Animal Names for Girls

Arlen might be thought of as an update on the midcentury Arlene or as a unisex surname-name. Arlen was given to 22 girls in the US last year vs 57 boys and those numbers may grow with the fashion for n-ending two-syllable surname-names. Another similar possibility for girls: Arden.

Arlen

Arora is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. Primarily, it relates to the Latin word 'aurora' meaning 'dawn' and referring to the Roman goddess of morning. It's also a variant spelling of Aurora. In Indian culture, Arora (sometimes spelled Arora or Arora) is a Punjabi surname and community name. As a given name, it has gained moderate popularity in recent decades, particularly appealing to parents seeking names with natural meanings and multicultural connections. The name carries beautiful associations with light, new beginnings, and the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis (northern lights). Its melodious sound with the flowing 'r' sounds and open vowels gives it a graceful, contemporary feel while maintaining connections to ancient mythological roots.

Arora

A pretty, dainty name for one of the little characters in the children's book series The Borrowers. It was the basis for a later Studio Ghible animated film, The Secret World of Arrietty. While the connection to Harriet is tenuous, you might want to consider Arrietty as an honorific for an ancestral Harriet, Harry, or even Henry or Henrietta.

Arrietty

Asli

Audie is a feminine name with diverse origins, functioning as both a diminutive of Audrey and a name in its own right. Derived from Anglo-Saxon roots, it carries meanings associated with 'noble strength' or 'noble counselor.' The name gained some recognition in America through World War II hero Audie Murphy, though it's traditionally more common for females. With its short, sweet sound and vintage charm, Audie fits well with the trend toward reviving early 20th century names. It provides a less common alternative to popular 'Au-' names like Audrey and Autumn. While never reaching high popularity rankings, Audie has maintained continuous usage throughout the decades. Its simplicity and gentle sound make it appealing to parents seeking a name that's both distinctive and accessible.

Audie

Avagrace

Avamarie is a modern compound feminine name combining the popular name 'Ava' with 'Marie,' a traditional middle name. Ava has multiple possible origins, including as a variant of Eve (meaning 'life' in Hebrew), from the Latin 'avis' meaning 'bird,' or from the Persian 'voice' or 'sound.' Marie is the French form of Mary, which comes from Hebrew origins meaning 'bitter,' 'beloved,' or 'wished-for child.' Avamarie emerged as part of the trend toward blended names that gained popularity in the early 21st century. It offers a way to honor traditional naming practices through 'Marie' while incorporating the more contemporary, trendy 'Ava' element. The name has a melodic quality and feminine charm while remaining relatively uncommon.

Avamarie

This Arabic name, which can be used for either boys or girls, can also mean "wide-eyed" in the sense of someone who is studious and perceptive. Ayaan is most familiar to people in the West from its connection to Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali women's right activist. 

Ayaan

Ayden in all its variations is becoming more unisex. Still, there were only 47 girl Aydens born last year vs. 3600+ baby boys with the Ayden spelling alone.

Ayden

Ayliani

Azlin

Azrael is an intriguing feminine name with profound religious and mystical associations. Traditionally, Azrael is known as the Angel of Death in some Islamic, Hebrew, and Sikhism traditions, responsible for separating souls from bodies. The name derives from Arabic and Hebrew elements meaning "help from God" or "whom God helps." While historically more commonly used for males in Middle Eastern contexts, Azrael has gained some usage as a female name in Western countries, particularly among parents drawn to names with spiritual significance or Gothic undertones. Its exotic sound and powerful symbolic associations give it a distinctive character that appeals to those seeking a name with depth and mystical resonance.

Azrael

Bruna

An elaborate diminutive of Carmela or Carmel, this name has elegance and sweetness. Derived from Hebrew, it is interpreted as meaning "garden" — or sometimes "garden of God" — and is related to the Marian title "Our Lady of Mount Carmel".  Ranking in the US Top 1000 until the 1970s, popular in France during the 1960s, and it Italy until the mid-2000s, it's an elegant name with brightness and star quality.

Carmelina

Cecile is a fairly common French saint's name, scattered throughout classic French literature--in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, in Balzac's Cousin Pons, and Zola's Germinal.
 Cecile, Cecily and Cecilia all make pretty choices.

Cecile

Chance feels like a mainstream pick for boys thanks to Chance the Rapper and several starbabies with the name. It hasn't caught on in the same way for girls, but it makes a strong alternative to the rather slight Lucky.

Chance

Cody is a once-trendy boys' name occasionally used for girls. The Cody trend has now given way to other nickname-y names such as Rory and Ruby.

Cody

Corie is a feminine name with multiple origins, primarily considered a diminutive of Corinne or Cora. These parent names derive from Greek 'kore' meaning 'maiden' or possibly from Gaelic 'coir' meaning 'proper' or 'fitting.' Corie emerged as an independent given name primarily in the mid-20th century, reaching modest popularity during the 1970s in the United States. The name has a youthful, friendly quality with its soft sounds and approachable spelling. Corie strikes a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness—recognizable without being commonplace. In contemporary usage, it fits alongside other casual, friendly nicknames that have become standalone names, offering a cheerful, unpretentious option with classical roots beneath its modern appearance.

Corie

The Latin word for "goddess" makes for a rarer, but equally stylish, spin on Thea. It may also be a short form of names such as Medea, Amadea, Dorotea or Andrea.

Short, sweet Arabic name with a time-of-day meaning. In Islam, the Duha prayer is a voluntary morning prayer.