By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 104 pages
of 104
Latin from Greek
"happy, cheerful"
Hillary is a lovely name that, for the moment at least, is tightly bound to an individual with a strong image: Hillary Clinton. Whatever your feelings about Mrs. Clinton, her fame now dominates the…
English
"from Lassy"
One of the most feminine of surname names, calling to mind dresses and doilies, though it was once used for boys too. The spelling Lacey is currently more popular, while Lacie has been a favorite in…
Word name, English from Latin
"divinity"
Could be a sister to Trinity, Genesis, or Heaven.
Henny is a feminine name with multiple origins. In Germanic languages, it functions as a diminutive of Hendrika or Henrietta, ultimately derived from the masculine Henry, meaning 'home ruler'. In…
Variation of Carly, English
"free man"
Whether it be due to the Kardashian's or another manifestation of the creative spelling trend, we're seeing K spelling variations as some of the fastest-rising names of the past few years -- and…
Variation of Mayberry, English and Irish
"mud hill"
Cute and eminently wearable surname name for girls.
"church settlement"
Unisex name around for several decades for boys and now ripe for girls.
Spanish
"rich, strong"
Dark, woody name that's brings to mind rich panelling, beautiful colors and luxury.
Janely is a feminine name with multiple potential origins, most likely a modern blend of Jane and the popular '-ly' suffix, or possibly derived from Janelle or Janelle. The name has a sweet, melodic…
Short form of Katherine
"pure"
Katy, or more popularly Katie, stood fashionably on their own two feet for several years there, during the Katelyn boom. But now both Katy and Katie are fading in favor of grownup Kate or buttoned-up…
Diminutive of Elizabeth
"pledged to God"
This Elizabeth nickname has a decidedly retro feel--think Betsy Ross and the Betsy Wetsy doll-- once seen as a perkier, younger-sounding alternative to Betty. But with Betty on the brink of a…
Diminutive of Emma, Emily, Emilia etc.
Emy is a feminine name that functions as a shortened form of names like Emily, Emma, or Emilia. This diminutive version offers a sweet, modern simplicity while maintaining connections to its longer…
Irish
"slender"
Keely is well-used in modern Ireland, also found as Keeley and Keela. The boys' form is Keelan. Largely unknown in the US, this could make an interesting update for Kelly or Kaylie or Kylie -- though…
Modern invented name
Ultimately, many parents attracted to Tinley's appealing -inley rhythm may decide they can do better with the first syllable than "tin" and move on to Finley, Brinley, or Kinley.
English variation of Eisele, German
"iron"
A surnamier take on Isla. Isley may be derived from the German occupational surname Eisele (of the same pronunciation), or be related to the Old English word hesli , meaning "hazel grove." The Eisley…
English from French
"oak grove"
A rising surname name for girls — it's overwhelmingly feminine, despite the association with Kenny Chesney.
Josey is a sweet, approachable feminine name typically considered a diminutive form of Josephine, which derives from the Hebrew name Joseph meaning 'God will add.' This spelling variation, with an…
Spelling variation of Kylie
"boomerang"
Kiley is one of the more reasonable of the Kylie variations, which also include Kilea, Kilee, Kileigh, Kili, Kilie, Kylee, Kyley, Kyli, ad infinitum. Despite its similarity to the popular Riley, the…
Diminutive of Leonard, German
"brave lion"
This old man nickname feels remarkably fresh when applied to girls and can be used as a short form of Lena, Helena, Magdalena, Lennon or Lennox. The pan-European Leni is identical in sound yet feels…
