Girl Names for Adopted Daughter

Ezra is a biblical favorite for boys that's been making inroads into the girls' Top 1000 recently and continues to rise.

Ezri is one of the cool new unisex names starting with E, except as a Biblical name, it's not so new. Used for both genders in Israel, in the US it's currently running five to one in favor of girls, surprisingly. Its deviation from the better known and more traditional Ezra makes it feel like one of the more truly gender neutral names.

Finlay is a Scottish royal name (it belonged to Macbeth"s father) that was revived by several celebrity parents who did a gender switch when they used it for their daughters. Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn, Daniel Baldwin and Lisa Marie Presley all named their daughters Finley.

Gavrielle is the feminine form of Gabriel, with French influence in its spelling. The name derives from the Hebrew name Gabriel, meaning "God is my strength" or "God's able-bodied one." Gabriel appears as an archangel in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. While Gabriel has been common for boys for centuries, the feminine versions like Gabrielle and Gavrielle emerged later and have been less widely used. The spelling with "v" rather than "b" reflects Hebrew and Russian transliteration influences, creating a unique variation that maintains the name's biblical roots while offering a distinctive quality. Gavrielle has never been common in English-speaking countries but appeals to parents seeking a name with spiritual significance, feminine elegance, and a slightly unconventional spelling that sets it apart from the more frequently used Gabrielle.

Glory sounds fresh and uplifting and a lot more modern than Gloria (which is definitely feeling the stirrings of a revival, though some might still view it as a terminal Old Lady name). Glory, as in "Glory Be" and "Old Glory," has both a religious and a patriotic flavor.

Because of Gwyneth Paltrow, this has almost become a one-person name, but not in the prohibitive there's-only-one-Oprah sense. Also seen as Gwenyth and Gweneth, this mellifluous appellation is definitely becoming more and more appreciated by American parents-- enough to land it on this year's Top 1000.

Gwynna is a feminine name with Welsh origins, related to the Welsh word 'gwyn' meaning 'white,' 'fair,' or 'blessed.' It can be considered a variation of names like Gwen, Gwyneth, or Guinevere. The name carries a Celtic charm and ancient heritage, evoking images of Welsh landscapes and legends. Gwynna remains relatively uncommon, offering distinctiveness while maintaining intuitive pronunciation. The combination of the strong initial 'Gw' sound followed by softer syllables creates a name that balances strength and femininity. Parents might choose Gwynna seeking a name with authentic Celtic roots and a melodic quality, while appreciating its rarity compared to more common Welsh-inspired names like Gwendolyn.

Haven is a recently invented safe-harbor name that appeals to an increasing number of parents who don't want to voyage quite as far as Heaven.

Hollis is a surname-name used quietly for both genders. At last count, it was given to over 200 baby boys and 160 baby girls in the US. Now a Top 1000 name for boys, it could well break into the charts for girls too in the coming years.

Imogen has long been fashionable in England and is gaining favor in the US among stylish parents. Pronounced the British way — the initial i is short as in Kim, as is the final E as in Ken — Imogen is as pretty and classy as it is distinctive.

A name used in the Caribbean, taken from the Rastafarian term that translates best to "positive and powerful." Rastas often greet each other by saying, "Are you feeling Irie today?"

Jacqueline originated as a feminine form of Jacques, the French variation of James, and therefore Jacob. Jacob was ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Ya’aqov, and gets its meaning, "supplanter" from the story of Jacob supplanting his brother Esau as the first-born son in the Bible. Jacqueline was first used in France in the Middle Ages.

Long used in Spanish-speaking countries, this strong but feminine name was jump-started here by the rise of actress Jada Pinkett Smith. The Italian Giada is a popular variation. In the Bible, the name Jada was borne by a man and has a different root and meaning: It's Hebrew and means "he knows".

As a precious stone, Jade is known for its cool green hues, its importance in Chinese art, and its ability to transmit wisdom, confidence, and clarity. As a name however, Jade is a 90’s throwback in the UK, a Number 1 choice in France, and a returning gem in the US right now.

From obscure male biblical boy's name to unisex favorite, Jadon/Jaden, in all its variations, has had a meteoric rise in popularity, building on Jade and Jada, plus the trendy en ending.

A current creation used far more for boys at this point.

Jedidiah, an Old Testament name with a touch of Gunsmoke-era western panache, is right in line to be revived along with the other biblical -iah names.

Jeremiah is a solid Old Testament prophet name that has gradually taken the place of the now dated Jeremy, Gerard and Gerald, joining other currently popular biblical 'iah' names like Josiah and Isaiah. In the Bible Jeremiah is a famous prophet whose story is recorded in the book named after him.