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Modern Girl Names with a Y twist

courtneylynn4
By courtneylynn4
Updated Mon May 22 2023
  1. Evelyn

    • Origin:

      English from French and German

    • Meaning:

      "desired; or water, island"

    • Description:

      After decades of disuse, soft and feminine Evelyn has returned to the baby name stage in a huge way. It reached the Top 10 for the first time in 2017. Evelyn has now surpassed its former heights, joining a legion of contemporary little Evas, Avas, Eves, Evies, and Evelines.
  2. Kathryn

    • Origin:

      English variation of Katherine, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      Although the Kathryn spelling feels like a modern streamlining of this ancient royal and saints' name, it is in fact found back through history. At least one of Henry the Eighth's unfortunately wives sometimes spelled her name as Kathryn.
  3. Cheryl

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name, variation of Cherie, French

    • Meaning:

      "darling"

    • Description:

      As frozen in the pre-Beatles era as short white gloves.
  4. Camryn

    • Origin:

      English variation of Cameron, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "crooked nose"

    • Description:

      This Cameron variation was popularized by actress Camryn Manheim and the character inTwitches of the same name. It also makes it more obviously feminine, which might appeal to some parents, considering the classic Cameron is a Top 100 choice for boys in the US.
  5. Ashlyn

    • Origin:

      Variation of Aislinn, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "dream"

    • Description:

      Though it relates to the Irish original, Ashlyn and its next most popular form, Ashlynn, owe more of their popularity as baby names in the US to the megastar Ashley, though all three have been dropping on the charts lately.
  6. Bryn

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "hill"

    • Description:

      Bryn is an up-and-coming gentle, yet substantial, Welsh name that would also be effective in the middle spot. In Wales it's a traditional boys' name, but it's far more popular for girls now in the US.
  7. Eryn

    • Description:

      Eryn is a feminine name of Welsh origin, serving as a modern variant of Erin. While Erin derives from 'Éirinn,' the dative form of 'Éire' (the Irish Gaelic name for Ireland), Eryn represents a contemporary spelling adaptation. The name carries associations with Ireland's lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage despite its altered spelling. Eryn gained modest popularity in English-speaking countries during the 1980s and 1990s, appealing to parents seeking Celtic-inspired names with straightforward pronunciation but distinctive spelling. The name conveys a sense of natural beauty and Celtic heritage while maintaining a modern feel. Though less common than its traditional counterpart Erin, Eryn continues to be chosen by parents drawn to its subtle uniqueness and pleasant sound.
  8. Meryl

    • Origin:

      Variation of Muriel via Meriel, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "of the bright sea"

    • Description:

      Meryl is a name that's at once rare and famous, thanks to Meryl (born Mary Louise) Streep. Streep's name is an invented short form of Mary Louise, but Meryl might also be a contraction of the unique Irish name Meriel.
  9. Caitlyn

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Caitlin

    • Description:

      Caitlyn is following all variations on the Irish classic Caitlin down the US baby name charts, following decades of popular usage. The original Anglicized form Kathleen is now starting to feel fresher than these more modern forms.
  10. Devyn

    • Origin:

      English variation of Devin, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "poet"

    • Description:

      A more feminine version of Devin.
  11. Lauryn

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Lauren

    • Description:

      Given a new shot of style by singer Lauryn Hill, this spelling of the name has fallen quite a bit in popularity since its peak of 167 in 1996.
  12. Londyn

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of London, place name

    • Description:

      Londyn is now a more popular name than the original London for girls. Some parents feel that varying the spelling nudges the name away from over-identification with the British capitol. Substituting a y for another vowel is also seen by some as more feminine. For boys, London is five times as popular as Londyn -- though both variations are far more popular for girls.
  13. Ashtyn

    • Origin:

      English, variation of Ashton

    • Meaning:

      "ash trees place"

    • Description:

      As Ashley becomes one of today's "mom names" thanks to its popularity amongst millennial-borns, Ashton is a fresh alternative. This particular spelling is nearly completely equally split between girls and boys in 2024.
  14. Tristyn

    • Description:

      Tristyn is a modern unisex name that appears more frequently for girls, representing a contemporary spelling variant of Tristan or Tristen. The name derives from Celtic legend, particularly the tragic hero of the Arthurian tale 'Tristan and Isolde.' The 'y' spelling gives the name a more distinctive, modern appearance while maintaining the romantic, melancholic associations of its origin. Tristyn gained modest popularity in the United States beginning in the 1990s, peaking in the early 2000s as part of the trend toward Celtic-inspired names and creative spellings. The name carries connotations of passionate romance and deep emotion, reflecting its legendary origins while its modern spelling gives it a fresh appeal for contemporary parents.

  15. Camdyn

    • Origin:

      Variation of Camden

    • Meaning:

      "winding valley"

    • Description:

      There are 20 times as many baby boys named Camden as baby girls, but only twice as many boys given the Camdyn spelling as girls, making this version a much more gender-neutral choice.
  16. Addisyn

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Addison

    • Description:

      Addison has been a wildly popular surname name, mostly for girls, for a few decades now, and Addisyn is one of its many spelling variations.
  17. Allisyn

    • Description:

      Allisyn is a feminine name that represents a modern, creative spelling variation of Alison or Allison. These names ultimately derive from the medieval French diminutive of Alice (Alis), which comes from the Germanic name Adalheidis, meaning "noble type." The distinctive 'y' spelling gives Allisyn a contemporary feel while maintaining the name's classic roots. This spelling variation gained some recognition in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as parents sought more unique ways to spell traditional names. While not as common as Allison or Alison, Allisyn offers a slightly more distinctive option that still remains recognizable. The name carries connotations of nobility and strength wrapped in a modern package.
  18. Macyn

    • Description:

      Macyn is a contemporary feminine name that represents a modern spelling variation of Mason, which traditionally was a masculine occupational surname referring to a stoneworker. This feminine adaptation with the "y" spelling has gained some popularity in the early 21st century as part of the trend of repurposing surnames and masculine names for girls. The name carries connotations of strength, craftsmanship, and solidity while the unique spelling adds a feminine touch. Macyn appeals to parents seeking a name that balances traditional strength with modern style. The name fits alongside other popular unisex names like Riley and Avery, offering familiarity in sound but distinctiveness in presentation.

  19. Evyn

    • Description:

      Evyn is a modern feminine variation of Evan, which derives from the Welsh name Iefan, a form of John meaning 'God is gracious.' Though traditionally a masculine name, Evyn has gained popularity as a feminine option for parents seeking a name with a contemporary edge while maintaining traditional roots. The unique spelling with a 'y' gives this name a distinctive touch while preserving the familiar pronunciation. Evyn represents a trend toward gender-neutral naming, offering a strong yet versatile choice for girls. While not among the most common names, its similarity to popular names like Evelyn and Eva has helped it gain recognition in recent decades.
  20. Cathryn

    • Description:

      Cathryn is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Catherine, which traces back to Greek origins, meaning 'pure.' This alternative spelling maintains the classic elegance of the traditional name while offering a slightly more distinctive appearance. Throughout history, the name has maintained steady popularity, though it peaked primarily in the mid-20th century. Cathryn offers the versatility of cute nicknames like Cat, Cathy, or Cate. While less common than Katherine or Catherine, Cathryn appeals to parents seeking a familiar name with a unique twist, combining traditional values with individuality.