By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 409 pages
of 409
Turkish; Gaelic, English
"flute player; descendent of Niall; at the island"
Neylan — a name of uncertain origins — seemingly came out of nowhere in 2023. Given to 122 girls, it was used five times more often than it was in the previous year, when it was given to just 25…
Ruelle is a delicate feminine name with French origins, literally meaning 'small street' or 'alley' in French. This charming name evokes images of quaint Parisian side streets and carries an…
Shanvi is a beautiful feminine name with Indian origins, particularly popular in southern India. The name derives from Sanskrit elements and can be interpreted as meaning 'garden of heaven,' 'God's…
Modern invented name
For girls, Taylin reads like a mashup of Taylor and Kaitlin.
Nature name
Timber as a name is given to slightly more girls than boys each year. It's actually got a cute sound, ala Kimber(ly) and may be an original tree choice for a girl. Timberly and Timberlee are also…
Latin
"integrity"
Verena is pleasant but old-fashioned. Whether that's the outdated kind of old-fashioned or the so-out-it's-in-again kind is your call. St. Verena was a third century nurse; Verena Tarrant is a…
Zailey is a modern feminine name that has gained popularity in the 21st century as part of the trend toward unique, melodic names with the popular '-ley' suffix. While it doesn't have ancient…
Analee is a sweet, feminine name that combines the popular prefix "Ana" with the suffix "lee," creating a melodic and graceful sound. It can be considered a variation of Annalie or a compound of Anna…
German
"borderline"
Edgy German capital with definite possibilities as a baby name, Berlin was chosen for nearly 60 girls and 25 boys in 2024.
Callyn is a contemporary unisex name that leans more feminine in usage. It appears to be a modern variation of names like Callen, Callan, or Kaylin, combining elements of these names with a…
Dawsyn is a modern feminine name that represents a trending variation of the surname-turned-first-name Dawson. While Dawson (meaning 'son of David') was traditionally masculine, this spelling…
Ellena is a feminine name with Greek origins, functioning as a variant of Helena or Elena, which derive from the Greek word 'helene' meaning 'torch' or 'bright light.' This elegant name has been used…
Hannia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Hannah, which comes from Hebrew and means 'grace' or 'favor.' Alternatively, it could be derived from the Arabic…
Sanskrit
"beauty"
A striking and feminine possibility associated with a modern hero — long-time Indian prime minister, Indira Gandhi. It is also a significant choice within Hinduism, as it is used as an alternative…
One of the more girlish forms of the name better known as Jaden.
American variation of Zara, Hebrew and Arabic
"blooming flower; God remembers"
Jazara and Jahzara are fast-rising names following in the wake of Zara. Some sources say it's an authentic Amharic name, but Jazara is a modern American invention, combining the popular Ja- prefix…
Kyndal is a modern feminine name that gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It appears to be a creative spelling variation of Kendall, which originated…
Metzli is a feminine name of Nahuatl (Aztec) origin meaning 'moon' or 'moon goddess.' This beautiful name carries deep cultural significance, as the moon held special importance in Aztec mythology…
Spanish place-name
"covered in snow"
Named for its snowcapped mountains, Nevada is a state name which, unlike Carolina, Montana, and Dakota, has been relatively undiscovered. Warning: today's unvisited place-name could become tomorrow's…
French, Spanish
"chambermaid, concubine; wealth, fortune"
Odalys has two possible origins, one perhaps more likely — and more favorable — than the other, given that is used predominantly in Spanish speaking countries. Most familiar in Cuba, Puerto Rico,…
