Classy and Edgy Baby Girl Names

This list is a combination of classic, timeless girl names and unique, edgy girl names. One of my favorite things is to combine a classic first name with a unique middle name, and vice versa. (I also try to sneak the names of my three sisters in there somewhere!)
  1. Avery
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "ruler of the elves"
    • Description:

      Avery is a hugely popular name in the US, especially for girls. But while nearly four times as many girls as boys are named Avery today Avery's popularity is starting to soften for girls while it continues to strengthen for boys.
  2. Caroline
    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Charles
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      Caroline is a perennial classic, one of the elite group of girls' names that's ALWAYS ranked among the Top 1000 and that's been in the Top 100 since 1994. Elegant yet strong, Caroline calls to mind the Kennedy Camelot years and Princess Caroline of Monaco.
  3. Charlotte
    • Origin:

      French, feminine diminutive of Charles
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      Charlotte, the name of the young Princess of Cambridge, is the latest classic name to join Sophia, Emma, Olivia, and Isabella at the top of the popularity list. It is now among the most popular girl names in many English-speaking and European countries.
  4. Ellery
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "island with elder trees; descendant of Hilary; cheerful, happy"
    • Description:

      In the past few years Ellery has gone from middle-aged male detective -- from old school fictional hero Ellery Queen -- to a plausible girls' name, a la Hillary.
  5. Emery
    • Origin:

      English from German
    • Meaning:

      "industrious"
    • Description:

      The superpopularity of Emily and Emma has recently boosted the unisex Emery, especially since it became a celebrity baby name when it was chosen by Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn.
  6. Genevieve
    • Origin:

      English from French
    • Meaning:

      "tribe woman"
    • Description:

      Genevieve is derived from the Germanic medieval name Genovefa, or Kenowefa, which consists of the elements kuni, meaning "kin", and wefa, meaning "woman." The medieval saint Genevieve, patroness of Paris, defended the city against Attila the Hun through her rational thinking, courage and prayer.
  7. Gwendelynn
    • Description:

      Gwendelynn is an elaborated feminine variant of Gwendolyn, which derives from the Welsh name Gwendolen, composed of elements meaning "white, fair, blessed" and "bow, ring." This elegant name combines the classic charm of Gwendolyn with a more distinctive spelling, creating a unique yet recognizable identity. While less common than traditional forms like Gwendolyn or Gwendoline, Gwendelynn offers the familiar nicknames Gwen, Wendy, or Lynn. The name carries associations with purity, beauty, and nobility from its Welsh origins. Though relatively rare in contemporary usage, Gwendelynn appeals to parents seeking a name with historical roots but a slightly more modern presentation.

  8. Margaret
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "pearl"
    • Description:

      Margaret is derived from the French Marguerite, which in turn came from Margarita, the Latin form of the Greek Margarites. Margarites was based on the Old Persian word margārīta, meaning "pearl."
  9. Mattea
    • Origin:

      Italian, from Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      This pretty, international feminization of Matthew was chosen by Mira Sorvino for her daughter, Mattea Angel. As the Spanish Mateo and the Italian Matteo become more popular for baby boys throughout Europe, the English-speaking world, and the Americas, Mattea is sure to get wider recognition. And as Theo and Thea have become fashionable names, Teo and Tea are rising too.
  10. Malia
    • Quinne
      • Description:

        Quinne is a feminine variation of Quinn, which originated as an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic 'Ó Cuinn,' meaning 'descendant of Conn.' The name Conn translates to 'wisdom' or 'chief.' Quinne offers a more distinctly feminine spelling of the traditionally unisex Quinn, adding the final 'e' to soften the name. While less common than Quinn, Quinne has gained modest attention from parents seeking unique names with Celtic roots. The name carries a contemporary feel while maintaining connection to its Irish heritage. Quinne combines strength and elegance, appealing to parents who appreciate names that balance tradition with modern style. The name remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality while still being recognizable and straightforward to pronounce.