Animal Names for Girls

A rare but rising unisex name — used more often on baby girls.

Bayan

Eiza is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Eliza (Hebrew, meaning 'God is abundance') or Aiza (Arabic, meaning 'powerful'). In some contexts, it could be a shortened form of Elizabeth or a modern invention inspired by similar-sounding names. Eiza has gained some recognition through Mexican actress Eiza González, helping to introduce the name to international audiences. The name has a contemporary feel with its concise form and melodic flow, making it appealing across cultural boundaries. Eiza combines simplicity with distinctiveness, offering an uncommon yet easily pronounced option that works well in multiple languages and cultural contexts.

Eiza

Elaya combines the elements of several popular choices including Maya, Elara, Elora, Alaia, Elijah, Eliana, and Aliyah. Pronounced as either eh-LAY-uh or eh-LYE-uh, it may be considered a variation of the Biblical Elijah or Leah, or a form of the Basque bird name, Elaia. Eulalia ("sweetly speaking") and Elia ("sun") may be other sources. 

Elaya

The super-success of Adele, both the singer and the name, has brought attention to all her cousins — Adela, Adeline, Adelina — and the lovely Adelia. An undiscovered gem just waiting to be discovered.
 
Some pluses: Adelia is the name of a flowering plant, and of an opera by Donizetti that premiered in 1841.

Adelia

This spelling variation of the popular girls' nickname ranks behind the more traditional form—Allie (Number 255). This spelling could be hurt by the word name ally, which bears a different pronunciation.

Ally

A versatile name with multiple origins, Anylah - and its more popular sister spelling Anyla - have quietly risen up the US charts since the 2000s. As a Hindi and Sanskrit name, it is a feminine form of Anil, the Hindu god of the wind, while in Albania, Hungry, Poland, Sweden and Finland, it is a form of Anila or Anilla, in turn variations of Anna and Agnes, There is also the possibility that this is a created name, inspired by the rise of Nyla. 
 
Given to 98 babies in a recent year, Anylah could give you nicknames Annie and Nylah.

Anylah

Aoife, pronounced EE-fa, is derived from the Irish word aoibh, meaning "beauty." Aoife was borne by several different heroines of ancient Irish legend. In one tale, she was the fiercest woman warrior in the world and enemy of her twin sister, Scathach.
 
Aoife is very popular in Ireland, and is catching on across the UK as well. Aoife is sometimes Anglicized as Eva, but the names are from independent origins. Eva shares roots with Eabha and Aoibhe, both also currently popular in Ireland.

Aoife

As Ashley becomes one of today's "mom names" thanks to its popularity amongst millennial-borns, Ashton is a fresh alternative. This particular spelling is nearly completely equally split between girls and boys in 2024.

Ashtyn

Though Abigail has long been a very popular girls' name in the US, modern Hebrew form Avigail is rare here but among the Top 10 girls' names in Israel. 

Avigail

A grounded Indian name, perfect for a daughter with an earth sign.

Avni

This nouveau spelling of Blakeley was one of the fastest-rising girl names outside of the Top 1000 in 2019, but hasn't grown in popularity since then. It is given to around 110 girls each year in the US.

Blakelee

Bridgette is a feminine name representing a French variation of Bridget, ultimately derived from the Celtic name Brighid meaning "exalted one." In Irish mythology, Brighid was a powerful goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom. This spelling with the double-t gives the name a touch of French elegance while maintaining its Celtic roots. Bridgette gained popularity in the mid-20th century, partly inspired by French actress Brigitte Bardot, though this variation uses a more phonetic English spelling. The name balances traditional heritage with accessibility, offering a slightly more elaborate alternative to the simpler Bridget. While never reaching the heights of ultra-popular girls' names, Bridgette has maintained steady usage, appreciated for its classic feel and feminine charm.

Bridgette

A fresh and gender-neutral take on Gen Z favorite Brooke, Brooks is a stylish and sleek choice. Currently in the US Top 100 for boys, Brooks is also given to 70 girls each year. A small number at the moment, but, with Harper, Avery, Emerson and Marlowe trending upwards, that number could increase in coming years. 
 
If you like the wordy, surname style of Brooks, you could also consider Bridgers, Baylor, Rivers, Truett, Rayne or Lark.

Brooks

Chany is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Chana or Hannah, Hebrew names meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' Alternatively, it could relate to Cheyenne, a Native American tribal name. The name has a contemporary, streamlined quality with its brevity and clear pronunciation. Chany remains quite uncommon, making it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet straightforward. The name's simple structure belies its uniqueness in usage. With just two syllables, it offers an elegant simplicity while standing out from more common names. Chany's cross-cultural influences give it versatility and a modern feel that works well in diverse communities.

Chany

An energetic — dare we say dashing — Russian diminutive of Darya that hasn't caught on in the same way as Sasha has in the English speaking world. 
 
Singer Dasha (born Anna Dasha Novotny) , actress, podcaster, and filmmaker Dasha Nekrasova, and model and influencer Dasha Taran are all notable bearers.

Dasha

Alizah is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, serving as a variant of Aliza, which means 'joy' or 'joyful.' The name also has connections to the Arabic name Aliza, meaning 'happiness.' The addition of the 'h' gives the name a softer, more elaborate feel while maintaining its meaningful essence. Alizah has gained modest popularity in recent decades, particularly in Jewish communities and among parents seeking names with positive meanings and multicultural appeal. The name has a delicate, melodious quality that balances traditional roots with contemporary style. While not among the most common names in the United States, Alizah offers a distinctive alternative to more popular names like Eliza or Alicia.

Alizah

Amiracle is a contemporary feminine name that emerged from English-speaking countries, particularly in American naming trends. As its spelling suggests, it combines the prefix 'a' with 'miracle', creating a name that literally evokes the concept of being a miracle. This meaning-rich name likely appeals to parents who view their child as a blessing or miraculous gift. Amiracle began appearing in naming records in the late 20th and early 21st centuries but remains uncommon. The name has four syllables with a rhythmic quality and a distinctly modern, inspirational feel. Its uniqueness ensures that a child named Amiracle would stand out, carrying a name that inherently celebrates her existence.

Amiracle

Ahana is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it means "dawn" or "first rays of the sun," giving it beautiful symbolism related to new beginnings and light. The name also appears in some African cultures with varied meanings. Ahana has gained increased recognition in India and among the Indian diaspora, particularly in recent decades. Its melodious sound with soft vowels makes it appealing across different languages. While still relatively uncommon in Western countries, the name has seen growing international interest due to its beautiful meaning and multicultural appeal. Ahana strikes a balance between uniqueness and accessibility, with a contemporary feel despite its ancient roots. The name carries positive associations with brightness, hope, and the promise of a new day.

Ahana

Ailen is a name of several possible origins, one of them being a variation of the Gaelic Eibhlín, or the English variation Eileen, notably used among Spanish speakers. The name had a significant rise in 2022, and was given to 104 babies. This is following in the footsteps of similar-sounding names like Ayla and Aylin.
 
It could additionally be a Hispanicized form of the Mapuche name Ayelen, meaning "clear", "ember", or "laughter", and may also be spelled as Ailén.

Ailen

A recent favorite among boy names, now a top riser for girls.