Names Ending in -ly for Girls

The name of an Abenaki chief who was the first Native American to make contact with the Pilgrims at Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Samoset

Cicily is a feminine name representing a variation of Cecily, which itself derives from the Latin name Caecilia, meaning 'blind' or associated with the ancient Roman Caecilia family. This spelling variant adds a distinctive touch to the traditional name while maintaining its classical roots and elegant sound. Cicily has a lyrical, flowing quality with its soft consonants and rhythm. While the standard spelling Cecily has medieval English popularity and literary connections, the Cicily variant remains quite rare, giving it an uncommon quality. The name carries associations with gentleness and grace, likely influenced by its connection to Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music. Despite its rarity, Cicily remains intuitive in pronunciation for English speakers. The name offers parents a unique option that combines historical depth with a fresh spelling while maintaining a feminine, classic character.

Cicily

Thessaly is the name of an area of Greece, known for being near Mount Olympus. This variation lends itself to the nickname Sally. You may also wish to consider the name Larissa, which is the capital of the Thessaly region.

Thesally

In the Middle Ages, Margaret became Margery, Cecilia became Cecily, and Amabel became Mabel ... and Mabely.

Chaucer mentions the name briefly in The Canterbury Tales. 

It's rare - and maybe a shade too close to cosmetics company - Maybelline - but has some potential appeal for parents after something like Emily and Avery, but much less common.

Mabely

Zuly is the spunky short form of Zulma, and is commonly used on its own, often in the Latino community.

Zuly

Serviceable spelling of a cute but pandemic name that appears as everything from Cali to Callie to Kaylee and Kayleigh.  Are these all the same names?  Though there may be subtle differences in pronunciation and theoretical derivation, they certainly feel similar.

Caily

Hartly is a feminine name with English origins, though it began as a surname derived from Old English elements meaning "hart clearing" or "deer meadow." As a given name, it represents the modern trend of transforming surnames into first names, particularly with the appealing "-ly" ending that gives it a contemporary feel. While traditionally more common for boys, Hartly has been increasingly used for girls, reflecting the growing popularity of unisex names with nature associations. The name carries connotations of woodland settings and wildlife, appealing to parents drawn to nature-inspired names. Its crisp sound and straightforward spelling make it accessible, while its rarity ensures individuality. Hartly strikes a balance between strength and softness in its phonetic qualities.

Hartly

Chessly is a rare feminine name with modern English origins, possibly derived from the word "chess" or as a creative variant of names like Chelsea or Chesley. With its distinctive sound and uncommon usage, Chessly has never appeared on popular name charts, making it an exceptionally unique choice. The name has a contemporary feel with its trendy '-ly' ending, similar to popular names like Everly and Kimberly. Despite its rarity, it feels familiar and accessible. Parents might choose Chessly for its subtle connections to strategy and intellect through the chess association, while appreciating its feminine sound and distinctiveness in nearly any social setting.

Chessly

Bevverly is an uncommon feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Beverly. The traditional Beverly originated as an English surname derived from a place name meaning 'beaver stream' or 'beaver meadow,' combining the Old English words 'beofor' (beaver) and 'leah' (clearing or meadow). The doubled 'v' in Bevverly creates a distinctive visual difference while maintaining the same pronunciation as the traditional spelling. This spelling variation emerged as part of the trend toward creative and unique name spellings. While the standard Beverly peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1930s-1950s, the Bevverly variant remains quite rare. Parents might choose this spelling to give a traditional name a more modern, unique touch while honoring family tradition.

Bevverly

The name of an area in northern Greece, known in the era of Homer's Odyssey as Aeolia, Thessaly makes a spirited and pretty place name. Reminiscent of Tessa, Rosalie, and Thea, the name likely derives from that of an ancient tribe, though the exact meaning isn't known.
 
Borne by American actress Thessaly Lerner, and a character in the graphic novel Sandman, Thessaly is given to small handful of girls in the US each year.

Thessaly

Harly is a feminine name with English origins that has gained modest attention as a modern, spunky alternative to Harley. The name carries a free-spirited, contemporary vibe and represents the trend of adopting surnames and traditionally masculine names for girls. Historically, Harley derives from Old English elements meaning 'hare clearing' or 'meadow of hares.' Harly, with its modified spelling, creates a slightly softer impression while maintaining its energetic feel. While not ranking among popular baby names, Harly appeals to parents seeking something distinctive with a touch of edginess. The name evokes images of independence and adventure, possibly influenced by motorcycle culture associations.

Harly

Short for Neala or even for a girl called Neal or Neale.

Nealy

Whitely is an uncommon feminine name that originated as an English surname derived from location names meaning 'white clearing' or 'white meadow.' The name combines the Old English elements 'hwit' (white) and 'leah' (woodland, clearing). As a first name, Whitely has a delicate, refined quality with subtle connections to nature. Though rare in usage, it appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with English heritage that carries sophisticated overtones. Whitely can be viewed as an elaboration of the more common 'Whitney' or as a unique alternative with similar phonetic qualities. The name conveys images of brightness, purity, and natural beauty.

