Modern Baby Girl Names

Xen might also be a minimalist reduction of Alexandra.

This name caught the attention of American parents beginning in 2018, when the Fox show The Four: Battle for Stardom premiered. Zhavia Ward was a finalist on the first season.

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.

As with many other names, the y seems to make this name more girl-appropriate for some parents. About three-quarters of the babies named Austyn are female.

This spelling variation of the color name Gray could also be a diminutive form of Graham — though it could also derive from Grace. Currently a gender-neutral choice in the US, it is borne by Olympic windsurfer Grae Morris, singer Grae Phillips, and baseball player Grae Kessinger.

Loyal has history as a boy name—most popular in the late 19th century, later falling off the charts in 1948. This was back when loyalty suggested faithfulness to one's country, rather than fidelity to others. Today it would likely be interpreted as the latter.

Modern virtue names are rapidly rising in popularity—could Loyal be the next True?

This nouveau spelling peaked at Number 583 in 2004. In spite of its trend-making K and "ee" ending, Karlee is much less popular than the original Carly.

Blending the sounds of Bryce, Brian, Riley and Kylie, Bryleigh is a modern invention that ranked in the US Top 1000 from 2010 to 2017, alongside its more popular counterpart, Brylee. Peaking in 2015 when it was given to 320 girls, Bryleigh has since been in decline, pushed out by Brynleigh and Everleigh.

Blakeley is one of the many -ley ending surnames that is being adopted as a first name, updating the 80s darlings Blake and Ashley.

Strong meaning, sweet but strong sound, fresh and earthy: a winner.

Reno Sweeney is the heroine of the Cole Porter musical Anything Goes, played on Broadway by Ethel Merman, Patti Lupone, and Sutton Foster. While Reno was not used for any baby girls in 2022, it's certainly a gender-neutral choice. Reno, Nevada is named for Civil War Union General Jesse Lee Reno. The name is said to be an anglicization of Reynaud or Reynold, which means "powerful counsel".

Loyalty is one of the Modern Virtue Names rising precipitously for babies in recent years, used last year for nearly 300 children, about 85 percent of them girls. Loyalty may also owe some of its popularity to trendy sibling name Royalty.

With not one but two trendy letters, Maddyx is a modern variation of the already modern Maddox, predominantly used on boys, but given to nearly 100 girls in a recent year. Derived from Welsh, it means "son of Madoc", Madoc meaning "good, fortunate".

A recent addition to the name lexicon with some real potential.

Raylynn is a contemporary feminine name that combines the popular 'Ray' prefix with the fashionable 'lynn' suffix. 'Ray' typically derives from Raymond, meaning 'wise protector,' or may reference 'ray of light,' suggesting brightness and hope. The 'lynn' element comes from the Welsh word for 'lake' or 'waterfall.' This compound name emerged primarily in the United States in the latter half of the 20th century as part of the trend toward created names with melodious sounds. Raylynn gained modest popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, particularly in southern states. The name has a modern, feminine quality while maintaining a connection to nature imagery through its component parts.

Actor couple Chyler Leigh and Nathan West added this one to the lexicon when they adapted the surname of actress Jennifer Aniston as their daughter's first name, Anniston. Aniston, which theoretically might mean "Agnes town," was actually Anglicized from the Greek Anastasopoulos. With its similarity to both Addison and Anna and its relationship to the attractive star, Anniston is taking off a la Jolie.

Saint went quickly from word to celebrity baby name to accepted baby boy name and now to baby girl name. And there's nothing historically or etymologically gendered about Saint, so why not?

Artist is one of many occupational words newly adopted as first names. Now gender-neutral, Artist appeared first for boys and now is given to about 20 percent girls. A name that is sure to spark discussion and may prove inspirational.

With Harlow in the US Top 1000 and soundalikes, Willow, Halo, Marlo/w/e and Arlo/we on the rise, this contracted form saw more interest in 2023 for boys and girls.