favourite girls names.
- Katya
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of Ekatarina, Russian variation of KatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
One of the warm and earthy Russian nickname names now coming into style. Denzel Washington gave his daughter the Katia spelling.
- Kimber
Origin:
Diminutive of KimberleyDescription:
This diminutive of Kimberley is gaining momentum as a standalone name. For our part, we're stumped by its rise.
- Maxima
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of MaximusDescription:
Max names were one of the hottest trends for boys in the mid-2010s, and are still very popular. The girl versions haven't seen so much love, unfortunately. (Or fortunately, if you love them and want them to stay rare!) Maxima got some attention in 2015 when Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan used it for their daughter, but few parents have copied them.
- Sakura
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"cherry blossom"Description:
Lovely Japanese name that would certainly be appreciated in Europe and the U.S. It was rarely used in Japan until the 1990s, and draws its current popularity from the fact that it is deeply connected to Japanese traditional culture without sounding frumpy and old-fashioned.
- Lynnea
Description:
Lynnea is a feminine name with Scandinavian and English influences. It can be considered a variant of Linnea, which derives from the name of the twinflower plant (Linnaea borealis), named after the famous Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus. The name carries connotations of natural beauty, delicacy, and botanical elegance. In Swedish tradition, the Linnea flower represents modesty and constancy. The spelling variation with 'y' instead of 'i' gives the name an Anglicized touch while maintaining its Nordic charm. Though not widely common, Lynnea has maintained steady if modest usage, particularly in Scandinavian-American communities. It also appeals to parents seeking nature-inspired names with a soft, melodic quality and a balance between familiarity and uniqueness.
- Rosine
Origin:
Diminutive of Rose, LatinMeaning:
"rose, a flower"Description:
Rosine can be thought of as a short form of the classic flower name Rose. It's similar to the Irish Róisín, though that is pronounced roh-sheen.
- Lucerne
Origin:
Swiss place-name or LatinMeaning:
"lamp"Description:
Projects the calm and pristine image of the picturesque Swiss lake and mountain town.
- Bethan
Origin:
Welsh diminutive of Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Very popular in Wales, this perfectly nice name's only problem is its similarity to the dated Beth Ann. But if you're looking to honor an ancestral Elizabeth with a distinctive rare choice, Bethan might be on your short list.
- Aspyn
Origin:
Variation of Aspen, tree name and place nameDescription:
Divorces Aspen from its nature and ski resort associations. Aspyn first broke into the Top 1000 in 2020.
- Pip
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"lover of horses"Description:
Cute-as-a-button nickname traditionally derived from Philip or Philippa – but could work for Piper, Juniper or Penelope as well.
- Lyndsey
Description:
See LINDSEY.
- Tamsyn
Origin:
English, CornishMeaning:
"twin"Description:
Alternative Cornish spelling of Tamsin, which derives from Thomasin or Thomasina.
- Tasmin
Description:
Tasmin is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Tamsin, which itself originated as a medieval diminutive of Thomasina, the feminine form of Thomas. With roots in Aramaic meaning "twin," the name carries an ancient heritage while maintaining a contemporary sound. This particular spelling variation gives the name a slightly more exotic feel compared to the traditional Tamsin. Popular in the United Kingdom, particularly in Cornwall where it has historical usage, Tasmin remains relatively uncommon in the United States. The name has a crisp, modern quality despite its historical origins, making it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. Tasmin blends brevity with a melodic quality, offering a name that feels both complete and refreshingly uncommon.
- Sweeney
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"the little hero"Description:
Friendly-sounding name with big "Sweeney Todd" downside.
- Odyssa
Description:
Odyssa is a feminine name inspired by Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey.' It's a feminine variation of Odysseus, the legendary Greek hero known for his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The name carries connotations of adventure, perseverance, and wisdom—qualities embodied by its mythological inspiration. Quite rare in usage, Odyssa appeals to parents with an appreciation for classical literature and mythology who desire a distinctive name with historical depth. The name has never ranked in popular name charts but occasionally appears as parents seek increasingly unique options with cultural significance. Its melodic sound and powerful literary association give Odyssa a combination of femininity and strength that some find appealing.
- Aislinn
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dream"Description:
Old Irish name that's taken off in its Anglicized forms, mainly Ashlyn or Ashlynn. Nonetheless, this more traditional version debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2015.
- Noortje
Origin:
Dutch variation of EleanoraDescription:
This Dutch version of Eleanora, related also to the other Dutch name Noor, is one of the more common girls' names in the Netherlands.
- Selda
Description:
Selda is a feminine name with Turkish origins, derived from the elements 'sel' meaning 'flood' or 'stream'. In Turkish culture, the name carries connotations of flowing beauty and natural grace. While primarily used in Turkey and among Turkish diaspora communities, Selda has gained some recognition internationally through notable figures like Turkish folk singer Selda Bağcan. The name remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality for those who bear it. Its melodic sound and meaningful etymology make it appealing to parents seeking a name with both cultural significance and aesthetic appeal.