It seems like you can’t scroll through TikTok lately without coming across the “coquette” aesthetic. Merriam-Webster defines coquette as “a woman who endeavors without sincere affection to gain the attention and admiration of men” — but the modern coquette is so much more than that. It’s not about attracting attention; it’s about owning your femininity and having fun with fashion and self-expression. And this empowering aesthetic can spill over into just about anything: decor, makeup trends, and yes — even coquette names!
When you think “coquette,” think ultra-feminine. Think pale pink bows, lace, and frills; diamonds and pearls; antique vanity tables strewn with vintage perfume bottles and delicate powder puffs. But it’s not just a romantic vibe — it’s also playful, whimsical, and fun.
The charming, lighthearted spirit of the coquette aesthetic lends itself well to lots of areas, and baby names are no exception. Like the movement they’re named for, coquette names are beautiful, flowery, and feminine — but they also have an air of boldness about them. Girls with these names are outgoing and charismatic; no awkward, introverted wallflowers here! They know exactly what they want and aren’t afraid to go after it. That’s what’s so fun about the coquette trend: it’s a way to reclaim traditionally feminine elements without the societal expectations that so often go along with them. It’s about owning and enjoying femininity without conforming to stereotypes.
Check out our list of coquette names below — and see if you think they fit the feisty and spirited (but still oh-so-pretty) coquette vibe.
Discover the perfect blend of grace and strength with these enchanting ballet-inspired baby names. https://t.co/KOvdFn7y4k
— SheKnows (@SheKnows) November 18, 2023
-
Allegra
Image Credit: SheKnows The Italian name Allegra means “cheerful or lively,” which are two big aspects of the coquette trend — making it the perfect coquette name!
-
Calliope
Image Credit: SheKnows In Greek mythology, Kalliope was a goddess of eloquence and poetry; the name is comprised of the Greek elements kallos (beauty) and ops (voice) — hence its meaning, “beautiful voice.” The Calliope variant, spelled with a C instead of a K, softens it a bit.
-
Carmen
Image Credit: SheKnows The Latin word carmen means “song” — and fittingly, is the name of the main character the George Bizet opera Carmen. In Hebrew, the word karmel means “garden.” That name morphed into Carmel, which in turn morphed into Carmen. So either meaning is beautiful!
-
Yvette
Image Credit: SheKnows Fun, flirty Yvette comes to us by way of the Germanic name Ivo, meaning “yew.” Its medieval French form is Yves, and Yvette is the feminine form.
-
Adora
Image Credit: SheKnows The name Adora can come to us in a couple of different ways. First, it could be a short form of Adoración, meaning “adoration.” Or it could be a short form of Isadora, which comes from a Greek name meaning “gift of Isis.”
-
Isla
Image Credit: SheKnows The name Isla is cute and sweet, much like this trend. Though isla (pronounced EES-la) is the Spanish word for “island,” as a name, Isla actually comes from the island of Islay off the coast of Scotland, and is pronounced EYE-la.
-
Juliet
Image Credit: SheKnows The epitome of femininity, the name Juliet is synonymous with the romantic heroine in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It comes from the Roman family name Julius, which means “downy” or “youthful.” For even more feminine charm, you could spell it Juliette.
-
Madeline
Image Credit: SheKnows The origins of Madeline come from Mary of Magdala (or Mary Magdalene), a close companion of Jesus in the Bible’s New Testament. Magdala is said to mean “tower.” Because of the Biblical reference, the name Magdalene came into frequent use — and Madeline (also spelled Madeleine) is the French version.
-
Lana
Image Credit: SheKnows When it comes to coquette names, Lana definitely fits the bill — it has a glamorous sound, but even better, it brings to mind singer Lana Del Rey, who some consider the epitome of the coquette aesthetic! The name Lana doesn’t have a definitive meaning, since it came about as a nickname for longer versions like Svetlana (light), Milana (gracious), and Alana (little rock).
-
Marie
Image Credit: SheKnows The dainty French form of Mary, Marie means “bitter” — but is still fitting for a sweet, playful girl.
-
Roxy
Image Credit: SheKnows Roxy is a spunky nickname for Roxanne — which comes from the Old Iranian rauxšnā, meaning “bright and shining.”
-
Bianca
Image Credit: SheKnows Believe it or not, Bianca is not only closely related to Blanche, it’s the same name — but while Blanche is the French form, Bianca is the Italian. Both come from a Medieval French nickname meaning “white.” And if The Golden Girls’ flirty Blanche Deveraux is any indication, Bianca is a great coquette name.
-
Violet
Image Credit: SheKnows Violet (or Violette!) comes from the Latin viola, meaning “violet” — the delicate purple flower. It’s a vintage favorite with a very strong sound.
-
Evangeline
Image Credit: SheKnows Comprised of Greek elements meaning “good news,” we love Evangeline’s feminine sound — its softness strengthened just enough by the V. But we really love that it comes with a plethora of potential nickames, like Ev, Evie, Eva, Angie, Vangie, and Lina.
-
Lola
Image Credit: SheKnows Lola is the diminutive form of the Spanish name Dolores, meaning “sorrows.” But despite its less-than-ideal meaning, it’s a fun, flirty name befitting of a girl who’s a go-getter — because after all, like the famous song says: “Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets.”
-
Ivy
Image Credit: SheKnows Another name packed with vintage floral charm, Ivy — a botanical name referring to the climbing plant with tiny yellow flowers (not the itchy vine!) — is just delicate enough, while its associations with poison ivy (though again – not the same plant!) make it just a little bit dangerous too.
-
Esme
Image Credit: SheKnows Esme means “loved” in Old French, so it’s such a sweet name. But its languid Z-sound — EHZ-may — cuts down on its saccharine nature with a little bit of sensual edge.
-
Rose
Image Credit: SheKnows Roses are pink, ruffly, flowery, all the things the coquette trend embraces. But if you hold them the wrong way, they’re going to hurt you — making Rose the perfect coquette name.
-
Jessamine
Image Credit: SheKnows Jasmine is a gorgeous name — but it’s everywhere. According to data from the U.S. Social Security Administration, Jasmine is currently sitting at #178 of the top 1000 most popular girl names (and that’s not even taking into account the popularity of its multiple spinoffs like Jasmyn, Jasmin, and Jazmyn). But a variant — Jessamine (you could also spell it Jessamyn) — is a fresh take on this floral favorite.
-
Delphine
Image Credit: SheKnows This lovely French name comes from the Latin name Delphinus, meaning “of Delphi” — an ancient Greek city once considered to be the center of the world. Interestingly, it also has ties to the sea, as “delphine” means anything dolphin-related … just like “bovine” is to cows or “equine” is to horses. Delphine is a feminine and glamorous-sounding name, but equally beautiful is its Spanish version, Delfina.
More Stories from Parenting
Leave a Comment