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21st Century Names for Girls

  1. Evolet

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      This name coined for a character in the movie 10,000 BC, feels right on trend right now, given the popularity of Evie, Eva, Evelyn etc. In the movie, the name’s meaning is given as "the promise of life", but some creative parents have used the alternative spelling Evoleht — "the love" spelt backwards. Other spelling variants that have appeared on the SSA list include Evolette, Evalette, Evalet and Evoleth.
  2. Lleyton

    • Origin:

      Variation of Leighton, English

    • Meaning:

      "meadow settlement"

    • Description:

      Lleyton is the novel spelling publicized by Australian tennis star Lleyton Hewitt. Other double 'L's are found in such Welsh names as Lloyd and Llewellyn. More popular forms of the name include Layton and Leyton.
  3. Chrysanthemum

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "gold flower"

    • Description:

      One of the rarest of the flower names, that of the blossom celebrated in Japan as a symbol of the sun and a possible object of meditation. One of the rare flower names counted among names for autumn babies, Chrysanthemum is also one of the most unusual nature-themed girl names starting with C.
  4. Bexley

    • Origin:

      English place-name

    • Description:

      The name of an affluent suburb of Columbus, Ohio and a section of Greater London, Bexley is increasingly being coopted by parents looking for a novel name in the Kinsley/AInsley/Paisley family. Bexley debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2016 and is definitely one of the trendiest girl names starting with B. Think of it as a 21st century Becky.
  5. Gentry

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "aristocracy"

    • Description:

      Gentry is a word name that's gaining ground for girls as a kind of updated Jennifer, especially in the Jentry (or Jentri or Jentree) spelling.
  6. Windsor

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "riverbank with a winch"

    • Description:

      Windsor may have male references, such as Britain's royal House of Windsor and a tie's windsor knot, but this name also has a definite feminine feel, as in Windsor Rose. That seems appropriate, as Windsor is used equally these days for boys and girls. Nicknames might include Win, Wind, Windy, and Winnie.
  7. Halcyon

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "kingfisher bird"

    • Description:

      This highly unusual name -- the Halycyone was a mythic bird who could calm the seas -- conjures up images of utter peace and tranquility because of the phrase "Halycon days"...and the sleeping pill.
  8. Lorne

    • Description:

      Lorne is a name of Scottish origin derived from the region of Lorne in Argyll, Scotland. While traditionally used as a masculine name, it has crossed over to become a unisex option, though remains less common for females. The name evokes the scenic landscapes of its geographical roots. For girls, Lorne carries a gentle yet distinctive quality, offering an uncommon alternative to more popular feminine names. Its usage for females peaked in the mid-20th century but has remained relatively rare. The name sometimes appears as a variant spelling of Lauren or Laura, though it maintains its own unique heritage and character.
  9. Edda

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "poetry"

    • Description:

      This Old Norse girl name has a lovely meaning and a familiar yet distinctive sound.
  10. Winsome

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "agreeable, lighthearted"

    • Description:

      A sweet, modern descriptive name, with a wholesome and winning feel, Winsome means "appealing, fresh, simple, innocent" or "cheerful and lighthearted." Some may find it a little too cutesy, but with Dolly, Birdie, Sunny, and Blessing on the rise, it could fit right in. Nicknames Winnie and Winn are an added bonus.
  11. Anneli

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Annalie or Hannah

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Anneli is one of the hundreds of Anne variations with an intriguing spelling. This name has been popular throughout Scandinavia over time and would certainly translate easily to English-speaking countries.
  12. Easton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "eastern town"

    • Description:

      Easton is a stylish Waspy-sounding surname that's climbing up the popularity charts. TV actress Elisabeth Rohm named her daughter Easton August Anthony, which seemed like a real gender bender, and now Rachel Leigh Cook has made it the middle name of her baby Charlotte. Note that Easton is now in the Top 100 for boys--for whom directional names are a real trend-- but we won't be surprised to see more and more little lady Eastons arriving.
  13. Berkeley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "where birches grow"

    • Description:

      Despite the strong association with the University of California, Berkeley, the more common version of this name omits the second E, Berkley.
  14. Ayelet

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "deer, gazelle"

    • Description:

      Ayelet is an unusual -- and somewhat challenging -- Israeli name familiar thanks to sometimes controversial Jerusalem-born novelist-essayist Ayelet Waldman.
  15. Abra

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Abraham, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "father of multitudes"

    • Description:

      Abra is soft, sensitive feminine form of Abraham that was the name of a soft, sensitive character in the John Steinbeck book and movie, "East of Eden." In the bible, Abra was a favorite of King Solomon and it was a popular name in seventeenth century England. Abra is also a West African name used for girls born on Tuesday. The magical 'abracadabra' is thought to have originated in the Aramaic language.
  16. Crescent

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "increasing, growing"

    • Description:

      Crescent is an intriguing word name with a pretty sound and links to the moon. Cressie could make for a cute nickname, as used in the Worst Witch children's TV series, short for Crescentmoon.
  17. Lore

    • Description:

      Lore is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In German tradition, it's a shortened form of Eleanor or Lorelei, while in Spanish it can be a diminutive of Dolores. The name literally means 'knowledge' or 'wisdom' in Latin, giving it an intellectual connotation. In folklore contexts, 'lore' refers to traditional knowledge and stories passed through generations. This gives the name a mystical, storytelling quality. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Lore has a simple elegance and cross-cultural appeal. Its brevity makes it distinct while remaining easy to pronounce across language boundaries. The name's connection to wisdom and cultural traditions makes it appealing for parents seeking a name with depth and subtle sophistication.

  18. Forsythia

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from English surname

    • Meaning:

      "Forsyth's flower"

    • Description:

      This yellow harbinger spring bloom was named for Scottish botanist William Forsyth, and is even more unusual than such species as Acacia and Azalea.
  19. Cameo

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      This evocative term for a stone or shell carved in relief could make a striking first name for a girl, though she would have a starring role in her story, rather than a cameo.
  20. Cilla

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Priscilla

    • Meaning:

      "ancient"

    • Description:

      Takes the priss out of Priscilla.