Whitely

Haely is a feminine name that represents a modern variant spelling of Haley or Hayley. The original name derives from Old English elements, combining either "hay" (meaning enclosure) and "leah" (clearing or meadow), or possibly from a surname derived from a place name. This contemporary spelling emerged in the late 20th century as parents sought more distinctive variations of popular names. Haely offers a unique twist while maintaining the familiar sound that made Hayley popular during the 1980s and 1990s. The name has a fresh, approachable quality with its fluid pronunciation and modern spelling, though it remains relatively uncommon compared to its more traditional counterparts.

Haely

Chesly is a feminine name that appears to be a modern variation of names like Chelsea or Chelsey. Chelsea originated as an English place name meaning 'landing place for chalk or limestone,' which evolved into a given name during the 20th century. Chesly offers a streamlined, contemporary spelling while maintaining the recognizable sound. This name has a fresh, modern feel while retaining connections to more established variants. Relatively uncommon in usage statistics, Chesly appeals to parents seeking a familiar-sounding name with a unique spelling. The name's brevity and easy pronunciation create a practical yet distinctive option that works well across various cultural contexts without feeling overly trendy.

Chesly

Westerly is a feminine name with geographical roots, referring to winds that blow from the west. Drawing inspiration from the English language, this name conveys a sense of natural movement and direction. Westerly has a breezy, outdoorsy quality that appeals to parents seeking nature-inspired names with a modern edge. While uncommon as a given name, Westerly fits with contemporary trends toward using location names and directional terms for children. The name suggests adventure, exploration, and a free-spirited personality. Its gentle rhythm and connection to natural elements make it distinctive yet accessible, perfect for parents looking for something unique but not too unconventional.

Westerly

Hadly is a feminine name with English origins, possibly derived from place names containing the Old English element 'haed' meaning 'heather' or 'heathland.' It may also be a variation of Hadley, which was originally a surname meaning 'heather field' or 'heather clearing.' The name emerged as a given name primarily in the 21st century, part of the trend toward using surnames and place names for girls. Hadly has a contemporary, slightly androgynous quality with its crisp sound and modern feel. The name balances between feminine and gender-neutral territory, making it appealing to parents seeking something current yet substantive. While less common than Hadley, this spelling variant maintains the same pleasant rhythm and outdoorsy associations with a subtly distinctive touch.

Hadly

Wandely is a feminine name with uncertain origins, possibly a creative variation of Wendela or Wendy, or derived from Germanic elements related to the Vandals, an ancient Germanic tribe. The name has a flowing, ethereal quality with its soft consonants and melodic ending. Wandely remains exceptionally rare as a given name in most English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality for those seeking uncommon names. The construction of the name, with its flowing sounds and -ly ending, aligns with contemporary naming trends favoring melodic feminine names. While lacking widespread historical usage, Wandely appeals to parents drawn to names that sound both delicate and distinctive, with a slightly whimsical quality reminiscent of fantasy literature.

Wandely

Wally as a feminine name represents an uncommon usage of what is traditionally a masculine nickname. Typically, Wally serves as a diminutive of Walter (meaning 'ruler of the army') or Wallace ('Welshman' or 'foreigner'). For girls, it occasionally functions as a nickname for names like Wallis or Walburga. The feminine usage gained some recognition after American socialite Wallis Simpson, for whom King Edward VIII abdicated the British throne. The name has a casual, friendly quality with a somewhat vintage appeal. While never widely popular for girls, Wally offers a tomboyish option that contrasts with more traditionally feminine names. Its rarity as a feminine name makes it distinctive, appealing to parents seeking uncommon gender-neutral options with historical connections.

Wally

Griselly is a feminine name likely of Spanish or Latin American origin, though relatively uncommon even in Spanish-speaking countries. It may be a variant of Griselda, which derives from Germanic elements meaning 'gray' and 'battle,' traditionally associated with patience and fortitude. The '-elly' suffix gives it a melodious, feminine quality that softens the more serious root. Alternatively, it may be a creative modern formation inspired by names like Giselle or combinations of parents' names. Griselly has a lyrical quality when pronounced, with a distinctive rhythm that sets it apart. The name remains rare in most countries, making it an uncommon choice that carries a certain exotic appeal while still being relatively accessible in pronunciation for Spanish speakers or those familiar with Romance languages.

Griselly

Girl names ending in -ly include many popular choices.

In the US, the top girl name with an ly ending is Emily, a former Number 1 name. Along with Emily, girl names with ly endings in the US Top 200 include Lily (and Lilly), Everly, Molly, and Kimberly.

Along with Emily and Lily, popular ly-ending girl names in the UK include Holly, Tilly, and Polly, all in the Top 200.

Names that end in ly closely resemble those ending in ley, lee, and so on, so the sound is far more ubiquitous than this one spelling would suggest.

The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.

Here are all Nameberry's names for girls ending in ly.

Girl names ending in -ly include many popular choices. In the US, the top girl name with an ly ending is Emily, a former Number 1 name. Along with Emily, girl names with ly endings in the US Top 200 include Lily (and Lilly), Everly, Molly, and Kimberly. Along with Emily and Lily, popular ly-ending girl names in the UK include Holly, Tilly, and Polly, all in the Top 200. Names that end in ly closely resemble those ending in ley, lee, and so on, so the sound is far more ubiquitous than this one spelling would suggest. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically. Here are all Nameberry's names for girls ending in ly. (Page 15)