Animal Names for Girls

Although the single-named singer is male, this might be a girl's nickname name or a sleek nature name that's perfect in the middle.

Beck

Bentleigh

Beverley is a primarily feminine name (though historically used for both genders) with Old English origins meaning 'beaver stream' or 'beaver meadow.' Originally a place name in Yorkshire, England, it evolved into a surname before becoming a given name. Beverley saw peak popularity in English-speaking countries during the 1930s-1950s, particularly in the UK, Australia, and Canada. The name carries a certain vintage charm and elegance characteristic of its era. While less common for babies today, it remains recognizable through notable bearers like British actress Beverley Mitchell. The alternative spelling 'Beverly' is more common in the United States. The name evokes images of refinement and sophistication, and might appeal to parents attracted to vintage names with established histories.

Beverley

Bobby is a nickname-name that's long been used on its own for both girls and boys, though the Bobby spelling is more usually masculine while the girls' version is usually Bobbie. There were just over 50 baby girls named Bobbie in one recent year and only five named Bobby, compared with nearly 300 baby boys named Bobby. Robert F. Kennedy III and Amaryllis Fox named their daughter Bobby, continuing the family tradition across genders. And Millie Bobby Brown is a hot young actress.

Bobby

Brailey is a feminine name of modern origin, likely developed as a contemporary variation of names like Bailey or Braylee. With its soft sound and trendy 'ley' ending, Brailey fits well with current naming patterns popular in North America. The name has no specific historical meaning but evokes qualities of brightness and cheerfulness through its phonetic elements. Brailey began appearing in usage charts in the early 2000s, representing the trend toward newly created names with familiar sounds but unique spellings. The name has maintained modest popularity, particularly in the United States, appealing to parents seeking a name that feels both modern and recognizable without being overly common. Brailey projects a youthful, friendly image with a contemporary style.

Brailey

Bridgett is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Bridget, originating from the Irish name Brighid, meaning 'exalted one' or 'strength.' Associated with the Celtic goddess Brighid and later with Saint Brigid of Kildare, one of Ireland's patron saints, the name carries significant cultural and religious heritage. This particular spelling with the double 't' gained popularity in the mid-20th century, offering a slightly modernized take on the traditional name. Bridgett peaked in popularity during the 1970s in the United States but has since declined. The name maintains its appeal for parents drawn to Irish heritage or seeking a name that balances classic roots with a contemporary spelling twist.

Bridgett

Brynli is a feminine name that emerged as a modern creation, combining elements of popular names like Brynn (Welsh for 'hill') and the trendy '-li' ending seen in names such as Kaylee and Rylee. This contemporary blend gives the name a youthful, fresh quality while maintaining a connection to Celtic naming traditions. Brynli has gained modest popularity in the United States in recent years, particularly in western states, as part of the trend toward unique names with familiar sounds. The name has a bright, compact energy with its crisp consonants and cheerful ending. Variations include Brynlee, Brynleigh, and Brinley. Brynli appeals to parents seeking a name that feels both distinctive and accessible, with a modern aesthetic but hints of traditional roots.

Brynli

Cai, as distinguished from the boys' name Kai, is international, simple, unusual.

Camara is a feminine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In West African languages, particularly Mandinka, it's a surname meaning 'teacher' or 'one who teaches.' In Portuguese and Spanish contexts, Cámara refers to a 'chamber' or 'room.' The name also resembles the Italian word 'camera' meaning 'chamber' or modern 'camera.' This cross-cultural name has a melodic quality with its balanced syllables and open vowel sounds. While relatively uncommon as a first name in Western countries, Camara has gained some usage for its distinctive sound and international feel. The name appeals to parents seeking a name with global connections and a sophisticated, flowing quality.

Camara

Camilah is a feminine name combining the classic French name Camille with an Arabic-influenced ending. This multicultural blend creates a name with global appeal, carrying the elegant grace of its European root (ultimately from Latin 'camillus' meaning 'attendant at religious services') while adding the distinctive 'ah' ending common in Arabic naming traditions. Though less common than similar variants like Camilla or Kamila, Camilah has seen modest usage since the early 2000s, particularly in multicultural communities. The name appeals to parents seeking a recognizable yet distinctive option that bridges cultural traditions. Camilah's graceful sound and international character make it an increasingly appealing choice in our globally connected world.

Camilah

Carlyn is a feminine name combining elements of Carol and Lynn, though it can also be considered a variant of Caroline or Carolyn. With Germanic origins, it relates to the root 'karl' meaning 'free man' or 'strong,' adapted to feminine usage. This streamlined spelling emerged in the mid-20th century as parents sought alternatives to more traditional forms. Carlyn offers a modern, simplified approach while maintaining connections to classical naming traditions. The name has maintained modest but consistent usage in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. With its strong consonants balanced by the soft ending, Carlyn strikes a pleasing balance between strength and femininity. The name works well in professional settings while avoiding the more common variations of Caroline that might result in duplicate names in social or work environments.

