Animal Names for Girls

  1. Anjali
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "gift"
    • Description:

      This Indian name meaning gift or offering feels familiar via sound-alikes Angela or Angelina, and made a brief appearance on the U.S. Top 1000. Anjali is a pretty route to a name that's at once easy to understand and uncommon.
  2. Emely
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Emily
    • Description:

      This trendy spelling of Emily may be benefiting from the rise of Emery.
  3. Emaan
    • Description:

      Emaan is a feminine name with Arabic origins, meaning 'faith' or 'belief.' It derives from the Arabic word 'iman,' a central concept in Islam representing faith in Allah. This spiritual name has gained popularity among Muslim families worldwide while also appealing to parents seeking names with meaningful qualities. Emaan has a lyrical, flowing quality with its soft consonants and balanced vowel sounds. While traditionally more common in Arabic-speaking countries and Muslim communities, the name has seen increased usage in multicultural Western societies in recent decades. Its simple pronunciation, meaningful significance, and cross-cultural appeal have contributed to its growing popularity as a modern yet culturally rooted choice.

  4. Amerie
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Pop princess Amerie is half Korean, half African-American. Her name may relate to Amelia, Emily, Emery, or Amory, though there's no exact equivalent among historical names. But doubtless there will be more Ameries, starting now.
  5. Anastasie
    • Description:

      Anastasie is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from 'anastasis' meaning 'resurrection.' It's the French form of Anastasia, a name with deep historical and religious significance in Orthodox Christianity. The name was popularized by Saint Anastasia, a 4th-century Christian martyr. Anastasie carries an elegant, sophisticated quality with its French styling and historical depth. While more common in French-speaking regions than in English-speaking countries, it provides a distinctive alternative to the more familiar Anastasia. The name evokes images of European refinement and classical beauty, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical resonance and a touch of international flair.
  6. Andorra
    • Origin:

      European place-name
    • Description:

      Andorra is the pretty name of a pocket-sized princedom in the Pyrenees, noted for its skiing.
  7. Ayliz
    • Origin:

      Turkish
    • Meaning:

      "moon"
    • Description:

      Ayliz is a sweet but sharp Turkish name, likely created as an elaboration of the element ay meaning "moon". It may appeal as an alternative to popular Ayla.
  8. Ashtine
    • Description:

      Ashtine is a feminine name that represents a modern variation of names like Ashton or Ashley. With Germanic roots, it combines elements meaning "ash tree" with a feminine suffix. This contemporary creation maintains connections to nature while offering a unique alternative to more common ash-derived names. Ashtine remains relatively rare, making it appealing to parents seeking distinctive names that still carry familiar sounds. The name has a delicate yet strong quality, blending traditional elements with modern styling. While not widely used in most English-speaking countries, Ashtine has occasionally appeared on birth records in the United States since the 1990s, part of the trend toward creating innovative variations of traditional names.
  9. Aravis
    • Origin:

      Literary name and place-name
    • Description:

      Aravis was the name of a female character in C.S. Lewis's A Horse and His Boy, and is also the name of a mountain range in southern France. With the rise of Ava, Avery, and indeed seemingly all names that start with A, Aravis may finally reach a wider audience.
  10. Elea
    • Origin:

      Short form of Eleanor
    • Description:

      A sweet, breezy short form of Eleanor, that happens to coincide with the name of an ancient Italian town. It is a popular choice in Switzerland, Finland, and France, though the spellings Eléa and Éléa are currently preferred in the latter country. Typically pronounced like Ella, you could pronounce it eh-lee-uh, it basing it on the ancient place name, though choosing Ellia would probably avoid confusion.
  11. Clarie
    • Description:

      Clarie is a feminine name that functions as a diminutive form of Clare or Claire, names ultimately derived from the Latin 'clarus' meaning 'clear, bright, or famous.' This softer variation adds a gentle, affectionate quality to the classic original. Clarie maintains the elegant simplicity of Claire while adding a slightly more informal, sweet ending. Though less common than Claire, Clarie has appeared periodically throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, particularly in French-speaking regions and among English speakers seeking a twist on the traditional form. The name carries connotations of brightness, clarity, and light. Its gentle sound and familiar roots make it accessible while still distinctive.

  12. Asiri
    • Origin:

      Quechua
    • Meaning:

      "smile"
    • Description:

      A light and lovely Quechua name with a joyful meaning.
  13. Aleigha
    • Origin:

      Variation of Aaliyah
  14. Derya
    • Origin:

      Turkish
    • Meaning:

      "sea"
    • Description:

      Derya is a unisex name in its native Turkey, though even there it is far more popular for women than for men. It is related to the Persian name Daria, which also means sea.
  15. Eliya
    • Origin:

      Variation of Elijah or Aliyah, Hebrew; Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is god; rising, to ascend; heavens, highborn, exalted"
    • Description:

      Eliya may be thought of as a female variation on the popular Biblical boys' name Elijah or a spelling variation of the popular girls' name Aliyah. It may not rank among the US Top 1000 and it may cause some spelling and pronunciation confusion, but it does have genuine roots as a name.
  16. Arella
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "messenger from God, angel"
    • Description:

      Bell-like and original.
  17. Darragh
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "oak tree"
    • Description:

      A very popular name for boys in Ireland that's well-used throughout the British Isles, Darragh is also occasionally used for girls and certainly sounds feminine or at least unisex to the American ear. Simplified form Dara pushes it further toward the girls' side.
  18. Chevelle
    • Description:

      Chevelle is a feminine name with French influences, deriving popularity primarily from the iconic American muscle car produced by Chevrolet in the 1960s and 70s. The name carries connotations of speed, power, and sleek design. While originally emerging as a brand name, Chevelle has gained traction as a given name in recent decades, particularly appealing to parents seeking modern, distinctive options with an edge of coolness. The name has a contemporary feel with its -elle ending that connects it to traditional feminine names while maintaining its unique automotive association. Though still relatively uncommon, Chevelle has seen increased usage in the United States, reflecting broader trends toward brand-inspired names and distinctive sounds with French-influenced endings.
  19. Aleta
    • Description:

      Aleta is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Greek, it's a variation of Alethea, meaning "truth," while some sources connect it to Spanish origins as a diminutive of Alicia. The name also appears in mythology as one of the Nereids, sea nymphs from Greek legends. Aleta enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon today. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its simple three-syllable structure and soft sounds. Aleta strikes a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness—recognizable without being common. Its classical roots give it timeless appeal, while its slight exoticism adds interest. Parents might choose Aleta seeking a name with historical depth that still feels fresh and underused in contemporary contexts.

  20. Catlin
    • Description:

      Catlin is a feminine name that originated as a variant spelling of Caitlin, the Irish form of Catherine. Catherine derives from the Greek name 'Aikaterine,' with debated meanings including 'pure' or possibly connected to the goddess Hecate. This streamlined spelling offers a more phonetic approach to the traditional Irish name. Catlin shares the same melodic quality as its variants while appearing more straightforward. The name gained modest popularity during the late 20th century when Irish names were trending in English-speaking countries. While less common than Caitlin, Kaitlyn, or Katelyn, this spelling appeals to parents seeking a familiar sound with a simplified, distinctive appearance. Catlin projects both Celtic heritage and contemporary style.