Names Ending in -ly for Girls

Dilly

Makes Donna into a cool twenty-first-century unisex Irish surname. 

Donnelly

A word that's been used, very infrequently, as a name for hundreds of years. Interesting sound and meaning. 

Early

Emaly is a modern feminine name that offers a fresh spelling variation of Emily. Emily derives from the Latin 'aemulus,' meaning 'rival' or 'trying to equal or excel,' though today the Latin connection is rarely emphasized. The distinctive spelling with an 'a' instead of an 'i' gives Emaly a contemporary twist while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. This variation follows the trend of creating unique spellings for traditional names. While less common than Emily, Emaly has gained modest usage as parents seek familiar-sounding names with distinctive written forms. The name carries the same soft, feminine quality as Emily but stands out on paper, potentially reducing confusion with the extremely popular original form. Emaly remains recognizable while offering individuality.

Emaly

Emaily is a feminine name that appears to be a modern variation of Emily, possibly created to give a unique twist to the classic name. While Emily traces back to Latin and Germanic roots meaning "industrious" or "rival," Emaily represents a contemporary adaptation that maintains the melodic quality while standing out. This variant spelling has emerged in recent decades as parents increasingly seek personalized versions of traditional names. Emaily shares the gentle, feminine appeal of Emily but with an added layer of distinctiveness. The name remains relatively uncommon, making it an option for parents who appreciate the familiarity of Emily but desire something more unique. The addition of the 'y' gives the name a slightly more whimsical, modern character while still being intuitively pronounceable.

Emaily

Farrelly is a feminine name with Irish origins, derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Fearghail, meaning 'man of valor' or 'courageous one.' As a first name, Farrelly is quite rare and unconventional for girls, representing a modern trend of adopting surnames as given names. Its unique sound combines strength and femininity, making it distinctive in any setting. While not commonly found in popularity charts, Farrelly offers parents seeking an uncommon name with Celtic roots an interesting option. The name carries connotations of bravery and determination, qualities that many parents might wish to inspire in their daughters.

Farrelly

Fynly is a feminine name representing a modern, creative spelling of Finley. Originally an Irish and Scottish surname meaning "fair warrior" or "fair hero," Finley transitioned to first-name usage in recent decades. This particular spelling with a 'y' gives the traditionally masculine name a feminine twist while maintaining its Celtic roots. The alternative spelling adds a contemporary, distinctive quality to the name. Fynly embodies the growing trend of gender-neutral names and surname-to-first-name transitions. While still uncommon, especially with this spelling, the name offers parents a combination of traditional meaning with modern style. The name's brief two syllables give it a crisp, fresh sound that works well in contemporary naming landscapes.

Fynly

Finly is a feminine name (though sometimes used for boys) with Scottish and Irish Gaelic roots. It's a variation of Finley, derived from 'fionn' (fair, white) and 'laogh' (warrior or hero), meaning 'fair warrior.' This spelling variant gives the traditionally masculine name a softer, more feminine appearance. Finly represents the growing trend of adapting surnames and traditionally male names for girls. The name has a crisp, modern sound while maintaining Celtic heritage connections. Though relatively uncommon, its popularity has increased with the rise of similar-sounding names like Finley and Finn. Finly offers a balance of strength and delicacy, appealing to parents seeking a name that's both distinctive and culturally rooted.

Finly

Gilly is a name that's popped up from time to time in different contexts: As a nickname for Gillian, for instance, and as the name of a town in Switzerland. But it's increasingly associated with Hannah Murray's character Gilly in HBO's Game of Thrones, whom Sam Tarly rescued from Craster's Keep. Despite her rough Wildling origins, Gilly has become one of the more charming, approachable characters on the show, and her name is just familiar enough that we can see it finding mainstream popularity. Spelled Gili, it's a unisex Hebrew name meaning "joy."

Gilly

Sweet and vintage, Jilly is a nickname of Jillian or Jill, perhaps most notably borne by British romance author, Jilly Cooper. Rarely used as a standalone name, unlike its sound-alikes Milly and Tilly, Jilly could make a fun choice, though some might find it a bit too close to jelly.



Jilly

Gricely is a rare feminine name with likely Latin American origins. It appears to be a creative variation of names like Grace or Griselda, with the distinctive '-ly' suffix adding a musical quality. While uncommon in mainstream usage, Gricely has seen limited use in Hispanic communities. The name conveys a sense of elegance and uniqueness. Those named Gricely might appreciate the individuality their name provides, as they seldom encounter others sharing it. The name's scarcity in popular culture allows bearers to define its associations personally, making it a truly distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet melodic feminine name.

Gricely

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

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

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

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

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

Kaly is a short, sweet feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Callie or Kaylee, or a shortened form of Kalina or Kaleen. Some parents might choose it as a unique spelling of Kali, the Hindu goddess representing time, change, and power. The name has Greek connections too, possibly relating to 'kallos' meaning beauty. With its modern feel and cross-cultural appeal, Kaly offers simplicity while remaining distinctive. The name has never been among the most popular choices but maintains steady usage among parents seeking short, melodic names with multiple cultural connections. Kaly projects a bright, friendly personality and works well across various cultures and languages.

Kaly

Kymberly is a feminine name that emerged as a creative spelling variant of Kimberly in the mid-20th century. The original name Kimberly comes from an English place name meaning 'meadow of Cyneburg's royal fortress,' combining Anglo-Saxon elements. The distinctive 'y' spelling gives Kymberly a more unconventional look while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. This variation gained modest popularity in the 1970s and 1980s when parents began exploring alternative spellings of traditional names. Like Kimberly, Kymberly often uses the nicknames Kim, Kym, or Kymmie. The name carries associations of strength and nobility from its royal origins while offering parents a way to personalize a familiar name. Though less common than the standard spelling, Kymberly maintains the approachable, friendly quality of its traditional counterpart.

Kymberly

Kymbrely is a creative spelling variation of Kimberly, a name with Anglo-Saxon origins meaning 'from the royal fortress meadow.' This distinctive spelling emerged during the 1970s-1980s trend of adapting traditional names with unique letter combinations. The substitution of 'y' for 'i' and the addition of an extra 'e' give Kymbrely a more elaborate and personalized feel compared to its traditional counterpart. While less common than Kimberly or Kimberley, this variation appeals to parents seeking familiar sounds with individualized presentation. Kymbrely maintains the same melodic quality and cultural associations as Kimberly but stands apart in written form. The name peaked in popularity during the 1980s but continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its distinctive spelling while honoring the classic name's heritage.

Kymbrely

Cymberly is a feminine name that emerged as a creative variation of Kimberly, which itself originated as an English surname derived from the place name in Nottinghamshire, combining 'Cyneburg,' a royal fortress, and 'leah,' meaning woodland or clearing. The distinctive spelling with 'C' and 'y' represents a modern trend toward unique spellings of familiar names. The alteration may also evoke associations with the musical instrument cymbal, adding a subtle artistic dimension. Cymberly gained limited usage in the late 20th century when parents began seeking more individualized versions of popular names. While maintaining the melodic three-syllable flow and general recognition of Kimberly, Cymberly offers a more uncommon option that stands out on paper while still being intuitively pronounceable.

Cymberly

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 30)