Female Character List- Names and Inspiration
- Alessia
Origin:
Italian variation of AlexisMeaning:
"defending warrior"Description:
Young Canadian pop singer Alessia Cara has given this spicy-sounding name a new lease on life, propelling it into the Top 1000 in 2016. It was one of the fastest rising girl names of the year in 2016, then again in 2023. As a form of Alexander, Alessia could make a wonderful honor for any of Alexander's variants—Alexandra, Alexis—or as an alternative to Alexa, now best known as Amazon's AI voice.
- Avalyn
Origin:
Variation of Aveline or Avalon, combination of Ava and LynMeaning:
"desired; island of apples; life, water or bird + lake or beautiful"Description:
Part Ava, part Evelyn, this name made its first appearance in the US Top 1000 in 2013 when it was one of the fastest-rising names of the year. Joining Gracelyn, Raelynn, and Emmalyn in the charts, Avalyn followed the same pattern of smooshing together a popular name with the suffix -lynn.
- Blaire
Origin:
Spelling variation of Blair, ScottishMeaning:
"dweller on the plain"Description:
Blair with a little something extra, which some parents may feel feminizes the name. The Blaire spelling was given to a surprising number of baby girls, with about a third of baby girls with the name given this spelling. The final e also is reminiscent of Claire.
- Brinsley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from Brinsley"Description:
The 'ley' ending makes this British surname name ripe for consideration as a feminine girls' name. Brinsley joins such sisters as Kinsley and Tinsley.
- Cadee
Description:
Cadee is a feminine name that emerged as a modern variant spelling of Cady, Kady, or Katie. It may derive ultimately from forms of Katherine (meaning 'pure') or possibly from the Irish/Gaelic surname Cady. This contemporary spelling began gaining modest usage in the United States during the 1990s and 2000s, when unique spellings of familiar names became increasingly popular. The double 'e' ending creates a distinctive look while maintaining the familiar sound. Cadee has remained relatively uncommon, appealing to parents seeking something recognizable yet individual. The name's short, upbeat sound gives it a modern, energetic quality. While some may view it as a creative innovation, others might appreciate how it combines fresh styling with phonetic familiarity.
- Cassia
Origin:
Feminine form of Cassius or GreekMeaning:
"cinnamon"Description:
Cassia is related to the cassia tree, which has yellow flowers and produces a spice that can be a substitute for cinnamon. Keziah, the name of Job’s daughter in the Old Testament, derives from the name of the plant as well. Cassia also has ties to the Ancient Roman name Cassius, an Ancient Roman family name meaning "hollow."
- Clementine
Origin:
French feminine version of Clement, LatinMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
Clementine is a Nameberry favorite that broke back into the US Top 1000 in 2014 after more than half a century off the list.
- Cori
Description:
Cori is a versatile name used for both girls and boys, though more commonly feminine. It emerged as a shortened form of names like Corinne, Corinna, or Cora for girls, and Cornelius or Corwin for boys. These roots trace back to Greek origins, with meanings relating to 'maiden' or possibly 'heart.' Cori gained modest popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, reflecting the trend toward shorter, gender-flexible names. The spelling variation Kori is also common. The name's brevity and friendly sound make it approachable while maintaining a hint of spunk and individuality. In recent decades, Cori has been overshadowed by other short names but maintains steady usage. It appeals to parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name with a friendly, unpretentious quality.
- Corin
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"spear"Description:
Corin is a Shakespearean male name that could easily be adapted for a girl, making a strong update for Corinne or Karen.
- Corinna
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"maiden"Description:
Delicate and gentle old-fashioned name, the kind found in early English poetry. While Corinna and the original Green Korinna are technically diminutives of the ancient Kore, now the popular Cora, this name will often be mistaken for other similar-sounding though unrelated names, such as Karenna. But it's pretty and is backed by more tradition than you'd guess.
- Dahlia
Origin:
Flower name, from Swedish surnameMeaning:
"Dahl's flower"Description:
One of the flower names, used occasionally in Britain (where it's pronounced DAY-lee-a). It seems to have recovered from what was perceived as a slightly affected la-di-dah air. The flower was named in honor of the pioneering Swedish botanist Andreas Dahl, which means dale.
- Estella
Origin:
Latinate form of EstelleMeaning:
"star"Description:
Estella is a pretty Latin name that's sounding more and more stylish, remembered as the ward of Miss Haversham in Dickens's Great Expectations. Though Estella ranked as high as Number 110 in the 1880s, it now sits near the bottom of the US Top 1000 along with near-twin Estelle. Either would be well worth considering as an alternative to the popular Stella.
- Finn
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"white, fair"Description:
The most enduringly popular hero of Irish myth was Finn McCool, whose name is one of the coolest ever. When used for the female protagonist of How to Make an American Quilt, Finn established its hipness for girls as well.
- Finola
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"white shoulders"Description:
Finola, the readily accessible version of some of the more problematic Gaelic versions of the name, would make a welcome addition to the stockpot of Irish girls' names.
- Gipsee
Description:
Gipsee is an extremely rare feminine name with uncertain origins. It appears to be a variant spelling of 'Gypsy,' a term historically used to refer to the Romani people. As a given name, it likely emerged in the 20th century when unconventional spellings became more popular. The name carries associations with a free-spirited, nomadic lifestyle and might reflect parents' desire for their daughter to embody independence and an untethered spirit. However, it's important to note that using 'Gypsy' or variants like 'Gipsee' as a name has become increasingly controversial due to its connection to ethnic stereotypes. The name remains exceptionally uncommon in official records, with very few documented instances in the United States or elsewhere.
- Harbor
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
We've seen Haven take off as a nouveau girls' name; Harbor could follow in its wake.
- Indie
Origin:
Short form of India, Indigo etcDescription:
Indie is an independent-sounding nickname name that is in the Top 100 in Wales. As a diminutive, it's growing in popularity -- along with indie films, indie publishing -- and the reason some parents are choosing names like India and Indigo. The Indie version seems more feminine, while Indy as in Indiana Jones tends toward the boyish.
- Inoa
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"name chant"Description:
Inoa is an evocative choice from the South Seas.
- Isadora
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"gift of Isis"Description:
For a long time, Isadora has been overlooked in favor of Isabella, owing perhaps to its association with the tragic modern dancer, Isadora Duncan, or because parents would rather their daughter be a Bella than a Dora. Now, with Theodora back in the charts and vintage names in vogue, Isadora has been slowly gaining more attention over the last decade.
- Ivy
Origin:
Botanical nameDescription:
The quirky, offbeat and energetic botanical name Ivy is enjoying a deserved revival, propelled even higher by its choice by high-profile parents Beyonce and Jay-Z for daughter Blue Ivy. Ivy is also traditionally used at Christmas, make this one of the perfect names for December babies.