Animal Names for Girls
- Cassi
Description:
Cassi is a feminine name that functions as both a standalone name and a shortened form of Cassandra or Cassidy. With Greek origins, Cassandra means 'she who entangles men,' while Cassidy has Irish roots meaning 'curly-haired.' The simplified spelling of Cassi, as compared to Cassie, gives the name a modern, streamlined appearance. Gaining popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, Cassi offers a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining femininity. The name strikes a balance between cute and mature, allowing it to grow well with a person through different life stages. Cassi remains a moderately popular choice for parents seeking a name that's sweet and unpretentious.
- Ellerby
Origin:
English surname and place nameMeaning:
"farmstead, village"Description:
A preppy surname and place name derived from the Anglo-Saxon personal name Ælfweard "elf guardian" + the -by suffix, meaning "village, homestead". Ellerby feels like a quirkier Ellery or Emery.
- Cleotilde
Origin:
Variation of Clotilde, Spanish, French, Italian, PortugueseMeaning:
"famous in battle"Description:
A rare and warmer version of Clotilde, in combination with the Greek name Cleo. The first recorded use of Cleotilde was in 1894. It peaked in 1924 when 16 baby girls were named Cleotilde.
- Elycia
Description:
Elycia is a feminine name representing a creative spelling variant of Alicia, which ultimately derives from the German name Adelaide meaning 'noble kind' or 'noble type.' The distinctive spelling with 'E' and 'y' gives this classic name a modern, unique flair while maintaining its elegant sound. Though less common than Alicia, Alyssa, or Elisa, Elycia emerged in the late 20th century during a period when parents increasingly sought unique spellings for familiar names. The name has a flowing, melodious quality with its soft consonants and vowel-rich composition. Elycia carries the same graceful, refined associations as its root name while standing out as more distinctive. The name's combination of familiarity and uniqueness offers a balance that's both approachable and special.
- Cantara
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"little bridge"Description:
An interesting and unusual choice, with a choral feel.
- Brayden
Origin:
English or IrishMeaning:
"broad hill or salmon"Description:
One in the currently modish aden family of boys' names beginning to be used for girls as well as boys. The name Brayden was given to 15 baby girls in the US last year....and over 5000 baby boys, so it can hardly be considered gender neutral, but rather a boys' name occasionally used for girls.
- Debanhi
Origin:
MexicanMeaning:
"Eternal God bless our daughter"Description:
Debanhi took the lead in 2022 as the name with the biggest increase in percentage of babies born — a whopping 1,164% increase. The name was given to 177 baby girls, and this rise may be attributed to the tragic murder of Debanhi Escobar in 2022. The name comes from the phrase Dios Eterno Bendiga A Nuestra HIga, meaning "Eternal God bless our daughter".
- Adja
Description:
Adja is a feminine name with roots in several cultures. In West African traditions, particularly in Senegal among the Wolof people, Adja is a respectful title for a woman who has completed the pilgrimage to Mecca, though it has also evolved into use as a given name. In some Eastern European contexts, it may function as a variation of Adia or Nadja. The name is characterized by its brevity and melodic quality, with a graceful yet strong sound. While relatively uncommon in Western countries, Adja has gained some recognition through global cultural exchange. The name carries connotations of spiritual accomplishment and cultural richness in its traditional contexts.
- Éire
Origin:
Irish place-nameDescription:
Eire was a mythological goddess who named Ireland after herself. Rarely used today, even in Eire.
- Arizbeth
Origin:
Combination of Ariel and Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"lion of God and pledged to God; most holy + pledged to God"Description:
Arizbeth is a compound name particularly popular in Mexico and among Hispanic parents in the US. Created by blending Ariel or Ariana with classic Elizabeth, it is one of the hottest unique names currently around.
- Delayna
Description:
Delayna is a contemporary feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a creative variation of Delaine (from the French 'de la laine' meaning 'of wool'), or a modern adaptation of names like Elaine or Alaina. Some consider it a combination of the prefix 'De-' with 'Layna,' which itself could derive from Elena or Magdalena. The name emerged primarily in North America in the late 20th century as parents sought unique but melodious names. Though relatively uncommon, Delayna has maintained steady usage since the 1990s. The name carries a gentle, flowing quality while maintaining distinctiveness, appealing to parents looking for something modern yet accessible with a pleasant sound and rhythm.
