Girl Names Lists
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American Names for Girls
Girl names that are originally American tend to be US place-names, newly-minted names not used in more conservative England, and of course Native American names. Popular American names for girls include US place-names like Savannah and Brooklyn, American hero names like Kennedy and Monroe, and word names used only in the States like Lyric and Rebel. More unusual American names for girls the Hawaiian Malia and the invented Miley. If you want to give your baby girl a distinctly American name, consider one of the following.
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Ancient Roman Names for Girls
Ancient Roman names are white hot right now. Stars such as Octavia Spencer and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, have brought attention to this attractive group of names. Roman names for girls have history but feel fresh. They are feminine but connote strength, such as Aurelia and Livia. Along with Aurelia and Livia, other Roman girl names in the US Top 1000 include Cecilia, Octavia, Valentina, Camilla, Priscilla, and Tatiana. Unique Roman girl names garnering attention include Flavia, Sabina, Vita, and Cassia. These names were used centuries ago in Ancient Rome but feel appropriate for babies born in America today. Here, names from Ancient Rome that work for modern baby girls. If you’re naming a son, be sure to check out our list of Ancient Roman Names for Boys.
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Attitude Names for Girls
Attitude names are cool baby names that project sass, spunk, and confidence. These cool-kid qualities may appeal for both girl and boy babies and are increasingly desirable for parents. Attitude names for girls may be inspired by amazing heroines, an unusual letter or sound, or simply a badass image, such as Luna and Scarlett.
Along with Luna and Scarlett, other attitude names for girls in the US Top 1000 include Eloise, Freya, Monroe, Ophelia, Presley Scout, Winter, and Xiomara. Many word names for girls come with attitude; among them, Blue, Hero, Love, and Story.
If you want your daughter to possess moxie and sparkle, an attitude name is a good place to start. The cool names here are some of the best girls' names with attitude. -
Attitude Nicknames for Girls
Attitude names are a new style that a lot of parents are searching for, and nicknames fit right into the confident, bright, badass image. Here are some attitude nicknames for girls to get you started.
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Baby Girl Names 2019
What are the hottest girl names 2019? If you're expecting a baby girl in 2019, consider this your starter list in looking for the perfect name. These top girl names of 2019 were determined by calculating which names jumped the most in reader interest at the start of 2019 compared with the year before.
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Baby Girl Names Ending in Y
Baby girl names ending in Y have gone from ordinary to quaint, with the ee sound today as likely represented by an I, an Ey, or an Eigh as with a Y. But Y is a classic and serviceable way to end names or nicknames for girls. Here are a collection of baby girl names, from traditional to contemporary, buttoned-up to informal, that can end in the letter Y.
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Badass Princess Names
Badass princess is an image that appeals not only to contemporary little girls but to their parents when choosing a name. These unusual girls' names are attractive not so much because of their sound or their style but because of the complicated image they convey. These are rare baby girl names that are both decidedly feminine and rooted in tradition, but are not at all conventional or conservative. They’re creative and edgy, but not invented or unorthodox like Aurelia and Magnolia. Along with Aurelia and Magnolia, other badass princess names in the US Top 1000 include Anastasia, Antonella, Aurora, Clarissa, Emmeline, Estelle, Evangeline, and Tatiana. Among the quirkier, more unique badass princess names are Alouette, Fuchsia, Theodosia, and Xanthippe. Here, some badass princess names we recommend you consider. If you prefer more classical names, take a look at our list of Princess Names.
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Beautiful Bohemian Names for Girls
By Pamela Redmond Bohemian names for girls might be inspired by free-spirited heroines of the arts or politics, by the natural world, or by international cultures. While Bohemian names are by their very nature unique, some Bohemian girl names are finding new popularity. Along with Luna and Iris, Bohemian girl names ranking among the US Top 1000 include Hazel, Clementine, and Ophelia. Unique Bohemian girl names that strike the right style note now include Una, Vita, Persephone, and True. Bohemian names carry an artsy, indie image you may be seeking for your baby girl. You can find Bohemian names for girls both vintage and contemporary, classic andinvented, though all are at least a little bit off the beaten track. Bohemian baby names usually defy expectations in some way, by bending traditional gender images or standards of beauty or even the traditional definition of a name. If you'd like to see more bohemian names, browse our list of Bohemian Names for Boys or browse our overall list of Bohemian Baby Names for both genders.
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Belles of the Ball
With Isabella in the Top Ten Girls' names, many other names that end with bel, belle, and bella (including Belle and Bella themselves) are under consideration by modern parents. Here, a roundup of the Belles among girls' names.
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Best British Girl Names
by Emma Waterhouse Do British baby girl names have a distinct style? You bet, and often the style of English names is a step or two ahead of the style of American names. Some girls' names that rank particularly highly in Britain are Amelia, Poppy, Freya, and Florence, while Olivia, Sophia, and Charlotte are popular in both the UK and the US. Along with Sophia and Charlotte, other British girl names in the US Top 1000 include Alice, Annabel, Clementine, Esme, Gracie, Matilda, Ruby, and Zara. British parents are more likely to use nicknames as proper names for their daughters, with names like Evie, Elsie, Millie, and Rosie widely used on their own for girls in England and Wales. Here, some of the most intriguing British baby names for girls. You might also want to consult our masterlist of English names for girls.
