Femme

Girl Name
Pronunciation:/fɛm/

Femme: a female name of Old English (Anglo-saxon) origin meaning "This name means a little girl". It derives from the Old English (Anglo-saxon) word (FRIDUMAR) (FRIDUMAN) (FRITHURIC) (*FRIþUZ LINDI / LINTA) (ÆLFÞRYÐ).

Parents seeking a meaningful feminine name often discover Femme, drawn to its Old English (Anglo-saxon) heritage and beautiful significance: "This name means a little girl". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.

Quick Facts About Femme

Quick facts about Femme
OriginOld English (Anglo-saxon), Germanic
GenderGirl name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name means a little girl. Famke, Femke, and Femme are a prefix and suffix name of several names beginning with the Germanic element "frid," such as Friedegard, Friedegarde, Friederika, Friederike, Elfriede, Friedelinde and Friedlinde. It is of Germanic and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots (FRIDUMAR) (FRIDUMAN) (FRIDURIC) (*FRIþUZ LINDI / LINTA) and (ÆLFÞRYÐ).

Etymology & Details

Name Root

(FRIDUMAR) (FRIDUMAN) (FRITHURIC) (*FRIþUZ LINDI / LINTA) (ÆLFÞRYÐ)

How to Pronounce Femme

Femme is pronounced /fɛm/(French)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Fem-me
  2. Say it like: "FEHM"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

This name has found popularity across frisian, and dutch speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.

frisiandutch
Name Relationships

Femme is an affectionate diminutive of Friedegard, Friedegarde, Friederika, Friederike, Elfriede, Friedelinde, Friedlinde, commonly used in frisian speaking regions. This shortened form maintains the original meaning while offering a more intimate, familiar tone. Femme is a variant form of Femke, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.

Frequently Asked Questions About Femme
What does the name Femme mean?
Femme means "This name means a little girl. Famke, Femke, and Femme are a prefix and suffix name of several names beginning with the Germanic element "frid," such as Friedegard, Friedegarde, Friederika, Friederike, Elfriede, Friedelinde and Friedlinde. It is of Germanic and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots (FRIDUMAR) (FRIDUMAN) (FRIDURIC) (*FRIþUZ LINDI / LINTA) and (ÆLFÞRYÐ).". The name comes from (FRIDUMAR) (FRIDUMAN) (FRITHURIC) (*FRIþUZ LINDI / LINTA) (ÆLFÞRYÐ). This old english (anglo-saxon) name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Femme for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name means a little girl. Famke, Femke, and Femme are a prefix and suffix name of several names beginning with the Germanic element "frid," such as Friedegard, Friedegarde, Friederika, Friederike, Elfriede, Friedelinde and Friedlinde. It is of Germanic and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots (FRIDUMAR) (FRIDUMAN) (FRIDURIC) (*FRIþUZ LINDI / LINTA) and (ÆLFÞRYÐ)." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Femme's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Femme?
Femme has old english (anglo-saxon) and germanic origins. The name traces back to (FRIDUMAR) (FRIDUMAN) (FRITHURIC) (*FRIþUZ LINDI / LINTA) (ÆLFÞRYÐ). From its old english (anglo-saxon) roots, Femme spread to become common in frisian, dutch. The old english (anglo-saxon) meaning "This name means a little girl. Famke, Femke, and Femme are a prefix and suffix name of several names beginning with the Germanic element "frid," such as Friedegard, Friedegarde, Friederika, Friederike, Elfriede, Friedelinde and Friedlinde. It is of Germanic and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots (FRIDUMAR) (FRIDUMAN) (FRIDURIC) (*FRIþUZ LINDI / LINTA) and (ÆLFÞRYÐ)." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Femme developed as a form of Femke, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Femme a boy or girl name?
Femme is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In old english (anglo-saxon) tradition, Femme has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name means a little girl. Famke, Femke, and Femme are a prefix and suffix name of several names beginning with the Germanic element "frid," such as Friedegard, Friedegarde, Friederika, Friederike, Elfriede, Friedelinde and Friedlinde. It is of Germanic and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots (FRIDUMAR) (FRIDUMAN) (FRIDURIC) (*FRIþUZ LINDI / LINTA) and (ÆLFÞRYÐ)." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Femme?
Femme is pronounced "/fɛm/". This pronunciation follows fr language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Femme is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in frisian, dutch, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with old english (anglo-saxon) names, listening to a native speaker say Femme can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
What are common nicknames for Femme?
Femme is commonly used as a nickname for Friedegard, Friedegarde, Friederika, Friederike, Elfriede, Friedelinde, Friedlinde. As a diminutive of Friedegard, Friedegarde, Friederika, Friederike, Elfriede, Friedelinde, Friedlinde, Femme started as an affectionate short form used by family and close friends. Many people named Friedegard, Friedegarde, Friederika, Friederike, Elfriede, Friedelinde, Friedlinde go by Femme throughout their lives, using the full name only on official documents. In old english (anglo-saxon) cultures, using Femme as a nickname carries a sense of familiarity and warmth. This nickname pattern is common among girls and women, though some now use Femme as a given name on its own. Today, parents sometimes put Femme on the birth certificate directly, skipping the longer form entirely. This gives the child a name that feels both complete and approachable.
How popular is the name Femme?
Femme is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Femme offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Femme's popularity may vary between old english (anglo-saxon) communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name means a little girl. Famke, Femke, and Femme are a prefix and suffix name of several names beginning with the Germanic element "frid," such as Friedegard, Friedegarde, Friederika, Friederike, Elfriede, Friedelinde and Friedlinde. It is of Germanic and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots (FRIDUMAR) (FRIDUMAN) (FRIDURIC) (*FRIþUZ LINDI / LINTA) and (ÆLFÞRYÐ)." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Femme holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Femme?
Femme is a form of Femke. Over time, Femke developed into several variations, with Femme emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In old english (anglo-saxon) tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name means a little girl. Famke, Femke, and Femme are a prefix and suffix name of several names beginning with the Germanic element "frid," such as Friedegard, Friedegarde, Friederika, Friederike, Elfriede, Friedelinde and Friedlinde. It is of Germanic and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots (FRIDUMAR) (FRIDUMAN) (FRIDURIC) (*FRIþUZ LINDI / LINTA) and (ÆLFÞRYÐ).", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Femme might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In frisian and dutch, Femme may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Femme commonly used?
Femme is common in frisian and dutch naming traditions. Though old english (anglo-saxon) in origin, Femme found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name means a little girl. Famke, Femke, and Femme are a prefix and suffix name of several names beginning with the Germanic element "frid," such as Friedegard, Friedegarde, Friederika, Friederike, Elfriede, Friedelinde and Friedlinde. It is of Germanic and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) origin and comes from the following roots (FRIDUMAR) (FRIDUMAN) (FRIDURIC) (*FRIþUZ LINDI / LINTA) and (ÆLFÞRYÐ)." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Femme into their naming traditions. A child named Femme will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Femme is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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