Lovely Ladies

Ideal girl names. I noted my opinions on potential nicknames as well as if I would personally use it as a middle name.
  1. Adelaide
    • Origin:

      Variant of Adelheidis, German
    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"
    • Description:

      Adelaide is now heading straight uphill on the coattails of such newly popular sisters as Ava, Ada, and Audrey, and in the company of Adeline and Amelia. It was chosen by actress Katherine Heigl for the name of her second daughter.
  2. Adeline
    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Adele
    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"
    • Description:

      Adeline has a lovely, old-fashioned "Sweet Adeline" charm, but has become so popular in the US under so many spellings and variations -- with Adalynn and Adalyn also popular -- that considered together it is far more popular than it first seems. Adorable nickname Addie is also pervasive.
  3. Alouette
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "lark"
    • Description:

      Alouette is a sweet Gallic twist in the stylish bird name genre made familiar via the charming French children's song, Alouette, gentile alouette.
  4. Alwyn
    • Origin:

      Welsh river name
    • Description:

      This name of a river in Wales makes a unique option for either gender.
  5. Amadi
    • Origin:

      African
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      Though this is traditionally a male name, it can work for a girl in our culture. Might also be considered a short form of the Italian Amadea.
  6. Anaise
    • Origin:

      Variation of Anais
    • Description:

      Anais, the name forever attached to the daring French-born American novelist and diarist Anais Nin, is unusual and French enough without appending an e, though some may think it clarifies pronunciation.
  7. Annalise
    • Origin:

      German, combination of Anna and Lise
    • Meaning:

      "grace and pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Variously spelled Annalise and Annaliese as well as several other forms, this is not a modern smoosh but a traditional German combo-name with a definite Heidi-esque feel.
  8. Annette
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      Annette is a French diminutive of Ann which was among the first wave of widely-used girls' names from France, now neglected for so long that it's almost starting to feel stylish again.
  9. Anora
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "honor"
    • Description:

      Anora is a phonetic respelling of Honora, a longer form of the virtue name Honor. It also might qualify as a trendy Fast Fashion name, a composition of euphonious syllables without any specific provenance.
  10. Arrie
    • Description:

      Arrie is a feminine name that may function as a diminutive of names beginning with 'Ar-' such as Arabella, Arianna, or Artemis. It also exists as a variant of Ari, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'lion' or Norse roots meaning 'eagle.' Some may see Arrie as a variation of Ariel or Harry. This short, sweet name carries a vintage charm reminiscent of early 20th century nicknames while maintaining modern appeal. Though uncommon, Arrie has seen occasional usage throughout the decades. The name's simplicity and soft sound give it a gentle quality, while its possible connection to powerful meanings like 'lion' or 'eagle' suggests hidden strength beneath its diminutive appearance.
  11. Aspen
    • Origin:

      Nature and place-name
    • Meaning:

      "a poplar tree that quakes in the breeze"
    • Description:

      Aspen is part of two groups of stylish and unique baby names: nature names and place-names. The name of a graceful tree in the poplar family with heart-shaped leaves so delicate they quiver in the gentlest breeze, Aspen is also the name of a trendy Colorado ski resort. Aspen started as a unisex name possibility but now is much more frequently worn by girls.
  12. Claudey
    • Description:

      Claudey is a feminine name that appears to be a variant or diminutive form of Claude or Claudia. These names derive from the Roman family name Claudius, meaning 'lame' or 'limping,' though this etymology has little relevance to its modern usage. The addition of the 'ey' ending softens the traditional Claude, giving it a more explicitly feminine quality while maintaining connections to its classical roots. Claudey is quite rare, not appearing in most popularity charts. It combines the sophistication of its Latin origins with a more playful, contemporary ending. The name might appeal to parents drawn to classic names but wanting something less common than Claudia. Claudey has a gentle, somewhat vintage charm that sets it apart from more widely used feminine names.

  13. Cyder
    • Origin:

      Invented name
    • Description:

      Somehow a "y" got stuck in a glass of apple juice.
  14. Eloise
    • Origin:

      French and English variation of Heloise
    • Meaning:

      "healthy; wide"
    • Description:

      Well balanced between sleek, sweet, strong, and vintage, newly chic Eloise re-entered the US Top 1000 in 2009, following a 50 year absence. In 2022, it broke into the Top 100 in the US and across the pond in the UK. Given to nearly 3000 babies each year, Eloise is showing no sign of stepping out of the spotlight.
  15. Gwendolyn
    • Origin:

      Variation of Gwendolen, Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "white ring"
    • Description:

      One spelling variation that's more popular than the original, this somewhat old-fashioned name might be in honor of poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first African-American to win a Pulitzer prize for poetry, or may be a way to get to the modern short form Gwen.
  16. Lapis
    • Origin:

      Persian
    • Meaning:

      "azure blue stone"
    • Description:

      Out-of-the-ordinary gemstone name derived from lapis lazuli, which is said to enhance awareness and intellect, impart ancient wisdom and cure many ailments, making it an interesting possibility for a blue-eyed girl. Lazuli — or Azure or Blue — are other options.
  17. Leanora
    • Description:

      Leanora is a feminine name that represents a graceful variation of Eleanor or Leonora. It blends the Greek element 'helē' meaning 'light' or 'bright' with 'nor' possibly derived from Latin 'honor.' The name carries an air of vintage elegance and sophistication. Throughout history, Leanora has maintained a subtle presence, never reaching mainstream popularity but appreciated for its melodious sound and classical feel. The name tends to evoke images of dignity and refinement. In recent decades, as parents seek distinctive yet traditional-sounding names, Leanora has occasionally seen modest revivals, particularly appreciated by those drawn to names with historical depth and a lyrical quality.

  18. Liliana
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variations of Lilian
    • Meaning:

      "lily, a flower"
    • Description:

      Frilly and fit for a princess, but with plenty of spark and flair, Liliana holds international appeal and a modern glamor. Joining Lily and Lillian in the US Top 100 for the first time in 2022, Liliana is a fast-rising choice for girls.
  19. Madeline
    • Origin:

      English variation of Magdalen
    • Meaning:

      "high tower or woman from Magdala"
    • Description:

      Madeline, a lovely name with a soft and delicate image, is an old-fashioned favorite that returned to favor in the 1990's, combining a classic pedigree with a cute nickname option: Maddy.
  20. Millicent
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "strong in work"
    • Description:

      Combining the mild and the innocent, this sweet and feminine name is worthy of a comeback, in the mode of Madeline and Cecilia. Its original, also attractive form is Melisende, which came from Germany to France and was borne by a daughter of Charlemagne.