American Names for Girls
Updated Thu Sep 14 2023
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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.
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- Wrenley
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
With Wren gaining a lot of popularity recently, it's not surprising to see variants already popping up. Wrenley, which jumps on the Wren bandwagon and adds the trendy "ley" suffix for good measure, was given to thirteen baby girls in the USA in 2014; we haven't seen it pop up anywhere else yet, but we think it's only a matter of time.
- 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.
- 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.
- Miley
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
One-time overnight success name, thanks to Hannah Montana actress and singer Miley Cyrus, Miley has fallen quickly from her peak of Number 127 in 2008. For Miley Cyrus, Miley was a childhood nickname (because she was so smiley); Destiny is her real name. Miley is a good lesson in avoiding trendy names. Popular opinion of the source can sour leaving a fresh name looking dated.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Kadence
Origin:
Variation of Cadence, word nameDescription:
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.
- Tippi
Origin:
Invented nicknameDescription:
Tippi is best known as the nickname of actress Tippi Hedren, star of Hitchcock's "The Birds" and "Marnie." Hedren's real name was Nathalie Kay; her father dubbed her Tippi. Although the name will inevitably be reminiscent of Hedren, it could make a cute short form for a name such as Tiffany or Philippa.
- 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.
- 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.
- Janelle
Origin:
American, modern elaboration of JaneDescription:
It's far cooler to drop the first syllable and go for Elle.
- 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.
- Amia
Origin:
Variation of AmyDescription:
This Amy/Mia combination debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2013. It could also be seen as a variant of Amaya.
- Kaylin
Origin:
American variation of KaylaDescription:
Kaylin is a variation of Kayla and Katelyn that had several years of chart climbing before reaching a peak of Number 372 in 2009. Cailin and Kailyn are two other spellings.
- 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.
- 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.
- Caylee
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Caylee was the third fastest-rising name in 2009 and peaked then at Number 263, but has since dropped in the charts, perhaps due to the Caylee Anthony association.
- Sundae
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
I'm sure the parents of the six little girls named Sundae in the US last year were thinking, "well, if Nicole Kidman can use Sunday..." In this case, we think the day of the week spelling is preferable to the dessert spelling.
- 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.