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Best Girl Names Starting with Vowels
Girl names starting with vowels are the most popular and often the coolest names today. A is still the most frequently-used first initial for girls' names, with a third of all girl names starting with the letter A. Names for girls starting with E are the next most popular, but girl names that begin with I are holding their own, moving beyond the megapopular Isabella to cool girls Iris, Ivy, and Ida. O names for girls, led by Olivia, have an open, optimistic feel, while there are fewer girl names starting with U than with any other letter in the entire alphabet, though that includes a few choice picks. If you're looking for a vowel name for your baby girl, here are our top picks for girls names starting with A, E, I, O, and even U.
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Best One-of-a-Kind Names for Girls
Unique names that nobody (yes, really!) is using for baby girls in the US include the following, all ranking below the five-baby cutoff necessary to make the Social Security extended list in 2018. Among these truly unique girl names are many classic choices as well as new and unusual name ideas. If you want a truly unique name for your baby girl, any of these are excellent suggestions.
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Best Vintage Names for Girls
by Pamela Redmond Vintage girl names are back in a big way, as chic as vintage clothes and furniture. Of course, not every vintage girl name is stylish – we may never see the comeback of Ethel or Bertha – but many retro names such as Cora and Iris are being dusted off and restored to their former glory by modern parents. Along with Cora and Iris, other vintage names for girls in the US Top 200 include Alice, Arabella, Clara, Daisy, Esther, Josephine, Lydia, and Sadie. Unique vintage names for baby girls on the rise include Cordelia, Imogen, Posey, and Susannah. Vintage baby names combine tradition and uniqueness and may also be used to honor a family member or hero from the past. The vintage baby names for girls that are most fashionable today include the following.
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Bible Names for Girls
Bible names for girls have been popular in the US since the beginning of name history, with the ultimate Bible girl name Mary dominating the number one spot until the early Sixties, and Sarah ranking among the top five throughout the Eighties. Along with Mary and Sarah, other biblical girl names in the Top 10 for decades include Elizabeth, Hannah, Deborah, and Ruth. The Bible is also the unlikely source for some of the trendiest girls' names, including Delilah – the top girl name starting with D – as well as Ada, Phoebe, Lydia, Naomi, and the many variations of Eve. Here's our complete collection of biblical baby names for girls. Click here for our list of Bible Names for Boys.
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Boy Names for Girls
Some of the coolest baby girl names are not girls' names at all but boys' names -- many of which have officially become unisex names. We're seeing more and more fomerly 100% boy names being used for girls, from nicknames like Sam and Charlie (now 50-50 by gender!), to occupational or surnames such as Sawyer or McKinley to formerly masculine names such as Quincy and Jude that have become truly unisex. Here, some boy names that can work for girls.
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Classic Girl Names
Classic girl names include several of the Top 10 names for girls in the English-speaking world: Emma, Olivia, Charlotte, and Sophia. There are also unique girl names that can be considered classics, such as Cecilia, Daphne, and Flora. Many Biblical names for girls such as Ruth and Sarah qualify as classic names, as do girl names rooted in ancient cultures such as Diana and Alexandra. Along with Sophia and Emma, other classic girl names in the US Top 50 include Amelia, Abigail, Elizabeth, Victoria, Grace, Hannah, Eleanor, and Claire. Quirkier classic names for girls include Priscilla, Theodora, Georgia, and Felicity. If you choose one of these classic names for your baby girl, you can be assured you've given her a name backed by solid tradition and widespread acceptance. For even more girls' names rooted in history, browse our lists of Bible Names for Girls, Mythology Names for Girls, and Unique Classic Girls' Names.
Classic Girl Names
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Classic Girl Names That Aren't Boring
If your tastes run toward classic baby girl names but you want a name that sounds interesting and distinctive, consider these girl names that are traditional but not boring.
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Colonial Names for Girls
Many colonial names have fallen out of favor for long enough now to sound fresh and even cool again. If you like historic baby names but want to move beyond the Victorian and biblical baby names we've heard so much of in recent years, consider these names culled from Revolutionary War rolls and eighteenth-century town histories. The only caveat: The choices are much wider and more appealing for boys than for girls.
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Cool Classic Girl Names — 100+ below the Top 1000
Classic baby names are not always popular names. These classic classic girl names are also unusual, hiding below the Top 1000. For a name to be cool and classic, it has to be both out-of-the-ordinary and used over centuries, and the 100+ girls' names here qualify on both counts. Our list of uncommon classic girls’ names includes gems like Echo, Delphine, and Sybil. If you'd like to give your baby girl a name with deep roots that also stands out from the crowd, one of these classic-but-distinctive names for girls could be the right choice for you.
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Cool Cowgirl Names
Cowgirl names for baby girls, Western names with a bronco-busting outdoorsy feel, are pretty much always in style. Cowgirl names might be vintage, like Bonnie and Lula or newly-minted, such as Blaze and River. Additionally, they might be conventionally feminine or gender neutral.
