's beloved"Description:
Amadea is a strong and musical feminine form of Amadeus, as in Mozart.
- Ambrosia
Origin:
Latin, feminine form of AmbroseMeaning:
"Immortal"Description:
Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning.
- Andrewina
Description:
Andrewina is a feminine name derived from Andrew, which comes from the Greek name Andreas meaning 'manly' or 'brave.' The suffix '-ina' is added to create a feminine form, following a traditional pattern of name feminization. This elaboration of Andrew is relatively uncommon, offering a distinctive alternative to more popular feminine forms like Andrea. Andrewina carries the strength and historical significance of its root name while adding a delicate, feminine quality. The name has Scottish connections, where such feminizations were more common historically. While not frequently used in contemporary naming, Andrewina might appeal to parents looking for an uncommon name with clear etymological roots and a connection to the widely recognized classic, Andrew.
- Anselma
Description:
Anselma is the feminine form of Anselm, a name of Germanic origin derived from the elements "ans" (god) and "helm" (helmet, protection), meaning "protected by God" or "divine helmet." The name gained prominence through St. Anselm of Canterbury, an influential 11th-century theologian and philosopher. Anselma has been used primarily in Latin countries and regions with strong Catholic traditions, including parts of Spain, Italy, and Latin America. Though never achieving widespread popularity, it has maintained consistent usage among families valuing its religious significance and historical depth. Anselma conveys a sense of divine protection and scholarly dignity, reflecting its saintly associations.
- Antonella
Origin:
Spanish and Italian feminine variation of Anthony, LatinMeaning:
"from Antium"Description:
Antonella is a feminine form of Anthony growing in popularity throughout Latin America as well as in the US.
- Antonina
Origin:
Slavic, Italian and Nordic from LatinMeaning:
"priceless"Description:
Despite the popularity of Anthony and its masculine variants, female derivatives of its source – the Roman family name Antonius, of unknown meaning – have never caught on in the same way. Sister name Antonia peaked at #336 in the US way back in 1882, while Antonina itself has never ranked higher than #865 (in 1915). It has been outside of the Top 1000 ever since.
- Apollonia
Origin:
Greek, Feminine variation of Apollo, Greek sun god.Description:
This name of a third-century Christian martyr has an romantic, appealing feel in the modern world. It first came to American attention via Prince's love interest in the film Purple Rain.