Carlyn

One of the most popular nicknames of the fifties and sixties — and who could forget the romantic heroine of "Wuthering Heights"? — now largely ignored in favor of Cate or Kate.

Cathy

Catrina is a feminine name with Spanish and Latin roots. It's a variation of Katherine, which derives from the Greek name 'Aikaterine,' meaning 'pure.' Catrina has special cultural significance in Mexico, where 'La Catrina' is a iconic skeletal figure associated with the Day of the Dead celebrations, representing the elegance and attitude toward death in Mexican culture. The name gained some recognition in the United States during the late 20th century but remains relatively uncommon. Catrina carries an exotic, spirited quality while maintaining its classical roots, appealing to parents seeking a name with cultural depth and a melodic sound.

Catrina

A pretty and almost unique word name to add to the galaxy of astral appellations. More distinctive than the better-known Celeste, it was given fewer than ten baby girls in the US last year. While rare in English-speaking countries, Celestial is a Top 100 name for baby girls in France.
 
Celestial is also the title of several band albums, and is heard in the video game and comics worlds. For those wanting a literary tie, Celestial is a main character in Tayari Jones's popular novel, An American Marriage, her full name being Celestial Gloriana, after her mother, Gloria Celeste.

Celestial

Most people are likely to associate the name Chai with tea, but it's also a Chinese surname and Hebrew masculine name. The video game series Soulcalibur features a female character named Chai.

Chai

Chanie is a feminine name with multiple origins. In Jewish communities, it's often a variant of Hannah or Chanah, meaning 'grace' in Hebrew. It can also be an Anglicized form of the Yiddish name Khane. In some cases, Chanie might be used as a nickname for Charlotte or Chantal. The name has a gentle, friendly sound with its soft 'ch' beginning and '-ie' ending giving it a warm, approachable quality. Primarily found in Jewish communities, particularly among Hasidic families, Chanie represents tradition while sounding contemporary. The name carries connotations of kindness and divine favor through its connection to Hannah, a significant biblical figure known for her devotion and faith.

Chanie

The kind of French word name that seemed daring and darling in the 50s and 60s when it was at its peak, Cherie had actually made debut in the US charts back in 1927 when it followed alternative and more popular spelling Sherry into the charts.
 
Inspired by the French chérie meaning "darling", by the sound-alike alcoholic drink, and by similar names already in the US charts (Shirley, Cherry, Charlie, Terry, and Jerry), Cherie eventually peaked in 1967, when it ranked #274 and was given to 958 girls. 
 
Out of fashion again by the 90s, you might look at Soleil as the 2020's alternative to mid-century Cherie: that is, a French word used as an English given name but rarely actually used in France itself.
 
Just 12 American girls were called Cherie in a recent year, while 23 were called Sherry, 42 were called Cherry, 47 were called Darling, and 275 were called Darla!

Cherie

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian have done it again for their third child: Chosen a name that feels iconic yet strangely inevitable. They named North and Saint's younger sister Chicago, after Kanye's hometown. The name Chicago derives from a Native American word for "wild garlic," which once grew plentifully in the Illinois city, the third most populous in the US.
 
Though one of the distinctly <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/519/american-baby-names">American names</a>, Chicago has almost never been used as a first name before. The Social Security Administration reported six baby girls and five baby boys named Chicago in 2018, following the starbaby birth. In the years that have followed, Chicago has always been given to more boys than girls.

Chicago

Christelle is a feminine name of French origin, developed as a diminutive form of Christine, which itself derives from the Greek 'Christos' meaning 'anointed one.' The suffix '-elle' adds a delicate, feminine quality to the name. Popular primarily in French-speaking regions including France, Switzerland, and Quebec, Christelle gained notable popularity during the 1970s and 1980s. The name carries Christian associations while embodying French elegance and sophistication. Christelle has a melodious quality with its soft consonants and flowing sound pattern. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, it has gained appreciation among those seeking names with European flair. Bearers of this name might appreciate its connection to faith traditions while enjoying its distinctively French character and refined aesthetic appeal.

Christelle

Irish surnames are hot, and this one can successfully cross the line to work for girls, replacing the outdated Casey. And only a dozen girls were named Clancy in the US in one recent year (along with 27 boys), making it one of those rare Irish names that are both accessible and distinctive, classic and cool. Clancy is a winner for either gender.