Names Ending in -ly for Girls
- Cicely
Origin:
English variation of CeciliaMeaning:
"blind"Description:
This frilly Victorian name is a variant of Cecilia and Cecily, with which it might well be confused. Cicely was a surprise choice for comedienne Sandra Bernhard.
- Blakely
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"dark wood or clearing"Description:
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.
- Tigerlily
Origin:
English flower nameDescription:
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.
- Keely
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"slender"Description:
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.
- Milly
Origin:
Variation of Millie, English diminutive of Mildred or MillicentMeaning:
"gentle strength; strong in work"Description:
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.
- Ally
Origin:
Spelling variation of AllieDescription:
This spelling variation of the popular girls' nickname ranks behind the more traditional form—Allie (Number 255). This spelling could be hurt by the word name ally, which bears a different pronunciation.
- Orly
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"light"Description:
A cute Hebrew name also written as Orli.
- Dragonfly
Origin:
English, word nameDescription:
A fantastical nature name that could just make a brilliant middle.
- Billy
Description:
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.
- Wally
Description:
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.
- Mally
Origin:
Scottish short form of Mary, Hebrew or Egyptian,"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"Meaning:
"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"Description:
Mally actually has several possible derivations beyond being a medieval nickname, ala Molly, for Mary . It might be a diminutive of names like Mallory, derived from French meaning "unfortunate" or "unlucky," or as a nickname for Amalia, meaning "work" or "labor" in Germanic languages.
- Italy
Origin:
English variation of Italia, Italian place nameDescription:
Why has it taken so long for us to discover Italy? The name, that is.
- Zuly
Origin:
Short form of ZULMA, ArabicMeaning:
"healthy, vigorous"Description:
Zuly is the spunky short form of Zulma, and is commonly used on its own, often in the Latino community.
- Emberly
Origin:
English elaboration of EmberMeaning:
"ember"Description:
The Kimberly of the current age, but currently less popular than either Ember or Everly.
- Reilly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"courageous"Description:
Riley is the spelling of this lively Irish name most often picked for girls, but this version is occasionally used.
- Aracely
Description:
Aracely is a feminine name with Spanish origins, particularly popular in Latin American countries like Mexico. It likely derives from Araceli, which comes from the Latin phrase "ara caeli" meaning "altar of heaven" or "altar of the sky." The name has religious connections, as Ara Coeli is also the name of a basilica in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Aracely has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables and soft ending. In the United States, the name saw modest popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly in Hispanic communities. The variations Araceli and Aracely both remain in use, with the latter offering a slightly more contemporary feel while maintaining the name's beautiful meaning and cultural connections.
- Arely
Origin:
Spanish feminization of Areli, Hebrew, or contraction of AraceliMeaning:
"lion of God; sky altar"Description:
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.
- Connelly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"love, friendship"Description:
Connelly is a rollicking and rare example of the popular surname genre that may work even better for girls. A huge update on Colleen.
- Sully
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark eyed"Description:
A jaunty offshoot of Sullivan, Sully will be associated by kids with the beloved character in the Pixar animated film Monsters, Inc. Rare for a girl, but with a cool surnamey style and echoes of midcentury favorite Sally.
- Yarely
Description:
Yarely is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be derived from the Hebrew name Yarel meaning 'taught by God,' or it could be a modern variation inspired by words like 'yearly' or 'dearly.' Some sources suggest it may have emerged as a creative contemporary name particularly within Hispanic-American communities. Yarely has gained modest popularity since the early 2000s, especially in the United States. With its melodic sound and distinctive 'ly' ending (similar to popular names like Kimberly, Beverly, and Emily), it has a contemporary feel while remaining unique. The name has a bright, cheerful quality that appeals to parents looking for something uncommon yet intuitive to pronounce and spell.
