Animal Names for Girls

Dennise

Dessie is a charming feminine name with multiple origins. Primarily considered a diminutive of Desdemona (from Greek, meaning 'ill-fated'), it's also used as a nickname for names like Desirée (French for 'desired') or Odessa (derived from a Ukrainian city name). Additionally, Dessie is the name of a city in Ethiopia, giving it geographical significance. The name peaked in popularity in the early 1900s in the United States, particularly in southern regions, and carries a sweet, vintage quality. With its soft sounds and approachable nature, Dessie evokes a friendly, warm personality. Though relatively uncommon today, it maintains appeal for parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name with historical roots and a gentle, feminine quality.

Dessie

A modern name likely inspired by the Latin phrase carpe diem meaning "seize the day", it appears in romantasy novel Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole.

Diem

Dim is a feminine name with various origins and meanings across cultures. In Slavic contexts, particularly Russian, it functions as a diminutive of names like Dimitri or Dmitry. In Vietnamese, Dim can be found as a given name with various meanings depending on the tone and context. As an English word name, it carries associations with softness, subtlety, and understated qualities. The name's brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal, making it unusual but accessible. While uncommon in most Western countries, Dim may appeal to parents seeking a truly distinctive, short name. Its simplicity allows it to work across language barriers, though English speakers might hesitate due to the word's negative connotations of lacking brightness or intelligence.

Dimitra is a feminine name of Greek origin, serving as a variation of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture, harvest, and fertility. The name literally translates to 'earth mother' from its Greek roots. Dimitra remains popular in Greece and among Greek communities worldwide, where it's appreciated for its cultural significance and melodic quality. The name carries rich mythological associations with nurturing, abundance, and the natural cycles of life. While less common in English-speaking countries, Dimitra has maintained steady usage among families with Greek heritage who wish to honor their cultural roots. The four-syllable name offers multiple nickname options including Dimi and Mitra, adding to its versatility and appeal.

Dimitra

A male name occasionally borrowed by the girls, as in Dorian Cramer, a long-running female character on the soap One Life to Live and famous midcentury model Dorian Leigh.

Dorian

Dorina is a feminine name with multicultural roots, appearing across several European traditions. It originated as a diminutive form of names like Dora, Doris, or Theodora, all connecting to the Greek word "doron" meaning "gift." In Italian and Romanian usage, Dorina serves as an affectionate form of "golden one" or "gift," while in Hungarian contexts, it's a beloved traditional name. The name gained moderate popularity in Eastern and Southern European countries throughout the 20th century, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. Dorina possesses a melodic quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowels, giving it a timeless elegance that works well across generations. The name balances classic origins with a distinctive sound that isn't overly common, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking something traditional yet not overused.

Dorina

Dorthea represents an alternative spelling of Dorothea, a name of Greek origin meaning 'gift of God' (from 'doron' meaning gift and 'theos' meaning God). This variant spelling maintains the name's classical elegance while offering a slightly simplified form. Historically, Dorothea has been used since early Christian times, with St. Dorothea being a 4th-century martyr. The name enjoyed popularity during the medieval period and Renaissance, though this specific spelling variation has remained less common. Dorthea carries literary associations through characters in works by authors like George Eliot and Charles Dickens. With its rich heritage and meaningful etymology, Dorthea offers substance and grace, along with friendly nickname options like Dora, Thea, or Dot.

Dorthea

A Dorothy nickname name with a measure of nostalgic charm. Kids will associate it with the funny fish character voiced by Ellen DeGeneres in the Pixar animated instant classic Finding Nemo.

Dory

Dotty has a cheerful, playful quality that embodies vintage charm. It gained modest popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly during the 1930s-1950s when nickname-style given names were fashionable. The name evokes images of a friendly, approachable person with a positive disposition. 

While less common today as a formal name (more frequently used as a nickname), Dotty represents the trend of reviving vintage diminutives as full given names. The name has cultural associations with various fictional characters and suggests someone with a fun-loving personality. Its short, bouncy sound creates an immediate sense of familiarity and warmth.

Dot and Dottie are alternate forms.

Dotty

Dyllan as a feminine name represents a gender-crossover adaptation of the traditionally masculine Dylan. While Dylan originated as a Welsh name meaning 'son of the sea' or 'born from the ocean,' associated with a sea god in Welsh mythology, Dyllan with the double 'l' spelling creates a distinctive feminine variation. This spelling modification subtly shifts the name's character while maintaining its nature-connected meaning and modern appeal. The name gained popularity for girls particularly in the late 1990s and early 2000s, reflecting the trend toward gender-neutral naming. Dyllan offers a blend of strength and fluidity, appealing to parents seeking a contemporary name with Celtic roots for their daughter. While still more commonly used for boys, the feminine usage of Dyllan represents the evolving nature of naming practices and gender associations.

Dyllan

In the age of Billie and Charlie, Eddie seems like a plausible option for a girl – short for Edwina, Edith, Eluned or any girl name containing the letters E and D.

Eddie

Edelweiss, made famous by the Rogers and Hammerstein song in "The Sound of Music", is a rare female name. 

In German 'edel' means 'noble' and 'weiss' means 'white'. Edelweiss is the colloquial name for the Leontopodium alpinum, a small white mountain flower sometimes used in herbal folk medicine.

In this age, though, Edelweiss might make a better <a href="/list/589/white-cat-names">name for a white cat</a> than for a little girl.

Edelweiss

Edina is an infectious-sounding Minnesota place-name, featured in the British cult hit TV show "Absolutely Fabulous." Edina is also a poetic name for Edinburgh and is a common name in contemporary Hungary. Though some sources list its origins as Hungarian, more peg it as a variation of Edwina, the feminine form of Edwin, an English name.

Edina

Eida is a concise feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Norse mythology, it relates to Eir, the goddess of healing and medicine, suggesting qualities of compassion and nurturing. In Arabic contexts, Eida can be connected to celebration, particularly referencing Eid festivals. The name also appears as a variant of Aida in some cultures, which has Egyptian roots meaning 'returning' or 'visitor.' With its simple two-syllable structure (AY-da), Eida is easily pronounced across many languages. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, the name offers multicultural versatility and a gentle sound. Its brevity combines with a feminine quality that feels both modern and timeless, appealing to parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name with cross-cultural resonance.

Eida

Eleftheria is derived from the male saint's name Eleutherios/Eleftherios. The national motto of Greece is Eleftheria i thanatos, "freedom or death".

Eleftheria

If Erykah Badu can name her son Seven, why can't you name your daughter (or son) this? Eleven has recently gotten a lot of attention via the character on the TV show Stranger Things.

Eleven

Rather than confusing things with Elexis, we'd stick with the original Alexis version. 

Elexis

Elianora is an elegant feminine name with roots in various European traditions. It appears to be an elaborate variation of Eleanor (or Eleonora), which derives from the Provençal name Aliénor, possibly meaning 'the other Aenor' or connected to Greek 'helios' meaning 'sun.' With its flowing syllables and romantic quality, Elianora evokes images of medieval nobility and Renaissance refinement. This uncommon variant offers an extended, more ornate alternative to the more familiar Eleanor or Eleonora. While rare in contemporary usage, it carries the distinguished history of its root name, which has been borne by numerous queens and noble women throughout European history. The name has a musical quality with its balanced rhythm and may appeal to parents seeking something classic yet distinctive and sophisticated.

Elianora

A variant of Elizabeth that is very popular in Hungary, that would translate well as a small quirky twist on the familiar classic.