Animal Names for Girls

An epithet of the goddess Durga, associated with the beginning of the earth. Aadya, also appearing as Aadhya, Adya and Adia, is notably borne by make-up artist Aadya Reddy and by singer Aadya Rajwanshi who appeared on the 2020 series of The Voices Kids.

Aadya

Alaiah is a melodic feminine name with a modern feel and possible Arabic or Hebrew language influences. It may be related to the Hebrew name Aliyah, meaning 'to ascend' or 'to rise up,' giving it connotations of elevation and aspiration. Alternatively, it could be connected to Arabic origins where similar names relate to loftiness or sublime qualities. The rhythmic three-syllable pronunciation (ah-LAY-ah) gives this name a graceful, flowing quality that appeals to contemporary parents seeking something unique yet accessible. Alaiah has gained modest popularity in the 21st century as part of the trend toward names with meaningful spiritual undertones and distinctive vowel combinations. The name's cross-cultural appeal and beautiful sound pattern make it increasingly attractive to diverse families.

Alaiah

A character name from Avatar: The Last Airbender. Azula is one of the two main antagonists of the series: a Firebender who produces blue flames (hence her name, which is derived from Spanish, Portuguese and Galician azul, meaning "blue").

Azula

Brynnlee is a feminine name representing the modern trend of combination names, blending elements of Brynn (which has Welsh origins meaning 'hill' or 'mound') with the popular suffix '-lee' (meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing'). This contemporary creation emerged primarily in the 2010s as part of the movement toward unique spellings and compound names. Brynnlee follows the pattern of names like Brynlee and Brinley, but with the distinctive double 'n' spelling. The name has gained modest popularity particularly in the United States, appealing to parents seeking names that sound traditional yet remain distinctive. Brynnlee combines the strength associated with Brynn and the feminine, nature-inspired quality of the '-lee' ending.

Brynnlee

Agatha until recently summoned up visions of martyred saints, mauve silk dresses, and high lace collars, but now that some dauntless excavators have begun to resurrect it, we're sure more will follow their lead. Actor Thomas Gibson used it for his daughter in 2004.
 Popular in the middle ages, Agatha was brought to England at the time of the Norman Conquest by a daughter of William the Conquerer. Agatha is the name of the patron saint of firefighters and nurses, and in more modern times has been closely tied to the period mysteries of Agatha Christie. P.G. Wodehouse created the vivid character of Bertie Wooster's daunting Aunt Agatha.
 Agatha also boasts the cute nickname Aggie. The French version, Agathe, is tres chic there.

Agatha

Attractive translation of Beatrice, popular with Hispanic parents. Beatriz is currently a Top 10 girl name in Portugal.
 
The original Latin form of the name, Beatrix, was in early sources spelled Viatrix, meaning "voyager". They may have been two commonly-confused names, or the spelling could have been deliberately changed to resemble the Latin word beatus, "blessed". Either way, there is room for both meanings in this name's rich history.

Beatriz

Delanie is a feminine name with Irish roots, derived from the surname Delaney, which originated from the Gaelic 'Dubh Sláine' meaning 'dark challenger' or 'from the dark river.' It emerged as a first name in the United States during the late 20th century as part of the trend of transforming surnames into given names. Delanie offers a softer, more feminine spelling variation of Delaney. The name combines a traditional heritage with a contemporary feel, appealing to parents seeking names that are distinct without being unusual. Its popularity increased in the early 2000s alongside similar names like Melanie and Stephanie, appreciated for its pleasant sound and subtle uniqueness.

Delanie

Aleyah is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. Most commonly, it's considered a variant spelling of Aaliyah, which has Arabic origins meaning 'high,' 'exalted,' or 'rising.' The name gained significant recognition in Western countries following the rise to fame of American R&B singer Aaliyah in the 1990s. This alternative spelling offers a unique twist while maintaining the melodic flow of the original. Some also connect Aleyah to the Hebrew word 'aliyah,' which refers to the immigration of Jews to Israel or can mean 'ascending' spiritually. With its beautiful sound and meaningful associations across cultures, Aleyah appeals to parents seeking a name that combines spiritual elevation with contemporary style. The name has steadily gained popularity in recent decades.

Aleyah

Often written as 'Aulani, this Hawaiian name has also been given to the Aulani Disney Resort & Spa.

Aulani

Azara is a feminine name with multicultural origins. It may derive from the Spanish azahar, meaning "orange blossom," symbolizing purity and fertility. In Hebrew, it's related to the word "azar" meaning "helped" or "assisted." The name also appears in various cultures including Portuguese and African languages. Azara has an exotic, flowing quality with its balanced three syllables and melodious 'z' sound. Though uncommon in the United States, it has gained modest popularity among parents seeking names with international flair and meaningful origins. The name carries a sense of natural beauty, with connections to flowering plants (the Azara is also a genus of flowering shrubs), making it appealing to nature-loving parents.