Along with Bonnie and River, other cool cowgirl names in the US Top 1000 include Callie, Dakota, Hadley, Josie, Liberty, Millie, Shiloh, and Sierra. Other girl names that feel at home in the West include Abilene, Cheyenne, Mamie, and Wynonna.
Some of these country girl names are inspired by famous cowgirls and pioneer women, Western places or nature, while others simply have a cowgirl feel. Western names for girls that might for your little cowgirl include the following. -
Cool Girl Names from Ancient Cultures
There are so many ancient names for girls -- from Rome and Byzantium, from Olde England and Germany -- that deserve to be unearthed in the interest of cool. Here's a selection of worthy ancient names, from a range of eras and places.
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Cool Girl Names From Around the World
Cool names for girls from a range of cultures and countries are ripe for the picking no matter where you live. As the world becomes a smaller place, baby names become more international, with names like Lucy and Jenna being swapped for Luciana and Gemma. Along with Luciana and Gemma, other cool girls’ names from across the globe in the US Top 1000 include Antonella, Carmen, Ingrid, Maeve, Malia, Noemi, Paloma, Sylvie. Names that are cool in other countries but remain undiscovered in the US include Anoush, Fiorella, Kalindi, and Xanthe. If you're looking for a cool unusual name for your baby girl, choosing one from another country can be a way to combine tradition with innovation. Consider these cool girl names from around the world.
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Coolated Girls' Names
Cool girls' names can sometimes be made from less-than-cool ones. Sometimes, all you have to do is add an a to the end to bump them up several coolness levels: Natalie to Natalia, Susan to Susanna -- you get the picture. The point is that with a bit of ingenuity you can ramp up a name you like to a similar one that's cooler, or tone it down if you want to go in a quieter direction. Here are some examples:
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Crazy Nicknames for Girls
Looking for the wackiest nicknames used for girls? Here are some we think qualify.
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Cute Baby Names for Girls
Babies are darling, so no wonder some parents opt for the cutest of cute baby names when it comes to naming their daughters. Some of these cute names, such as Annie and Sophie, do wear well, even into adulthood. Other cute baby names might be better as nicknames for formal names—or reserved for kittens and doll babies.
Along with Annie and Sophie, other cute girl names in the US Top 500 include Chloe, Daisy, Ellie, Hattie, Lucy, Maggie, Olive, and Sadie. Many vintage names for girls fall into the cute category; among the most usable are Dottie, Lula, Tillie, and Winnie.
If you need a cute name for your adorable baby daughter, consider these options. For more information and many more names, check out our complete guide to cute baby names. -
Dutch Baby Names for Girls
Popular girl baby names in the Netherlands range from the familiar (to an English speaker) like Lisa and Kim through exotic baby names like Anouk to the intriguingly unusual. A sampling of baby names frequently heard in The Netherlands for girls:
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Feminine Girl Names
If you like decidedly feminine girl names, consider this collection of names with (usually) soft sounds, (often) vowel endings, and (always) a decidedly sweet, dainty image. Of course, girls' names can also be strong, powerful, wise, and all these other positive qualities that can apply to both genders, but these girls' names have an overarching feminine image.
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Feminizations of Male Names
Feminizations are feminine variations of male names rather than unisex baby names: Alexandra not Alex, Charlotte not Charlie. You may be attracted to these baby names because you want to name a daughter after dad or grandpa but give her a distinctly feminine name. Or maybe you simply love the traditional feel of many of these classic baby girl names, which are rooted in tradition.
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Fictional Princess Names
Fictional princess names -- from fairy tales to modern cartoons -- are well-known to little girls, most of whom would be delighted to have one for her very own. Here, the wide range of fictional princess names.
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Finnish Baby Names for Girls
Even though Finnish baby names are Scandinavian, they sound much quirkier to the American ear than Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish baby names do. Here are some of the most accessible baby names to the English speaker, though not all are popular in Finland itself.
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Flower Names for Babies
by Pamela Redmond Flower names for babies were first popular around the turn of the last century and have started to bloom again as modern baby names, with flower names Lily, Violet, Jasmine, and Rose ranking among the top names for girls. Along with Lily and Rose, other flower names in the US Top 1000 include Briar, Dahlia, Daisy, Holly, Iris, Ivy, Magnolia, and Poppy. Other stylish names with floral meanings include Leilani, Flora, Linnea, and Romy. Flower names that work for baby girls range from the exotic from Amaryllis to Zinnia to the everyday, such as Daisy, Clover, and Marigold. There are even a few flower names for baby boys, such as Florian and Peregrine. Flower baby names can suit every taste and sensibility, from the vintage to the modern, the unique to the familiar. Here, a large collection of flower names for baby girls and boys.
