Animal Names for Girls

We usually think of place-names as a modern invention, but in fact Arizona ranked on the US Top 1000 from its inception in 1880 until 1911, when it vanished below the surface. It peaked at Number 510 in 1882, before Arizona became a state. One notorious vintage bearer: criminal "Ma" Barker, born Arizona Clark.
This unusual and evocative southwestern place name was picked for his daughter by former Everclear frontman Art Alexakis. It popped up as a first name on the quirky Dr. Arizona Robbins, introduced on Grey's Anatomy in 2009, played by Jessica Capshaw.

Arizona

In all its iterations, this name is on the rise. Ariana and Arianna are both highly popular choices in the US, and as with other popular appellations, creative spellings are inevitable. The trendy y in place of the i might be tempting, but anyone bearing this spelling will constantly be correcting people who assume one of the two dominant versions. This form was given to around 100 girls in a recent year and is borne by reality TV star, Aryanna Sierra.

Aryanna

Used far more for boys with this spelling, but still has a nice impish Irish feel for a girl. 

Devin

Hot star Ashton Kutcher is pushing this unisex choice toward the boys' camp, but its variation Ashtyn is on the rise. 

Ashton

Associated with the first light of the day, and more figuratively with new beginnings and fresh starts, Dawn's heyday came in the 1960s and 70s in the US, Canada and the UK. It had been in the charts since around the end of the First World War but really began to take off in the 1950s.
 
Derived from the Old English dagung, the name peaked at peaked in 1971 in the US, when it was given to more than 14,000 girls and sat within the Top 20. Shortly after, however, it began to decline and has since been eclipsed by other names with the same meaning, such as Aurora or Roxana, or by options with similar sentiments, like Nova or Alba. 
 
Given to 108 girls in a recent year, Dawn hasn't faded entirely from sight, and if you put aside its dated image, it could one day be a meaningful word name again.

Dawn

Though still being used, Deanna peaked many decades ago. 

Deanna

Addalyn is a modern feminine name that emerged in the United States in the early 2000s. It appears to be a creative variant of Adeline or Madelyn, combining elements of popular names with the trendy '-lyn' suffix. The root 'Adal' comes from Germanic origins meaning 'noble' or 'nobility.' Addalyn gained modest popularity in the 2010s, particularly in the southern United States, as part of the trend toward elaborate versions of classic names. The name appeals to parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive. Though still relatively uncommon compared to similar names like Addison or Madelyn, Addalyn offers a sweet, feminine sound while maintaining the vintage charm of its root names, with a contemporary spelling that sets it apart.

Addalyn

Annaleigh is a feminine name combining the classic Anna (from Hebrew, meaning 'grace' or 'favor') with the suffix -leigh, a variation of Lee meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing.' This blend creates a pretty, flowing name with traditional roots but a contemporary feel. 

Annaleigh gained moderate popularity in the early 2000s as parents sought familiar-sounding yet distinctive names. There were nearly 100 baby girls named Annaleigh in the US last year, with twice as many named Annalee and half as many called Analee.

For short, Annaleigh can become Anna, Leigh, or Annie.

Annaleigh

Aqsa is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning 'the farthest' or 'distant one.' The name gained significant recognition through its association with Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the third holiest site in Islam, making it a name with deep religious significance for many Muslim families. Beyond its religious connotations, Aqsa is appreciated for its melodic quality and distinctive spelling. The name has grown in popularity throughout Muslim communities worldwide, particularly in Pakistan, where it ranks among more common feminine names. Despite its increasing usage, Aqsa remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, though growing diversity has brought greater recognition. Parents may choose this name for its beautiful meaning, religious significance, or to honor their cultural heritage while giving their daughter a name that is both meaningful and distinctive.

Aqsa

This still attractive place name was one of the first to gain popularity, though it now probably owes some of its favor to the similar Aisha. Asia ranked as high as Number 195 on the US <a href="https://nameberry.com/">baby names</a> popularity list in 1997. 
 In Greek myth, Asia is the daughter of Oceanus and Tethys and mother of, among others, Atlas and Prometheus.
 One of the best known modern bearers of the name is Italian actress, singer, and director Asia Argento, who is probably responsible for its popularity in Italy, where it ranks Number 35. Asia Monet Ray is a dancer featured on the hit television shows Dance Moms and Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition.

