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favourite girls names.

  1. Saskia

    • Origin:

      Dutch

    • Meaning:

      "Saxon"

    • Description:

      From the first time we saw the name Saskia attached to a portrait of Rembrandt's wife (her full name was Saakje van Uylenburgh, but she was always called Saskia), we have found it utterly charming and wondered why it hasn't attracted more fans In this country--she's appreciated by the Brits, who have moved her to Number 392. Saskia is one of those names that's been used in Europe since the Middle Ages, but has never crossed the ocean.
  2. Satine

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "smooth, shiny"

    • Description:

      Satine, the name of the Nicole Kidman character in Moulin Rouge,, is, by definition satiny smooth. Jacinda Barrett named her daughter Satine Anais.
  3. Scout

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Meaning:

      "one who gathers information covertly"

    • Description:

      Scout, a character nickname from To Kill a Mockingbird (her real name was Jean Louise), became a real-life possibility when Bruce Willis and Demi Moore used it for their now-grown middle daughter, followed by Tom Berenger a few years later.
  4. 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.
  5. Sian

    • Origin:

      Welsh variation of Jane

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Simple and pretty and user-friendly, the Welsh Sian was used by U2's Dave "the Edge" Evans for his daughter. In Welsh, it is also spelled Siân.
  6. Sinead

    • Origin:

      Irish form of Janet

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      One of the best known of the Irish girls' names, thanks to singer Sinead O'Connor. Though it's still in the Irish Top 100, it's no longer quite as fashionable in Ireland as Aoife or Aisling. But by now everyone in the Western World knows it's pronounced shin-aid and so would have no trouble fitting in on an American playground.
  7. Siobhan

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "god is gracious"

    • Description:

      Siobhan is the Irish variation of Joan, which is derived from the ancient Anglo-Norman name Jehanne. In this way Siobhan is indirectly related to the name Sinead—the Irish form of Jeannette, which also derived from Jehanne—although Sinead is not a nickname for Siobhan. Siobhan was the name of several early Irish queens and was introduced to the American public by the actress Siobhan McKenna.
  8. Skye

    • Origin:

      Scottish place-name

    • Description:

      The e-addition takes the name from slightly hippie-ish nature name to the place name of a picturesque island off the coast of Scotland, and for baby namers it's by far the more popular spelling.
  9. Sloan

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Sloane

    • Description:

      Less popular than the Bueller-inspired Sloane but following on its coattails, this name ranks toward the middle of the Top 1000, but we see both spellings sticking around for years to come.
  10. Soledad

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "solitude"

    • Description:

      This strong Spanish name that refers to the Virgin Mary (Our Lady of Solitude) has been made accessible by broadcaster Soledad O'Brien -- who shows how well it combines with an Anglo surname. Her birth name was Maria de la Soledad Teresa O'Brien.
  11. Soleil

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "sun"

    • Description:

      An attractive French word name known here via former child TV star Soleil Moon Frye, aka Punky Brewster. It started to be lightly used in the U.S. in the 1920s and is now attracting some attention as both a sunny nature and an international word name. It's currently in the Nameberry Top 500.
  12. Solenne

    • Description:

      Solenne is a feminine French name derived from the Latin word 'sollemnis,' meaning 'solemn' or 'ceremonial.' In French culture, it carries connotations of dignity, grace, and reflection. The name has been consistently used in France for generations but remains relatively uncommon elsewhere. Solenne gained some international recognition in the late 20th century as cultural barriers diminished, though it retains its distinctly French character. Those named Solenne are often perceived as thoughtful, dignified, and possessing inner strength. The name's beautiful sound combined with its meaningful etymology makes it an elegant choice for parents seeking something traditional yet distinctive.

  13. Sonja

    • Description:

      Sonja is a feminine name of Slavic origin, representing a Russian and Scandinavian variant of Sophia, which means 'wisdom.' Popular throughout Northern and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Sweden, Norway, Russia, and Germany, Sonja has a rich cultural heritage. The name gained international recognition through figures like Sonja Henie, the Norwegian Olympic figure skating champion. In the United States, the name saw its peak popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, though it has remained a consistent if uncommon choice. Sonja offers a balance of strength and femininity with its soft sound but strong consonants. The name carries an air of sophistication and international flair while remaining straightforward to pronounce across many languages and cultures.

  14. Sophia

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "wisdom"

    • Description:

      Sophia, which was the Number 1 girls' name in the US from 2011 to 2013, is among the top girl names in the Western World, with a sensuous sound and high-minded meaning. A real winner, Sophia reached the top of the charts without losing any—okay, much—of its sophisticated beauty.
  15. Stella

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "star"

    • Description:

      Stella is a name with star quality and sparkle, that manages to sound both ethereal and earthy. Celestial but not otherworldly, it lands somewhere between the popular Ella and bold Seraphina.
  16. Stevie

    • Origin:

      Short form of Stephanie, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "garland, crown"

    • Description:

      Stevie survives as a short form of Stephanie thanks to the immortal Ms. Nicks. After a little more than a decade out of the limelight, she rejoined the US Top 1000 in 2014. It is now leading the trend of boyish nicknames for girls - standing alongside picks like Charlie and Scottie.
  17. Sundance

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "sun dance"

    • Description:

      Long synonymous with the American outlaw Harry Longabaugh, aka The Sundance Kid, who got his nickname from the town of Sundance, Wyoming, where he was incarcerated as a teenager. The place name Sundance was taken from the sun dance ceremony practiced by local Native American tribes.
  18. Sunniva

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "sun gift"

    • Description:

      Sunniva was an Irish-born saint who fled to Norway, where she hid in an island cave with her followers and eventually died. After miracles were reported on the island, the cave was excavated and Sunniva's intact body was found. Sunniva is the patron saint of Western Norway. Her name would make a fascinating and unusual choice for a modern baby girl, and if her story is a bit grim, you can take refuge in the upbeat nickname Sunny or Sunni.
  19. Sweeney

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "the little hero"

    • Description:

      Friendly-sounding name with big "Sweeney Todd" downside.
  20. Sylvie

    • Origin:

      French variation of Latin Sylvia

    • Meaning:

      "from the forest"

    • Description:

      Although Sylvia seems to be having somewhat of a revival among trendsetting baby namers, we'd still opt for the even gentler and more unusual Sylvie. Despite being dated in its native France (where it was popular during the 1950s and 60s), in English-speaking regions it still feels fresh and international without being unfamiliar and has a cosmopolitan, international air. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2016.