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Geek Chic Names for Girls
By Emma Waterhouse Cool names for girls come in all shapes, sizes and styles. There are some evergreen classic girls' names which — like the little black dress — never go out of style: think traditional mainstays of the US (and UK, NZ, and Austalian) Top 200 girl names, like Elizabeth, Katherine, and Hannah. Other cool girls' names — like thick black-rimmed spectacles and heavy oxfords — are so out they're in. These are the clunky, old-school vintage girls' names that are starting to feel fresh, funky and a little bit daring, but still rooted in tradition. A few of these geek chic names for girls are now heading into the mainstream, like Vivian, Olive and Matilda, which all rank in the US Top 500 baby names for girls. Others, like Elsie, Imogen and Florence, have already caught on in a big way across the pond in England & Wales, where they rank in the top 50 girl names. But most of these cool, uncommon vintage baby girl names are still waiting to be revived, and would make a great choice for parents who want a unique baby name with a rich history. Browse our list of unusual vintage and retro baby names for girls here, or see our pick of the best Geek Chic Names for Boys for even more inspiration.
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Geezer Names for Girls
Blame it on Sidney. This name, which conjures up images of thick glasses, a snowfall of dandruff on shoulders, and plaid polyester pants pulled up to the sternum, sounds (strangely enough) nothing less than charming, nothing short of cool when applied to a little girl. And so too can the other geezer names here. Caution: Most of these names should not be bestowed on a boy. The world is not yet ready for another generation of male Seymours and Sheldons, although keep in mind that among the hottest boys' names in the UK now are Harvey and Leon.
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Girl Baby Names Moving Up Fast
Baby girl names moving quickly up the popularity ladder include the following. Expectant parents who are looking for a girls' name for the first time, be warned: Many of these names may seem strange and unusual to you. But according to statistics, all these names for girls are becoming more popular in recent years.
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Girl Baby Names That End With S
Okay, all these girls' baby names don't literally end with S. Some just end with the S sound. But that S-sound ending may be all it takes.
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Girl Names ALWAYS in the Top 1000
These perennially popular girl names have all appeared on the Top 1000 list for every year since the U.S. government started keeping records in 1880. While many are names you'd expect to be classics, such as Elizabeth and Sarah, there are lots of surprises here.
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Girl Names Ending in Lyn
The lyn ending for girls' names has become hugely popular in recent years, with lyn making a name from nearly any beginning. The girl names ending in lyn range from the classic Evelyn to the popular Brooklyn to the up-and-coming Westlyn. While the names collected her are by no means all the girl names that end with lyn, they are the best known, most popular or most stylish. If you love girl names ending in lyn, search this list for an lyn form that might work for your daughter.
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Girl Names Ending with A
About a third of baby girl names end with the letter A. A is also the most widely-used starting letter for girl names today, and there are lots of stylish girl names starting and ending with A. From top choices Isabella and Sophia and Olivia to more obscure names, the letter A has feminine appeal. Here, some out-of-the-box ideas for girl names ending with A.
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Girl Names That Mean Life
Names meaning life may appeal to parents of babies of either gender, but the girls' names that mean life are particularly appealing. Life -- or lively or vivacious or energetic -- is a meaning not attached to a large number of names, but one that is inspiring and uplifting. We also include here names for girls that refer to the place where the person lives. Girl names with meanings that relate to life include the following.
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Girl Names Trendier Than You Think
The trendiest baby girl names may be a very different group than you'd guess, especially for the first-time parent new to recent baby-naming fads and trends. Here, some surprisingly trendy names for baby girls.
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Girl Names Uncommon in the US
There are thousands upon thousands of girl names uncommon in the US that are well-liked and widely-used in other countries around the world. Restricting our search to the Top 100 of European countries, on the theory that almost every name from Asian and African cultures will be rare in the US, these are the girl names uncommon in the United States but heard on every street corner from Manchester to Minsk.
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Girls' Names With Gravity
For many parents, girls' names (and boys' names too) should carry more than an attractive sound and appealing image; they should have real history behind them. These names relate to a range of impressive personages, real and imagined, and also have both breadth and depth in terms of the meaning they convey. Inspired by a fascinating discussion on our forums, here are some girls' names with history and weight.
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Girly Girl Baby Names
Girly girl baby names are the most elaborately feminine of baby names. They have become newly fashionable, as today’s brave parents are not intimidated by names that go beyond three syllables. Some girly girl baby names, such as Cassandra and Isabella, have been in use for decades. Others, including Valentina and Luciana, have more recently been discovered by American parents. Along with Isabella and Valentina, other girly girl baby names in the US Top 1000 include Anastasia, Arabella, Evangeline, Francesca, Juliette, Liliana, Savannah, and Scarlett. Girly names that remain under-the-radar in America include Georgiana, Mirabelle, Raphaela, and Seraphina. Choosing a girly name won’t guarantee your baby girl will be super feminine– after all, your Ariana could always decide to go by Ari – but if you’re hoping for a daughter who wants to dance ballet and covets all things pink, these names certainly fit that image. Here are some super feminine baby names for your own girly girl.
