Animal Names for Girls

This ancient Greek male name, well-used in Britain, also has an herbal quality that may explain its increasing use for girls. While as a name it rhymes with dazzle, the herb has a long a, making the pronunciation BAY-zel.

Basil

A spunky nickname name for parents with showbiz aspirations for their daughter. 

Bibi

Sources say that Bina, which is close to the word for bee in Yiddish, was once used as a translation for the Hebrew Deborah, which means bee. On its own, it also means "understanding" in Hebrew. Simple and sweet in itself, it could also be short for (or a nod to) many names including Sabina, Robina, Columbina, and Jacobina.

Bina

Braya is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Braya, a place name in Spain, or a feminine form of Bray, which has Irish and French roots meaning 'hill' or 'swamp.' Alternatively, it could be a modern variation of Brea (meaning 'hill' or 'strength') or a creative spelling of Breia. The name has a melodic, contemporary sound while maintaining simplicity and easy pronunciation. Braya remains uncommon but fits well with current trends favoring short names ending in 'a' for girls. Its gentle beginning and flowing sound give it a feminine quality, while its uniqueness ensures individuality. Parents might be drawn to Braya for its modern feel, subtle nature associations, and distinctive character that balances uniqueness with accessibility.

Braya

Brilynn is a modern invented name that combines elements of popular names like Brianna, Brittany, or Brielle with the popular '-lynn' suffix. Though lacking historical roots, Brilynn emerged in the early 21st century as part of the trend toward unique, melodic feminine names with creative spellings. The name has a distinctly contemporary American feel and conveys brightness and femininity. The 'Bri-' prefix might evoke associations with words like 'bright' or 'brilliant,' while the '-lynn' ending has Celtic origins meaning 'lake' or 'waterfall.' Brilynn has gained modest popularity among parents seeking distinctive yet accessible names for their daughters.

Brilynn

In Greek mythology, Briseis is a princess captured by Achilles during the Trojan War, who later becomes the object of the dispute between Achilles and Agamemnon which drives the plot of Homer’s Iliad. The name is a patronymic, meaning daughter of Briseus, which itself is a Greek name of unknown meaning. 
Briseis was chosen by American footballer Reggie Bush and his wife Lilit for their daughter in 2013.

Briseis

Brookelynn is a feminine name representing an elaborate variant of Brooklyn. This compound name combines elements of Brooke (meaning 'small stream') and Lynn (from the Welsh element 'llyn' meaning 'lake' or an English surname element). The distinctive spelling with doubled letters adds a personalized touch to the increasingly popular Brooklyn. This elaboration emerged during the trend of creating unique spellings for names in the early 21st century. Brookelynn gained some usage in the United States following the rise of Brooklyn as a given name, which itself grew in popularity partly due to the famous New York City borough. The name conveys a contemporary, American quality while maintaining connections to nature through its water-related etymology. The multi-syllabic flow gives Brookelynn a melodious quality that many parents find appealing.

Brookelynn

Calloway is one of those irresistibly jaunty, animated three-syllable surnames, like Sullivan and Finnegan — but this one has the added attraction of jazzy ties to the immortal "Dean of American Jive," Cab Calloway. For a girl, this could be an unconventional route to the cool nickname Callie.
 
Instagram starlet Caroline Calloway adds some drama to the name, which has been quietly but steadily climbing the charts in the US, predominantly for boys. Given to 109 babies in a recent year, 22 were girls and 87 were boys, meaning for every girl called Calloway, there are three boys with the name.

Calloway

Catalyna is a feminine given name that represents a creative variation of the classic name Catalina, which is the Spanish form of Catherine. The name ultimately derives from the Greek 'Aikaterine,' possibly meaning 'pure' or associated with the Greek goddess Hecate. The distinctive spelling with a 'y' adds a modern, unique touch to this traditional name. Catalyna has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and combination of soft and hard consonants. While less common than Catalina or Catherine, Catalyna offers parents an option that maintains cultural connections to Spanish heritage while providing individuality. The name carries an elegant, sophisticated image and may appeal to those seeking something recognizable yet uncommon. In the United States, this variant spelling remains relatively rare, making it stand out among more popular feminine names.

Catalyna

Cesia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Latin name 'Caesia,' meaning 'bluish-gray,' often referring to eye color. Alternatively, it could be a variation of Cesiah or a feminine form of Caesar, meaning 'hairy' or 'head of hair' in Latin. In some Hispanic communities, Cesia is used as a variation of Cecilia. The name remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries but has some usage in Latin American communities. Cesia has a gentle, flowing sound with a distinctive quality that sets it apart from more common names. Its rarity makes it an intriguing choice for parents seeking something melodic yet unusual.

Cesia

Chevy is a feminine name with American origins, though it can also be used for boys. Most commonly associated with the well-known automobile brand Chevrolet, the name has transitioned from a commercial reference to a personal name in recent decades. As a given name, Chevy has a modern, energetic quality that appeals to parents looking for something distinctive and unconventional. The automobile connection gives it associations with American culture, movement, and strength. Some parents might choose it as a nickname for Chevonne or similar names, while others use it as a standalone name. Though still relatively uncommon as a given name, Chevy represents the contemporary trend of adopting brand names and surnames as first names, particularly those with a cool, Americana vibe.

