Boy Names for Girls
- Lenny
Origin:
Diminutive of Leonard, GermanMeaning:
"brave lion"Description:
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 a little lighter and fresher, and is a fashionable favorite in Germany.
- Sullivan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark eyes"Description:
Stylish and boyish but could work for a girl -- especially one with brown eyes -- and Sully is a quirky and jaunty nickname.
- Max
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"greatest"Description:
If Sam can make it as a girl's name, why not Max? Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's eldest daughter Maxima goes by Max, but you could also use it as a short form for Maxine, Maximilienne or even Margaux.
- Auden
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"old friend"Description:
A softly poetic surname name, associated with poet W.H., Auden is enjoying quiet but marked fashion status. It was chosen for his daughter by Noah Wyle and is definitely one to watch.
- Orion
Origin:
Greek mythology nameDescription:
The Greek mythological hunter who was turned into a constellation is much more often used for boys.
- Killian
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"war strife or church"Description:
Yes, another Irish surname, turned boys' name, turned unisex name. But we think this one has a bit more going for it than Logan or Mason, given its similarity in sound to very traditional feminine names Gillian and Lillian.
- Mercer
Origin:
French occupational surnameMeaning:
"a merchant"Description:
Mercer is one fashionable occupational name that can work as well for girls as boys, perhaps because of the soft c or the conventionally feminine nickname Mercy.
- Toby
Origin:
Female diminutive of Tobias, Greek from HebrewMeaning:
"God is good"Description:
Toby is an early unisex name with a Shakespearean pedigree; when used for a girl it retains its tomboyish quality. Fits well with the growing trend of boyish nicknames for girls -- alongside rising choices like Frankie and Stevie. Toby peaked as a girl's name in 1936 and was last on the charts in 1975. Though, it's been slowly rising in recent years with nearly 100 baby girls named Toby in 2023.
- Davis
Origin:
Surname derived from David, HebrewMeaning:
"beloved"Description:
Davis may seem an unlikely choice for a girl, but over 50 baby girls received the name in the US last year, perhaps in honor of an ancestral David. Viola Davis is a notable female namesake.
- Andy
Description:
Andy as a feminine name typically functions as a diminutive of Andrea, Alexandra, or Miranda, though it has established itself as an independent given name as well. Derived ultimately from the Greek 'andrós' meaning 'man' or 'warrior,' Andy has transcended its masculine origins to become a popular unisex choice. For girls, the name gained traction in the mid-20th century alongside the trend toward gender-neutral nicknames. Andy projects a casual, friendly quality with its short, approachable sound. The name carries associations with independence and a straightforward personality. Its simplicity and familiarity make it accessible across cultures, while still maintaining a slightly unconventional edge for girls. Andy's tomboyish charm appeals to parents seeking a name that is unpretentious yet distinctive.
- Chandler
Origin:
English from French occupational nameMeaning:
"candle maker"Description:
In the US, nearly 300 baby girls were named Chandler in the US last year, which first appeared on the girls' Top 1000 in the heyday of Friends. While the TV character was masculine, today the name is 43 percent female and climbing, making it one of the trendiest boy names for girls.
- Flynn
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendant of the red-haired one"Description:
A winning last-name-first Celtic choice, Flynn is still mostly used for boys, such as the son of Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr. Though Flynn is definitely one of the Irish surname names, from Quinn to Flannery to Makenna, that makes one of the trendy boy names for girls".
- Jonah
Description:
Jonah as a feminine name represents an uncommon gender crossover from its traditional use as a masculine name. Originally from Hebrew origins, Jonah (יוֹנָה) means 'dove,' symbolizing peace and gentleness—qualities that translate beautifully to feminine usage. While predominantly known as a biblical masculine name associated with the prophet swallowed by a great fish, its soft ending sound and meaningful symbolism make it an intriguing choice for girls. This feminine application of Jonah aligns with contemporary trends of repurposing traditionally male names for girls. Though still rare for females, it offers a spiritual connection, recognizable pronunciation, and a subtle uniqueness that appeals to parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive for their daughters.
- Jackson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Jack"Description:
No, Jackson is not the latest crazy name the girls are stealing from the boys. Oddly enough, Jackson was given to MORE girls a decade ago than it was last year, probably as a family name or as a tribute to the musicians. But Jackson's extreme popularity as a boys' name has probably made it feel less possible for girls.
- Beckett
Origin:
English, IrishMeaning:
"bee hive; bee cottage; little brook"Description:
A modern unisex update for Rebecca.
- Ronnie
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"she who brings victory; true image"Description:
Androgynous nickname for Veronica, Rhonda or Rona. Traditionally a male nickname for Ronald, Ronnie s finding new life as a girl's name amid the rising trend of boyish nicknames for girls. With its short, spunky style, Ronnie fits right in alongside other revived vintage picks like Frankie and Scottie.
- Kirby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"church settlement"Description:
Unisex name around for several decades for boys and now ripe for girls.
- Tanner
Origin:
English SurnameMeaning:
"leather tanner"Description:
In centuries gone past, no one would have considered this occupational surname for their daughter; tanners were associated with terrible smells and stained skin as a result of the processes used to treat hides to make leather. But now, we see increasing numbers of parents in the US choosing this for their girls. Given the popularity of other two-syllable T names like Taylor and Tyler, Tanner has some appeal for those looking for a non-frilly name for their girls. For what it is worth, we prefer the Greek name Tana, which has an infinitely more pleasant meaning.
- Douglas
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"black water"Description:
Now a mostly-male name, in its earliest incarnation Douglas was used equally for girls and boys and could certainly make a comeback as one of the new boy names for girls".
- Roy
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"red"Description:
If girls have adopted Ray, why not Roy.