Asia

Azariyah is a feminine name with profound ancient roots, derived from Hebrew origins where it means "helped by God" or "God has helped." It appears in biblical texts as Azariah (a male form), notably as one of Daniel's companions. The feminine variant features a softer ending that enhances its melodic quality. Azariyah has gained popularity in recent decades as part of the trend toward names with spiritual significance and distinctive sounds. The name combines depth of meaning with rhythmic beauty in its four syllables. Contemporary parents are drawn to its unique quality, meaningful heritage, and the appealing nickname possibilities like Zari or Aria. The name bridges ancient tradition with modern appeal, offering spiritual significance while remaining uncommon enough to feel special.

Azariyah

Similar to Brielle and Riley, this name lags quite far behind these more common variations. It peaked at Number 622 in 2009 in the US, but it is now descending the ranks. It coincides with the surname Briley, a contracted form of  Brierley, which might be an interesting alternative.

Briley

Caylee was the third fastest-rising name in 2009 and peaked then at Number 263, but has since dropped in the charts, perhaps due to the Caylee Anthony association.

Caylee

Alorah is a modern feminine name that has gained attention in the early 21st century, particularly in the United States. It appears to be a creative variation of names like Alora, Aurora, or Elora, combining fashionable sounds and elements. The name likely draws from Latin origins meaning 'divine light' or may connect to Hebrew 'or' meaning 'light.' With its melodic quality featuring the popular 'ah' ending, Alorah fits contemporary naming trends while maintaining a distinctive character. Though not historically traditional, this name has risen in usage since 2010, appealing to parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible and feminine. Alorah blends well with current popularity of other 'A' names and nature-inspired choices, offering the charming nickname options of Allie or Lora.

Alorah

Armoni may for some be an alternate spelling of the popular designer name Armani, but in Hebrew the word pronounced ar-moan means chestnut, so this can make an original gender neutral nature name, with a melodic feel. 
 
It is also a Biblical (masculine) name, meaning "palace", appearing in the Bible as a son of Saul.

Armoni

Long more associated with the New York Waldorf- hotel and the neighborhood in Queens than as a baby name, Astoria is finally beginning to emerge from their shadow and find favor with parents looking to move beyond Brooklyn. The name Astoria is drawn from the surname of titan of industry John Jacob Astor, theorized to mean "hawk."

Astoria

Unisex name from the Old Testament, which is very in-keeping with current naming trends for girls.

Athaliah

Bea is a former old lady name that's cute again as a short form — and is now beginning to stand on its own. Bee is a variation that, like Bea, can work as a diminutive for any name that starts with the letter B, or in the middle. Bea actually stood alone on the popularity lists for four years at the beginning of the twentieth century — and it could happen again.
 Golden Girl Bea Arthur was born a Bernice.

A sweet, uplifting and still fairly uncommon modern virtue name. Its single syllable makes it especially good as a middle name, but it would also make a big impact in the first spot; in fact, nearly 90 girls in the US were called Bliss in a recent year.
 
Used to describe both a perfect state of happiness and spiritual blessedness, it can be viewed through a spiritual and a secular lens. Similar in feel to more popular word names like Dream, Blessing, and Heaven, and to more classic virtues like Blythe, Felicity, and Joy, it may appeal to those who want to celebrate the more blissful side of parenthood and the joy they hope their child will bring and experience.

Bliss

Elliemae combines the popular nickname Ellie (from Eleanor, Elizabeth, or Ellen) with Mae, a traditional variation of May. This compound name represents the growing trend of hyphen-free double names that blend vintage elements into fresh combinations. The first element connects to Germanic origins meaning 'light' or 'bright one,' while Mae has nature associations with the springtime month or possibly derives from the Roman goddess Maia. Elliemae emerged primarily in the early 21st century as parents sought names with a homespun, Southern charm quality. While maintaining a sweetly feminine sound, it offers playful informality and vintage appeal. The name projects warmth, approachability, and a touch of nostalgic Americana.