Demure Feminine Names: Popular and Pretty

Feminine names seems like a pretty big category.

And yet, when parents tell you they want a name that’s feminine, it tends to mean something specific. Traditional, pretty, demure.

Speaking of demure, that’s the word of the moment, thanks to a TikTok trend. TikTok creator Jools LeBron, known as @joolieannie, lectured her followers about how she goes to work “very demure, very mindful.”

It’s satire. Except it’s also not, because that quality is a real thing. Alice is demure; Anastasia is a little more dramatic. Araminta is full on dark academia.

Let’s talk about demure names for our daughters. They’re feminine names with a specific amount of spark. Their strength lies in their mix of understated, ladylike style with plenty of steely poise. These are names that will endure – and look good doing it!

ADELINE

This name means noble, but we forever hear it sang “Sweet Adeline,” likely by a barbershop quartet. Even today.

AMELIA

Vintage Amelia fits with feminine names, but also embraces the spirit of pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart.

ANNIKA

Ann is understated. Anna is classic and feminine. But Annika, with that extra syllable, feels like the demure choice.

ARIANA

Singer Ariana Grande is many things, but she often comes across as demure – particularly in previews for the upcoming musical movie Wicked.

BELLA

It literally means pretty, making it a perfect fit for this list.

CAROLINE

Another name put on this list thanks to a song lyric. In this case, that’s Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”

CECILE

As in the very demure Cecile Volanges in Dangerous Liaisons.

CHARLOTTE

Because Charlotte from Sex and the City foreshadowed this ideal.

CLARA

Clear, bright, and oh-so-feminine.

DAISY

A name that feels fresh and innocent, but also vibrant.

DELILAH

Undeniably pretty, Delilah blends a graceful sound with plenty of strength.

DONNA

Because it literally means lady.

DOVE

Many nature names feel unisex, but with its peaceful image, Dove feels especially feminine.

ELINOR

This spelling especially feels like a feminine choice in the mold of so many demure Austen heroines. (Though there’s always more than meets the eye with her characters.)

EMILY

A long-time popular choice, Emily feels like the name for a poet.

EVELYN

Despite this name’s unisex roots, Evelyn brings to mind a capable, determined young woman with impeccable poise.

FRANCES

A ladylike name associated with Russell Hoban’s storybook character Frances the Badger, known for her love of bread and jam.

GRACE

A classic name, Grace carries spiritual overtones as well as a certain flawless, feminine image.

IRENE

There’s plenty of spirit to this name, but as the goddess of peace, Irene also feels demure.

JULIA

Ancient Roman name Julia also appears in the New Testament and Shakespeare, a timeless and feminine choice.

LENA

While Lena is often shorter for more elaborate names – Philomena or Magdalena, maybe? – it’s just Lena that strikes the right balance.

MAE

Many feminine names are longer. But merry Mae manages to convey much in a short sound.

MARY

The ultimate ladylike name.

MOLLY

Once a spirited nickname for Mary, Molly now feels like an independent choice.

NORA

A traditional favorite for a daughter.

OPHELIA

Maybe almost too dramatic for this list, but our image of tragic Ophelia from Shakespeare puts it back in the demure category.

PALOMA

Because it literally means dove, peaceful and distinctive Paloma is a lovely, feminine choice.

PRIYA

From Hindu legend, princess name Priya means beloved.

SALOME

A Biblical name that means peace.

SERENA

Serenity suggests quiet and calm, making Serena a natural fit.

SHIRIN

Shirin comes from a Romeo and Juliet-like legend written by a Persian poet. It means – and sounds – sweet.

TABITHA

With Aramaic roots, this New Testament name means “gazelle.” That’s surely a demure image.

VIOLET

Florals tend to make great feminine names. A shrinking Violet is shy, but we’ve had some great examples of Violets who are anything but.

What would you add to this list of demure, feminine names?