UK Girl Names

Idony is a Medieval variation of Idonea, itself an English form of Iðunn, the Norse goddess of spring and eternal youth. She was notable for carrying, keeping, and guarding the box of apples from which the gods would eat to regain their youth.
 
The exact meaning of the name is debated, though one possibility is that it comes from the Norse elements ið meaning "repeated, again" and unna meaning "to love", in turn giving it the over all meaning of "love again". Other sources focus more on the first element however, suggesting it means "ever young" o "the rejuvenating one".
 
Appealing perhaps to those who like Ingrid, Valkyrie, Ianthe, Ebony, Sidonie, Briony, Indie, and Adelie, Idony makes a rare choice, having never appeared in the US stats. In fact, the only time it's appeared on any popularity charts anywhere was back in 1377, when it ranked at #35, which meant it was used nearly as often as Anne and Constance, and more than Eve and Mary. 
 
Idonie, Idonia, and Idonea are other English forms, while the Icelandic form is Iðunn (which has ranked in the Top 50). Idun recently ranked in the Swedish Top 100 too. 
 
Pronunciation varies by language and culture. English speakers tend to say IH-duh-nee, with the same emphasis as injury, while others say ih-DOH-nee or eye-DOH-nee.

Idony

An alternative spin on Jasmine and Jessica, Jessamyn is a spelling variation of floral Jessamine, with just a little less frill. Notable bearers include writer Jessamyn West, wrestler Jessamyn Duke, and content creator and yoga teacher Jessamyn Stanley.
 
One of those familiar yet rarely used options, Jessamyn was given to less than five girls in the US last year while Jessamine was given to fifteen. In fact, even at its 1981 peak, Jessamyn was only chosen for 32 girls, making this a stand-out choice that doesn't sound out there at all.

Jessamyn

Josephene could be considered an alternative spelling to Josephine, or an Anglicized form of the Norman Joséphène. Only ever used in small numbers in the US, it last appeared in the stats back in 2007.

Josephene

Joycie is a cheerful diminutive form of Joyce, which may appeal to those who like the upbeat yet old-fashioned quality of Josie, Ruthie, Betsy, Joanie, and Nellie. 
 
While Joycie itself has never made the US Top 1000, Joyce was a favorite back in the first half of the 20th century, peaking in 1938 when it reached #11. It started out as a Medieval masculine name meaning "lord", but was later revived as a feminine name, likely due to its similarity to the word rejoice (or its earlier form, joise).

Joycie

Like Maisie, Archie, and Jamie, Kirsty is a Scottish diminutive that is equally established as a name in its own right. Derived from Kirstin or Kirsteen — Scottish forms of Christine or Christina — Kirsty was popular from the 70s through until the 2010s in UK, and also ranked in Australia and New Zealand around the same period.
 
Some of Kirsty's rise to popularity may have been down to its appearance in a 1960s British soap opera, called The Newcomers. The character, played by Jenny Agutter, made her debut in 1965. There's also the singer Kirsty MacColl (daughter to Ewan MacColl) who began her career in the 70s.
 
While alternative spelling Kirstie has ranked in the US charts, this form never has.

Kirsty

Lace is a delicate feminine name derived from the English word for the ornate fabric made from intricately looped threads. As a given name, it emerged primarily in the late 20th century when word names and short, distinctive choices gained popularity. Lacey is more popular and more usable in everyday life: Lace has a pseudonym vibe, in the vein of Satin and Velvet.

Lace

Lolly is a sweet and playful nickname, usually used for Laura or Charlotte, though other full names could be Dolores, Ololade, Lauren, Lorelei, Lorena, Elodie, Ottilie, Louella, Elora, Elowen, Olive and beyond. Also spelled as Lollie (which featured in the US Top 1000 in the late 19th century, Lolly is still occasionally given as a stand-alone name, with more than 50 girls receiving the name since the 2000s. 
 
Associated with lollipops, ice lollies, and candy more generally in Australia, the name may appeal to those who also like Dulcie, Coco, Birdie, and Gigi. A notable bearer is actress Lolly Adefope (born Ololade).

Lolly

A sweet and rare nickname for Charlotte. Lollie would also work as a short form of other names with a strong L sound, such as Laura, Lauren, Dolores, Lola, Lorelei, Louisa, Elodie, Lois, Ottilie, Olive, Ololade, and beyond. Also spelled as Lolly, it featured in the US Top 1000 back in the late 19th century, and when combined with its alternative spelling, more than 60 girls have received it as a stand-alone since the 2000s. 
 
Associated with lollypops, ice lollies, and Australia candy, Lollie may appeal to those who like Dolly, Birdie, Coco, Millie, and Dulcie.

Lollie

A rare variation of the stylish Lorelei, the name Lurlene is an intriguing blend of mystical, magical, and poetic, with just a hint of southern charm (ala Abilene, Lula, and Earle). Originally spelled as Lurline, it appeared as the name of the title character of an opera by William Vincent William in the 1860s. 


Lurlene

Poetic and intriguing, Marivella possibly emerged as a variation of the Spanish Marivillas, a name inspired by one of many titles for the Virgin Mary, in this case, Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas "Our Lady of Wonders". Alternatively, it might come from the English Marvella, an elaboration of the word "Marvel", meaning either way, this name has a miraculous and wonderful air about it.