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Goddess Names for Babies
Goddess names, the names of mythological figures from all over the world, seem more baby appropriate now that ever, with the rise of ancient Roman names and the discovery of many antique choices, such as Cora and Phoebe. Along with Cora and Phoebe, other goddess names in the US Top 1000 include Athena, Aurora, Flora, Freya, Iris, Luna, Selena, and Thalia. Less common goddess names – such as those of Hindu and Celtic goddesses – include Aine, Devi, Lakshmi, and Niamh. Our overall top picks are on this list, but for even more goddess names, please see our lists on Greek goddess names and Roman goddess names. For even more unusual choices, check out this list created by @gondolin of Mythological Goddess Names for Girls. The most diverse and usable mythological baby names for your own little goddess might include the following.
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Gorgeous Greek Goddess Names
Greek goddess names are making an unlikely comeback for 21st century babies, combining ancient roots with august namesakes and distinctive style. Some names of the Greek goddesses are well-known in the contemporary Western world, such as Iris and Selene, while others are used occasionally or have been asleep for centuries. Greek mythology is a rich font of names of goddesses as well as sirens, titanesses, nymphs, and muses. The complete list of Greek goddess names usable for your baby is here. Go here for goddess names from a range of cultures.
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Heroine Baby Names
Great heroines of history, past or present, real or fictional, from politics or the arts, may provide the perfect inspiration If you want to give your little girl a strong names. For more Strong Baby Girl Names, consult this list of names that mean strong or powerful.
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Hipster British Baby Names for Girls
by Emma Waterhouse Hipster British baby names for girls are an exotic and eclectic bunch! From sweet vintage nicknames like Peggy and Posy, to elaborate choices like Pandora and Pollyanna, the Brits are renowned for bestowing quirky baby girl names on their daughters. All of these beautiful British girl names have serious style cred in London right now, but they hit the hipster sweet spot in terms of popularity — none rank in the Top 100 baby girl names in England & Wales, and most sit much lower down the list. If you're looking for a cool British girl name beyond Emma or Elizabeth, here are some of our favorite hipster picks!
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Hollywood Glamour Girl Names
Names from the Golden Age of Hollywood Glamour are playing starring roles as baby names once again. While Dorothy (Lamour) and Rita (Hayworth) are not yet again ready for their closeup, here's a selection of the Glamour Girl names enjoying a revival.
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Jewel and Gemstone Baby Names
Jewel names were popular a century ago and they're back in style now as baby names. Long considered the exclusive province of girls, there are some precious stones and minerals that lend themselves to boys, such as Jasper and Onyx.
Along with Jasper and Onyx, other jewel baby names in the US Top 1000 include Amber, Esmeralda, Gemma, Ivory, Jade, Opal, Pearl, and Ruby. More unique possibilities with great potential include Emerald, Garnet, Goldie, and Peridot.
There are many gemstone baby names out there, beyond the Ambers, Crystals, and Diamonds you may remember from growing up. Among the jewel names you might want to consider for your little gem are: -
Literary Names for Girls
These literary baby names for girls are derived from characters in books from all genres and periods. Girl names from children's books are particular popular today, including Alice (in Wonderland) and Eloise (at the Plaza). Literary girl names from classic books such as Scarlett and Scout are fashionable. Literary names for girls that have become television shows or movies such as Game of Thrones or Hunger Games have also found widespread use. In the literary baby names category, as always, feel free to think about your own personal favorites.
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Mermaid Baby Names
Mermaid baby names of myth and popular culture are a lovely group and may prove inspiration for your little water baby. See our blog for more on mermaid baby names.
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Middle Names for Girls
Middle names for girls run the gamut from the traditional connecting names such as Rose and Lee to family surnames to new names carrying deep meaning. Many parents these days look to the middle as a place to put family names that might be too old-fashioned or unusual to use in first place. Middle names for girls that are surnames, boy names, or word names expressing some desirable quality such as Heaven or Justice are also up-and-coming. Along with Heaven and Justice, other baby girl middle names common as first names in the US Top 1000 include Elizabeth, India, June, Kennedy, Mercy, Nova, Pearl, and Tess. Middle names for baby girls that are more unique include Avalon, Dot, Holiday, and Plum. Some parents turn to middle names as a way to honor heroines they want their daughters to emulate. Another trend is to use two or more middle names instead of just one. These middle names for girls typify a range of categories and styles. For even more choices, browse our master list of Middle Names.
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Most Common Names for Girls
Common names are different from popular names as they denote names found most widely amongst the entire population, not just used for babies in a single year. Names most common for females in the US over the past century are listed here, with Mary claiming the top spot, followed by Patricia, Jennifer, Linda, and Elizabeth. Some of the top names for baby girls today, such Sophia and Isabella, don't quite make it onto the Most Common Names list yet, but as older names such as Doris and Joyce fade away, they'll be replaced by newer popular names such as Ava and Charlotte. These are the 100 most common girl names of the past century.
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Mythology Girl Names
Mythology baby names for girls can impart both tradition and strength to a child. The pantheon of Greek and Roman deities, such as Athena and Luna, along with figures from Celtic, Irish, Norse, Hindu and other classic myths and legends can provide an abundant source of audacious options, all combining deep history with not-heard-in-a-long-time freshness.
