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Girls names that friends would think are cool

  1. Amanda

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "she must be loved"

    • Description:

      Amanda may no longer be the most popular girls' name in her class, but she is still among the prettiest and has a lovely meaning. Amanda was one of the romantic-sounding girls’ names that rocketed to stardom in the eighties, along with Samantha, Vanessa, et al.
  2. Ami

    • Origin:

      Japanese, Sanskrit, or variation of Amy

    • Meaning:

      "second beauty; second ocean; second truth; nectar; beloved"

    • Description:

      A multicultural unisex choice that peaked for girls at the same time as Amy. Ami is also the French word for "friend."
  3. Aziza

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "powerful and beloved"

    • Description:

      Aziza is a zippy palindromic choice that is the female variation of Aziz and is found in several Middle Eastern and African languages and cultures. All in all, an attractive and interesting option; a Turkish variation is Azize. In African mythology, the Azizi are a supernatural race of forest dwellers who give practical and spiritual advice.
  4. Barry

    • Origin:

      Irish "spear"

    • Meaning:

      "spear"

    • Description:

      Out-of-date for a boy, innovative for a girl.
  5. Blythe

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "happy, carefree"

    • Description:

      Blythe is Nameberry gem — one of those names that visitors to the site are often searching for, despite the fact it's never ranked in the US charts as a given name.
  6. Bronwyn

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "white breast"

    • Description:

      One of the loveliest of the Welsh names, striking the perfect balance between being familiar and unusual. In Wales, the female spelling is always Bronwen, but Americans usually see a "y" as adding femininity.
  7. Cora

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "maiden"

    • Description:

      Cora is a lovely, old-fashioned girls' that has been recently rejuvenated by its contemporary-feeling simplicity. In fact, Cora seemed headed straight for the top of the popularity list when the coronavirus pandemic somewhat weakened its appeal.
  8. Coraline

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Coralie and Caroline, English

    • Meaning:

      "coral; man; army"

    • Description:

      Coraline may not be original to Neil Gaiman's wonderful book of the same name, but it might as well be. Gaiman's young heroine Coraline Jones is constantly called Caroline but as a name Coraline is more distinctive and has a more mysterious feel. The 2002 novel Coraline was made into a 2009 animated film voiced by Dakota Fanning and nominated for an Academy Award.
  9. Corry

    • Description:

      Corry is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of names like Corinne, Cora, or Cordelia. It can also be a variant spelling of the name Cory, which derives from the Gaelic 'coire' meaning 'hollow' or possibly from an Old Norse name meaning 'seething pool.' As a feminine name, Corry has maintained modest usage throughout the 20th century, never reaching extreme popularity but retaining a consistent presence. The name carries a friendly, approachable quality while still maintaining a distinctive character. In some cases, Corry may also be used as a surname or place name that was later adopted as a given name, showcasing its versatility across different naming traditions.

  10. Catia
    • Danelle

      • Description:

        Danelle is a feminine name that emerged as a modern variation of Danielle, the feminine form of Daniel, which comes from Hebrew meaning 'God is my judge.' Gaining some recognition in the United States during the mid-20th century, Danelle reached its peak popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. It offers a slight twist on the more common Danielle, providing uniqueness while maintaining familiar pronunciation and origins. The name has a gentle, melodic quality with its soft ending. While never extremely common, Danelle appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds contemporary yet established, with a subtle distinction from more widely used names.
    • Dani

      • Origin:

        Hebrew and Italian, diminutive of Daniella, Danielle, Danita

      • Description:

        Short form occasionally used on its own, with an open and friendly androgynous quality.
    • Dayzi
      • Elexis

        • Origin:

          Greek variation of Alexis

        • Description:

          Rather than confusing things with Elexis, we'd stick with the original Alexis version.
      • Ella

        • Origin:

          German; English

        • Meaning:

          "all, completely; fairy maiden"

        • Description:

          Ella is a sweet, simple name that owes much of its current popularity to the popularity of other names, from Emma to Bella to Emily to Ellie.
      • Emily

        • Origin:

          Feminine variation of Emil, Latin

        • Meaning:

          "rival"

        • Description:

          Emily may have dropped somewhat in the current standings, but it was the most popular girls' name for over a decade because it appeals on many levels: Emily is feminine, classic, simple, pretty, and strong. Emily is Number 1 among Gen Z names. It also has those nice literary namesakes, like Emily Dickinson and Emily Brontë.
      • Emmy

        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Emily and Emma

        • Meaning:

          "work; universal"

        • Description:

