Animal Names for Girls

An early unisex nature name that has been surpassed by others, Dale is still a simple, sylvan and serene option. 
 Most of Dale's recent best known bearers – father and son race drivers Dale Earnhart, glass sculptor Dale Chihuly – are male, but if you look further back to her heyday as a girls' name (she was Number 237 in 1952), you'll find singing cowgirl Dale Evans (born France Octavia) and Flash Gordon's gal, Dale Arden.

Dale

Dalina is a melodious feminine name with multicultural origins. It likely developed as a combination of the prefix "Dal-" (found in names like Dallas) with the feminine suffix "-ina." In Slavic languages, "dalina" relates to distance or valleys, while some connect it to Hebrew origins meaning "drawing water" or "branch." The name can also be seen as a diminutive form of names like Dalia or Magdalena. Dalina remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries but has seen modest usage in Eastern Europe and Latin America. Its appeal lies in its musical quality, exotic feel, and cultural adaptability. The name conveys a sense of delicacy and beauty while maintaining a distinctive character that stands out without being difficult to pronounce.

Dalina

Damina

The bright yellow weed lends itself to a creative baby name, although we don't recommend the nickname Dandy.

Dandelion

Danette is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Dana or Danielle, which themselves derive from the masculine Daniel, meaning "God is my judge" in Hebrew. Popular primarily during the 1950s and 1960s in the United States, Danette exemplifies the trend of creating feminine names by adding the French-inspired suffix "-ette" to create a delicate, feminine variation. The name has a vintage charm that evokes mid-century aesthetics. While its popularity has declined since its peak, Danette maintains appeal for those drawn to retro names or seeking to honor relatives from that era. The name carries a gentle sophistication with its French styling while maintaining familiar roots.

Danette

Danie is a versatile name that can function as either a feminine name or a shortened form of Daniel for boys. As a feminine name, it's often considered a modern, simplified variant of Danielle. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Daniel, meaning "God is my judge." This short form has a contemporary, minimalist appeal while maintaining connection to its biblical roots. Danie has never ranked among popular names in the United States or other English-speaking countries, making it a relatively uncommon choice. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel, while its straightforward pronunciation and spelling make it accessible. For parents seeking a short, sweet name with biblical connections but a contemporary style, Danie offers a distinctive yet simple option.

Danie

Dariel is one of many similar forms and variations of different names—Dara, Dariela, Daria and Darya—that are all unusual and pretty if not quite authentic-feeling.

Dariel

Dava is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variation of Davina, the feminine form of David, which comes from Hebrew meaning 'beloved.' Alternatively, it could be derived from the Russian word for 'gift' or have Sanskrit roots where it means 'divine.' Dava maintains a simple yet distinctive quality with its two syllables and gentle sound. Though relatively uncommon, it appeals to parents seeking a short, memorable name with cross-cultural appeal. The name carries a subtle strength and elegance without being overly frilly. Dava has maintained a steady but low profile in naming statistics, making it an option for those who want something recognizable but not frequently encountered.

Dava

Davia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. Most commonly, it's considered a feminine form of David, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'beloved.' Alternatively, it may derive from the Latin 'Davus' or represent a variant of Davina. In some Slavic regions, particularly Croatia, Davia appears as a regional feminine name. The name carries a gentle, melodic quality with its flowing vowels while maintaining a simple, accessible pronunciation. Though never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Davia has maintained steady if minimal usage, appealing to parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon. Its biblical connections provide traditional appeal, while its relative rarity offers distinctiveness.

Davia

A bright and optimistic middle name choice. 

Dayah is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be derived from the Hebrew 'Daya' meaning 'bird of prey' or could be a variant of Daya, which means 'compassion' in Sanskrit. In Indonesian, particularly in Aceh, 'dayah' refers to a traditional Islamic boarding school, giving the name educational and spiritual associations in that culture. The name has a bright, open sound with its two syllables ending in an airy 'ah' sound. Relatively uncommon in Western countries, Dayah offers a short, distinctive option that's easy to pronounce across languages while potentially carrying rich cultural meanings depending on the intended origin.

