Girl Names
- Alanis
Origin:
Female variation of AlanMeaning:
"handsome, cheerful"Description:
Singer Alanis Morissette made this twist famous. She was named for her father Alan, who is said to have spotted this version in a Greek newspaper. So far it has been pretty much a one-person name, but could make a distinctive update of Alana — especially with s-ending names making a comeback. Alanis is a Top 100 choice in Puerto Rico.
- Annika
Origin:
Swedish diminutive of AnnaMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Annika is a surprise hit of recent years, inspired by golfer Sorenstam; for Trekkies, it was also the name of a 'Star Trek:Voyager' character. Some people's first memory of it might be as Pippi Longstocking's friend. A nice namesake for an ancestral Ann.
- Audine
Description:
Audine is a feminine name of Germanic and French origins, derived from the Old Germanic element 'ald' or 'aud' meaning 'old' or 'wealth.' It can be considered a diminutive or variation of Aude or an elaboration of Audrey. The suffix '-ine' adds a feminine, delicate quality to the root. Historically uncommon, Audine saw brief usage in the early 20th century, particularly in France and French-influenced regions. It carries an antique charm while remaining recognizable in form. The name has never achieved widespread popularity, maintaining its status as a rare and distinctive choice. Audine might appeal to parents seeking a classic-sounding alternative to more common names like Audrey or Nadine. Its sound combines melodious elements with a certain dignified restraint, suggesting both refinement and warmth.
- Avalon
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"island of apples"Description:
Avalon, an island paradise of Celtic myth and Arthurian legend--it was where King Arthur was taken to recover from his wounds-- and also the colorful capital of the California island of Catalina-- makes a heavenly first name. Actress Rena Sofer and British musician Julian Cope used it for their daughters.
- Avra
Description:
Avra is a feminine name with multiple cultural roots. In Hebrew, it relates to Abraham, meaning "father of many," while in Greek it can mean "breeze" or connect to the word "avrio" meaning "tomorrow." This cross-cultural name carries a sense of freshness and possibility with its airy sound and positive associations. Relatively uncommon in most Western countries, Avra offers a distinctive alternative to more popular names like Ava or Eva while maintaining a similar melodic quality. The name's brevity and open vowel sounds give it a contemporary feel despite its ancient origins. Avra projects gentle strength and optimism, making it appealing to parents seeking a name that is both unique and accessible.
- Allegra
- Anica
- Aura
- Beatrix
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"she who brings happiness; blessed"Description:
Beatrix has a solid history of its own apart from Beatrice, with that final x adding a playful, animated note to the name's imposing history and stately vibe.
- Blythe
- Cambry
Description:
Cambry is a modern feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the Welsh place name Cambria (an ancient name for Wales), or it could be a creative variant of Cameron or Kimberly. The name has a contemporary feel with its trendy -bry ending, similar to popular names like Aubrey and Brinley. Cambry began appearing in the United States around the early 2000s, gaining modest recognition as parents sought fresh, distinctive names. It remains uncommon enough to be distinctive while having a familiar, accessible sound pattern. The name has a gentle yet modern quality, with soft consonants balanced by the stronger 'br' sound. Its relative rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name that's still easy to pronounce and spell.
- Cambria
- Damara
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"gentle girl"Description:
This name of an ancient fertility goddess is associated with the month of May and could make a pretty, unusual choice for a springtime baby. Damaris is a similar possibility.
- Eden
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"place of pleasure, delight"Description:
Eden is an attractive, serene name with obvious intimations of Paradise, one of several place names drawn from the Bible by the Puritans in the seventeenth century.
- 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.
- Ellette
Origin:
Compound name, of Elle and EttaMeaning:
"little light; Little girl"Description:
A little like Elliot (or Elliette), Electra, and Etta, Ellette is a zippy but rarely used compound name.
- Elowen
Origin:
CornishMeaning:
"elm"Description:
A beautiful modern Cornish nature name that is rapidly picking up steam in the States: even spawning variant spellings like Elowyn and Elowynn. In its native region, it wasn't widely used as a name before the twentieth century, when the Cornish language was revived. A (currently) unique member of the fashionble El- family of names, it has a pleasant, evocative sound.
- Evella
Origin:
Invented literary nameDescription:
Though it doesn't have historic roots--it was created by L. Frank Baum for a Princess character in his book Ozma of Oz--Evella could fit well into the Eve-Eva-Evelyn group now coming back into favor.
- Evelyn
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"desired; or water, island"Description:
Renowned English author Evelyn Waugh pronounced his name "EEV-lin" (fun fact: his first wife, also named Evelyn, was referred to as "She-velyn"). But "EV-uh-lin" also works, and is probably the most familiar pronunciation of the name today.
- Everly
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"wild boar in woodland clearing"Description:
Evokes 1960s brotherly close harmony. The Red Hot Chili Peppers' Anthony Kiedis named his son Everly Bear, and it is also an explosively popular choice for girls. We predict that all the "Ever" names will be one of the defining trends of the 2010s-20s.