Animal Names for Girls

This musical surname, associated with Bing Crosby and David Crosby of Crosby, Stills, & Nash could easily be used for girls, as names like Jagger and Bowie have been.

Crosby

Deasia appears to be a modern feminine name that may have developed as a combination of the prefix 'De-' with 'Asia,' referring to the continent. The 'De-' prefix is found in many names across various traditions and can mean 'of' or 'from' in languages like French and Spanish. The name Asia itself has been used as a given name in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, derived from the name of the continent (which ultimately comes from Assyrian or Greek origins). Deasia emerged in naming records primarily in the 1990s and early 2000s in the United States, representing contemporary creative naming practices. The name may appeal to parents looking for a connection to geographic names while creating something distinctive. Deasia has a melodic quality that fits with modern naming trends favoring vowel-rich, flowing names for girls.

Deasia

A sweet and simple multicultural choice which has several different meanings and origins.

 Widely used in Africa, it means "love" in Lembaama.

 It's a variant spelling of Diya, an Arabic, Hindi and Sanskrit name meaning "lamp, light". 

 Dia is also a variant spelling of Dea, from the Latin dea "goddess".

 It also coincides with the Spanish word for "day".

Dinah is a charming, underused Old Testament name with a rich literary and musical resume. In the Old Testament, Dinah was the beautiful daughter of Jacob and Leah and while some conflate her with the Biblical Adinah, they are in fact different figures.
 Meaning "God will judge", Dinah is the heroine of the best-selling Anita Diamant novel The Red Tent, and is also a central character in the George Eliot novel Adam Bede, where she acts as a moral center. In the classic film The Philadelphia Story, Dinah is the heroine's sassy kid sister while it also appears in Alice in Wonderland as the name of Alice's kitten. 
 One important thing to note is that "Aunt Dinah" has been used as a racial stereotype, from the character of the cook in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin. It may also sound too reminiscent of the American diner in some accents. 
 The name Dinah was adopted by two great singers: Dinah Washington (born Ruth) and Dinah Shore (born Frances).

Dinah

Draya is a modern feminine name that gained prominence in the United States in the early 21st century. While its exact origins are debated, it may function as a creative variant of names like Andrea or Soraya, or potentially derive from the Greek word 'drys' meaning 'oak tree.' It might also be a phonetic spelling of Drea, a short form of Andrea, which means "manly".

The name received significant visibility through reality TV personality Draya Michele, who appeared on 'Basketball Wives LA.' Draya has a contemporary sound with its flowing vowels and simple pronunciation, appealing to parents seeking distinctive yet accessible names. The name carries associations of strength and modern femininity.

Draya

Eesha is a feminine name with roots in several cultures, primarily Indian. In Sanskrit, it means 'lord' or 'goddess,' often associated with Lord Shiva or the divine feminine. In Arabic traditions, similar names like Aisha mean 'alive' or 'prosperous.' The double 'e' spelling variation gives this traditional name a modern twist while preserving its cultural heritage. Eesha has grown steadily in popularity among Indian communities worldwide, valued for its spiritual significance and melodic quality. The name strikes a beautiful balance between cultural authenticity and contemporary appeal, making it increasingly chosen by parents seeking a name with deep meaning. Its brevity and flowing sound contribute to its charm, while its cross-cultural recognition makes it accessible in diverse communities.

Eesha

A beautiful Indian girl name to add to the growing list of obscure but alluring "El-" names for girls.

Elahi

Elany is a feminine name with a modern feel, though its origins aren't firmly established in a single tradition. It may be a contemporary variation of Elena or Elaine, or a novel combination inspired by popular elements like 'El-' (found in Ella, Eleanor) and the feminine ending '-any' (as in Bethany, Tiffany). The name has a light, melodious quality with its flowing syllables. Elany remains relatively uncommon, making it attractive to parents seeking something recognizable yet distinctive. Its similarity to established names gives it familiarity, while its uniqueness allows it to stand apart. The name has seen modest usage in recent decades, particularly appealing to those drawn to modern-sounding feminine names with a gentle, graceful quality.

Elany

A multicultural choice and an unusual way to nicknames Ellie or Elle, Elida has its origins in Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Scandinavia. It has appeared in the charts in the US, France, and Spain back in the 20th century, but more recently in Brazil and Norway.
 
From its Scandinavian roots, Elida is an alternative form of Ellida, itself from the Old Norse Elliði meaning "fast-sailing ship". The Ellida spelling appears in the 1888 play, The Lady from the Sea by Henrik Ibsen (most famous for A Doll's House</em.>). In this case, it might be pronounced as EHL-lee-dah or e-LEE-da.
 
From its Portuguese origins, it is considered a form of Alida, a diminutive of the regal Adelaide, meaning "noble". It could then be pronounced eh-LY-duh or eh-LEE-duh.
 
