Updated October 2026
Across 7 pages
of 7
Hebrew or Japanese
"life; universal feathers"
Appealing crosscultural choice.
Feminine version of Hermes, Greek
"messenger, earthly"
Hermione's costarring role in Harry Potter has made this previously ignored, once stodgy name suddenly viable. Hermione could really take off once today's children start having kids of their own. In…
English
"hallowed stone"
Though long associated with the iconic male fashion designer -- who went by his middle name alone -- rising young actress Halston Sage has made Halston feel plausible as a girls' name too.
Arabic
"gift"
A simple and pretty Arabic option that has been on the rise in the UK in recent years, possibly thanks to several famous Hibas, including telenovela actress Hiba Abouk from the hit show El Principe…
"Hugh's son"
Climbing the charts for boys, and has just begun to cross over for girls, despite the macho "hud" sound followed by the "son" syllable.
English word and virtue name
"honor"
Honor is a somewhat more straight-laced virtue name than Hope or Grace, placing a high standard on any girl carrying it, but it's a goal worth setting. By choosing Honor for her daughter, Jessica…
Latin from Greek
"happy, cheerful"
Hillary is a lovely name that, for the moment at least, is tightly bound to an individual with a strong image: Hillary Clinton. Whatever your feelings about Mrs. Clinton, her fame now dominates the…
Greek
"protectress"
She was queen of the Greek gods, both sister and wife to Zeus, but the name of her Roman counterpart Juno has become much more fashionable these days. That said, we think Hera has possibilities today…
"pleasant"
A popular Muslim girl name in the UK, possibly boosted by its similarity to familiar classic Hannah.
Word name
We've seen Haven take off as a nouveau girls' name; Harbor could follow in its wake.
German
"battle woman"
Short for Brunhilda, the operatic Valkyrie of Teutonic legend, Hilda still has not quite shaken off that image that image. Though with the resurgence of Matilda, she might just have a bit of a…
Taíno place-name
Politics aside, the Cuban capital is one of the most rhythmic of place-names. The question is: can politics be put aside?
Word Name
"a woman who will inherit property, a position, or a legacy"
In this era of Royalty, Reign, and Chosen, Heiress isn't as shocking as it once might has been. A direct and declarative choice for those who want their daughter to carry on their legacy, Heiress…
French variation of Helen
"bright, shining one"
Whether it's pronounced with an "een" or an "aine" or an "enn" sound at the end, Helene doesn't feel as current the more forthright Helen or the airier Helena. Helene reached a high of Number 228 in…
Color name, Finnish feminization of Henry, English from German
"estate ruler"
Reddish dye that sounds as if it could be a real name — of the outdated, Old World, Yetta-Hedda variety.
"hallowed island"
Halsey became famous as a girls' first name via singer-songwriter Halsey, who took her name from Halsey Street in Brooklyn, where she was living when she began writing songs. It's also an anagram of…
Flower name, from Greek
"blue larkspur; precious stone"
Though it may not be as sweet and gentle as, say, Violet, the purple-hued Hyacinth still might hold some appeal for the parent seeking a truly unusual flower name. In Greek mythology, Hyacinthus was…
"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.
"the sea"
Another culture's take on the Hailey/Halle phenomenon.
"cheerful, happy"
Hilary (also spelled with two 'l's) is a hot potato of a name, so closely identified with Sen. Clinton that it's hard for most parents to see it as a baby name. A pity, really, as it's got so much…