Names Ending in -ly for Girls

Ashely is an alternative spelling of the more common Ashley, a name originally derived from an Old English place name meaning 'ash tree clearing' or 'meadow of ash trees.' This variant spelling gained some popularity in the late 20th century as parents sought to give traditional names unique twists. While Ashley (with the standard spelling) reached peak popularity in the 1980s and 1990s when it was consistently among the top girls' names in the United States, Ashely has always remained less common. The name carries the same natural woodland associations and crisp sound as the traditional spelling but stands out as slightly more distinctive, though it may require frequent spelling clarification.

Cilly is a diminutive feminine name that can serve as a nickname for several longer names, including Priscilla, Cecilia, or Lucille. As a standalone name, it has a playful, endearing quality with its soft sounds and cheerful ending. The name has Germanic roots when used as a short form of Cecilia (derived from the Roman family name Caecilius). Cilly is uncommon as a formal given name, particularly in English-speaking countries, which gives it a distinctive charm. The name's brevity and friendly sound make it appealing for parents seeking something sweet and uncomplicated. Despite its nickname origins, Cilly has a complete feel that works well on its own, offering simplicity while maintaining a feminine quality.

Rosaly is a delicate feminine name derived from Rose, ultimately tracing back to Latin 'rosa,' meaning 'rose flower.' This elegant variation combines the classic beauty of Rose with a lyrical ending that gives it a distinctive, graceful quality.

Connally is a rare feminine name with origins as an Irish surname. It derives from the Gaelic 'Ó Conghalaigh' meaning 'descendant of Conghalach,' which comes from 'conghal,' meaning 'valiant' or 'brave.' The name crossed over to first-name usage as part of the trend of adopting surnames as given names. Connally gained some recognition in American political history through John Connally, a former Texas governor. As a feminine first name, it remains uncommon, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with Celtic roots. The name has a sophisticated sound and carries connotations of strength and dignity, while its '-ally' ending gives it a naturally feminine touch despite its surname origins.

Amely is a feminine name with Germanic roots, functioning as a variation of Amelia or Emily. Derived from the medieval name Amalia, it ultimately traces back to the Germanic word 'amal,' meaning 'work' or 'industrious.' This shorter, sweeter version maintains the charm of its longer counterparts while offering a distinctive spelling. Amely feels both vintage and contemporary, benefiting from the popularity of similar-sounding names while standing apart with its unique form. The name has seen occasional usage throughout European history, particularly in Germany and France. In recent years, it has gained modest traction as parents seek familiar-sounding names with less common spellings. Amely projects sweetness and intelligence while remaining versatile enough to suit a person at any stage of life.

Hally is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It can be considered a diminutive or variation of Hallie, which itself often derives from names like Harriet, Henrietta, or Harold. These names have Germanic roots meaning 'home ruler' or 'army commander.' Alternatively, Hally might be related to the surname Halley, made famous by the astronomer Edmund Halley. The name has a bright, cheerful sound with its open vowels and friendly 'y' ending. Though not among the most common given names, Hally offers a playful yet approachable quality that appeals to parents seeking something somewhat familiar but not overly popular. The name's simplicity allows it to work well across various cultural contexts while still maintaining its distinct character.

Ely is a gender-neutral name with feminine leanings that has multiple origins and meanings. As a feminine name, it often functions as a short form of names like Elizabeth, Eleanor, or Elena. It can also be derived from the Hebrew 'Eli' meaning 'ascension' or 'my God.' Ely has a light, airy quality with its simple two-syllable pronunciation (EE-lee). The name shares spelling with the historic cathedral city in Cambridgeshire, England, lending it geographic significance. In recent years, Ely has gained modest popularity as parents seek simple yet distinctive names. Its brevity, easy pronunciation, and gentle sound make it appealing across cultures. The name's versatility allows it to grow well with a person from childhood through adulthood.