Names Ending in -ly for Girls

Blakely, along with Blakeley, Blakelee and Blakeleigh, is one of the post-Ashley surname names that end with the lee sound so stylish today. Reality stars Trista and Ryan Sutter named their daughter Blakesley. These surname-names are among the most stylish English names for girls.

Nelly or Nellie is an adorable nickname name that can be short for a wide range of more formal appellations or that can stand on its own, and is typical of the vintage nickname genre that is growing in popularity. While Nelly can be used for several different names, from Helen to Eleanor to Cornelia, it has stood on its own for more than a century. It was one of the most popular names – spelled as Nellie – in the U.S. at the end of the 1800s.

Sicily is a lilting Italian place-name that sounds like the elegant British Cicely -- which you might consider a plus or a minus.

Billy is an unexpectedly feminine usage of what is traditionally a masculine nickname for William. When used for girls, Billy typically represents a diminutive of feminine names like Wilhelmina, Billie Jean, or simply Billie. This gender-crossing usage became somewhat fashionable in the mid-20th century alongside other masculine-leaning nicknames for girls. The feminine use of Billy peaked in the 1930s-1950s in the United States, influenced by figures like Billie Holiday, though the spelling 'Billie' was always more common for females. The name conveys a tomboyish, vintage charm with its friendly, approachable sound. In contemporary usage, female Billys are quite rare, with parents more likely to choose the explicitly feminine spelling 'Billie' to differentiate from the masculine form.

Milly and her more popular sister Millie are adorable Old Lady nickname-names springing back to life. Nearly 100 baby girls were named Milly, just Milly, last year, and Millie is in the US Top 500. Milly is the Molly of the new generation.

Nickname sometimes heard on its own, sort of an updated Sally and playmate of Hallie.

This name of the bright orange flower found in Asia has been used occasionally in English-speaking countries. A notable namesake is Tiger Lily, the Native American princess from Peter Pan. Read more about Tiger Lily and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.

A fantastical nature name that could just make a brilliant middle.

Keely is well-used in modern Ireland, also found as Keeley and Keela. The boys' form is Keelan. Largely unknown in the US, this could make an interesting update for Kelly or Kaylie or Kylie -- though it might ultimately prove to close to one of those trendy names.

Tully is an Irish surname just waiting to be adapted as a first. Cute and lively, and reminiscent of Tilly or Tali, it's got a long history and a range of possible meanings, depending on which root you use.

Appearing in the US Top 1000 and popular among Spanish speaking families, Arely may be one of two things: a twist on the Hebrew masculine name, Areli, or a shortened form of the Spanish Araceli.

This cheerful name would be a fun seasonal choice of middle name for a child born around the holidays — or as a pet name for a dog or cat adopted during the Christmas season.

Melly is a charming feminine name that typically functions as a diminutive of names like Melissa (meaning 'honey bee' in Greek), Melanie (meaning 'dark' or 'black' in Greek), or Amelia (of Germanic origin meaning 'work'). This sweet, approachable nickname has occasionally been used as a given name in its own right, particularly since the mid-20th century. Melly has a friendly, unpretentious quality that makes it appealing for parents seeking something familiar yet not overused. The name carries a youthful energy while still being suitable for all ages. Though never ranking among the most popular names, Melly maintains steady usage and fits with the trend toward shorter, relaxed names with vintage charm.

The name of a French city famous for its fine lace. Another association: Chantilly cream – a sweetened whipped cream apparently invented there in the 17th century by a chef at the Château de Chantilly. The town probably takes is name from the Gallo-Roman personal name Cantilius, derived from a word for "white".

A cute Hebrew name also written as Orli.

A would-be up-and-comer if it wasn't for the spiked seltzer brand.

Somewhat light and silly on its own.

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.

Aly is a feminine name with several origins. As a variant of Allie or Ali, it serves as a diminutive of names like Alison, Alexandra, or Alice. In Arabic contexts, Aly (also spelled Ali) means 'elevated' or 'high.' The name has gained popularity as a standalone name in recent decades, appreciated for its brief, modern sound while maintaining a feminine quality. In Western countries, Aly is often chosen for its simplicity and contemporary feel. The spelling with a 'y' gives it a distinctive touch compared to the more traditional 'Ali' spelling. As a short, two-syllable name, Aly balances being recognizable yet not overly common.