Yes, Grandma Margaret is wonderful. But if you’re looking for a girl name that feels universally strong and is backed up by a lovely female namesake, then do I have the list for you! Women throughout history and even in our modern day world continue to break down barriers that are worth remembering and maybe even honoring with the names of our little girls. So today, I’ve compiled a few names with powerful and influential female namesakes attached that will surely be a wonderful start to the beautiful life your little girl might lead. And that sounds like my cue to get this show on the road!
Clara- The female founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton wore this dainty yet fierce moniker as she nursed many civil war soldiers, found missing family members lost in war, and fought for the rights of slaves and women. This Clara is a particularly courageous namesake for your little girl to be named in the image of, and certainly a worthy woman to commemorate. Although her full name is the more elaborate Clarissa, also an equally lovely and potentially more direct association, she went by Clara her whole life. On top of that strong connotation, Clara has the stunning meaning of “clear” and “bright,” making her a strong and optimistic choice.
Elizabeth- History welcomes a wide variety of Elizabeths, from medical barrier-breakers, particularly Elizabeth Blackwell, to women’s rights activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton. First off, Elizabeth Blackwell was the first female ever to get recognized on the British medical register, as well as being the very first woman to accept a medical degree in the US. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Cady Stanton is known for organizing early protests and demonstrations for women’s voting rights, making her an admirable figure. Elizabeth has plenty of nicknames to offer as well, from Bess, that of Queen Elizabeth I, to Ellie, Betty, Lizzie, and plenty more.
Emmeline- Another Suffragette namesake that feels more than wearable for a little girl today, Emmeline Pankhurst was the leading lady at the forefront of the fight for British women to have a say in their government, and was one of the primary causes of the eventually voting freedoms that were granted to women of the United Kingdom. If you’re looking for a strong female namesake that will blend seamlessly into a kindergarten classroom today, Emmeline (Emma-leen, Emma-linn, or Emma-Line) feels like the perfect tie to today’s Emery-Emma-Emily craze that’s just barely simmering down and the historical women who changed the world. Even better? Emmeline means “hard-working,” a strong meaning to boot with her equally powerful namesake.
Ruth- With Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s death recently, parents are beginning to look at this vintage classic with a fresh new lens. Known often as RBG, Ruth is remembered for her legendary position as the second woman to ever serve on the US Supreme Court, and her advocacy for women’s rights and equality between genders. She was truly a pioneer for women’s rights at a time where appointing a woman in her position would’ve been seen as ridiculous, a truly courageous and influential inspiration to many for a more equal future. With the adorable spunky little nickname Ruthie to back up the sweet full form, Ruth and Ruthie belong among other clunky baby girl names getting a rebirth such as Millicent and Millie and Juniper and Junie.
Victoria- A woman who wasn’t afraid to stand up for what she believed in, the brutally under recognized Victoria Woodhull claimed the title of first woman to run for president. And the real ground-breaking factor behind this was the fact that she did so in 1872, when women weren’t even given the opportunity to cast their ballots and vote for government leaders, much less run to be one themselves. Victoria Woodhull was a woman who showed fearlessness and strutted bravely into an arena dominated by men, some of which hated the idea of women even being able to vote, much less run against them for the title of executive leader of the United States of America. Victoria means “victory,” a lovely meaning, even though she (obviously) didn’t succeed in winning the election, given that 150 years later, we still haven’t achieved that feat.
Teresa- Mother Teresa, a selfless and thoroughly religious woman who dedicated her life to aiding the needy and less fortunate, a truly inspirational role model for many people, particularly if your religious beliefs align with hers. Take the peaceful and kind connotations from Teresa and add it to the spunky nickname Tess or Tessie, the perfect alternative to Sadie or Winnie with a slight kick of oldie charm yet the aptitude to be a lovely modern possibility. Teresa’s feminine appeal and Tess’s retro glimmer will only push her up the charts. Theresa, a more well-known spelling, could also be used to honor this influential woman.
Florence- A beautiful vintage rarity, Florence has long been a lasting favorite of mine, strikingly classic yet shockingly rare. The namesake for Florence is Florence Nightingale (Nightingale being a FIRE middle name, but that’s just me. I mean, Tatiana Nightingale, Dorothy Nightingale….). Florence drastically altered the entire principles that nursing was leaning on during the Crimean War, and she pioneered techniques and beliefs still in use today in a field dominated by men at the time. A name with many short forms, including unisex Ren, cutesy Flurrie and Flossie, and cheerful Cece, Florence is one to consider (and Nightingale is also a cool one, if you’re interested! *wink wink*)
Emily- Sure, the Em- names might be falling for now, but Emily is one that is indisputably classic. And poet Emily Dickinson, a literary figure whose poems were considered revolutionary in style and her isolated lifestyle sparked great curiosity surrounding the beloved poet. Many of her stylistic tweaks on traditional poems of her time had lasting impacts on poetry and the styles we favor today. Emily is a name with a bit of a British literary twist, the same one that comes with Emma and Charlotte and Anne. I’m basically just listing the Bronte sisters now. But Emily does have that old-school feel and style, despite her humongous surge in popularity in the early 2000s and 1990s.
That’s all for today! I hope you enjoyed these girl names inspired by famous women who changed the world for the better. I tried to leave out modern examples to avoid too much political or moral controversy, but feel free to leave your favorite more contemporary female role models with beautiful names below!
Sincerely,
-Delphina Moon
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