Along with Athena and Luna, other mythological girl names in the US Top 1000 include Aurora, Daphne, Iris, Lilith, Maeve, Maia, Penelope, and Phoebe. Norse and Hindu mythology names are less common among American parents, but offer such beautiful choices as Indira, Priya, and Signy.
If you'd like to browse even more mythology names for girls, have a look at our lists of Roman Goddess Names and Greek Goddess Names. -
Names Girls Love Having
What little girl wouldn't want to be named Princess? Or, next best thing, Belle or Jasmine. You can count on your young child to thank you for giving her one of these names, though a teenage or grownup daughter may wish for something a bit less fanciful.
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Names No Girl May Be Cool Enough For
You have to be pretty darn cool to name your kid Hortense, cool in that I-like-it-and-I-don't-care-what-the-world-thinks kind of way. Except you're not the one who's going to have to deal with having the name Hortense when you play soccer. You're not the one who's going to have to introduce yourself as Hortense to boys at parties. In fact, if you think it's so cool, maybe you should change your own name to Hortense rather than laying it on a poor little kid. The point: While we can appreciate the contrarian cool inherent in these clunky names, we fear that few children at this point in time are cool enough actually to live with them.
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Names to Substitute for Alice
Alice is a lovely classic name that's getting more popular in recent years. If you'd like to explore more unusual alternatives that are like Alice but different, look to this list.
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Names to Substitute for Caroline
Caroline is a beautiful classic name that demands no substitution, but if for some reason you need to look further, consider these worthy Caroline alternatives.
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Names to Substitute for Danielle
Danielle is a feminization so popular in the 1980s and 1990s that modern parents will be looking for updates. Here, some ideas of girls' names that might be fresh substitutes for Danielle.
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Names to Substitute for Samantha
Samantha may have long been your favorite among baby girl names, but there are fresher substitutes you may want to consider today.
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Names with Uplifting Meanings
Positive meanings are a plus for all baby names, creating something for your child to live up to. The girl names here include modern virtue names such as Peace and True that are literally inspirational words as well as more conventional names with meanings such as brave, strong, and beautiful. Baby names for girls with positive meanings could set your child on the right course for life. Consider these girl names with uplifting meanings for your daughter.
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Nicknames for Baby Girls
Suddenly, nicknames are cool again for baby girls. The cool nicknames today are not the cutesy Cindys and Mindys, Candys and Randis of the '60s and '70s, but rather vintage diminutives or sassy nicknames with attitude. Some parents choose a proper name as a way to get to a nickname they like: Adeline for Addie, say, or Eleanor for Ellie. Or a baby girl nickname can lighten or soften a too-imposing family name. Wilhelmina turns cute when she's called Billie, and Daisy can be a wonderful nickname for Marguerite. More and more parents are electing to put the nickname straight on their baby daughter's birth certificate, and there's no reason that a nickname can't also be a formal name.
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Old Lady Names
by Pamela Redmond Old lady names are cool by virtue of their very disdain for fashion. These kind of old school girls' names are connected to tradition rather than modernity and gloss. What gets confusing is whether stylish vintage names like Adeline or Cora really qualify as Old Lady Names anymore, or if a name needs to be a bit dusty and unfashionable to qualify as Old Lady. Along with Adeline and Cora, other old lady names in the US Top 500 include Clara, Elsie, Evelyn, Iris, Mabel, Miriam, Ruth, and Vera. If you prefer the clunky-cool variety of old lady names, consider adding Cornelia, Dorothea, Geraldine, or Henrietta to your list. We've tried to make this list inclusive, pulling in all types of Old Lady Names. For more on the If you're interested in learning even more about these kinds of vintage names check out our original blog on Old Lady Names for more commentary and ideas.
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One-Syllable Middle Names for Girls
There's a reason one-syllable middle names for girls such as Ann and Lynn have been used to the point of cliché. These middle names don't distract from the dazzle of the first name and serve as a calm, quiet bridge between the two stars of the show. These one-syllable girl names transcend the basics like, nowadays, Rose and Grace. They could also work well as first names. Along with Rose and Grace, other single-syllable girl names in the US Top 500 include Jade, Faith, Paige, June, Kate, Sage, Eve, and Wren. Short, unexpected names are becoming more common for middle names, such as Bliss, Dove, Poe, and Vale. Here, some fresh ideas for short middle names. Or expand your horizons with our master list of more than 900 middle names of every length and style.
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Popular English Girls' Names
English names, meaning names that originate in the English language, sometimes get overlooked because we tend to think of all names used by English speakers as English names. But of course many of the names we consider English are actually Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and so on. So then which names for girls truly might be considered English, and which of those English girls' names are most popular? The English names for girls here are some of the best-known with authentic English roots.
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Pretty Girl Names
Pretty girl names are pretty—attractive, feminine, sometimes frilly—in themselves. They also conjure the image of a pretty girl. And some of these names literally mean pretty or beautiful, such as Jolie and Belle.
Along with Jolie and Belle, other pretty girl names in the US Top 1000 include Arabella, Camilla, Eden, Felicity, Jasmine, Lucia, Natalia, and Sophia. Bonita, Lavender, Mirabel, and Siran are among the pretty girl names that are less common with American parents.
