American Names for Girls
Updated Thu Sep 14 2023
Share
Copy link
American names for girls, in the context of this list, means names that are American in origin. They are often modern invented names like Kaylee or Janae.
American names for girls, then, don't have quite as long as history as some other girls names. But that doesn't mean that American girls names aren't worth considering. The American names for girls on our list below are ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.
RELATED:
- Kaylee
Origin:
American variation of KaylaMeaning:
"laurel, crown"Description:
A widely used name, Kaylee pulls together something from Kayla and something from Hailey, yet somehow loses something in the process. It has surpassed cousin Kayla on the charts and is one of three girls' names starting with Kthat ranks in the US Top 100.
- Wrenley
Origin:
Modern invented name, EnglishMeaning:
"small songbird; wren's meadow"Description:
Inspired by the sweet but solid bird name Wren, this longer form has been storming up the charts since 2018. Given to just 13 girls back in 2014, a decade later in 2024, it ranked in the Top 150 and was chosen for more than 1900 girls. It's initial appearance in the stats back in 2013 may have been inspired by the character Renly in Game of Thrones but it has since become a name with its own identity,
- Ashlyn
Origin:
Variation of Aislinn, IrishMeaning:
"dream"Description:
Though it relates to the Irish original, Ashlyn and its next most popular form, Ashlynn, owe more of their popularity as baby names in the US to the megastar Ashley, though all three have been dropping on the charts lately.
- Emory
Origin:
Spelling variation of Emery, English from GermanMeaning:
"industrious"Description:
A child will find this name is neat, easy to pronounce, and able to fit in with the crowd.
- Miley
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
One-time overnight success name, thanks to Hannah Montana actress and singer Miley Cyrus, Miley fell just as quickly from her peak of Number 127 in 2008 as the star entered her rebellious era.
- Saige
Origin:
Spelling variation of SageDescription:
What works for Paige just doesn’t work for Sage. The added i will likely create a lifetime of spelling mistakes.
- Kadence
Origin:
Variation of Cadence, word nameMeaning:
"rhythm, beat"Description:
K-beginnings are often substituted for Cs, and this spelling is definitely finding favor with many parents, among them skateboarding legend Tony Hawk. However, sometimes the original is the best - we suggest sticking to the still unusual Cadence.
- Janelle
Origin:
American, modern elaboration of JaneDescription:
It's far cooler to drop the first syllable and go for Elle.
- Tulsa
Origin:
CreekMeaning:
"old town"Description:
Unlike many other western city names, Tulsa has not proved attractive to parents. The name derives from Tallasi, meaning "old town" in the Creek language.
- Emmalynn
Origin:
Combination of Emma and LynnMeaning:
"universal lake"Description:
An updated form of Emmeline or Emmaline or a compound name that makes your chosen pronunciation more obvious. Spelling variation Emmalyn reached the US Top 500 in2017, but has since fallen out of Top 1000. However, if you put the two spellings together, this smoosh name is given to nearly 400 girls, placing it above Emmeline or Emmaline. Influence Emmalynn Minassian and Canadian singer, Emmalyn Estrada are notable bearers.
- Sojourner
Origin:
French, EnglishMeaning:
"to stay a while"Description:
African-American and women's rights activist Sojourner Truth was born as Isabelle into enslavement. She adopted her new name when she began traveling and preaching abolition in 1843. Sojourner is a heroine name that may, with the rise of spiritual word names such as Journey and Genesis, finally be ready for prime time.
- Marilee
Origin:
English combination of Mary and LeeMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + meadow"Description:
Marilee is one of the cheeriest – if least substantial – combinations of Mary with another name.
- Maleah
Origin:
Variation of MaliaDescription:
Oh dear! We can see where you were going with connecting this name to the classic "Leah," but it just doesn't work. We recommend sticking with the classic Malia.
- Kimber
Origin:
Diminutive of KimberleyDescription:
This diminutive of Kimberley is gaining momentum as a standalone name. For our part, we're stumped by its rise.
- Maeby
Origin:
Diminutive of MaeDescription:
Maeby sprang into the modern consciousness via the cult TV favorite Arrested Development, in which the appealing teen character Maeby's name is a nickname for Mae. It's also a homonym for Maybe, which undercuts its inherent cuteness. Is Maeby prime for a real life baby name? Sorry, but we can't resist: Maybe.
- Janae
Origin:
American, modern elaboration of Jane or JanDescription:
Adds a soupcon of French flair to some old classics with the currently trendy ae ending.
- Jorja
Origin:
Modern American phonetic spelling of GeorgiaDescription:
This simplified form of the lovely name Georgia was spotlighted by the actress Jorja Fox, and seems to be making inroads; rocker Bret Michaels chose it for his daughter. Still, we'd opt for the traditional spelling.
- Jaylene
Origin:
Variation of JayleenMeaning:
"pretty jaybird"Description:
Jaylene is one of those modern creations that could be seen as an attempt to be trendy yet retro at the same time. Part Jaylee, part Arlene, Jaylene could be an honor for a Jane or a James, a Helene, or a Darlene.
- Brooklynn
Origin:
Spelling variation of Brooklyn, place name from DutchMeaning:
"marshland"Description:
This extra-N variation matches up with the current preferred spellings of Oaklynn, Raelynn, and Adalynn, however it has always been outranked by popular Brooklyn. Though both spellings have trended downwards since their peak in 2011, Brooklyn maintains its place in the US Top 100, while Brooklynn lags behind in the #300s.
- Vanellope
Origin:
Invented nameDescription:
Vanellope is a Disney creation, given to the protagonist of "Wreck it Ralph" and now a character on Sugar Rush. She is energetic, tomboyish and very sassy. Read more about Vanellope and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.