Azara

A sparkly elaboration of the color name Azure, Azura is a vivid choice that may appeal to those who enjoy Azaria, Aurora, Astrid, and Alara. Used in English to mean "sky blue", azure ultimately comes from the Persian lājvard meaning "lapis lazuli", making this a color and a gemstone name. 
 
While Azure was used almost equally for girls and boys in a recent year, Azura was chosen exclusively for girls — and nearly three times as often as in the US. The name has appeared in a number of video games and shows, including Fire Emblem, The Owl House, Skyrim, and Barbie: Fairytopia.

Azura

A sweet and simple multicultural choice which has several different meanings and origins. 

 Widely used in Africa, it's a variant spelling of Dia, which means "love" in Lembaama. 

 It's a Hindi name meaning "lamp, light". It may also metaphorically refer to knowledge – light given by the Devas (gods) to drive away the darkness of ignorance.

 Diya can also be a variant spelling of Dea, from the Latin dea "goddess".

Diya

Before there was the campy TV Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, Elvira was the long-suffering wife of Don Juan, and remnants of those negative, gothic images still cling to it, though they are fading.
Other references include the romantic film Elvira Madigan, based on a real person, and the main ghostly character in Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, as well as appearances in several operas.
 Elvira was in common use in the US in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, remaining in the Top 1000 until 1981; it's still popular in Scandinavia, ranking Number 39 in Sweden.

Elvira

Distinctive, elegant, and luxurious, Adalia can be a variation of Adele, or a Hebrew name with a Biblical background. Although it is given exclusively to girls in the US, in the Bible it is masculine. The similar Adlai might be easier to wear for boys in English speaking countries, while Adalia fits in with Adeline, Amelia, and Dahlia. 

Adalia

Alany is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a modern variation of Alana (feminine form of Alan, meaning 'handsome' or 'cheerful' from Celtic roots) or could relate to the ethnic term 'Alan,' referring to an ancient Iranian nomadic group. The name might also be a creative spelling of 'Eleni' (Greek for 'bright, shining light') or a modern invention combining the popular 'Alan' sound with a feminine 'y' ending. Alany has a contemporary, melodic quality that appeals to parents seeking names that sound familiar yet distinctive. While uncommon in traditional naming statistics, Alany follows current trends favoring names with flowing sounds and unique spellings. Its international feel makes it adaptable across cultural contexts.

Alany

Given to children of both sexes as far back as colonial times, this carries a lot of baggage. However, parents continue to take the risk. Actress America Ferrera may be have inspired some families to choose the name. Ferrera's Honduras-born mother shares her unusual name.

America

Aryah is a beautiful feminine name with a rich history. It is a variant of 'Aria' or 'Arya,' which has origins in multiple cultures. In Hebrew, it relates to 'lion' or 'lioness,' symbolizing strength and courage. In Sanskrit, it means 'noble' or 'honorable.' The name gained significant popularity in Western countries during the 2010s, particularly after the character Arya Stark from 'Game of Thrones' captured audiences' attention. Aryah offers a slightly more distinctive spelling than the more common Aria. Parents are drawn to this name for its melodic sound, powerful meaning, and blend of traditional roots with modern appeal.

Aryah

Music legend David Bowie lends his adopted surname considerable charisma to this stylish <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/472/scottish-names-for-girls">Scottish name for girls</a> and boys. Born David Robert Jones, he changed his name to avoid confusion with The Monkees' Davy Jones. 

Another famous reference: Jim Bowie, an American hero of the Alamo, and the bowie knife's namesake. 

With girls answering to musically-inspired surnames like Marley and Lennon, Bowie has slowly started to appear on girls' birth certificates, too. Actor Jackson Rathbone has a daughter called Presley Bowie, and Dale DeHaan and Anna Wood named their daughter Bowie Rose.

Bowie

The Hebrew, Biblical form of Eve. While English speakers will likely find the forms Ava or Eve easier in everyday life, Chava is a lovely variation for a family that speaks Hebrew or Yiddish - plus, English speakers could always learn. 

Chava

Ahlani is a modern feminine name of Hawaiian origin, meaning 'heavenly' or 'sky.' It's a melodic variation of names like Alani or Kalani, with the added 'h' giving it a gentle breath sound when pronounced. The name has gained popularity in the United States since the 2010s as parents have increasingly sought out unique names with cultural significance and beautiful meanings. Ahlani resonates with those looking for a name that feels both exotic and accessible, with a connection to nature and spirituality. The name's rhythmic quality and positive connotations have contributed to its growing appeal among diverse communities, particularly among those drawn to names with Pacific Island heritage.