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.
- Thessaly
Origin:
Greek, place name, meaning unknownDescription:
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Kirrily
Origin:
Aboriginal, AustralianMeaning:
"tree bark or leaf"Description:
Kirrily, which rhymes with cheerily, is a name that's uniquely popular in Australia. It originated in recent decades as an elaboration of several similar names – the European Kyra or Keira, the Maori Kiri which means tree bark, or the Aboriginal word kira which means leaf – plus the lee sound.
- 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.
- Tally
Origin:
Diminutive of TaliaMeaning:
"gentle dew from heaven"Description:
Nickname sometimes heard on its own, sort of an updated Sally and playmate of Hallie.
- Cicily
Description:
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.
- Shelly
Description:
Shelly is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive of Michelle or as a reference to seashells, giving it both personal and nature-inspired origins. Popular during the 1960s and 1970s in English-speaking countries, Shelly has a cheerful, friendly quality that made it a favorite during this period. The name evokes coastal imagery and has a naturally pleasant sound. While it can stand alone as a given name, Shelly continues to serve as a nickname for Michelle, Rochelle, or Shelby. Though its peak popularity has passed, Shelly maintains an unpretentious charm and familiarity. The name's association with seashells gives it a subtle nature connection that appeals to parents drawn to ocean themes.
- Melly
Description:
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.
- July
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"month name"Description:
Most things Jul-related – from the month of July to popular modern names Julia and Julian – originate with Roman emperor Julius Caesar, and the month name July is no exception. Fifteen girls and seven boys were named July in 2013, putting this month name into the class of gender neutral names.
- 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.
- 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.
- Callalily
Origin:
English from Greek flower nameDescription:
The Calla lily is a beautiful trumpet-shaped lily flower, usually white in color, which symbolizes purity and innocence. Its name derives from the Greek kallos, meaning "beauty".
- 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.
- Tully
Origin:
Irish, ScottishMeaning:
"flood; quiet; hill"Description:
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.
- Amberly
Origin:
Modern variation of AmberDescription:
A rarely used play on Amber, making it more feminine and both more modern and old-fashioned at the same time.
- Dilly
Origin:
English diminutive of Delia, Greek, or Dilys, WelshMeaning:
"born on the island of Delos; genuine, steadfast, true; "Description:
Somewhat light and silly on its own.
- Truly
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"in a truthful way"Description:
A would-be up-and-comer if it wasn't for the spiked seltzer brand.
- Sahily
Description:
Sahily is a feminine name with possible origins in several cultures. It may be a variant of Saheli, which means 'friend' in Hindi, or could have Arabic roots. The name might also be a modern creation combining elements of popular names like Sarah with melodic endings. Sahily has a lyrical, flowing quality with its soft consonants and bright vowel sounds. Though relatively uncommon in global naming statistics, it has seen some usage in Hispanic communities and among parents seeking distinctive international names. The name carries an exotic, contemporary appeal while remaining straightforward to pronounce. Sahily projects qualities of warmth, friendship, and uniqueness.
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