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Names Ending in -ly for Girls

  1. Nelly
    • Origin:

      Variation of Nellie and Nell
    • Meaning:

      "light"
    • Description:

      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.
  2. Cicely
    • Origin:

      English variation of Cecilia
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Keely
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. Lolly
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Laura, Charlotte, Dolores, Ololade, or similar
    • Description:

      Lolly is a sweet and playful nickname, usually used for Laura or Charlotte, though other full names could be Dolores, Ololade, Lauren, Lorelei, Lorena, Elodie, Ottilie, Louella, Elora, Elowen, Olive and beyond. Also spelled as Lollie (which featured in the US Top 1000 in the late 19th century, Lolly is still occasionally given as a stand-alone name, with more than 50 girls receiving the name since the 2000s.
  5. Tigerlily
    • Origin:

      English flower name
    • Description:

      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.
  6. Sicily
    • Origin:

      Place-name
    • Description:

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

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  8. 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.
  9. Chantilly
    • Origin:

      French place name
    • Meaning:

      "white"
    • Description:

      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".
  10. Ally
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Allie
    • Description:

      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.
  11. Milly
    • Origin:

      Variation of Millie, English diminutive of Mildred or Millicent
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  12. Arely
    • Origin:

      Spanish feminization of Areli, Hebrew, or contraction of Araceli
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  13. Magaly
    • Description:

      Magaly is a feminine name with Latin American and European roots. Primarily used in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Mexico and other Latin American nations, it likely originated as a variation of Margaret, which means 'pearl.' In French-speaking regions, it may be connected to the Occitan name Magali, a Provençal form of Margaret. The name carries a melodic, flowing quality with its three syllables and soft sounds. Magaly began gaining recognition in the mid-20th century and has maintained consistent, though moderate, usage. It offers a distinctive alternative to more common Margaret derivatives while maintaining an elegant, romantic quality. Women named Magaly are often perceived as having a touch of exotic charm combined with traditional grace.
  14. Elly
    • Description:

      Elly is a charming feminine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a diminutive for several longer names including Eleanor, Elizabeth, Ellen, Eloise, and Eliana. With English and Greek origins, its root meaning connects to 'light' or 'shining one' through its connection to these longer forms. Elly has a friendly, approachable quality with its cheerful sound and simple spelling. While not typically ranking among the most popular names, it has maintained steady usage throughout the decades. The name strikes a perfect balance between feeling familiar and yet not overly common. Its brevity makes it practical and unpretentious, while still carrying the elegant heritage of its longer counterparts.

  15. Emberly
    • Origin:

      English elaboration of Ember
    • Meaning:

      "ember"
    • Description:

      The Kimberly of the current age, but currently less popular than either Ember or Everly.
  16. Bryly
    • Description:

      Bryly is a modern feminine name that appears to be a creative variation or neologism likely derived from names like Brielle, Brylee, or possibly the surname Bryl. With its distinctive spelling and bright sound, Bryly has an inherently contemporary feel. The name follows the trend of short, snappy names with the popular 'ly' ending seen in names like Kimberly, Beverly, and Emily, yet stands apart with its unique construction. While lacking deep historical roots, Bryly appeals to parents seeking something fresh and uncommon that still feels familiar in structure. The name has a lighthearted, energetic quality with its crisp consonants and flowing ending. Extremely rare in usage statistics, Bryly offers the appeal of uniqueness while remaining relatively intuitive in pronunciation. Its brevity and modern character make it well-suited to contemporary naming sensibilities focused on distinctiveness and phonetic appeal.

  17. Kirrily
    • Origin:

      Aboriginal, Australian
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  18. Tully
    • Origin:

      Irish, Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  19. Jolly
    • Origin:

      English word name and surname
    • Meaning:

      "joyful"
    • Description:

      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.
  20. Callalily
    • Origin:

      English from Greek flower name
    • Description:

      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".

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