By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 76 pages
of 76
English
"carefree person"
Corliss, eccentric yet well-established, has an independent and artistic air.
"from Denmark"
This rarely heard name pares down all the ultrafeminine Dan names to one that's much more powerful, for both boys and girls.
French
"warhorse"
Destry rides again, this time as a Western flavored baby name. Derived from the French surname Destrier, from an Anglo-Norman word meaning "warhorse", this rugged name was popularized by the 1930…
English diminutive of Dorothy
"gift of god"
Sweet old-fashioned nickname name that could make a comeback in the wake of Sadie, Edie et al. Famous bearers include author Dodie Smith, who wrote The Hundred and One Dalmatians and I Capture the…
"a female deer"
Doe is a soft and gentle-eyed middle name possibility and, like Fawn, one of the few animal names open to girls. The Ballad of Baby Doe is a modern American opera based on the story of Elizabeth…
English from French
"from Orsay"
Big Band-ish name could easily be confused with Darcy.
English, feminine variation of Earl
If there's an ancestral Earl you want to honor, consider Early instead.
"earth"
Used by the Puritans but off the US charts completely since the mid-1990s, Eartha is best known today as the name of American singer Eartha Kitt, as well as of the philanthropist and humanitarian…
English, from German
Easter has been used as a name for several hundred years, as part of the day-naming tradition; now, this rarely heard holiday celebration name would make a novel choice for a springtime baby.…
"small, noble one"
Feels like a hybrid. Better go for Edith or Evelyn.
Diminutive of Winifred or Winslet
Win might be an upbeat short form for a girl named Winifred or the new-fangled Winslet, or can stand on its own. The Welsh name Wynn feels more complete and sounds the same.
English, uncertain origin
Emily substitute, though it sounds like a child's mispronunciation of "enemy".
Diminutive of Henrietta, English
"estate ruler"
It may take another generation or so, but this category of Hettie-Lettie-Lottie names could make a comeback.
"joyful"
Faine is a very unusual one-syllable option.
Feminine variation of Frederick, English from German
"peaceful ruler"
Frederica is an interesting possibility for the parent unintimidated by its old-fashioned formality, and who can appreciate the vintage charm and verve lurking beneath its stuffiness. The name…
"spear man"
While not generally thought of as unisex, this is a male name that, like Perry and Barry, has occasionally been used for girls over the years.
English variation of Jennifer
Does not improve on the pretty but overused favorite.
English, combination of Georgia and Anna
With the first two syllables pronounced Georgie, it has a stylish Masterpiece Theatre air.
"farmer + grace"
An English combination of George and Anne or a feminization of George, more familiar in the elegant Georgiana form.
English, diminutive of Geraldine
Gerry was hep along with poodle skirts and banana splits.