Dayah

Delaine is a feminine name with French origins, derived from 'de laine' meaning 'of wool.' It gained recognition from a type of lightweight wool fabric called delaine that was popular in the 19th century. As a personal name, Delaine emerged in the United States during the mid-20th century, offering a sophisticated alternative to more common names like Elaine or Delaney. The name carries connotations of elegance and refinement, perhaps influenced by the association with fine fabrics. While never extremely common, Delaine has maintained a consistent, if modest, presence in naming patterns, appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible.

Delaine

A sunny and sparky compound name which rolls easily off the tongue.

Dellamae

Dema is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic, it means 'lasting rain' or 'continuous rainfall,' symbolizing nurturing abundance and blessing. In Greek, it's related to 'Demeter,' the goddess of agriculture and harvest, connecting the name to fertility and sustenance. As a Russian diminutive of Demid or Demetra, it carries warm, familiar connotations. The name also appears in Hebrew contexts with connections to silence or stillness. Dema remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, making it distinctive while still being straightforward to pronounce. Its short, two-syllable structure with the feminine '-a' ending gives it a gentle yet strong quality. The name's cross-cultural presence makes it appealing for families with diverse heritage or those seeking a simple but meaningful name.

Dema

Denae is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant of Danae from Greek mythology—the mother of Perseus who was visited by Zeus in the form of golden rain. Alternatively, it could be a modern spelling variation of Denae or Denay, or a feminine form of Dennis (which comes from Dionysus, the Greek god of wine). The name has a contemporary feel while maintaining connections to classical roots. Denae features an elegant, airy quality with its soft sounds and flowing pronunciation. While not among the most common names, it has maintained a steady but modest presence in the United States since the 1970s. Its relatively uncommon status makes it appealing for parents seeking something distinctive but not completely unfamiliar.

Denae

Denaly is a modern feminine name of American origin that appears to be a variation of 'Denali,' the name of the highest mountain peak in North America, located in Alaska. The name carries connotations of majesty, strength, and natural beauty. In Native Athabaskan languages, Denali means 'the high one' or 'the great one,' reflecting its impressive stature. While relatively uncommon as a given name, Denaly has gained some popularity in recent decades as parents increasingly look to nature and geography for unique name inspiration. Its distinctive sound and meaningful associations make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that conveys grandeur and a connection to the natural world.

Denaly

Desarae is a feminine name that serves as a variation of Desiree, which comes from the French 'désirée' meaning 'desired' or 'longed for.' This particular spelling emerged in the United States as parents sought to create distinctive versions of classic names. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables, combining the appeal of traditional names with a contemporary twist. Desarae gained modest popularity during the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in the United States. It appeals to parents looking for a name that sounds familiar yet stands out, with romantic connotations and an elegant sound while maintaining its connection to the more traditional Desiree.

Desarae

Despina is best known as the clever and wily maidservant character in Mozart's opera Così fan tutte, and as one of Neptune's moons, making it a musical and an astronomy-inspired choice. However, the name is actually of Greek origin, derived from Despoina, who in Greek mythology was the daughter of Demeter and Poseidon. 
 
Used most notably in Russia, Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria, and South Africa, along within its native Greece, this form has been borne historically by a 14th century Serbian Princess. More recent bearers are singer Despina Olympiou, tennis player Despina Papamichail, musician Despina Mdende, and singer Despina Vandi. 
 
In its native Greece, Despina is pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable – DESS-pi-na (or more accurately THESS-pi-na, the TH like that in then), though elsewhere, it may be said as dess-PEE-nah. Given to 16 girls in the US in a recent year, this form may feel more approachable than the traditional Greek spelling.

Despina

Dhana

Doa is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic contexts, it means 'prayer' or 'supplication,' reflecting spiritual significance. The name also appears in various cultures including Japanese, where it has different meanings. Doa's brevity makes it distinctive and easy to pronounce across language barriers, consisting of just three letters but typically pronounced with two syllables. As a relatively uncommon name in Western countries, Doa offers uniqueness while maintaining simplicity. The name carries spiritual undertones in its Arabic usage, making it meaningful for families seeking a name with religious significance. Its cross-cultural presence gives it versatility and international appeal.