While prettiness may ultimately be in the eye (and ear) of the beholder, we think these names say Pretty Girl. To go in a slightly different direction, we've also got a list of Cute Names for Girls. -
Princess Names
The princess names for girls here are those chosen by royal families around the world over the past decade or so. Your idea of princess names can be expanded to include those used over past generations—Anne and Elizabeth and even Diana, say— and to extend to fictional princesses such as Ariel and Aurora.
Along with Elizabeth and Aurora, other princess names in the US Top 100 include Alice, Amelia, Ariana, Charlotte, Isabella, Josephine, Lily, and Sophie. The more exotic princess names, including Fabiola, Khadija, Leonore, and Ulrike, come from the royal families of countries such as Morocco, Sweden, and Austria.
Many of the real little princesses have three or four middle names, some of which are also included on this list. For more, check out our list of royal baby names. -
Rich Roman Goddess Names
Names from Ancient Rome are super stylish these days, and what better names from that era than Roman goddess names and Roman god names. These mythological names have survived the centuries, with some of the Roman goddess names -- Luna, for instance, and Aurora-- very fashionable now. Browse this list for Roman names for your little goddess. If you want to expand your search, check out our master list of goddess names for babies.
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Romantic Baby Names for Girls
There has been an upturn in the use of romantic baby names for girls in recent years -- think Isabella and Sophia. Some of these romantic baby names are classic, some are popular, but we're also including several names here that are more unusual. Here's a list of girls' names that have a romantic image and feel.
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Royal Names for Girls
Royal baby names on this list are those used by the British royal family over the centuries. Included on this list are names used in the middle, as for the little princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.
Along with Elizabeth and Charlotte, other royal names for girls in the US Top 100 include Alice, Amelia, Caroline, Eleanor, Emma, Sarah, Sophia, and Victoria. Eugenie, Bridget, Maud, and Matilda are among the more surprising royal girl names over the centuries.
With female heirs now in line for the British throne, royal girl names may be destined for greater visibility and more widespread popularity in the future. Royal names for girls you might consider include: -
Russian Baby Girl Names
Russian baby names for girls, long a style backwater, are coming into their own as a fashionable choice. Many of the top supermodels of recent years have been from Russia, Ukraine, and other parts of Eastern Europe and have imported their Russian names along with their willowy beauty. And a recent First Daughter had not one Russian name but two: Sasha Obama's nickname would usually be a short form in Russia for Alexandra, but her proper name was the classic Russian girls' name Natasha. Along with Sasha and Natasha, other Russian girls’ names in the US Top 1000 include Anastasia, Izabella, Kira, Marina, Tatiana, and Valentina. Other intriguing Russian names for girls include Dominika, Mika, Viveka, and Zoya. On television, the show The Americans introduced US audiences to Keri Russell's character Elizabeth, whose original Russian name is the extremely exotic Nadezhda. Here are some of the most appealing Russian baby girl names.
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Saints' Names for Girls
Saints' names may no longer be required for a Roman Catholic baptism, but many parents choose to honor saints with their children's names anyway. Names of notable saints such as St. Catherine of Siena and St. Teresa of Avila are listed here, as well as those of lesser-known saints.
Along with Catherine and Teresa, other Saint names for girls in the US Top 1000 include Adelaide, Beatrice, Cecilia, Florence, Genevieve, Isabel, Lydia, and Matilda. Among the more unique saints’ names with style are Delphina, Inez, Theodora, and Zenobia.
Beyond religious strictures, you might be interested in saints as inspirational namesakes or as a source of unusual ancient names. This list includes a range of saints' names for girls, from the classic to the cool to the rarely-heard. -
Short & Strong Girl Names
Looking for girl names that are unfussy and straightforward? Here are some choice baby girl names that are both short and strong. If you're having a boy, check out our post on strong boy names
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Spanish Baby Girl Names
Spanish baby names for girls include several choices familiar to non-Spanish speakers: Maria, Sofia, and Lucia, for instance. And then there are other girls' names, popular in Latin and South America as well as in Spain, largely unused outside Spanish-speaking cultures.. Spanish girls' names popular in the US, Latin America, South America, and Spain include Lucia, Sofia (the Spanish spelling of the popular Sophia) and the classic Maria. The list of most popular names in Spain includes such girls' names as Vega, Laia, Candela, Aitana, and Jimena, all still very exotic in the English-speaking community. What follows is a select list of Spanish names for girls.
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Strong Girl Names
Strong baby names for girls are a more rarefied group than strong names for boys, with fewer girls' names meaning strong, powerful, or brave. We've gathered all the girl names with meanings that denote strength or power here. Names for strong girls can be long and feminine, like Gabriella or Valentina, or short and unisex, like Drew or Casey. For more strong names for baby girls, consult our lists of Names of Great Heroines and Short & Strong Girls' Names. And you might also want to consult our list of strong boy names.
