Animal Names for Girls

Fans of the classic French designer would now more fashionably choose Coco. 

Chanel

Unlike most creative spellings, this one isn't overly trendy or overdone—in fact, it's quite delicate and pretty. However, it is clearly suffering from the plethora of similar names that are flowing around right now (Emelie, Emilia, Emily, Emilee, Amelie, Amelia) and has fallen more than 300 spots since 2013. It might be time for Emilie and her sisters to be left alone for a while.

Emilie

Ailyn is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a modern variation of Aileen or Eileen, which derive from the Gaelic name Eibhlín, meaning "light" or "torch." Alternatively, it could be a creative spelling of Aylin, a Turkish name meaning "halo of light around the moon." This melodic name has gained popularity in recent decades, particularly among parents seeking names with a contemporary feel but traditional roots. The appealing combination of the soft 'Ai' sound with the gentle ending creates a name that feels both delicate and distinctive. Ailyn strikes a balance between uniqueness and familiarity, making it increasingly chosen across various cultural backgrounds.

Ailyn

Azul is the Spanish word for "blue" and was first recorded as a baby name (for girls) in 1995. It's technically considered unisex today, although it is still more than three times as common as a feminine name.

Azul

Amber begot Ember expanded into Emberly, Emberlyn, and Emberlynn -- and undoubtedly many more variations. Emberlyn has a rhythmic Kimberly vibe too, so it might be an honor name for a grandma Amber, Kim, or Lynn.

Emberlyn

Cara is a simple, sweet, Italian endearment that enjoyed its greatest popularity from the 1970s through the 1990s, reaching a high of Number 189 in 1977. Despite the rising celebrity of English model/actress Cara Delevingne, who played Enchantress in Suicide Squad, Cara dropped off the Top 1000 in the US in 2020, perhaps because it sounds too close to the dreaded Karen. 
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Cara remains a highly popular choice in Ireland, perhaps used as an Anglicized form of the Irish Ciara or Ceara. the Evelyn Waugh novel Brideshead Revisited, the Cara character is French.
 Damon Wayans took the endearment aspect even further when he named his now-grown daughter Cara Mia.

Cara

Dina is a 20th century version of either Dinah or Adinah, two Old Testament names not related to each other. Dinah was the beautiful daughter of Jacob and Leah, while Adinah or Adina was a male soldier, though the name is also used for girls in modern Israel.

Dina

Alya is most familiar in the US in its much-more-complicated form Aaliyah, the spelling used by the later singer. The traditional name of the star system Theta Serpentis, Alya is also an established Muslim first name and a Turkish place-name.  It may also be a Russian short form for Alexandra or any other Al- name.

Alya

A highly unusual Italian word-name that is nevertheless attractive and easy to pronounce and spell.

Calia

Adalina is a feminine name with Germanic roots, derived from the name Adelaide, which means 'noble' or 'nobility.' This elegant name combines the classic appeal of Ada with the lyrical ending -lina, creating a name that feels both timeless and romantic. Adalina has gained popularity in recent decades as parents seek alternatives to more common names like Adeline or Adalyn. The name has a delicate, graceful quality that travels well across different cultures. While it has historical connections to European nobility, today's usage is more connected to its melodic sound and vintage charm. Adalina offers the convenience of multiple nickname options, including Ada, Addie, Lina, or Nina.

Adalina

Once a Top 100 name, this Spanish diminutive of Ana still retains some of her Latin flair. A notable namesake is noted attorney Anita Hill, another is the great jazz singer Anita O'Day. Plus there's Disney cred via the lead human character in 101 Dalmatians.

Anita

Combines the prefix of Brayden and the trendy -lee suffix, and has the marks of the popular Bailey.

Braylee

Streamlined and succinct, Ema is a multicultural choice with wide-reaching appeal and versatility. 
 
From its German roots, Ema is a form of the classic Emma, used in Spanish, Portuguese, Slovene, Croatian, Bosnian, Czech, Slovak, and Lithuanian. A high-ranking choice in a number of Slavic and Baltic countries, it also features in the charts in Chile, Portugal, and the UK.
 
