By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 776 pages
of 776
Kaisleigh is a modern feminine name that combines elements of popular names like 'Kai' and the '-leigh' suffix. This contemporary creation reflects the trend of blending traditional names with…
Irish, spelling variation of Keegan
Right in step with the two-syllable irish surname-names now on the rise.
Variation of Kirsten
Kiersten is the version of Kirsten you use if you really really really don't want anyone to mispronounce it as ker-sten or kris-ten. But they probably still will.
German and Norwegian variation of Christina
"a Christian"
A crystalline name that retains its loveliness far past its prime. Its biggest downside: Eternal confusion over spelling and pronunciation. Kristen? Kirsten? It can be so confusing that many parents…
French variation of Lilian
"lily, a flower"
Now that Lily has become hugely popular, parents in love with this flower name are looking further afield for substitutes such as Liliane and Liliana.
Lilya is a charming feminine name with Slavic and Russian origins, functioning as a diminutive of Liliya, the Russian form of Lily. The name ultimately connects to the lily flower, a symbol of…
French, diminutive of Elizabeth or Lise
"pledged to God"
Lisette, also spelled Lizette, is a dainty,, if somewhat dated, Gallic offshoot of Elizabeth. It reached its U.S. peak of popularity in 1999, then fell off the list in 2001. Lisette Model (born…
French, diminutive of Elizabeth
Whether you spell it Lisette or Lizette, a somewhat dated diminutive that nevertheless retains some charm.
Lynnleigh is a modern feminine name that combines the classic element "Lynn," meaning "lake" or "waterfall" in Celtic origins, with the trendy suffix "leigh," a variation of "lee" meaning "meadow" or…
Marni is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. Some consider it a diminutive of Marina or Marna, derived from Latin meaning "of the sea," while others trace it to Hebrew origins as a…
Variation of Maayan, Hebrew
"spring of water"
Unless you're making an intentional homage to the Maya civilization, the traditional spelling Maayan will prove less confusing.
Diminutive of Wilhelmina, German
"resolute protection; love"
One of those pan-European nickname names much more familiar in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe than in the US, though related name Mina is making a comeback here. Light and bright, it could be an…
Hebrew
"light for me"
A sweet and simple Hebrew name, also written as Orli, this name blends the elements or meaning "light" and li meaning "to me, for me". As such, it has a shiny, cheerful meaning, connected to…
Phoenyx is a contemporary feminine name derived from "Phoenix," the mythological bird that regenerates from its own ashes. This alternative spelling adds a unique twist to the powerful symbolic name.…
Railyn is a modern feminine name that exemplifies contemporary naming trends focused on distinctive sounds and unique spellings. Likely a recent creation, it may combine elements of names like Ray or…
Arabic
"evening conversation"
This lovely Arabic name is gaining popularity in the US, used equally for boys and girls. Indeed, its sound (it rhymes with the feminine Tamar but ends with the fashionably masculine -ar sound, as in…
"rock"
Sela is a Biblical place name, the original term for the city of Petra, which is finding new life through actress Sela Ward, star of several TV series. The young daughter of singer Lauryn Hill is…
Scottish
"from the town of St. Clair"
The most famous Sinclair was the (male) writer Lewis, but these days the name works at least as well for a girl.
Skylyn is a modern feminine name that emerged in the late 20th century, blending the popular nature-inspired element "Sky" with the trendy "-lyn" suffix that appears in names like Brooklyn and…
Steely is an uncommon feminine name that emerged as a modern English coinage, drawing from the word 'steel.' It evokes qualities of strength, resilience, and determination—characteristics associated…
