By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 76 pages
of 76
Literature, English
"modest, reverant"
While Haidee may sound like a variant of Heidi or Hailey, it's actually a separate name with a literary history. First appearing in Byron's epic poem Don Juan (1819), it was likely inspired by the…
English
"God's gift"
Whether you think of the chocolates or the naked long-haired lady on the horse, Godiva is a name with baggage no child should have to carry.
"covered with gold"
Gilda, although related to the words gold and gilded, has definitely tarnished. It once shimmered with the seductive image of Rita Hayworth in the film Gilda, then was associated with the beloved…
English, diminutive of Geraldine
Gerry was hep along with poodle skirts and banana splits.
English, Irsh
"dark ewe"
Familiar in the UK, this hyphenated name has a sparky, unisex sound but a feminine spelling. It debuted in the UK Top 1000 in 2020 and then reappeared again in 2025.
"farmer + grace"
An English combination of George and Anne or a feminization of George, more familiar in the elegant Georgiana form.
English, Norwegia, Danish, Japanese
"move upward, ascend; mighty, distinguished; lapis lazuli + celestial"
A multicultural choice with a range of meanings, this name boomed in the 1940s and 50s thanks to the glamorous singer Risë (pronounced REE-sa) Stevens, who inherited her name from her Norwegian…
Diminutive of Quinn, English, Irish
"chief, leader, intelligence"
Unisex Quinn meets vintage nickname Queenie. Rarely used as a given name, it may be more commonly heard as an affectionate pet name for a Quinn. Six girls where nevertheless called Quinnie back in…
English, combination of Georgia and Anna
With the first two syllables pronounced Georgie, it has a stylish Masterpiece Theatre air.
English variation of Jennifer
Does not improve on the pretty but overused favorite.
Elaboration of Knox, English, Scottish
"round hill + meadow, clearing"
Stylish boy name Knox with an (almost inevitable) -leigh/-lee-/ley makeover. This name has been given to over 30 girls since it first entered the US stats in 202, though Knoxlee and Knoxley have been…
"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.
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…
Italian or modern invented name
"wood; angel"
This light, airy name has been given to a few dozen American girls since the early 2000s. It's a legitimate Italian word, but it's more likely to be inspired by the word "angel" backwards.
Animal name
"bear"
This ferocious and fuzzy animal name has started to see some use among baby girls, particularly as a middle name. Reporter Katy Tur has a daughter named Eloise Judy Bear, while influencers Quincy and…
"joyful"
Faine is a very unusual one-syllable option.
Ancient place name, or elaboration of Cara or Carrie, Greek, English
"a Carian; beloved, friend; free man"
Caria is both a rare elaboration of Cara and Carrie and and the name of an ancient region of Asia Minor. Given to a handful of girls in the US since the 50s, it is rarely given to more than 10 babies…
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.
Invented name, Scottish surname, diminutive of Katherine
"of the red earth; pure"
Like a blend of vintage-style Edie and popular Katie, Keedie is either an invented name, a variant of the Scottish surname Keddy, or possibly a short form of Katherine. In the case of Soprano singer…
English word name
"ornamental case worn round the neck"
Worn round the neck and close to the heart, lockets are often used to hold small items of sentimental value, like a photo, a lock of hair, or a letter. Used as a surname, but rarely as a given name,…
