B names for girls

Bailey -- a jaunty surname -- was first used for a female TV character in 1978 in the show WKRP in Cincinnaati, then caught on big time. Bailey's still an appealing choice, though, and a celebrity fave. Parents of daughters named Bailey include Scot Baio and Stella McCartney.

Beatrix has a solid history of its own apart from Beatrice, with that final x adding a playful, animated note to the name's imposing history and stately vibe.

One of those casual down-home names last popular in the 1960s.

Belinda, cousin of Linda and Melinda, enjoyed a brief return to the Top 1000 from 2005 through 2013, only to fall off again in 2014. A name that some may consider a modern spin on the midcentury popularity queen Linda is in fact a classic with deep and fascinating roots. In Babylonian mythology Belinda was the goddess of heaven and earth, and the name later was used for the heroine of Alexander Pope's satirical poem The Rape of the Lock.

These days, it's more likely you'd call your daughter the popular Belle or Bella.

Everything ella, from Ella to Bella to Arabella, is red hot right now. Bella is one of the most, well, beautiful girl names starting with B. It carried a hint of a nice Old World grandmotherly veneer, until it became attached to Twilight's Bella Swan.

Belle has nothing but positive associations, from "belle of the ball" to "Southern belle" to the heroine of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. As if this weren't enough good things, Belle is also one of the most familiar and usable names that mean beautiful. Though it has been overshadowed by the Twilight-influenced Bella and longer forms like Isabella and Annabella, Belle has its own Southern charm and would make a pretty choice as a first or middle name.

After a century of association with horses and cows, this name just could be ready for revival by a fearless baby namer -- after all, it did happen to Jessie and Becky.

The sweetest and most sensitive of the pet names for Elizabeth, now also one of the most dated.

Bethany is a lyrical name that still strikes many parents as a fresher, more substantial substitute for the overused Brittany/Brittney or the more antiquated Beth.

In the USA, Blair is gaining momentum, rising quickly for the last 10 years and likely to continue to climb. In England and Wales, where Blair has political connotations – calling to mind former prime minister Tony Blair – it is much less common, although it is in use for boys in its native Scotland.

Like Benita, had some popularity in the fifties.

Bonnie is an adorable nickname name, heading back up the popularity list after a 50-year nap. A Top 100 girls' name throughout the rest of the English-speaking world, Americans are later to jump on the Bonnie bandwagon but now it's trending here too.

Eastern European girl name related to the Slavic word Bóg, meaning "God."

Bre is a short, sweet feminine name that can function as both a standalone name and a diminutive for longer names such as Breanna, Brielle, Aubrey, or Gabrielle. With its concise single syllable, Bre embodies minimalist naming trends that favor brevity and simplicity. The name has a contemporary feel but doesn't sound invented or trendy. Its pronunciation is intuitive across multiple languages and cultures, making it globally accessible. Though not among the most common names, Bre has seen modest usage in English-speaking countries since the late 20th century. The name carries a youthful energy and friendly approachability that can transition well from childhood to adulthood. Its shortness gives it versatility while its sound offers a gentle feminine quality.

First the heroine of Sir Walter Scott's 1822 novel The Pirate, then a glamorous 1940s debutante, then the troubled twin on Beverly Hills 90210, and now fading in favor of more modern Brenna, Briana, and Bryn. Much more likely to be worn by a mother or grandmother these days. The song "Brenda's Got a Baby" was late rap megastar Tupac's debut single.

Bri is a feminine name that originated primarily as a diminutive of longer names like Brianna, Brielle, Sabrina, or Gabrielle. This short, bright name has gained popularity as a standalone option since the early 2000s, reflecting the modern trend toward brief, unfussy names. Bri has a contemporary feel with its single syllable and straightforward pronunciation, yet it carries the warmth and familiarity of more traditional names. Its simplicity makes it versatile across various cultures and languages. While still more common as a nickname, Bri has established itself as a legitimate given name that conveys a sense of friendliness and approachability while maintaining a touch of spirited independence.

Bridget is the Anglicized form of Brigid, an Irish-Gaelic name that was derived from the word brígh, which means "strength."

Brigette is a feminine name representing a French-influenced variant of Bridget, which derives from the Irish name Brighid, meaning 'exalted one' or 'strength.' The original Brighid was an important Celtic goddess associated with poetry, healing, and craftsmanship, later syncretized with Saint Brigid of Kildare. This particular spelling with 'g' instead of 'd' and the French-style '-ette' ending gives the name a sophisticated, continental flair while maintaining its Celtic heritage. Brigette enjoyed modest popularity in the mid-20th century but remains less common than the traditional Bridget or Brigid forms. The name carries associations of strength, creativity, and elegance, making it appeal to parents seeking a name with historical depth, feminine charm, and a slightly distinctive spelling.