Animal Names for Girls

Alcyone was the wife of Ceyx, but the happy pair angered the gods by calling each other Zeus and Hera.  Ceyx's ship was sunk, Alcyone hurled herself into the sea, but then in sympathy for their grief the gods made the lovers halcyon birds or kingfishers.

Alcyone

Alcyonne derives from Greek mythology, where Alcyone was the daughter of Aeolus (god of winds) and wife of Ceyx. According to legend, when Ceyx drowned, Alcyone threw herself into the sea in grief, and the gods transformed the couple into halcyon birds (kingfishers). The name connects to the term 'halcyon days,' representing peaceful, calm periods. This rare feminine name maintains its mythological origins with a slightly modified spelling. Alcyonne has a lyrical, ethereal quality with its flowing syllables and classical roots. Though uncommon in modern usage, it appeals to parents drawn to mythological names with significant cultural depth. The name's associations with transformation, devoted love, and tranquility give it emotional resonance while its distinctive sound offers uniqueness without being difficult to pronounce.

Alcyonne

Alda's brother name Aldo has been a mainstay of the U.S. popularity chart for decades now, and the related Alden is soaring up as well. This version has never really caught on. (Maybe it's the association with Alan Alda: great actor, unlikely namesake for a little girl.) However, there is possible hope now that Alba and Alma are on the rise. Aida and Arden are more familiar alternatives.

Alda

Aldabella is a rare feminine name with medieval Italian origins. It combines Germanic elements 'ald' meaning 'old' or 'experienced' with 'bella' meaning 'beautiful' in Italian and Latin. This elegant name appeared in medieval literature and history, particularly in Italian contexts. Despite its ancient roots, Aldabella remains extremely uncommon in modern usage, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with historical depth and uncommon status. The name carries a romantic, almost fairy-tale quality with its melodic syllable pattern and meaningful combination of wisdom and beauty. Its rarity offers the appeal of uniqueness while its intuitive pronunciation and familiar 'bella' element make it accessible despite its uncommon status. Aldabella provides a connection to European historical traditions while standing apart from more common medieval revivals.

Aldabella

Aldan is a feminine name with Celtic and Gaelic origins, though it's also used as a masculine name in some traditions. The name is thought to derive from elements meaning 'old' or 'wise' combined with 'river' or 'water,' suggesting ancient wisdom flowing like a stream. In Scottish geography, the River Aldan may have influenced the name's usage. As a feminine name, Aldan carries a distinctive quality that balances strength with fluidity. The name remains relatively uncommon, offering a unique alternative to more popular Celtic-inspired names. Its gentle sound combined with strong consonants gives it a balanced quality that works well across cultures. Aldan appeals to parents seeking a name with natural elements and Celtic heritage while avoiding more mainstream options.

Aldan

Aldea is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Romanian, 'aldea' relates to ancient words meaning 'settlement' or 'village,' while in Spanish, 'aldea' directly translates to 'small village' or 'hamlet.' This gives the name rustic, community-oriented connotations. The name may also connect to the Germanic element 'ald' meaning 'old' or 'wise.' Aldea remains uncommon in most countries but has seen modest usage in Romania, Spain, and Portuguese-speaking regions. The name has a gentle, flowing quality with its three syllables and open vowel sounds. Aldea offers an attractive balance of being recognizable in structure while remaining distinctive and uncommon. The name's connection to community and settlement gives it a grounded, meaningful quality that appeals to parents seeking names with subtle cultural significance and melodious sounds.

Aldea

Aldina is a feminine name with Germanic roots, derived from the elements 'ald' meaning 'old' or 'wise' and the diminutive suffix '-ina' denoting 'little' or 'dear.' The name can be interpreted as 'little wise one' or 'small elder.' With usage spanning several European countries including Italy, Portugal, and Germanic regions, Aldina has maintained a consistent though uncommon presence throughout the 20th century. The name carries an air of vintage elegance and subtle sophistication. Aldina also appears as a surname in various cultures. While never achieving widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, the name appeals to parents seeking something traditional yet distinctive, with a melodic quality and meaningful etymology that suggests wisdom and respect.

Aldina

Aldine and the related Alda are ocean-related names that are highly unusual in the US. No babies were given these names, though hundreds of baby boys were named Aldo or Alden. There were even a few dozen baby girls named Alden.

If you love the sound of Alma and Alba, then perhaps Alda or its elaboration Aldine will appeal to you.

Aldine

Aldís is a feminine name of Icelandic origin combining the elements 'al' meaning 'complete' or 'whole' and 'dís' referring to a 'goddess' or 'female deity' in Norse mythology. This distinctive name carries deep connections to Scandinavian heritage and ancient Norse traditions. In Iceland, Aldís has maintained steady popularity while remaining virtually unknown outside Nordic countries. The name has a powerful yet melodic quality, embodying strength and feminine mystique simultaneously. Aldís appeals particularly to families with Icelandic roots or those drawn to names with authentic Norse connections. Its brevity and meaningful etymology make it an intriguing option for parents seeking a name that is both distinctive and rich in cultural significance.