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Stylish Girls' Names That End in Consonants
If you are searching for a stylish and undeniably feminine name but want to avoid that flowery vowel ending, here are 101 stylish girl names that end in consonants...or consonant sounds. This list mixes English traditional names (Margaret) and those with French chic (Delphine) with more unusual choices from across the world (Ceridwen, Pilar and Zerlin). If your last name starts with a vowel, these consonant-ending names for girls may be particularly appealing.
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Toddlers & Tiaras Baby Names
The reality television show Toddlers & Tiaras chronicles the world of child beauty pageants. Along with a few yooneek spellings such as Brystol and Brittanie that don't appear in our database, the names of the girls, and a few boys, who've appeared on the show include these often glossy choices.
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Top Baby Names for Girls
The top girl names in the U.S. are tallied every year by the Social Security Administration, but the government list counts each spelling separately, masking the true popularity of baby names with many variations such as Lily or Isabella. Here, the baby names that in all their different forms are the most popular names for girls.
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TV Mom Names
TV Mom names take their inspiration from the perfect (and sometimes highly imperfect) television mothers who typically vacuumed in heels and cooked their children hot lunches. Names that honor these paragons of domesticity range from Alice to Winnie, with detours to Peg and Tami. While some of these may seem hopelessly dated (they are mom names, after all), many names of TV moms—especially ones from earlier sitcoms—would be quite charming on a modern baby girl.
For more, consider our list of TV character names
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Unique French Baby Girl Names
French baby girl names aren't limited to the same old noms--the Michelles and Danielles and Gabrielles. Here are some unique French baby names for girls. For even more unique choices, you might also want to check out our master list of French girl names.
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Unique Girl Names: Unusual and Rare
Unique girls' names come in many varieties, from ancient to modern, traditional to invented. The best 2019 unique names for girls are those unusual and rare choices that have deep roots, are attractive, and can fit into contemporary life. What makes a name unique is a matter of opinion, but by rare, unusual and unique girl names, we mean those used for 25 or fewer baby girls, which makes these names uncommon no matter where you live. The unique names for girls listed here are some top picks from A to Z to get you started.
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Unique Middle Names for Girls
Unique middle names for girls appeal to even more conservative parents, who may look for an unusual middle name to set their little Emma or Elizabeth apart. Unique middle names may be unusual first names or can also be nature, word, or surname-names. When sifting through unique name choices for the middle, try to find one with personal meaning. If you want even more to choose from, see our full list of unique baby names or our master list of middle names.
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Unique Vintage Names for Girls
Unique baby names don't have to be new and invented: They can also be vintage names revived from either the near or distant past. These unique vintage baby names for girls all lie outside the Top 1000 but have deep roots and rich histories. In case you're wondering how unique is unique, these names were given to 250 or fewer girls in the US in 2017. Check current statistics to make sure the name you like hasn't hopped back on the list.
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Unisex Names for Girls
Unisex names for girls encompass those that originated as male names but migrated to the girls' side, names that feel gender-neutral but in fact are used mostly for girls, and truly unisex names that work as well for girls as for boys. On this list we have not included boys' names that are now used occasionally for girls, such as James or Owen, or once-unisex names that have become predominantly male, such as Kyrie. The unisex names here are among the most popular for baby girls.
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Unisex Names for Girls
Unisex names for girls encompass those that originated as male names but migrated to the girls' side, names that feel gender-neutral but in fact are used mostly for girls, and truly unisex names that work as well for girls as for boys. On this list we have not included boys' names that are now used occasionally for girls, such as James or Owen, or once-unisex names that have become predominantly male, such as Kyrie. The unisex names here are among the most popular for baby girls.
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Unusual International Baby Girl Names
There are hundreds of unusual international baby girl names throughout this site. Here's a handful of the most appealing.
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Video Game Names for Girls
Movie- and TV-character names may seem both inspired and inspirational to parents at the beginning of the twenty-first century, but what of the next generation of parents-to-be, those raised not on movies and television but on video games? Their idea of a cool name is sure to be way wilder than that of parents today. Some of these video game character names, such as Chloe and Mercy, are more name-worthy than others—can you imagine a baby girl named Bloodrayne?
Along with Chloe and Mercy, other video game names for girls in the US Top 1000 include Alma, Athena, Daisy, Jade, Kairi, Lara, Regina, and Zelda. Many video game names are Japanese in origin, such as Kasumi, Maki, Rikku, and Sakura.
These names from popular video games will give you an idea of the kind of choices that could inspire the names of your grandchildren. Naming a son? Check out our list of video game names for boys. -
Vintage Nicknames for Girls
There's a group of vintage nicknames for girls that were used in the distant past and are all but forgotten now. The following might be worth a fresh look. Check our larger Nicknames for Girls list for more choices. And if it's adorable you're after, check out this list of cute baby names, which includes lots of nickname-names.
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Yupster Baby Names for Girls
Yupsters -- a blend of yuppies and hipsters -- prefer baby names that are to the left of the most popular list but far to the right of most choices on this site. The Yupster Baby Names are classic as well as cool, embodying style along with history. The only problem is that you may hear them far more than you want to in the years to come.
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