Names That Mean Woman
- Meera
Origin:
; SanskritMeaning:
"prosperous"Description:
Meera Bai, also spelled Mirabai, was a great female Hindu mystical poet whose works are popular throughout India. She was a fifteenth-sixteenth century Indian princess who devoted her life to writing paeans of devotion to the god Krishna.The story of Meera was the basis of an eponymous Indian historical drama television series in 2009. It's also gotten a boost from HBO's Game of Thrones, in which Meera Reed is a tough, wise character who cares for the disabled seer Bran Stark once he flees Winterfell.
- Fanta
Origin:
Mande from ArabicMeaning:
"captivating, a woman who abstains"Description:
A West African version of the Arabic name Fatima, also used by diaspora communities, e.g. in France.
- Arianwyn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"woman of silver"Description:
Spelling variant of Arianwen. Note that in Welsh, the -wyn suffix is usually masculine.
- Agathe
Origin:
French variation of Agatha, GreekMeaning:
"good woman"Description:
Agathe is a hugely popular name in contemporary France, even if it's English-speaking counterparts have not yet warmed to the usual English version, Agatha. The French pronunciation is sure to trip up non-French speakers.
- Nazia
Origin:
PakistaniMeaning:
"a woman of whom you can be proud"Description:
Nazia is a name seen in both Pakistan and India, which derives from the word naaz, meaning pride. It may be difficult to introduce this name into the West, given the first four letters, which is unfortunate given its lovely meaning. Nazia Hassan (a singer, lawyer and social activist) was probably the most famous woman with this name.
- Arinya
Origin:
ThaiMeaning:
"beautiful knowledgeable woman"Description:
This name has it all - looks, brains, charms and an international sound that can go anywhere.
- Shakira
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"thankful, woman of grace"Description:
The mononymous Colombian-born singer inspired a popularity blip in the 90s and early 00s.
- Honoria
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"woman of honor"Description:
This is an eighteenth century elaboration of Honor found in Charles Dickens (Bleak House) but rarely heard here and now.
- Babs
Origin:
Nickname for Barbara or BabetteMeaning:
"foreign woman"Description:
Babs is an old-fashioned nickname for Barbara, itself an old-fashioned name that was hugely popular in the 20th century but that's not (yet) on its way back in. If you really want a vintage-y nickname name with a lot of attitude that bucks the current friends, go for Babs instead of Betty or Bea.
- Ilda
Origin:
Italian variation of HIlda, GermanMeaning:
"battle woman"Description:
The Italian form of Hilda is rarer but sweeter than its mother name, which still isn't ready for revival in the US.
- Fatou
Origin:
West African variation of Fatima, ArabicMeaning:
"captivating, a woman who abstains"Description:
Fatou and its long form Fatoumata are variations of the popular Muslim name Fatima, who was one of four perfect women cited by the Quran.
- Fatoumata
Origin:
West African variation of Fatima, ArabicMeaning:
"captivating, a woman who abstains"Description:
Fatima, a popular Muslim name, was a daughter of Muhammad and one of the four perfect women of the Quran. Fatoumata and its short form Fatou are West African variations.
- Orithyia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"woman raging in the mountains"Description:
As elaborate O names such as Olympia and Ophelia gain popularity, Orithyia seems more and more usable. It's the name of several women in Greek mythology, including Orithyia, Queen of the Amazon, who co-ruled with her sister Antiope.
- Lida
Origin:
Russian diminutive of Lidia; Scandinavian diminutive of Alida; variation of Leda, GreekMeaning:
"woman from Lydia; noble; happy"Description:
Multicultural mini name with an intuitive pronunciation — it's a recipe for success, yet Lida remains under the radar.
- Corinthia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"woman of Corinth"Description:
A beautiful Greek name that kicks now-dated Corinne up a notch.
- Zoraida
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"captivating woman"Description:
This name of a beautiful Moorish woman character in Don Quixote is rarely heard.
- Basha
Origin:
Yiddish, variant of BATYAMeaning:
"foreign woman"Description:
Basha bears a family resemblance to other newly popular Slavic names Sasha and Mischa, all of them hearty, warm and welcoming.
- Lydian
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"woman from Lydia"Description:
A more unique take on Lydia — both names refer to Lydia, the area of Asia Minor recognized in the Bible. Lydian has an added musical connection, thanks to the Lydian mode — a chord progression often heard in jazz.
- Minx
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"flirtatious young woman"Description:
While cute in sound, the connotations of the word "minx" make it an inappropriate choice for a baby name.
- Zdenka
Origin:
CzechMeaning:
"woman from Sidon"Description:
Zdenka is a feminine name that is far more popular that the original male name (Zdenko), in both its homeland and abroad. Its meaning, woman from Sidon, makes it the Czech version of English name Sidony. The distinctive "Zd" beginning makes this one of the most intriguing Czech names for girls.