Finally, as a Spanish name, it is typically spelled as Élida, most likely inspired by Élide, the Spanish name for the Ancient Greek place, Elis, meaning "valley", "lowland", or "hollow earth".

Elida

Elira is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. In Albanian culture, it derives from the word for 'free' or 'freedom,' making it a name with powerful symbolic significance. Alternatively, it may have evolved as a variation of names like Elvira or as a combination of popular elements like 'El' (meaning 'God' in Hebrew) and 'ira' (meaning 'watchful' in Sanskrit). The name has a delicate, flowing quality with its soft consonants and melodic rhythm. Elira remains relatively uncommon internationally but has seen some increased usage in Albania and among Albanian diaspora communities. The name carries an air of elegance and distinction while being straightforward to pronounce across different languages. Its cross-cultural potential and beautiful sound make it appealing to parents seeking something both unique and accessible.

Elira

This stunning name feels like a rare and distinct successor to the popular Eleanor, Eloise, and similar names. It also shares elements with the fast-rising Luna.

Eluney

Emersynn is a feminine name representing a modern elaboration of the surname-turned-first-name Emerson, with the trendy double-n ending that became popular in the early 21st century. The original Emerson derives from "son of Emery" or "Emery's son," with Emery coming from Germanic elements meaning "brave" or "powerful." This contemporary spelling variation emerged amid the trend of adding distinctive spellings to traditional names. While the traditional Emerson has unisex usage, Emersynn is primarily given to girls. The name blends historical substance with modern style, appealing to parents seeking something recognizable yet unique. Emersynn began appearing on American naming records in the 2010s but remains relatively uncommon, giving it distinctiveness while still connecting to the more established Emerson.

Emersynn

Emili

Xya first popped into the American baby name charts in 2000, and has been used used every year, though in low numbers, from 2013 onwards. Modern and almost unique — and with a high Scrabble score — Xya fits easily into the trend for mini-names with plenty of vowels, like Mia and Kaya.

Adeya is a melodious feminine name with multicultural origins. In Sanskrit, it can relate to 'adeyya,' meaning 'priceless' or 'beyond giving away.' Some interpret it as a feminine form of Aditya, referring to the sun or solar deity in Hindu tradition. In Hebrew contexts, it may connect to 'ad-yah' meaning 'ornament of God.' The name also appears in various African cultures with different etymological roots. Adeya has a contemporary feel with its flowing vowels and rhythmic sound, while still connecting to ancient traditions. Though relatively uncommon in Western countries, it has gained some recognition in diverse communities. The name appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet melodious choice with spiritual undertones and cross-cultural versatility.

Adeya

Aiya

Familiar in the 19th- and early 20th-centuries, Alta is little heard today, but it does have that four letter, A-a formula of Alma, Alba, Anna, Ayla, and Anya. Derived from the Latin altus, it has an elevated meaning that might boost a child's confidence or reflect how much you value them. 
 
Occasionally used as a short form of Alberta, the name has been notably borne by poet Alta Gerrey and First Lady Claudia Alta "Lady Bird " Johnson. It is also a place name in Norway, Canada and the US.
 
A few things to bear in mind, which could explain why Alta is currently rare: it may remind English speakers of the words "alter" or "altar", and in turn, alternatives and alter-egos, along with religious rituals, offerings, and sacrifices. Additionally, in Spanish, alta is the feminine word for "tall", which could make it harder to wear.

Alta

Amariyah is a feminine name with multicultural resonance. It appears to blend elements of names like Amara (which means 'eternal' in Sanskrit or 'grace' in Igbo) with the Hebrew 'Yah,' referring to God. The name may be a contemporary variation of Amariah, a biblical name meaning 'God has spoken' or 'promised by God.' Amariyah has a melodic, flowing quality with its four syllables and soft sounds. While not among the most common names, it has gained some recognition in recent decades as parents seek names with spiritual significance and beautiful sounds. The name has a graceful, elegant quality while its 'yah' ending gives it a distinctive character that sets it apart from similar names like Amara or Amaya.

Amariyah

Amylah is a feminine name with a modern feel, likely created as a blend of the classic Amy (from the Latin 'amata' meaning 'beloved') and the popular -lah ending found in names like Delilah and Nylah. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing vowels and soft consonants. Though relatively new and uncommon, Amylah fits well with contemporary naming trends that favor unique yet accessible sounds. The name carries a gentle, feminine quality while still feeling distinctive. Its relative rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking something special that isn't completely unfamiliar in structure. Amylah's construction gives it a multicultural feel that works well in diverse communities.

Amylah

Anabel is the sleekest version of this lovely name with so many variations, all of them correct. But Anabel and all her sisters -- Annabel, Annabelle, Anabella etc. -- took a downward turn after the 2014 horror film Annabelle.

