8 Letter Girl Names
- Berkeley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"where birches grow"Description:
Despite the strong association with the University of California, Berkeley, the more common version of this name omits the second E, Berkley.
- Mackenna
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of the handsome one"Description:
Although the Mc or Mac prefix always means "son of", the first names McKenna and MacKenna are used in the US exclusively for girls, with the McKenna spelling outpacing this one 14 to 1. There are no boys recorded with either spelling of the name.
- Courtnee
Description:
Courtnee is a modern spelling variation of the name Courtney, which originated as an aristocratic Norman surname derived from French place names combining 'court' (court, yard) with 'nez' (nose), referring to a prominent nose of land. By the 20th century, Courtney had transitioned to primarily a feminine given name in English-speaking countries. The Courtnee spelling emerged as parents sought more distinctive ways to personalize traditional names. This variation maintains the same pronunciation while offering a unique written form. Courtnee peaked in usage during the 1990s, coinciding with the popularity of the standard spelling. The name evokes images of elegance and refinement with its courtly associations, while the double 'e' ending adds a contemporary touch that appeals to parents looking for something familiar yet slightly different.
- Wildrose
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"wild rose"Description:
A dramatic botanical smoosh name that's starting to gain attention among adventurous baby namers. If Primrose feels a little... well, prim for you, Wildrose could be a daring alternative.
- Angharad
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"much loved"Description:
This name dates back to Arthurian legend, in which Angharad was the lover of Percival, one of the Knights of the Round Table, and was used more recently for the name of the favorite wife of the warlord in Mad Max: Fury Road. It was quite popular in the Middle Ages and is still heard in Wales, but we doubt that even the glamorous Rosie Huntington-Whiteley could propel it to wider popularity.
- Nepenthe
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"a poetic drug said to banish sorrow from a person's mind"
- Hesperia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"evening, evening star"Description:
Hesperia is the name of one of the Hesperides, known as the daughters of Hesperus or evening. Hesperus is the personification of the evening star in Greek mythology, better known as Venus in Roman mythology. Variations include Hesper and Hespera.
- Thaddeus
Origin:
Aramaic, meaning unclear, possibly from TheodoreMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
Very rarely used for girls, but New York socialite Kelly Bensimon and photographer Gilles Bensimon gave it to their youngest daughter in 2000.
- Rosalina
Origin:
Variation of Rosaline, EnglishMeaning:
"rose"Description:
A feminine and fragrant member of the Rose family.
- Gertruda
Origin:
Polish and Czech variation of Gertrude, GermanMeaning:
"strength of a spear"Description:
Peaked in the Czech Republic in 1939.
- Crisanta
Origin:
Spanish from GreekMeaning:
"golden flower, chrysanthemum"Description:
Crisanta, while not related to Christine, would make a pretty and highly unusual alternative to that tried-and-true name. Because of its relationship to the chrysanthemum, the flower of the month of November, it's one of the recommended names for Scorpio babies as well as names for November babies. Crisanta might also give you a fresh route to nicknames like Cris, Crissy, or Cristie.
- Gladiola
Origin:
Flower name, from LatinMeaning:
"little sword"Description:
An attractive update to Gladys.Gladiola is a character in the 1991 novel and 1995 film How to Make an American Quilt
- Claribel
Origin:
English combination of Clara + -bel, LatinMeaning:
"bright + beautiful"Description:
Claribel improves on its mother name Clarabelle by distancing itself from the clown and the cow.
- Tanaquil
Origin:
EtruscanMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
This intriguing name of an ancient Etruscan queen renowned for her prophetic powers was long associated with the prima ballerina Tanaquil LeClerq.
- Raeleigh
Description:
Raeleigh is a modern feminine name that blends the popular 'Rae' prefix with the trending '-leigh' suffix. It's a creative variation of more traditional names like Rachel or Raelyn. The name has gained modest popularity in the United States since the early 2000s, particularly among parents seeking unique yet melodic names for their daughters. While 'Rae' typically derives from Rachel (meaning 'ewe' in Hebrew) or can be a diminutive of Raymond (meaning 'wise protector'), the '-leigh' element adds a contemporary flair while maintaining the same sound as 'lee' or 'ly' endings. Raeleigh embodies a sweet, graceful quality with its flowing syllables while still having distinctive character.
- Kashmira
Description:
Kashmira is a feminine name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'born in Kashmir' or 'from Kashmir,' referencing the beautiful northern region of the Indian subcontinent known for its stunning landscapes. The name evokes images of natural beauty, particularly Kashmir's famous lakes, mountains, and gardens. Beyond its geographical connection, Kashmira symbolizes beauty, grace, and cultural heritage. While primarily used in Indian communities, particularly among Hindu and Jain families, the name has seen modest international recognition as interest in Sanskrit-origin names has grown. Kashmira offers an exotic yet accessible sound to Western ears while maintaining deep cultural roots. Parents might choose this name to honor Indian heritage or simply for its melodic quality and unique but pronounceable character.
- Carmella
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of Carmel, HebrewMeaning:
"garden"Description:
Most familiar as the name of Tony Soprano's wife, but she spelled it Carmela. In the contemporary US, both Carmella and Carmela are used in near-equal numbers, given to a total of about 300 baby girls last year.
- Vincenza
Origin:
Italian feminine form of VincentMeaning:
"conquering"Description:
Vincenza makes romance of Vincent. Vincenza Gerosa was one of the founders of the Sisters of Charity of Lovere and was later made a saint.
- Clarence
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"clear, bright"Description:
Clarence as a feminine name represents an interesting gender crossover from what is traditionally a masculine name. Derived from the Latin name Clarentius, itself from 'clarus' meaning 'clear, bright, or famous,' Clarence has a distinguished history primarily as a male name. While uncommon for girls, using Clarence for females follows a modern trend of adopting traditionally masculine names for girls. The feminine usage remains quite rare, giving it a distinctive quality. The name carries connotations of clarity, illumination, and nobility. For a girl, Clarence offers the potential nicknames Clare or Clara, which highlight its feminine potential. This unexpected gender application creates a name with both traditional roots and contemporary sensibility, appealing to parents seeking something both established and unusual.
- Eleonore
Description:
Eleonore is a feminine name with Germanic origins, a variant of Eleanor, which derives from the Provençal name Aliénor, meaning 'other' or 'foreign.' This regal name has been carried by numerous European nobility throughout history, including queens and duchesses. The spelling 'Eleonore' is particularly common in French, German, and Scandinavian countries, giving it a continental sophistication. With its elegant four syllables and flowing sound, Eleonore offers a more elaborate alternative to the more common Eleanor or Ellie. The name exudes classic dignity and timeless grace while still allowing for cute nicknames like Nora, Lena, or Elle. Though not among the most popular names in English-speaking countries, Eleonore maintains steady appeal for parents seeking a name with historical depth and European charm.