- Aluna
Origin:
Mwera, KenyanMeaning:
"come here"Description:
Aluna has authentic Mwera roots as a name meaning "she weeps", but it may rise as an American invented name, elaborating on Luna.
- Cybela
Description:
Cybela is a feminine name of Greek origin, likely derived from the ancient goddess Cybele, who was revered as the 'Great Mother' or 'Mother of the Gods' in Anatolian and Greek mythology. The name carries connotations of nature, fertility, and strength. Though relatively uncommon in modern usage, Cybela offers a distinctive alternative to more popular mythological names. Its unique sound combines ancient resonance with contemporary appeal. Parents drawn to names with historical depth and mythological connections might find Cybela appealing. The name maintains an air of mystery and sophistication while remaining pronounceable and accessible.
- Cleona
Description:
Cleona is a delicate feminine name with Irish and Greek influences. It likely derives from the Greek 'Kleio' (one of the nine Muses in Greek mythology, representing history) or may represent a variant of the Irish name Cliona (from mythology, a beautiful goddess). With its flowing sound and classical roots, Cleona projects elegance and subtle strength. Though never widely common, the name has maintained consistent if minimal usage in Ireland and among families with Irish heritage. The name's lilting quality and accessible pronunciation make it appealing across cultures, while its relative rarity ensures individuality. Cleona carries poetic associations while remaining practical for everyday use.
- Adeliya
Description:
Adeliya is a beautiful feminine name with several possible origins. Most commonly, it's considered a variant of Adelia, which derives from the Germanic elements "adal" meaning "noble" or "nobility" and can be related to names like Adelaide and Adeline. In some Eastern European and Russian contexts, Adeliya may be a form of Adelina or a unique name with Slavic influences. It can also be found in Muslim communities as a variation of the Arabic name Adila, meaning "just" or "fair." With its melodious sound and elegant ending, Adeliya remains relatively uncommon in Western countries but has gained some popularity in Russia and parts of Eastern Europe. The name conveys a sense of grace, refinement, and dignity.
- Clarina
Description:
Clarina is a feminine name with Latin origins, serving as an elaborate form of Clara, meaning 'clear, bright, or famous.' This melodic name combines the strength of its initial consonant blend with a delicate, flowing ending. Historically used in Italy and other Romance language regions, Clarina carries an air of classical elegance with its rhythmic four-syllable structure. While never reaching widespread popularity, the name has maintained consistent, if uncommon, usage throughout the centuries. Clarina offers the familiar nicknames Clara, Clare, or Rina. The name suggests qualities of clarity, brilliance, and luminosity from its Latin roots. For parents seeking a feminine name with historical depth that remains distinctive, Clarina provides a melodious option with cross-cultural appeal.
- Arce
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"swift"Description:
Arce was the twin sister of the Greek rainbow goddess Iris. Arce is often associated with the seldom-seen, faded second rainbow. She had iridescent wings, which Zeus eventually took off her after she betrayed the Gods of Olympus. The character is lovely, but Arce is likely to be mispronounced in English in a very unhelpful way. If you fancy this name we suggest you go with the alternate spelling Arke.
- Alysha
Description:
Alysha is a feminine name representing a modern variant of Alicia, which ultimately derives from the Germanic name Adelaide, meaning 'noble' or 'nobility.' The spelling variation with 'y' and 'sh' gives the classic name a contemporary feel while maintaining its elegant essence. Alysha gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, appealing to parents seeking names with traditional roots but unique spellings. The name has a melodic quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowels. While less common than similar variants like Alicia, Alisha, or Alyssa, Alysha maintains its distinct identity. The name conveys qualities of grace and refinement while its spelling offers individuality, making it an option for parents seeking a balance between familiar and distinctive.
- Deme
Description:
Deme is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from the word 'demos' meaning 'people' or 'population.' It can be considered a shortened form of names like Demetria or Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and harvest. While relatively uncommon in modern usage, Deme has a simple, elegant quality that appeals to parents seeking a minimalist yet meaningful name. Its brevity makes it easy to pronounce across cultures, and its classical roots give it a timeless quality. Deme balances uniqueness with accessibility, making it a subtle choice that avoids being overly trendy or elaborate.
- Elpida
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"hope"Description:
The Modern Greek form of Elpis. A lovely meaning with a sound reminiscent of vintage names like Elmira and Elvira, this name could nod to Greek heritage... or simply to hope.