Names Ending in -ly for Girls

Ely is a gender-neutral name with feminine leanings that has multiple origins and meanings. As a feminine name, it often functions as a short form of names like Elizabeth, Eleanor, or Elena. It can also be derived from the Hebrew 'Eli' meaning 'ascension' or 'my God.' Ely has a light, airy quality with its simple two-syllable pronunciation (EE-lee). The name shares spelling with the historic cathedral city in Cambridgeshire, England, lending it geographic significance. In recent years, Ely has gained modest popularity as parents seek simple yet distinctive names. Its brevity, easy pronunciation, and gentle sound make it appealing across cultures. The name's versatility allows it to grow well with a person from childhood through adulthood.

Esly

Jarely is a feminine name that has gained popularity primarily in Hispanic communities. Likely a modern creation, it may be inspired by names like Yareli or Yarely, with roots possibly connecting to Nahuatl (indigenous Mexican) origins meaning 'water lady.' The name has a musical quality with its flowing syllables and soft 'j' sound (typically pronounced hah-REL-ee in Spanish). Jarely emerged in usage statistics in the early 2000s and represents contemporary naming trends that value distinctive sounds and spellings. The name carries a feminine, delicate quality while maintaining a modern edge. Its popularity has grown steadily in the United States, particularly in states with large Hispanic populations. Jarely exemplifies the beautiful cultural fusion in modern naming practices, creating a unique identity that honors linguistic heritage while establishing its own distinctive character.

Jarely

Arly is a charming feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a diminutive of names like Arlene, Ariel, or Marlene, or could be derived from the Old English word meaning 'eagle wood' or 'hare clearing'. This short, sweet name has a contemporary feel while maintaining versatility. Arly has gained modest popularity as parents seek distinctive yet approachable names. Its brevity makes it practical and memorable, while its playful sound gives it a youthful energy. The name carries a modern, independent spirit and works well across different cultures. While not among the most common names, Arly offers a refreshing alternative to more conventional choices.

Arly

Camilly

Kensly

Meily

Asly

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.

Billy

Eily

Kenzly

Kerly is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. In some cases, it functions as a diminutive of names containing the element "ker" such as Keri or Kerri. It may also have emerged as a variant of Kelly, or as a modern invention combining popular name elements. The name has gained some recognition in parts of Latin America, particularly Ecuador and Colombia. In English-speaking countries, Kerly remains quite uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. The name has a contemporary feel with its trendy 'y' ending while maintaining a melodic, feminine sound. Its relative rarity makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a modern-sounding name that isn't widely used.

Kerly

Mikaely

Originally a surname deriving from the Roman twin Romulus, this attractive name was introduced to the English-speaking world as a first name by painter Augustus John who used it for his son. Romilly John became Admiral of the Fleet in England. 
 A French surname from the twelfth century on, it's more recently been heard as a girls' name. Emma Thompson, for example, used Romilly as her daughter Gaia's middle name. And Romilly was used in the US last year for a dozen baby girls.
 The logical nicknames would be Romy or Milly, both very much in style.

Romilly

Thaily is a feminine name with possible origins as a modern creation or variation. It may derive from the Thai culture or be a creative blend of elements like Thea and lily. Another possibility is that it evolved as a feminine form of Thales, the ancient Greek philosopher. The name has a delicate, flowing quality with its soft 'th' beginning and 'ly' ending. Thaily remains quite rare globally but may be gaining traction in some Spanish-speaking communities and among parents seeking distinctive, melodious names. Its uniqueness offers the advantage of individuality while maintaining an intuitive pronunciation. The name carries a contemporary feel while evoking a sense of grace and femininity.

Thaily

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 <a href="https://nameberry.com/blog/disney-princess-names">Disney Princess Names</a> in our featured blog.

Tigerlily

Aily

Arielly is a feminine name that beautifully blends elements of Ariel with the popular feminine suffix '-ly.' This melodic creation has Hebrew roots through its connection to Ariel, meaning 'lion of God' or 'God's lion,' though some also associate it with meanings related to 'air' or 'spirit.' The addition of the '-ly' ending softens the name, giving it a flowing, graceful quality. While less common than Ariel or Ariella, Arielly offers a distinctive variation that maintains familiar sounds while standing apart. The name has gained modest usage in recent decades, particularly in Hispanic communities and among parents drawn to its ethereal, feminine sound. Arielly projects both strength (through its lion connection) and delicacy through its musical syllables.

Arielly

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. 
 Literary Cicelys can be found in Sir Walter Scott's "Kenilworth" and the 1925 Dos Passos novel "Manhattan Transfer."
 A distinguished bearer is actress Cicely Tyson. Cicely, or Sweet Cicely is also a herbaceous plant with a strong taste reminiscent of anise,and is sometimes used for medicinal purposes.

Cicely

Sounding both tomboyish and feminine at the same time, this name is mostly associated with actresses Joely Richardson and Joely Fisher. 

Joely

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 6)