Updated May 2023
Across 15 pages
of 15
Short form of Sally, diminutive of Sarah, Hebrew
"princess"
Sal is a cute spin on the trend of boyish nicknames for girls, rarer than Sam or Ali.
Variation of Salima, Arabic
"safe"
In the US, Salima is the more usual variation of this name. Salem, which might be another variation or an alternative place-name for Jerusalem, is more popular for girls as well as boys.
Arabic
Salim is a popular Arabic name used in this form mostly for boys, though the variation Salem -- also a Biblical place-name -- is more popular for girls. In the US, the version given to girls is more…
Spanish, from Latin
"sacred"
Sancha of Leon was an 11th century princess who became Queen of Spain after her brother was killed by Ferdinand I, whom she then married. A twisted tale indeed, but Sancha is one of those names that…
Spanish variation of Sancia
The forerunner of Cynthia is all but unknown these days, but deserving of import and revival.
French variation of Alexandra, Greek
"defending men"
Sophisticated French choice. Or toxic petrochemical, as Ross on Friends famously joked when Rachel suggested it for their fictional daughter.
Dutch, diminutive of Susanne
"lily"
Sanne is hugely popular in the Netherlands, but almost unknown here; which makes it an interesting prospect for the parent in search of an unusual name. Pronounced sah-na, Sanne is in keeping with…
Greek
"the rescuer"
In Greek mythology, Sao was one of the 50 Nereids, daughters of the sea god Nereus. A moon of Neptune is named in her honor.
Irish
"free princess"
Less known internationally than Saoirse and Orla, but equally appealing, Saorla is also spelled Saorlaith or Saorfhlaith. It combines the elements soer and flaith giving it the meaning "free ruler,…
Hebrew
"sapphire"
An addition to the collection of gemstone names — a category that's currently rising in popularity.
Ancient Greek
Name of the 7th century BC Greek lyric poet born on the island of Lesbos, whose name has been synonymous with lesbian love. Though this name is rarely used today, it certainly could be and, some…
Japanese
"salad"
Sarada is the Japanese word for "salad," and thus, is not a given name in Japan. It was used for the Naruto character Sarada Uchiha. According to Tumblr user @ruineko, "When you say her full name,…
German variation of Sasha
"defending warrior"
Largely male throughout Europe, this name--spelled with or without the c , is an energetic choice that has really taken off for girls here; it's been used for the daughters of Steven Spielberg, Jerry…
French
"smooth, shiny"
Sensuous to a fault.
Satine, the name of the Nicole Kidman character in Moulin Rouge, , is, by definition satiny smooth. Jacinda Barrett named her daughter Satine Anais.
Word name
If you live in a state where marijuana is legal (or maybe even if you don't), you might know that Sativa is one of the major strains of weed. And yes, 10 baby girls were named Sativa in the US in one…
Lithuanian
"sun"
A sunny choice that's popular for girls in Lithuania. Also the name of the ancient Lithuanian sun goddess.
Hindi
"sun, rouser, stimulator"
Lively and bright, Savita is among the most popular Hindi names for girls , and one that could easily immigrate. Derived from the name of the Hindu god Savitr, Savita is a sunny choice, that more…
Persian
"noble lineage"
Scheherazade -- or Sheherazade --is a legendary Persian queen immortalized as the narrator of all one thousand stories in the One Thousand and One Nights . Her story is even more remarkable than the…
English word name
With River and Ocean becoming mainstream, why not consider Sea?