Names that end in y

Ailany was one of the fastest rising names of 2024, while Aylani and Ailani also rose up the charts. While this spelling ranked well outside the US Top 1000 in the latest stats, it nevertheless saw increased use. In fact, it was nine times more popular in 2024 than it was the year prior, given to 44 babies compared to just 5. 
 
A variation of the Hawaiian Ailani meaning "high chief" or twist on Irish Aileen and Turkish Aylin meaning "shining light" and "of the moon" respectively, Aylany is particularly popular among Spanish-speaking families. 
 
While this spelling is currently rare, it is worth noting that when combined with its sound-alikes and variations, they come together to feel like one of the Top 50 names in the US.

Aylany

Shirley Temple almost single-handedly lifted the gloom of the Great Depression, and in tribute (and perhaps wishing for a similarly curly-headed, dimpled darling of their own), thousands of parents of that generation gave their little girls her name. In 1935, Shirley was the second most popular girls' name in the country with more than 42,000 babies named Shirley.

 In an earlier time Shirley was used primarily for boys, but the tide turned with the publication of Charlotte Bronte's novel Shirley in 1849, the story of a character whose parents had selected the name for a boy child, then decided to use it anyway when he turned out to be a she.

 In addition to Shirley Temple, there have been Shirleys MacLaine and Jones and writer Shirley Jackson, as well as rocker Shirley Manson.

Shirley

Lindy is a feminine name with multiple origins. It can be a diminutive of names like Linda, Melinda, Belinda, or Rosalind. In German, Lindy derives from "lind" meaning "soft, tender, or flexible." The name gained unique cultural associations in the 1930s and 1940s with the popularity of the Lindy Hop dance, named after aviator Charles Lindbergh. Lindy has a playful, energetic quality that evokes a friendly and approachable personality. While it peaked in popularity in mid-20th century America, it maintains an enduring charm with its vintage appeal. The name balances casualness with a classic feel, making it work equally well for a child or an adult.

Lindy

Eddy, recently used by Celine Dion for one of her twin boys, was chosen to honor Eddy Marnay, who produced her first five records. Though less common a nickname for Edward than Eddie, Eddy is used more often on its own.

Eddy

Elly is a charming feminine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a diminutive for several longer names including Eleanor, Elizabeth, Ellen, Eloise, and Eliana. With English and Greek origins, its root meaning connects to 'light' or 'shining one' through its connection to these longer forms. Elly has a friendly, approachable quality with its cheerful sound and simple spelling. While not typically ranking among the most popular names, it has maintained steady usage throughout the decades. The name strikes a perfect balance between feeling familiar and yet not overly common. Its brevity makes it practical and unpretentious, while still carrying the elegant heritage of its longer counterparts.

Elly

Honesty is one of the modern virtue names, which along with Justice and Destiny are picking up where Faith, Hope, and Charity left off. Is Honesty the most appealing name ever? No, and it's also sure to spark lots of tiresome jokes. Still, Honesty is a positive quality and a lot more appealing than negative word names such as Pistol and Rehab (which both, yes, were given to five baby girls in the US last year). Honesty is now ranking right below the Top 1000, with 233 baby girls given the name in the US in 2015. We predict that it will climb along with its meritorious sisters and brothers.

Honesty

When Macy rose to fame back in the 90s, thanks to singer Macy Gray and the character Macy Alexander in the soap opera The Bold and The Beautiful, it was joined in the US charts by a host of spelling variations. Macey is one such alternative.
 
Entering the charts back in 1992, Macey peaked in 2001 when it entered the Top 500, but it has since declined in popularity and left the US Top 1000 back in 2014. The original Macy and alternative Macie are current favorites in the States, however in the UK, this spelling remains second favorite after the -ie form. 
 Derived from an English surname, itself borrowed from several towns in France, Macy and co. have been in use longer than you might think. Given to a small group of girls (and a smaller handful of boys) most years since the late 1800s, it might also be used as a variation on nickname Maisy or even a nickname to Thomasine. 
Actresses Macey Cruthird and Macey Chipping are notable bearers of the spelling.

Macey

Variation of Anthony, and more true to the original Latin spelling. The Roman statesman Marcus Antonius is usually known as Mark Antony in English.

Antony

The patron saint of comedians and dancers (also known as St Vitus) has a name that is both the ultimate everyman, and has a hint of British aristocracy. In the States, Guy was most popular in the 1950s. Now he hovers steadily below the Top 1000, in the sweet spot of familiar but not overused. With the meteoric rise of Kai, Guy may have potential with parents looking for a more classic name with a similar sound.

