Masculine Versions Of Girl Names

Whether you wish to honor your grandmother who has passed away recently or you love a certain girl name, yet are faced with your last child being yet another boy, a masculine version of a more feminine name could be right for you. Feminizations are all the rage, with Danielle and Christine racking up millions of little namesakes, but there is definitely a large disparity when it comes to masculine versions of girl names. While you can slap an -ette, -elle, or -a on a boy name and make it beautifully feminine, it’s not as simple for boy names. So I’m converting some popular baby girl names into a wonderful list of boy names. Let’s do it!

Olivia to Oliver or Olivander

Oliver seems like the very obvious choice for a masculine version of Olivia, and he is certainly a most dapper and charming choice. With vintage spunk aplenty and the sweetest nickname Ollie, Oliver is slowly breaking all of the barriers and barreling towards the top position in the US as well as Britain. But if you desire something slightly rarer, let me point you towards Olivander. Although he has all of the appeal of Oliver and Alexander, he doesn’t rank in the top 1000 or even far beyond, likely because of the name’s role in the Harry Potter series. Sadly, he doesn’t have any discernible roots, at least that I’ve been able to locate, so if you’re in pursuit of something more historical, then Oliver’s your man! Oliv- is an incredibly in-demand sound, and for a very good reason, both sound and appearance related.

Emma to Emmett or Emmanuel

For an alternative to #2 Emma for your son, try the classy vintage (and newly unisex) Emmett of the Lego Movie for his retro appeal and soft sounds. The only issue might be the Twilight association, particularly with the brand new Twilight Saga movies being released once more, there’s bound to be a whole new generation absorbed in the Cullen family. However, Emmett has a versatile style that works with a variety of other sibsets, and all in a short and sweet two syllables. As for Emmanuel, he’s a choice with wonderful connections in certain faiths and a masculine yet sweet sound, long and biblical. The -el sound and Em- beginning really do elevate him and strengthen his appeal. He feels thoroughly masculine, though, despite the combined sounds of the similar female names Emma and Noelle, which could be potential honor names. Emmett and Emmanuel are both wonderful alternative twists on the name or person you love with the name Emma or Emily.

Ava to Avriel or Avery

A Hewbrew name with that handsome and stylish biblical -iel ending, Avriel is ruggedly handsome and rare, without even being given to 5 boys last year. He feels familiar in sound and style, and no one would question him as a brother to the popular Elijah, and even has a sound similar to that of the name Gabriel. Overall, Avriel is a wonderful alternative to Ava, and I would absolutely suggest him. And then there’s Avery. Avery was solidly a boy name until it got picked up as a stylish surname-esque alternative to Ava for a little girl. However, even as Avery for a girl reaches all-new highs, there’s still potential for Avery as a boy name to be perfect for your family. If you’re looking for a unisex name that’s well loved by many, Avery might be the one for your daughter or a son.

Isabella to Isaiah or Isidore

Frilly, lovely Isabella’s sounds translate seamlessly into handsome boy names as well. For one, there’s Isaiah, a biblical boy name that was quite a star a decade or two ago. Although his trend factor has simmered down slightly now, that’s no reason not to use him. With the same -a ending as Isabella and beloved “I” initial, Isaiah is a handsome and strong baby name for your little boy, whether Isabella is your favorite or not. If the issue with Isabella is her popularity, but you enjoy her classy and regal vibes, try Isidore, who incorporates her same Is- sound and the -dore of Theodore that’s all the rage for vintage baby names right now in one clunky-cool package. Isidore or Isadore, which is even more similar, would make a delightful honor name for an Isabella or Isabelle or even a Theodore, while maintaining a low popularity profile.

Madison to Maddox or Eddison

Madison was an it girl for much of the early 2000s, the perfect balance between the dainty and feminine girl names offered and full on boy names on girls. With the surname style -son accompanying the cheery and bright nickname Maddie, it’s evident why Madison and later Addison and Addie became the stars that they did. For a masculine adaptation of Madison, try leaning into that adorable Mad- sound and adding a masculine power move: the -x. Maddox comes in a thousand different spellings, each cool and modern. If you love the surname style but want something a little more retro, Eddison offers that glorious -son ending with the older nickname Eddie to substitute for Maddie.

Willow to Arlo or Winslow

Willow has a calming and peaceful vibe, perfect for a contemporary little girl at #111, catapulted into mainstream stardom by PINK’s little one by the name. For something truly similar, try Winslow. While 3 more little girls than boys received the name last year, I would say that name is rare enough and the gap close enough that Winslow is definitely still an appropriate name for a little boy. The all the rage -o ending paired with an interesting Z sound make Winslow a wonderful option for both genders. Meanwhile, Arlo makes a more well-known baby name for a little boy that has the same smooth and gender-neutral ending as Willow. Given to 579 baby boys last year, he’s nestled in a cozy sweet spot for baby names, a wonderful alternative to the significantly more popular Willow.

Lily to Dillon or Will

The main attribute of Lily’s that is so attractive to parents choosing both Lily and Lillian is the liquid fluidity of that repeating L and il sound, so I’ve chosen to replicate that in the masculine versions. First up is Dillon, which has the same modern classic vibe of Lily and il- sound that has made him so popular in the first place. Dillon, Dylan, or Dillan could also be potential spellings if you prefer to alter the style a bit. Will is the diminutive of classic William, making him a timeless yet appropriate choice for a baby boy born in 2021 (I don’t know if that has the same ring as 2020 quite yet...). Not only that, he has the -ill sound that makes him feel slightly more youthful and sweet.

Sincerely,

-Delphina Moon