21st Century Names for Girls

Leland
- Description:
  Leland is traditionally a masculine name that has crossed over to occasional feminine usage. With Old English origins, it means 'meadow land' or 'fallow ground.' The name combines 'lea' (meadow) with 'land,' creating a nature-inspired moniker with a gentle, pastoral feeling. As a female name, Leland emerged as part of the trend toward gender-neutral naming in the late 20th century. It offers a distinctive alternative to popular 'L' names like Leah or Lily. Though still predominantly used for boys, Leland for girls provides a strong yet feminine option with a connection to the natural world. The name carries a sophisticated, preppy quality with subtle outdoor associations.
Benna
- Description:
  Benna is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In some contexts, it's considered a variation of Bena, which has African roots meaning "truthful." In others, it may be a diminutive of names like Benedetta or Benedicta, stemming from Latin origins meaning "blessed." The name also appears in Hebrew contexts, where it relates to understanding or wisdom. Benna has a gentle, melodic quality with its soft consonants and ending vowel sound. Though relatively uncommon in most Western countries, the name's simplicity and pleasantly feminine sound make it an appealing choice. The name conveys qualities of truthfulness, wisdom, and blessing, making it both meaningful and charming for a daughter.

Bayly
- Description:
  Bayly is a feminine name with English origins, likely derived from the surname Bailey, which historically referred to a bailiff or someone who lived near a protective wall or bailey of a castle. As a given name, Bayly represents the modern trend of transforming surnames into first names, particularly with the appealing 'ly' ending that connects it to popular girls' names like Emily, Lily, or Hailey. The spelling variation with 'y' instead of the more common 'ey' or 'eigh' gives the name a distinctive touch. Bayly offers a contemporary sound while maintaining connections to English heritage, appealing to parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible.
Anthem
Avedon