Marivella

Malkin is medieval short form of Maud or Matilda, popular in the Middle Ages. The name later developed folkloric associations, sometimes referring to a female cat (particularly a green-eyed one) or a witch's familiar in English folklore. In Shakespeare's time, 'grimalkin' referred to an old female cat or a fiery woman. 

This rich history gives Malkin a distinctive antique charm with subtle mystical undertones. Though very rare today, the name could appeal to parents interested in genuine historic English names or those seeking a name with a slightly mysterious, folkloric quality. Malkin's short, straightforward pronunciation contrasts with its unusual character, making it both accessible and unique.

Malkin

An old form of Millicent, brought over to England by the Normans, along with Melisent and Melisende. Ultimately, they come from Amalaswintha, a Gothic name meaning "strong in work" or "vigorous, brave, and strong". 

Melicent

Derived from the Gothic name, Amalaswintha, this form was brought to England by the Normans, though it was later adapted into the variation we know better today: Millicent. This form may remind people of Melissa, though they aren't related. 

Melisent

A spelling variation of the Welsh Olwen, this form my lend itself to nickname Wynne or Winnie over Ollie. Meaning "white footprint", the more traditional Olwen appears in Welsh mythology, in which she is the daughter of a giant. 
 
Other variants of the name include Olwenna, Olwin, and Olwyn, though they are rarely used.

Olwynne

Rohan is an Indian (masculine) name derived from Sanskrit and meaning "ascension", however, it is one of those names with cross-cultural possibilities. It can also be a spelling variation of Rowan or Ruadhán and a variation of the Arabic name Ruhan.
 
Lord of the Rings fans may associate it with the place name in the novels, which means "horse country" in Tolkien's invented language, Sindarin.
 
A Top 1000 choice for boys, it is used only occasionally for girls.

Rohan

A rare and elaborate diminutive name, inspired by the slightly more popular Sydelle and Sydell, this name likely derived from Sarah (via Sadie), Siegfriede (meaning "victorious peace"), or Sydney ("St Denis"). Alternative theories are it was inspired by the surnames Sidell ("wide recess; wide valley") and Seidel (either from Siegfried or a German word meaning "tankard". It has never appeared in the US stats. 

Sydella

More popularly spelled as Sydelle or Sydell, this name is likely a diminutive of Sarah (via Sadie), Siegfriede (meaning "victorious peace"), or Sydney ("St Denis"). Alternative theories are it was inspired by the surnames Sidell ("wide recess; wide valley") and Seidel (either from Siegfried or a German word meaning "tankard"), or that it is inspired by the Greek Sybil (via Cedella or Sidillia). 

Sidelle

In English and German, Sisi is a playful nickname, often used as an alternative spelling to Cece (from Cecilia, "blind"), or as a nickname for the classic Elisabeth or Isabella (meaning "pledged to God"). Alternatively, it could be used for any S- name, including Sophie, Sienna, Sierra, or Susannah, or perhaps for something like Josie, Maisie, Daisy and so on.
 
Additionally, it may be used as an affectionate nickname for a sister, making it a more generic nickname, like Sonny, Honey, Poppet, or Sweetie and so on. In this case, it could work as a sweet choice for a big sister whose young sibling can't yet pronounce her name.
 
While it may read as cutesy and nickname-territory in English speaking countries, as a Chinese name, it has more solidity. Pronounced as SUR-SUR or SUZ-SUZ, it means "think, reflect, consider", and is alternatively transliterated as Sze Sze.
 
Other sources suggest it is an Akan name, meaning "born on Sunday", possibly connecting to names such as Esi, Akosua, or Kwasi, which have the same meaning. 
 
A notable bearer was the 19th century Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, Elisabeth, who was known as Sisi, while more recently, influencer and model Sisi Rose has drawn attention to the name.

Sisi

Eighteenth-century nickname that still appears occasionally as an alternative to Suzy. Suki Waterhouse is a lovely English actress.

Sukey

Likely derived from Sarah (via Sadie), Siegfriede (meaning "victorious peace"), or Sydney ("St Denis"), Sydel had a very brief and quiet moment back in the 1920s and 30s. Also appearing as Sydelle and Sydelle, it last appeared in the US charts in 2022, after being absent since 1936.
 
Alternative theories around the origin of the name include that it is related to the surnames Sidell ("wide recess; wide valley") and Seidel (either from Siegfried or a German word meaning "tankard"). It was notably borne by anthropologist Sydel Silverman.

Sydel

UK names for baby girls originate from all the languages and cultures of the United Kingdom: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, along with Cornwall and the Isle of Man. UK girl names range from the top female names in the English-speaking world, such as Ann, Ella, and Kate to thousands of unique girls' names like Lettice, Myfanwy, and Pixie.

Browse this list of UK girl names from the Nameberry database that originate in the English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish, Cornish and Manx languages and cultures. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.

UK names for baby girls originate from all the languages and cultures of the United Kingdom: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, along with Cornwall and the Isle of Man. UK girl names range from the top female names in the English-speaking world, such as Ann, Ella, and Kate to thousands of unique girls' names like Lettice, Myfanwy, and Pixie. Browse this list of UK girl names from the Nameberry database that originate in the English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish, Cornish and Manx languages and cultures. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically. (Page 78)