Chevy

Daiana is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Diana, ultimately derived from the Roman goddess of the moon, hunting, and childbirth. This particular spelling variation is popular in parts of Latin America, especially Argentina and Brazil, as well as in Eastern European countries like Romania. The name carries the same dignified associations as Diana while offering a slightly different visual and phonetic experience with its additional vowel. Daiana maintains the mythological connections to the goddess known for her independence and strength. The name has a flowing, melodic quality with its three syllables and vowel-rich composition. While less common than the classic Diana in English-speaking countries, Daiana offers an international flair that appeals to parents seeking familiar yet distinctive naming options.

Daiana

Daizy is an alternative spelling of Daisy, a classic English name derived from the flower, which itself comes from Old English 'dæges eage' meaning 'day's eye' because the flower opens at dawn. This variant spelling with 'z' instead of 's' gives the traditional name a modern, distinctive twist while maintaining its connection to the cheerful flower symbolizing innocence, purity, and new beginnings. While the traditional spelling remains much more common, Daizy offers parents a way to provide a fresh take on a beloved classic. The name carries sunny, optimistic associations with its connection to bright yellow flowers and warm spring days.

Daizy

A Sanskrit name, used in among Hindi, Tamil, Telegu, and Marathi speakers, Divya is a bright and sparkly choice, derived from the word divyā́ meaning "celestial, divine, heavenly" or sometimes "divine power". Also associated with light and brilliance, the name is used as predominantly feminine, though it is given to a small percentage of boys in Nepal.
 
Notable bearers of the name include actresses Divya Bhatnagar, Divya Bharti, Divya Desai, and Divyaa Unni, while the name has also appeared in the TV series Royal Pains that may have made it more familiar in the US.
 
It is pronounced DIHV-yah or DEEV-yah, depending on region and dialect.

Divya

Beautiful Indigenous name connected to visual artist Dyani White Hawk. Dyani was most popular in 2001, when it was given to 73 baby girls.

Dyani

An attractive and now underused nature name belonging to a tree whose wood is prized for its dark color and dense texture, which shines when polished. Ebony joined the most popular girl names list in the US in the early 1970s, peaked in 1982 at #132, and dropped back below the Top 1000 in 2006.

 The word Ebony ultimately derives from the Ancient Egyptian name for the tree, via Greek and Latin. It is also a name with musical connections, since the black keys on a piano were traditionally made of ebony wood. 

 The name Ebony has historically been particularly popular in the African-American community, and is the name of a long-running magazine focusing on news, culture and politics in the Black community.

Ebony

Ellarie is a modern feminine name that blends elements of popular names like Ella, Ellery, and Hilary. With its melodic sound and contemporary feel, Ellarie offers a fresh alternative to more common 'Ella' derivatives. The name has likely emerged in the past couple of decades as part of the trend toward creating distinctive names with familiar sounds. While its exact origin is uncertain, it carries a lyrical quality that appeals to parents seeking something unique yet accessible. Ellarie suggests elegance and individuality without being difficult to pronounce or spell. Though still relatively rare, its similarity to popular name elements gives it a recognizable quality while maintaining its distinctiveness in a classroom or professional setting.

Ellarie

Emmaleigh is a feminine name that represents a modern, elaborated spelling of the classic Emma. Combining the timeless Emma (meaning 'universal' or 'whole' from its Germanic origins) with the trendy '-leigh' suffix, this name exemplifies the contemporary preference for traditional names with distinctive spellings. The addition of 'leigh' instead of 'lee' or 'ly' gives the name a more elaborate, ornate quality that many parents find appealing. While not among the most common names, Emmaleigh has gained some traction in the early 21st century as parents seek familiar-sounding names with unique written forms. The name maintains the warmth and classic feel of Emma while offering the individuality of its spelling variation, making it both recognizable and distinctive.

Emmaleigh

Aamina is a feminine name of Arabic origin, commonly spelled Amina, meaning 'trustworthy,' 'faithful,' or 'honest.' It carries significant historical and religious importance as the name of Prophet Muhammad's mother in Islamic tradition, making it particularly meaningful in Muslim communities worldwide. The double 'A' spelling variation adds a distinctive touch to the traditional form. Aamina has grown in popularity in diverse communities beyond its traditional cultural contexts, appreciated for both its beautiful sound and virtuous meaning. The name has a gentle, flowing quality that translates well across language barriers. As global naming patterns become more diverse, Aamina represents a choice that honors ancient heritage while feeling perfectly at home in contemporary multicultural societies.

Aamina

Abigael is a feminine name representing a variation of the Hebrew name Abigail, meaning 'father's joy' or 'source of joy.' This spelling with the 'ae' combination gives the traditional name a slightly more distinctive and elegant appearance. While less common than the standard Abigail spelling, Abigael has attracted parents seeking a more unique version of the classic name. The biblical Abigail was known for her beauty, wisdom, and intelligence—qualities that continue to be associated with the name. Abigael has seen modest usage in various Western countries, appealing to those drawn to names with religious significance and historical depth while maintaining a contemporary feel. The name offers the friendly nickname options of Abby, Gael, or Ella.