Girl Names
- Caia
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of CaiusMeaning:
"to rejoice"Description:
Caia Caecilia was the Roman Goddess of fire and women. The name Caia would make a truly fresh alternative to the flagging Maya, with which it rhymes.
- Eir
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"peacefulness, mercy"Description:
So airy, it's almost not there.
- Eira
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"snow"Description:
This Welsh nature name that can be pronounced exactly like the male Ira. Or, to avoid confusion, you could just name her Snow.
- Elise
Origin:
French variation of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Elise is one of those golden names that stylish but not TOO popular. Its appeal is due in large part to its French flair and to the love for El-names in general.
- Ellsi
Description:
Ellsi is a feminine name with modern origins, likely developed as a creative variation of names like Elsie, Ellie, or Elizabeth. The distinctive double 'l' spelling gives it a unique, contemporary feel while maintaining a connection to traditional naming patterns. Ellsi has emerged in recent decades as parents increasingly seek uncommon names with familiar sounds. Though rare in historical records, it fits with the trend of reinventing classic names with fresh spellings. The name has a light, melodic quality that evokes a sense of cheerfulness and charm. While not widely used, Ellsi appeals to parents looking for something sweet and distinctive without being completely unfamiliar.
- Eiril
- Freja
Origin:
Swedish and DanishMeaning:
"lady, noblewoman"Description:
One of the most popular names in Scandinavia, Freja--or Freyja--was a major deity of Norse paganism. Beautiful, blonde and blue-eyed, she was the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. In the US, the name is most likely spelled Freya.
- Freyja
Origin:
Old Norse variation of FreyaMeaning:
"a noble woman"Description:
The original form of the name of the Norse goddess Freya, whose name is now a worldwide sensation. Freya is the most common variant, although Freja is preferred in Denmark and Sweden. Iceland still uses Freyja, the Old Norse spelling.
- Friederike
Description:
Friederike is a feminine German name derived from the Germanic elements "fridu" meaning "peace" and "ric" meaning "ruler" or "power." It's essentially the female form of Friedrich (Frederick in English). The name has deep historical roots in German-speaking countries, where it has been used since medieval times. Friederike Gossweiler, a Swiss mathematician, and Friederike Mayröcker, an Austrian poet, are notable bearers of the name. While common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Friederike remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name carries an elegant, classical European quality with a strong cultural heritage, appealing to parents looking for a distinctive name with substantial historical significance.
- Frederikke
- Heidi
Origin:
Diminutive of Adelheid; GermanMeaning:
"noble, nobility"Description:
Heidi became known — and popular — via the 1880 eponymous children's classic by Swiss writer Johanna Spyri and, despite decades of American Heidis of all sizes, shapes, and personalities, the name seems permanently tethered to that spunky little girl on the Alpine mountaintop in the book and Shirley Temple movie.
- Henrika
Description:
Henrika is a feminine name of Germanic origin, essentially serving as the feminine form of Henrik or Henry. These names derive from 'Heimrich,' composed of the elements 'heim' meaning 'home' and 'ric' meaning 'ruler' or 'power,' thus conveying 'ruler of the home.' The name has particularly strong usage in Scandinavian and Finnish cultures. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Henrika maintains steady though modest usage in Northern Europe. This name carries a distinguished feel with its royal connotations, as many King Henrys have ruled throughout European history. The feminine ending softens the strong Germanic root, creating a balance between strength and elegance. Henrika offers parents a distinctive alternative to more common feminine forms like Henrietta or Harriet.
- Idonea
Description:
Idonea is a feminine name with medieval origins, derived from the Old English word 'idoneus' meaning 'suitable' or 'appropriate.' Used rarely in the Middle Ages, particularly in England, the name carries an elegant, antiquated charm. Idonea appears in historical records from the 12th to 14th centuries before falling into obscurity. The name has a rhythmic, melodic quality with its four syllables and flowing vowel sounds. While extremely rare in modern usage, Idonea appeals to those drawn to historical names with literary qualities. Its uniqueness ensures distinctiveness while its classical roots provide cultural depth. For contemporary parents, Idonea offers a rare combination of ancient heritage, linguistic beauty, and historical significance.
- Ilsa
Origin:
German variation of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Ilsa is remembered as the radiant but tragic heroine of "Casablanca," and it's having something of a European resurgence.
- Ilse
Origin:
Dutch variation of IlsaMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Pronounced with two syllables, as if spelled Ilsa, Ilse is popular in The Netherlands and may rise here with cousin Elsa.
- Ilsebet
- Kaja
Origin:
Scandinavian diminutive of Katarina, Polish variation of Gaia or EstonianMeaning:
"pure; earth mother; rejoice; echo"Description:
Short, sharp, and pretty, Kaja is an international choice with multiple origins. Favored in Slovenia, Norway, and Poland, the similar Kaia is currently popular more widely.
- Lark
Origin:
English bird nameDescription:
Lark is getting some new and well-deserved attention as a post-Robin and Raven bird name. Although it was first recorded as a name in the 1830's, it has never appeared on the Social Security list.
- Larkin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"rough, fierce"Description:
While Larkin takes this name from bird to surname, there are actually more female Larkins these days than male, and it's a name that works as well for either gender. It has the literary connection to poet Philip Larkin too.
- Liesel
Origin:
German diminutive of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Sweet but sleek, and distinctive, Liesel is an old German nickname-name for Elisabeth. It might have once seemed inextricably tied to to its country of origin, but now, like Elsa, Enzo, Saoirse, Freya, Soren, and Heidi, it leans more towards being international and European chic.