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  1. Georgiana
    • Origin:

      English, feminine variation of George
    • Meaning:

      "farmer"
    • Description:

      Long a popular upper-crust form in England, where it's pronounced George-ee-AH-na, Georgiana has been been neglected here. But with Georgia growing more popular and the general fashion for elaborate feminine names, Georgiana might have room to grow.
  2. Georgina
    • Origin:

      English, feminine variation of George
    • Meaning:

      "farmer"
    • Description:

      Now more popular than Georgiana in Britain, this elegant Dickens. Jane Austen name deserves attention. Most American parents prefer Georgia to Georgina or any other feminization of George.
  3. Gwenevere
    • Harper
      • Origin:

        English
      • Meaning:

        "harp player"
      • Description:

        You might think of Harper as the hottest name of the last decade, jumping from obscurity to the Top 10, where it remained until last year.
    • Harriet
      • Origin:

        English variation of French Henriette
      • Meaning:

        "estate ruler"
      • Description:

        Harriet has long been considered a stylish, upscale name in England, but it's still waiting to be revived in the US—though some parents seeking a solid, serious semi-classic are beginning to consider it.
    • Heloise
      • Origin:

        French from German
      • Meaning:

        "healthy; wide"
      • Description:

        Heloise is an ancient name related to sleek, peppy classic Eloise. Both ultimately derive from the Germanic name Helewidis, which became Helewis in medieval England. In the twelfth century, the name was borne by the beloved of the French philosopher Pierre Abelard, who was considered to be one of the most learned women of the Middle Ages.
    • Henry
      • Origin:

        German
      • Meaning:

        "estate ruler"
      • Description:

        Henry is back. The classic Henry climbed back onto the Top 10 in the US in 2021 for the first time in over a century, and now stands at Number 8.
    • Hermia
      • Origin:

        Greek, female form of Hermes
      • Meaning:

        "cairn, pile of stones, boundary marker"
      • Description:

        Though we've gotten used to Hermione via Harry Potter, and even Hermes with its godlike and fashion associations, most people would still have a problem with Hermia (too close to hernia?) and Herman.
    • Hermione
      • Origin:

        Greek, feminine version of Hermes, "messenger, earthly"
      • Meaning:

        "messenger, earthly"
      • Description:

        Hermione's costarring role in Harry Potter has made this previously ignored, once stodgy name suddenly viable. Hermione could really take off once today's children start having kids of their own.
    • Hugo
      • Origin:

        Latinized form of Hugh
      • Meaning:

        "mind, intellect"
      • Description:

        Hugo, the Latin form of Hugh, has more heft and energy than the original -- and of course we love names that end (or begin, for that matter) with an o. This one is especially appealing because it's backed up by lots of solid history and European style.
    • Isadora
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "gift of Isis"
      • Description:

        Why is Isabella megapopular while Isadora goes virtually ignored? Too close a tie with tragic modern dancer Isadora Duncan (born Angela Isadora), who was done in by her long flowing scarf, perhaps, or with fusty male version Isidore. But we think Isadora is well worth reevaluating as an Isabella alternative. Quirky couple singer Bjork and artist Matthew Barney did just that and named their daughter Isadora. Isidora would be an alternative, just as proper but not quite as charming spelling--the one used as the spelling of a fourth century saint's name.
    • Ivanna
      • Origin:

        Feminine of Ivan, which is itself a variation of John
      • Description:

        Ivanna / Ivana both come out of the name "John" by way of the Russian variant Ivan. Whereas Joanna feels dated, Ivanna feels cosmopolitan and fresh. Ivanka (of Trump fame) is a diminutive version of Ivanna.
    • Jacqueline
      • Origin:

        French, feminine diminutive of Jacques
      • Meaning:

        "supplanter"
      • Description:

        Jacqueline originated as a feminine form of Jacques, the French variation of James, and therefore Jacob. Jacob was ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Ya’aqov, and gets its meaning, "supplanter" from the story of Jacob supplanting his brother Esau as the first-born son in the Bible. Jacqueline was first used in France in the Middle Ages.
    • Jade
      • Origin:

        Spanish
      • Meaning:

        "stone of the side"
      • Description:

        As a precious stone, Jade is known for its cool green hues, its importance in Chinese art, and its ability to transmit wisdom, confidence, and clarity. As a name however, Jade is a 90’s throwback in the UK, a Number 1 choice in France, and a returning gem in the US right now.
    • James
      • Origin:

        English variation of Jacob, Hebrew
      • Meaning:

        "supplanter"
      • Description:

        James is one of the classic Anglo-Saxon names, a stalwart through the ages that is more popular—and yes, stylish—than ever today. It recently came out Number 1 in a poll of America's favorite boys' baby names, and is the most common male name, counting people of all ages, in the US.
    • Jezebel
      • Origin:

        Hebrew
      • Meaning:

        "not exalted"
      • Description:

        Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab in the Hebrew Book of Kings, has long had a bad girl reputation. But in the modern secular world, this is somewhat mitigated by the feminist perspective of her as a strong woman, the power behind the throne. Previously avoided as a baby name, Jezebel is now, along with the also previously avoided Delilah and Desiree, coming into use, helped by its relation to other 'bel' name such as Isabel and Bella.
    • Jolie
      • Origin:

        French
      • Meaning:

        "pretty"
      • Description:

        Jolie is as pretty as its literal meaning; nowadays it is also seen as a girls’ name, via Angelina for whom Jolie was originally her middle name.
    • Jori
      • Josephina
        • Josie
          • Origin:

            English, diminutive of Josephine, feminine of Joseph
          • Meaning:

            "Jehovah increases"
          • Description:

            Josie is jaunty and friendly: among the most winning of all nickname names. She's been on the social security list since records began being kept.