By Brynn McKeon · Updated September 2026
Across 10 pages
of 10
Word name
"ember, glowing coal or wood"
A warm and contemporary choice, Ember refers to the still-glowing parts of a fire once much of it has gone out. As such, some of its appeal lies in its associations with hope, rekindling, and light…
Variation of Everly
"wild boar in woodland clearing"
Like Ashley before it, on-trend Everly has been followed by a range of spelling variants, and among them, Everleigh is the most popular. Opinions are divided as to whether the "-leigh" ending makes…
French variation of Elizabeth
"pledged to God"
Elise is one of those golden names that stylish but not TOO popular. Its appeal is due in large part to its French flair and to the love for El-names in general. Elise originated as French diminutive…
Variation of Elaine or Elena,"bright, shining light"
"bright, shining light"
While both Elaine and Elena are on an upward trajectory, Elaina has shifted up and down the charts in recent years, making no big moves in either direction. Steadily used, this blend of the two could…
Diminutive of Eve or Eva, English or Latin
"life"
Evie was derived from the English Eve or the Latin Eva, which in turn come from Chawwah, a Hebrew name related to the concept of life. Evie can be used as a nickname for any name that starts with…
French
"beloved"
Esmé comes from the past participle of the Old French verb esmer , meaing "to esteem" or "to love." It can also be considered a derivative of the Spanish name Esmeralda, which means "emerald". Esmé…
English
"desired; or water, island"
This spelling variation of the classic Evelyn gives it a trendy makeover to fit in with the surge of names ending with -lynn suffixes. Recent counts have seen it given to around 1000 girls each year…
French and Scottish
This old Scottish form of Helen has had quite a history, going from appearing as one of the shining heroines of the Arthurian legends, the princess who fell in love with Sir Lancelot and became the…
French, variation of Alodia, German
"foreign riches"
The lyrical and melodious Elodie, a Nameberry favorite, is starting to rise through the US popularity charts for the first time since the 1880s. This once uncommon member of the El- family is a Top…
Spelling variation of Emery, English from German
"industrious"
A child will find this name is neat, easy to pronounce, and able to fit in with the crowd. Emory or Emery nudge the popular Emma, Emily, and Emilia toward the gender-neutral side. Interestingly,…
Contracted form of Elnora, Eliora or Eleanora
Contemporary without feeling overtly modern, Elora is a winning mix of elements and sounds. It's got the popular El-prefix of Eleanor, Eloise, and Elliana, the -ora ending ef Aurora, Cora, and Nora —…
Spanish and Portuguese
"emerald"
Esmeralda came into use as an applied use of the Spanish word for emerald, esmeralda . In the 1831 Victor Hugo novel Notre-Dame de Paris , also known as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame , the heroine was…
English diminutive of Emily and Emma
"work; universal"
Long a nickname for all the Em-names, as well as an annual award, Emmy is now being given on its own, as are soundalikes Emme and Emmi. Might be too identified with the TV awards--though that doesn't…
Spanish and Italian, diminutive of Elizabeth
Elisa is one of the most appealing of this contingent of Elizabeth-related names. In the US, Eliza is much more stylish these days, but Elisa is very popular internationally — especially in Europe…
"she"
Combine the charming heroine of the movie Legally Blonde with supermodel Elle Macpherson and the trend toward all names beginning with "el"—Ellie, Ella, Eleanor—and you have one hit name. Elle Driver…
"prosperous in war"
Edith was a hugely popular name a hundred years ago that's being revived among stylish parents in Stockholm and London. It's currently beginning to gain traction in the US among those with a taste…
Spelling variation of Emily
This trendy spelling of Emily may be benefiting from the rise of Emery.
Latinate form of Estelle
"star"
Estella is a pretty Latin name, most notably associated with the character in Dickens's Great Expectations , adopted and raised to reek Miss Haversham's revenge on men. With the popularity of Stella,…
Hebrew
Eve, the oldest name in the Book, is now coming back into style, having the virtues of simplicity and purity, yet with more strength and resonance than other single-syllable names like Ann. British…
Variation of Everly, English
Like Ashley before it, Everly has been followed into the US charts by a number of spelling variations, one of which is Everlee. More distinctly feminine perhaps or a little sweeter in style, Everlee…
