Animal Names for Girls
- Caprice
Origin:
French from ItalianMeaning:
"impulsive change of mind; lively music"Description:
Caprice is a word name with an appealing sound and a light-hearted meaning that may well put parents off. While it was given to just 10 girls in a recent year, the name did have a moment back in the late 60s and then again in the 90s. In England and Wales, it even made the Top 400 in 1997.
- Bernadine
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"brave as a bear"Description:
As dated as the old Pat Boone song.
- Emlyn
Origin:
Welsh from LatinMeaning:
"rival"Description:
An Emily or Emma substitute that may be prettier and more classic as Emmeline or Emeline.
- Avani
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"the good earth"Description:
A familiar name in India, Avani has a soft but spirited sound and an attractive meaning, perfect for lovers of nature and those looking for a name to celebrate the planet. Derived from the Sanskrit word for "earth", English speakers are likely to pronounce it with three syllables (UH-vah-nee), while in Hindi, it is said as AHV-nee and in Marathi as ah-VAH-nee.
- Ayda
Origin:
Arabic, TurkishMeaning:
"returning visitor; moon"Description:
Ada and Ida soundalike that has two wonderful potential meanings. A famous bearer is American model and actress Ayda Field.
- Cybil
Description:
Cybil is a feminine name that represents a modern spelling variation of Sibyl or Sybil, derived from the Greek word 'sibylla,' meaning 'prophetess' or 'oracle.' In ancient Greek and Roman culture, sibyls were women believed to possess prophetic powers. The spelling with 'C' gained some popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly after actress Cybill Shepherd rose to fame in the 1970s. Though less common than many contemporary names, Cybil has a distinctly vintage charm while maintaining mystical undertones. The name suggests wisdom, intuition, and a connection to ancient traditions of feminine power.
- Deedee
Origin:
English diminutive of any girl name that starts with DDescription:
In its mid-20th century heyday, Deedee — or Didi or Dede — was not infrequently used as a name in its own right. It's a cute, or maybe cutesy, short form of names like Deanne.
- Belphoebe
Origin:
Invented literary nameMeaning:
"beautiful shining one"Description:
The name of the character in Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" whom the poet intended as a representation of Queen Elizabeth I. While it will no doubt thrill your daughter's English professor, the addition of the "Bel" to already great Phoebe is on the fussy side.
- Eeva
Description:
Eeva is a feminine name that is the Finnish and Estonian form of Eve. The name traces back to the Hebrew "Chavah" meaning "living one" or "source of life," and is associated with the first woman in Judeo-Christian tradition. This Nordic spelling variation maintains the classic name's essence while giving it a distinctive character with the double 'e.' In Finland, Eeva has been consistently popular and carries cultural significance. The name is short, clear, and internationally recognizable despite its specific cultural spelling. Eeva has a gentle, flowing quality when spoken, with its soft vowel sounds. For parents outside Nordic countries, choosing Eeva represents an appreciation for Finnish culture while selecting a name that remains fundamentally familiar but refreshingly uncommon in other regions.
- Alivia
Origin:
Variation of OliviaDescription:
While Alivia may not have achieved the megapopularity of its mother name, it's still a widely used choice. Alivia combines the trendiness of A names with the trendiness of Olivia to create a choice that's slightly off the beaten track -- slightly being the operative word here. Is the distinction the initial A earns you worth a lifetime of explaining, "No, it's Alivia, with an A, not Olivia"? Your call, though ours would be no.
- Amoris
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"love"Description:
This Latin word for love is not traditionally used as a name, but why not? It's got a pretty sound and some distinctive flair. Variants Amori or Amorie can also be thought of as different spellings of Amory, which has a very different meaning and roots. Only downside: Sounds almost exactly like "amorous," meaning in the mood for love, which could provoke some adolescent teasing.
- Celandine
Origin:
English botanical nameDescription:
A botanical name belonging to a small yellow flower in the poppy family. The word ultimately derives from chelidon, the Ancient Greek for "swallow (bird)".
- Claude
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"lame; enclosure"Description:
Yes, we tend to think of Claude as a male name and Claudia and Claudette as the female, but this ancient clan name is used in France for girls as well as boys, and could make a distinctively chic boy name for girls here too. You may be surprised to know that Claude was in fairly regular use for American girls in the 1880's and nineties, reaching as high as 553 in 1880.
- Denee
Description:
Denee is a feminine name with French influences, likely derived as a variant of Denise or Danae. The name Denise stems from the masculine Denis, which originated from Dionysius, the Greek god of wine and revelry. With its distinctive spelling and melodious sound, Denee offers a modern twist on a classic name while maintaining an elegant quality. The double 'e' ending gives it a contemporary feel and unique appearance. Denee reached modest popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s but remains relatively uncommon today, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive. The name typically carries a soft, feminine pronunciation as deh-NAY.
- Chole
Description:
Chole is a feminine name that likely originated as a variant spelling of Chloe, which comes from Greek meaning 'blooming' or 'green shoot.' This alternative spelling has existed throughout history but remains much less common than the traditional form. In some instances, Chole might have emerged from pronunciation differences across cultures or as a unique spelling choice by parents. The name has a gentle, flowing quality despite the spelling variation. While some might view it as a simple misspelling, others embrace Chole as a distinctive twist on a classic name. Its similarity to the word 'cholé' (bile) in French medical terminology has possibly limited its adoption in French-speaking regions.
- Ahyoka
Origin:
CherokeeMeaning:
"she brought happiness"Description:
Upbeat Native American name with a wonderful meaning.
- Camilia
Description:
Camilia is a feminine name that serves as a variation of Camilla, which has Latin origins meaning "young ceremonial attendant" or "free-born." The name carries a sense of elegance and grace, with historical connections to mythology through Camilla, a swift-footed warrior maiden in Virgil's Aeneid. This spelling variant offers a slightly softer sound than the traditional Camilla, with the 'i' providing a more flowing pronunciation. While less common than Camilla, Camilia has maintained steady usage across various cultures, particularly in Hispanic and Latin American communities. The name combines classical heritage with a feminine quality that appeals to parents seeking something traditional yet not overly common.
- Aixa
Description:
Aixa is a feminine name with Moorish and Arabic origins, historically significant in Spanish culture. Pronounced 'AY-sha' or 'EYE-sha,' it was notably borne by Aixa, the mother of Boabdil, the last Moorish king of Granada. The name derives from the Arabic 'Aisha,' meaning 'living' or 'prosperous.' Aixa has maintained popularity in Spanish-speaking regions, particularly among families with North African heritage or connections. The name carries a sense of historical dignity and cultural richness. Its brevity and melodic quality make it appealing to contemporary parents seeking a name with cross-cultural resonance and historical depth, while its distinctive spelling gives it a unique character.
- Astrea
Description:
Astrea derives from Greek mythology, where Astraea was the goddess of justice, purity, and innocence. The name means 'star-maiden' or 'starry one' in Greek, reflecting its celestial origins. It embodies qualities of righteousness and divine justice. While never extremely common, Astrea has attracted parents seeking a distinctive celestial name with mythological depth. The name has maintained a steady, if rare, presence in the English-speaking world, appealing to those who appreciate its classical heritage and ethereal quality. As astronomical and mythological names have grown in popularity, Astrea offers a sophisticated alternative to more common celestial names.
- Emberly
Origin:
English elaboration of EmberMeaning:
"ember"Description:
The Kimberly of the current age, but currently less popular than either Ember or Everly.
