Animal Names for Girls

Ardina is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the Italian word 'ardente,' meaning 'passionate' or 'burning with enthusiasm,' giving the name a fiery, spirited connotation. Alternatively, it could be linked to Germanic roots, possibly related to 'ard' meaning 'hard' or 'strong.' In some contexts, it appears as a diminutive form of names like Arda. Ardina has a melodic quality with its soft ending while maintaining a certain strength in its sound. The name remains uncommon in most regions, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. Its international versatility allows it to work well across different cultural contexts, though it has particular resonance in Italian and Portuguese-speaking communities.

Chris is one of the longest-running and still most appealing unisex short forms, still used nearly equally for boys and girls. Though no longer fashionable, Chris still feels crisp and appropriate for both sexes.

A name halfway between its old milquetoast image and a more jovial Irish-sounding contemporary one. Sounds more feminine than masculine these days.

Dianna is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Diana, which derives from the Roman goddess of the moon, hunting, and childbirth. With Latin origins, the name means 'divine' or 'heavenly.' Dianna peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s but remains a recognizable choice. This spelling variation with the double 'n' gives the name a slightly distinctive quality while maintaining its classical roots. The name evokes grace, strength, and independence—qualities associated with the goddess Diana. Notable bearers include American singer Dianna Agron, which has helped maintain the name's visibility in contemporary culture.

These days, it's more likely you'd call your daughter the popular Belle or Bella.

The late tennis great Arthur Ashe (whose wife was a photographer) pioneered word names when he used this for his daughter. It would make an interesting first or middle name possibility for parents involved with photography.

Atina is a feminine name with diverse cultural connections. In Native American traditions, particularly among some Pueblo peoples, it can mean 'mother' or have connections to guardian spirits. The name also exists in various European cultures - it might be a variant of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, or relate to the Italian town of Atina. In some Slavic languages, it could be a diminutive form of names containing 'Ata' or 'Tina.' Relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Atina offers multicultural appeal with its melodic quality and accessible pronunciation. The name's brief, four-letter structure and vowel-rich sound give it a gentle yet distinctive character that works well cross-culturally while remaining unusual enough to stand out.

Alison by any spelling is now considered more of a mom name than a baby name. It's been trending downward for more than a decade, though it still makes the Top 1000.

The strong and unusual name of a medieval (male) saint and a contemporary (female) novelist, Benilde Little.

Brixley is a modern feminine name that has emerged as part of the contemporary trend toward surname-inspired and location-based names with the popular '-ley' suffix. Likely derived from Brix (possibly referring to Brixham, a town in Devon, England) or Brixton (a London district), combined with the trendy '-ley' ending seen in names like Kinsley and Paisley. This recently created name has gained modest attention in the United States in the past decade, particularly among parents seeking distinctive, contemporary-sounding names. Brixley has a preppy, crisp sound that fits current naming trends while remaining uncommon enough to feel special. The name carries a modern, English countryside aesthetic without strong historical or cultural associations.

Cadeau puts a decidedly French-ified twist on the word name trend, but don't be surprised if you encounter ponies and poodles with the same moniker.

Even though the pronunciation of Ceara and the more usual Ciara is KEER-a, most Americans would tend to mispronounce this spelling variation as Sierra.

A pretty and almost unique word name to add to the galaxy of astral appellations. More distinctive than the better-known Celeste, it was given to only ten girls last year. Celestial is also the title of several band albums, and is heard in the video game and comics worlds.

Arcelia is an undiscovered Spanish treasure worth considering.

The color red plays a prominent role in Hindu mythology, referring to the rising sun or the reddish horses of the "son of fire." Pronounced ahr-OO-shah, it has a stylish Russian flair. Hindi version is ARUSHI.

An anagram of Mama, in tune with its Tamil meaning.

First century queen who led her Brittonic Iceni tribe in revolution against the Romans occupying England. Also found as Boudica, Boadicea (as in bodacious) and in Welsh as Buddug, the historic namesake was defeated and committed suicide, but is still celebrated in England as intelligent and brave. One ancient name that, while unheard these days, could be revived along with such choices as Atticus and Cassius.

The childhood name of the heroine of Memoirs of a Geisha is pretty and accessible. Chiyiko is a pet form.

Dianne, one of the many offshoots and variations of the classic Diana, had its moment in the sun in the 1940s--it was a Top 100 name from 1943 to 1952. It now would make a very unlikely choice.