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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. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Cheryl

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name, variation of Cherie, French

    • Meaning:

      "darling"

    • Description:

      As frozen in the pre-Beatles era as short white gloves.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Kailyn

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Kaylin

    • Description:

      Kaylin and all of its forms have made many appearances in the Top 1000 in recent years. Kailyn is also the Turkish goddess of crossroads, kings and queens.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. Devyn

    • Origin:

      English variation of Devin, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "poet"

    • Description:

      A more feminine version of Devin.
  14. Caryn

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Karen, Danish variation of Katherine

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      Modernized spelling not enough to revive Karen.
  15. Jadyn

    • Description:

      For girls, the most popular form of a very popular name. See also Jaidyn, Jaiden, and Jaden.
  16. Morgyn

    • Description:

      Morgyn is a modern feminine variant of the Welsh name Morgan, which traditionally means 'sea-born,' 'sea-circle,' or 'bright sea.' The unique spelling with a 'y' gives the name a contemporary twist while maintaining its Celtic roots. Though historically Morgan was more common for boys, Morgyn has developed as a predominantly feminine choice. The name evokes imagery of the mysterious and powerful ocean, suggesting strength and depth of character. While not among the most popular names, Morgyn has gained some traction among parents seeking names with historical substance but modern appeal. Its gender-neutral qualities also make it attractive to families looking for less traditionally feminine names.

  17. 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.

  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.