As a Japanese name, Ema (pronounced with both syllables stressed) has a variety of means, depending on what kanji symbols are used. Possibilities include (but aren't limited to): "favor + flax seed", "prosperity + abundance", "blossoming + affection, love", "reliant + jasmine", and "picture, painting + truth".
 
Ema also ranks highly in Israel where it may well be used as a form of Emma, but other sources suggest it can mean "divine mother" or simply "mother", from the Hebrew ima, combined with ah/eh, representing God. Additionally, it can be used as a short for of Emuna meaning "faith".

Annabella is one of a constellation of names that include Anabella, Annabelle, Annabel, Anabel, Annabelle, and Annabell -- all lovely names that have suffered from their association with the eponymous horror movie. Annabella fell off the US Top 1000 in 2021, and ironically, the only version of the name that hangs on in the Top 1000 is Annabelle, the spelling used in the movie.
 
You might consider this name a variation of the Scottish Annabel, itself a variation of Amabel, which means "loving", or as a combination of Anna and Bella. Either carries a lovely meaning.

 Annabella crops up in royal history as the mother of King James I of Scotland, and plays a part in the 1633 play Tis Pity She's a Whore. Sela Ward has a daughter named Annabella, and a current bearer is actress Annabella Sciorra.

Annabella

An alternative spelling to the highly popular Aubrey that entered the US Top 1000 back in 2001 and peaked in 2012 when it neared the Top 300. More recently, it has dropped out of the charts, with Aubrey and Aubree holding favor. 


Aubrie

The Biblical name of a great prophet and judge who helped organize an army and effect a major victory over the Canaanites. Sounds much fresher than the Anglicized Deborah.

Devorah

This elaboration of the popular Ava likely took inspiration from other on-trend choices such as Amaya, Nevaeh, and Alayah. Given to nearly 140 girls each year, alternative spelling Avayah is twice as popular and currently in the US Top 1000.
 
Family YouTubers The Banks used Avayah for their daughter in 2019, and it subsequently became the fastest rising girl name of the following year, bringing Avaya along with it.

Avaya

Beatrix has a solid history of its own apart from Beatrice, with that final x adding a playful, animated note to the name's imposing history and stately vibe.
 
In the earliest sources it is recorded as Viatrix, meaning "voyager". Possibly the spelling was deliberately changed to resemble the Latin word beatus, "blessed" and now both meanings are part of Beatrix's rich history.
 
It has been largely associated with Beatrix (born Helen) Potter, creator of Peter Rabbit, and with Beatrix who was Queen of The Netherlands from 1980 until her abdication in 2013.
 Actress Jodie Sweetin has a daughter called Beatrix, and designer Kate Spade chose it for her daughter Frances's middle name. The main character in Quentin Tarantino's movie Kill Bill was Beatrix Kiddo, played by Uma Thurman. 
 
With cute nicknames Bea and Trixie, Beatrix is most popular in the UK, where it ranks in the Top 200. On the rise since 2001, its accelerated popularity in the 2010s could have been influenced by the character Beatrix 'Trixie' Franklin from the popular period drama, Call the Midwife.
 
Across the pond in the US, it appeared briefly in the Top 1000 in 2019, but it has been trending downwards since then. Given to around 160 girls each year, it could be an unexpected but familiar choice in the States.

Beatrix

Ameera is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning 'princess' or 'leader.' Derived from 'amir' meaning 'prince' or 'commander,' the feminine form carries connotations of nobility, leadership, and dignity. The name has a melodious quality with its flowing vowels and gentle consonants. While traditional in Arabic-speaking countries, Ameera has gained appreciation internationally for its beautiful sound and meaningful connotations. The name strikes a balance between being recognizable and distinctive in Western contexts. Parents might choose Ameera for its combination of strength and femininity, its cross-cultural appeal, or its royal associations. The name suggests someone who possesses natural leadership qualities, grace, and inner strength.

Ameera

Variant of Ayana with international roots.