Kenley is an area in the burrough of Croydon in South London, making this a place name in a couple of senses of the term. Kenley and its twin sister Kenlee may be favored by parents looking to name a daughter after dad Ken...or Lee.
Kenley is technically a unisex name, with about a fifth of the babies named Kenley in the US male.

Kenley

Sky is an ambigender nature name that was first legitimized as the character of Sky Masterson in the 1950 musical Guys and Dolls, played in the film version by Marlon Brando. It's a name we appreciate for its clear, wide-open feel, less hippyish than others like Rainbow and Starlight, and makes an appealing middle name possibility.
 Sky is the name of Sophie's fiance in Mamma Mia, and there are both Power Rangers and Transformers with the name. Elizabeth Berkley used it for her son.
 It is also spelled Skye, as in the island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Plus, it's a logical nickname for the variously spelled Schuylers and Skylers.

A key cheerleader in the nickname game of the 1970s, Stacy is now the mom. Consider Stacia, or the original Anastasia. 

Stacy

Raizy is a feminine name of Yiddish origin, commonly used in Jewish communities. It's a diminutive form of the name Rose (Rosa) and carries the same lovely floral associations. Often pronounced as RAY-zee, the name conveys sweetness and charm. Raizy maintains strong cultural ties to Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and is particularly popular in Orthodox Jewish communities. While not widely used in mainstream American culture, the name has maintained consistent usage within tight-knit Jewish neighborhoods in cities like New York and across Israel. The name beautifully bridges traditional Jewish naming customs with a playful, endearing quality that resonates across generations.

Raizy

Levy is a masculine name with rich multicultural origins. In Hebrew, it derives from the tribe of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying "joined" or "attached." The name carries religious significance as the Levites were dedicated to religious service in ancient Jewish tradition. As a surname-turned-first-name, Levy has gained modest popularity in recent decades. It's also found as a Finnish name, pronounced "LEH-vi," with different origins. The name has a contemporary feel with historical depth, appealing to parents seeking a name with cultural significance and a modern sound. Levy balances uniqueness with recognizability, offering a short, distinctive option that's relatively easy to spell and pronounce.

Levy

Regal Kingsley seems like an all-boy name, but a growing number of parents have bestowed this name on a girl. Credit the ever-trendier -ley suffix.

Kingsley Wilson is a MAGA influencer and a communications official in the second Trump administration.

Kingsley

Alany is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a modern variation of Alana (feminine form of Alan, meaning 'handsome' or 'cheerful' from Celtic roots) or could relate to the ethnic term 'Alan,' referring to an ancient Iranian nomadic group. The name might also be a creative spelling of 'Eleni' (Greek for 'bright, shining light') or a modern invention combining the popular 'Alan' sound with a feminine 'y' ending. Alany has a contemporary, melodic quality that appeals to parents seeking names that sound familiar yet distinctive. While uncommon in traditional naming statistics, Alany follows current trends favoring names with flowing sounds and unique spellings. Its international feel makes it adaptable across cultural contexts.

Alany

Similar in sound to Harley, Marley, and Arlo, this surname-style name is familiar in Brazil and a Top 1000 choice in England and Wales. Pronounced as AHR-lee in English and ahr-LAY in Latin America, it may be a habitational name, relating to rabbits, hares, or eagles, depending on what Old English root you follow, though it may also relate to the names Arlette, Arleth, and Arlington, lending it the meaning "noble". 
 
Arlie is also a familiar choice in England and Wales.

Arley

Clarity is one of the lightest of the newly rediscovered virtue names, with a bit of three-syllable sparkle, old-fashioned charm and a clear vision for the future. Clarity is a very desirable quality in this confusing world and it also, unlike some other newly coined word names, has real meaning and history as a name.
 Clarity is preferable to Charity and definitely to Chastity, with the possibility of Clare as a short form.

Clarity

Majesty

Yarely is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be derived from the Hebrew name Yarel meaning 'taught by God,' or it could be a modern variation inspired by words like 'yearly' or 'dearly.' Some sources suggest it may have emerged as a creative contemporary name particularly within Hispanic-American communities. Yarely has gained modest popularity since the early 2000s, especially in the United States. With its melodic sound and distinctive 'ly' ending (similar to popular names like Kimberly, Beverly, and Emily), it has a contemporary feel while remaining unique. The name has a bright, cheerful quality that appeals to parents looking for something uncommon yet intuitive to pronounce and spell.