By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 607 pages
of 607
Arabic
"beloved, sweetheart"
A name whose sweet sound matches with its meaning, Habiba is popular in Somalia and North Africa. It comes from the Arabic habib meaning "dear, beloved", making it a bright and endearing choice.
"guide to righteousness"
A pleasant, welcoming Middle Eastern choice.
Jalilah is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning 'important,' 'exalted,' or 'revered.' It's the feminine form of Jalil, one of the 99 attributes of Allah in Islamic tradition, giving the name deep…
Jalisa appears to be a modern American name that gained popularity primarily in the 1970s and 1980s. The name may have multiple origins: it could be a variant of Jalissa or a feminine form of Jalix.…
Jamyla is a feminine name that likely developed as a modern variation combining elements from different naming traditions. The prefix 'Jam-' may connect to names like Jamila (meaning 'beautiful' in…
Jaylanni is a feminine name that represents modern naming creativity, likely a blend of the popular prefix 'Jay-' with a melodic ending. It may combine elements of names like Jay, Lani (Hawaiian for…
Compound name including Jessica or Jessa and Lyn
"to behold beauty"
With a hint of the floral Jessamyn, the familiarity of Jessica, and reminiscent of sweet but strong Jocelyn, this compound name was quietly but consistently used from the 80s until the mid 2010s when…
Hebrew
"flowing down"
A feminization used more before Jordan joined the girls' camp.
English, compound name
A modern mashup of Katia and Natalia, has a sharp and appealing sound.
Spelling variation of Katherine, Greek
"pure"
This is the spelling that old-time film star Katharine Hepburn used, and it's still favored by fans wanting to reference her classic strength and beauty. But in general, it's losing ground to…
Latin
"envious"
Somehow sounds even posher than Lavinia. A lushly beautiful name, in the trendy ancient style, marred only by a negative meaning.
Melanny is a contemporary feminine name that appears to be a variation of Melanie, which derives from Greek origins meaning 'dark' or 'black.' This modern spelling with double 'n' adds a unique twist…
Greek
"story of Odysseus; long journey"
Literally, the Odyssey is Homer's epic tale of Odysseus's long voyage home from the Trojan wars, but more figuratively, it is used to describe any long, challenging, or eventful journey. A rare…
Place name
"from Sicily"
The Italian and Sicilian name for the Island of Sicily, named for the ancient tribe, the Sicels. Sometimes used as an alternative form of Cecilia ("blind"), its connection to the place gives it a…
Native American, Cherokee, place-name
"bend in the river; meeting place"
Young rocker Tennessee Thomas has brought this former one-person name over to the girls' side -- though the census roles of North Carolina in 1850 included a female named Tennessee and called Tincy.…
Feminine variation of Guiomar, Spanish, Portuguese
"famous in battle"
The longer form of Xia is more rhythmic but also more problematic.
Yahaira is a feminine name with roots in Arabic culture, though it has become particularly popular in Latin American communities. While its precise etymology remains somewhat debated, some believe it…
Arabic, Persian
"the Pleiades"
Variant of rising star Soraya, with that cool Z initial.
"idyllic place"
Acadia, the French name for Nova Scotia and the name of a gorgeous national park in Maine makes a fresh, rhythmic choice for your little girl. Acadia is an original yet accessible member of the…
Variation of Adeline or Adelaide, a compound name blending Adele and Elaine
"noble; noble light"
With Adelyn, Adelaide, Adeline, Ada, Lainey, Delaney, and Elena all in the charts, Adelaine remains surprisingly underused. Given to just 40 girls in the US in 2024, it makes a distinctive but…
