American Girl Doll Names
- Kaya
Origin:
Scandinavian, English, Literature, JapaneseMeaning:
"pure; one who arranges rocks; perfume, incense; fruit, reward"Description:
A multicultural name, that's currently on style and fits right in with Kaia, Maya, Raya, and Mia. Currently in the Top 500 in both the UK and The Netherlands, it has several different origins and meanings.
- Mildred
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"gentle strength"Description:
When scientists do research on the effects of an unpopular name, we're afraid that Mildred is one of the examples they cite, often in tandem with Bertha and Gertrude. But with cute nickname Millie on the rise, anything's possible.
- Ruthie
Origin:
Diminutive of Ruth, HebrewMeaning:
"compassionate friend"Description:
With vintage names on the rise and recent data suggesting that the US is following the UK trend of nicknames-as-given-names, Ruthie joined Goldie, Daisy, and Nellie on the US Top 1000 list in 2023.
- Addy
Origin:
Diminutive of Adelaide or AdelineDescription:
This name has become increasingly popular, though usually with the Addie spelling. In fact, Addy/Addie has taken over for Maddie and Allie as one of the most frequently-heard short forms for a range of also-popular formal names, including Adeline, Adalynn, Adeliaide, and Addison. As Addy, it's the name of an American Girls doll.
- Bitsy
Origin:
Diminutive of Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
The archetypal diminutive, in every sense of the word. Bitsy enjoyed some use as a nickname in the era when children were named after family members and then called by a cute pet name: Chip, Skip, Babe, Bitsy. As a full name, it has made the US list only three times: in 1943, 1958 and 1962.
- Larson
Description:
Larson originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Lars' in Scandinavian cultures, particularly Swedish and Norwegian. Lars itself is a Scandinavian form of Lawrence, derived from the Latin 'Laurentius,' meaning 'from Laurentum' (a city known for its laurel trees). As a given name, Larson represents the modern trend of adopting surnames as first names, conveying strength and heritage. It projects a solid, dependable image with Nordic roots. Though not among the most common first names, Larson has gained modest usage in North America and Scandinavian countries. It appeals to parents seeking a masculine name with historical depth that isn't overly common, while still being easily recognizable and pronounceable.
- Josefina
Origin:
Hebrew, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish feminine form of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
Sweet and bright international form of Josephine, used in many European countries with various pronunciations of the initial J. A notable bearer is Josefina "Joey" Guerrero, a Filipina spy during World War II.
- Cécile
Description:
Cécile is a feminine French name derived from the Latin 'Caecilia', the feminine form of 'Caecilius', an ancient Roman family name possibly meaning 'blind' or related to the Latin word 'caecus'. The name gained popularity through Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians in the Catholic tradition. Cécile has been used in France since medieval times and maintains steady popularity in French-speaking regions. The accent over the first 'e' creates the soft 'say-SEEL' pronunciation. The name carries an elegant, refined quality typical of French names while maintaining historical depth. Cécile evokes images of sophistication and artistic sensibility, perhaps influenced by its connection to the musically-inclined saint.
- Rey
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"king"Description:
Sounds exactly like Ray—but with an on-trend royal vibe. The central protagonist in the newest Star Wars trilogy is a woman named Rey.
- Walker
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"cloth walker"Description:
Walker is an outdoorsy, Old Western-style name that leapt into the US Top 100 for boys back in 2022. Now, like a number of occupational names before it (think Sawyer, Palmer, and Parker), Walker is being used for an increasing number of girls.
- Gardner
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"keeper of the garden"Description:
One of the best of this fashionable occupational group, strong and particularly well suited to a girl, also with alluring connection to glamour girl Ava Gardner.
- Abbott
Origin:
Aramaic, HebrewMeaning:
"father"Description:
This traditionally male surname name could find new life for girls thanks to its similarity to the popular Abby and Abigail.
- Rubin
Description:
Rubin is a masculine name of Germanic and Yiddish origin that developed as a variant of Reuben or directly from the gemstone ruby. The name derives from the Latin 'rubinus' meaning 'red,' referring to the precious stone. In Jewish traditions, it connects to the biblical Reuben, Jacob's firstborn son, whose name means 'behold, a son' in Hebrew. Rubin has moderate popularity in German-speaking countries and among Jewish communities. As a surname-turned-first-name, it carries an intellectual, distinguished quality. The gemstone association gives Rubin connotations of value and brilliance. While less common than the spelling 'Reuben' in English-speaking countries, Rubin offers a concise, distinctive alternative with rich cultural heritage.
- Merriman
- Montoya
- Marie-Grace
- Aduke
- Parkington
- O'Malley
- Kittredge