Aldís

Aldon as a feminine name is quite uncommon, as it traditionally appears more often as a masculine name. It has Anglo-Saxon origins, derived from the Old English elements 'eald' meaning 'old' and 'dun' meaning 'hill' or 'protected place.' As a feminine name, Aldon offers a distinctive and strong alternative to more common feminine names. The name projects strength and stability with its solid consonant sounds. While extremely rare for girls in contemporary usage, Aldon could appeal to parents seeking a gender-neutral option with historical roots. Some may see it as a unique variant of more familiar names like Alda or Aldona.

Aldon

A historical name with pagan roots that belonged to Aldona, a 14th-century Queen consort of Poland and princess of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

Aldona

Aldora

Aldyn is a contemporary feminine name with roots in Old English elements, though it can also be used for boys. It likely derives from 'eald' meaning 'old' or 'wise,' similar to names like Alden or Aldwin. The modern spelling with 'y' gives it a trendy update while maintaining its historical essence. Aldyn has a strong yet melodic quality, balancing strength with elegance. While uncommon, it fits well with current naming trends toward reviving vintage names with updated spellings. The name may appeal to parents seeking something distinctive but not completely unfamiliar, with a subtle connection to ancestry and tradition. Aldyn offers the appealing nickname options of Allie or Lyn/Lynnie.

Aldyn

Like Edith and Audrey, this is an Anglo-Saxon name (Ealdgyth) that has been smoothed at the edges over the centuries.
One historic bearer of the name was the wife of the Welsh king Gruffudd ap Llewelyn, and later of King Harold Godwinson, who was defeated in the Norman Conquest.

Aldyth

Although it's rarely given in its own right, Ale is a very common nickname for Latinate variations of Alexandra, including Alejandra and Alessandra.

Aléa is a feminine name with French origins, pronounced ah-LAY-ah. The name likely derives from the Latin word 'alea,' meaning 'dice' or 'chance,' which gives it connotations of fate, luck, and unexpected opportunity. The accent on the 'e' adds a touch of elegance and distinctiveness. In modern usage, Aléa appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds sophisticated and international while remaining relatively uncommon. The name carries a sense of lightness and possibility, with its connections to chance and fortune. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Aléa has gained some appreciation among parents looking for a melodious, feminine name with European flair.

Aléa

Alean is an uncommon feminine name with uncertain origins. It may be a variant spelling of Aileen or Eileen, both derived from the Gaelic name Aveline, meaning "pleasant" or "beautiful bird." Alternatively, it could be related to the French name Alain (feminine form Alaine), ultimately from a Celtic word meaning "rock" or "handsome." The name has a gentle, melodic quality with its soft vowel sounds. Alean has never been widely popular but saw some limited usage in the United States during the mid-20th century. It maintains an air of vintage charm and uniqueness, appealing to parents seeking rare names with traditional roots. The uncommon nature of Alean gives it a distinctive quality while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce.

Alean

Aleanor is a feminine name that appears to be a spelling variation of Eleanor, a classic name with Greek origins meaning 'bright, shining one' or 'light.' This alternative spelling maintains the elegant sound and historical significance of Eleanor while offering a slight distinction. The traditional Eleanor has royal connections across European history, including notable queens and noblewomen. Aleanor, while much rarer in usage, carries the same sophisticated air and timeless appeal. The name has never ranked among popular choices, making it an uncommon alternative for parents who appreciate the classic Eleanor but desire something slightly different. The name suggests brightness, intelligence, and nobility of character, just like its more common counterpart.

Aleanor

Alease is a feminine name that likely originated as a variant spelling of Elise or Alice. Both of these root names have ancient Germanic origins, with Alice deriving from the name Adalheidis, meaning "noble type." Alease has a soft, flowing quality with its liquid consonants and gentle ending. The name saw modest usage in the United States during the early to mid-20th century but has since become quite uncommon. Alease carries a certain vintage charm while maintaining an elegant, refined quality. The distinctive spelling gives this classic-sounding name a touch of uniqueness. Alease might appeal to parents seeking an uncommon vintage name with familiar sounds and graceful connotations.

Alease

Aleasha is a feminine name that emerged as a creative spelling variation of Alicia or Alisha, primarily in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century. The name ultimately derives from the Germanic name Adelaide, meaning 'noble kind' or 'nobility,' though its immediate origins connect to the more common Alicia. The distinctive spelling with 'ea' creates a unique visual identity while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. Aleasha peaked in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s, reflecting the era's trend toward personalized spellings of traditional names. The name has a melodic quality with its three syllables and soft consonants, conveying both femininity and individuality. While less common than its standard variants, Aleasha continues to be chosen by parents seeking a familiar name with a distinctive twist.