          Long a nickname for all the Em-names, as well as an annual award, Emmy is now being given on its own, as are soundalikes Emme and Emmi. Might be too identified with the TV awards--though that doesn't seem to have hurt Oscar or Tony. We think Emmy is a little too cutesey, and is probably best kept as a nickname for something that ages a little better.
      • Elex
        • Elixabeth (Elizabeth)
          • Faith

            • Origin:

              Virtue name

            • Description:

              Faith is one of the most straightforward of the virtue names popularized by the Puritans in the seventeenth century, many parents still choosing it as an indicator of their religious conviction. Faith peaked in 2002 at Number 48.
          • Fay

            • Origin:

              English

            • Meaning:

              "fairy"

            • Description:

              Fay, also spelled Faye, who had been napping quietly since the 1930's, has, like cousins May/Mae and Ray/Rae, sat up and started rubbing her eyes, ready for a mini-comeback, especially as a middle name. In 2014, Faye hopped back onto the US Top 1000, though Fay is used much more quietly as a first name.
          • Free

            • Origin:

              Word name

            • Meaning:

              "free"

            • Description:

              A sixties-style name that might work best as a middle.
          • Freedom

            • Origin:

              English word name

            • Meaning:

              "the quality or state of being free"

            • Description:

              Name that makes a strong philosophical statement -- but might ironically be a lot for a child to carry.
          • Gigi

            • Origin:

              French diminutive

            • Description:

              Joining the likes of Coco and Fifi, Gigi has a style but some may feel it lacks substance. Model and TV personality Gigi Hadid (born Jelena) has likely drawn attention to this name, while designer Cynthia Rowley may have inspired parents to use it as a given name by choosing it for her daughter.
          • Gina

            • Origin:

              Diminutive of Regina, Angelina, Luigina, Georgina, Eugenia, Virginia and similar

            • Description:

              A short form for a whole variety of names, this short form has been used across Europe as a stand-alone since the 1920s. It spiked in popularity in the 1950s, owing to the fame of Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida but faded out of use in the 2000s. A sweet and sparky name akin to Nina and Mina, some parents in English speaking countries may be concerned about teasing potential, though it was still given to around 115 girls in the US in a recent year. Popular in Spain, it is borne by martial artist Gina Carano, and actresses Gina Gershon, Gina Rodriguez, Gina Torres, and Gina McKee.
          • Grace

            • Origin:

              English, virtue name

            • Description:

              Grace, a simple and pure virtue name which originally referred to divine grace, is a fashionable classic. In the early 2000s, it seemed headed for the Top 10 but pulled back from the upward trajectory, which you may consider a very good thing.
          • Gracie

            • Origin:

              English, diminutive of Grace

            • Description:

              Cute Gracie is one of the more recently revived nickname names by parents who chose it over the more formal Grace--or variations like Graziella or Grania. Country singers Faith Hill and Tim McGraw cut straight to the nickname when they called one of their daughters Gracie, and actors Ron Livingston and Rosemarie DeWitt named their newborn daughter Gracie James. Gracie Gold is a popular young figure skater.
          • Hannah

            • Origin:

              Hebrew

            • Meaning:

              "grace"

            • Description:

              Hannah is one of the nation's top biblical girls' names—it surpassed Sarah in 1998, and ranks in the Top 50 along with Elizabeth, Abigail, Chloe, and Naomi. Hannah is a name with many sources of appeal: Old Testament roots, soft and gentle sound, and a homey yet aristocratic image.
          • Holly

            • Origin:

              English nature name

            • Description:

              Holly ranks just in British Top 50, but it's been out of favor here since the 1970s Era of Nickname Names. Still, the name may be on her way back as a rejuvenated nature pick.
          • Haili
            • Hannali
              • Ileen
                • Iris

                  • Origin:

                    Flower name; Greek

                  • Meaning:

                    "rainbow"

                  • Description:

                    Iris has so much going for it. It's a fashionable flower name. It's a mythological name, from the Greek goddess of the rainbow. And it's a classic name, always ranking in the girls' Top 1000 but now at its highest point ever.
                • Isabella

                  • Origin:

                    Spanish and Italian variation of Elizabeth, Hebrew

                  • Meaning:

                    "pledged to God"

                  • Description:

                    Isabella has been a Top 10 name for girls in the US for two decades now. The Latinate form of Isabel, a variation of Elizabeth which originally derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, Isabella reigned as Number 1 in 2009 and 2010.
                • Isabelle

                  • Origin:

                    French variation of Isabel

                  • Meaning:

                    "pledged to God"

                  • Description:

                    Isabelle is the French variation of Isabel, which emerged in the Middle ages as an Occitan form of Elizabeth. Medieval queens Isabella of Angoulême and Isabella of France helped popularize the name in the United Kingdom. Isobel is the Scottish version, Isabella the Italian, and Izabel is used in Brazil.
                • Izzy

                  • Origin:

                    Diminutive of Isabel and Isabella

                  • Description:

                    The longer Isabella stays in the Top 10—and it's been there for more than a decade—the more we hear the nickname Izzy (especially if we watch Grey's Anatomy). it's just a matter of time before it stands on its own, as it has as a first name for the daughter of Eddie Murphy and Paige Butcher.
                • Julia

                  • Origin:

                    Latin

                  • Meaning:

                    "youthful or sky father"

                  • Description:

                    Julia was an ancient Roman imperial name given to females in the house of a Julius, as in Caesar. Its origin is shrouded in history, but possible roots include Latin iuvenis, meaning "youthfu"; Greek ioulos, meaning "downy-bearded"; or Jovis, a form of Jupiter, which means "sky father".
                • Julie

                  • Origin:

                    French from Latin

                  • Meaning:

                    "youthful, sky father"

                  • Description:

                    Wildly popular in the 1960s and '70s, Julie is no longer anywhere near as stylish as the name's longer forms. Try Juliet, Juliana, or even the more grownup Julia.
                • Jamaca
                  • Kacey

                    • Description:

                      Variation of CASEY or combination of initials K. and C. From the time when initial names seemed really neat. K. C.
                  • Karri

                    • Origin:

                      botanical name

                    • Description:

                      Karri is a beautiful Australian native tree famous for its richly-colored strong wood. It's a name that travels well - and one of the few tree names that lends itself more to girls than boys.
                  • Kayli

                    • Description:

                      Kayli is a modern feminine name that emerged in the late 20th century as a variant of Kaylee or Kaley. It combines the popular 'Kay' sound with the trendy '-li' ending that became fashionable in the 1990s and 2000s. The name has English origins and may be considered a creative spelling of Kaylee, which itself derived from the Irish surname Kelly, meaning 'warrior' or 'bright-headed.' Kayli has a youthful, contemporary feel that appeals to parents seeking a familiar-sounding yet slightly uncommon name. While not among the top-ranked girls' names, Kayli maintains steady usage, particularly in North America, and offers a fresh alternative to more common variants like Kaylee, Kaley, or Kailey.

                  • Khloe

                    • Origin:

                      Variation of Chloe

                    • Meaning:

                      "young green shoot"

                    • Description:

                      Khloe's a variation of the popular Chloe, thanks to reality star Karshadian of the K-named family. Khloe jumped a whopping 101 places into 2009's Top 100 and peaked at 42 in 2010 but has declined in popularity in recent years.
                  • Lacey

                    • Origin:

                      English

                    • Meaning:

                      "from Lassy"

                    • Description:

                      A unique combination of a surname feel and dainty femininity. It's currently associated with actress Lacey Chambert.
                  • Lila

                    • Origin:

                      Arabic, Sanskrit

                    • Meaning:

                      "night; play"

                    • Description:

                      Lila is one of the girl names with a double l sound — Lila, Lola, Layla, Leila, Lily et al — that have caught on in a major way., Delicate yet dynamic, Lila has a slightly international flair.
                  • Lilli

                    • Description:

                      Lilli is a charming feminine name with multiple origins. It's primarily considered a diminutive of Elizabeth or Lillian, but also stands as a name in its own right in many European countries, particularly in Scandinavian and Germanic regions. The name evokes imagery of the lily flower, symbolizing purity and innocence. Short yet distinctive, Lilli balances sweetness with sophistication and works well across cultures. While less common than Lily or Lillie in English-speaking countries, it has maintained steady popularity in northern Europe. Its simplicity, floral connection, and international appeal make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name that is both delicate and unfussy.
                  • Lina

                    • Origin:

                      Arabic; Latin diminutive

                    • Meaning:

                      "tender"

                    • Description:

                      This pretty, succinct Arabic name is also commonly used as a nickname for names like Carolina.
                  • Macy

                    • Origin:

                      English surname, variation of Massey

                    • Meaning:

                      "hill"

                    • Description:

                      Singer Macy Gray has popularized this cute and upbeat choice—once solely associated with the department store. A modern replacement for Stacy and Tracy, Macy was most popular in the early 2000s when it nearly made the US Top 100.
                  • Mae

                    • Origin:

                      Diminutive of Mary or Margaret, Hebrew, Latin

                    • Meaning:

                      "beloved, bitter, drop of the sea; pearl"

                    • Description:

                      Mae, a sweet and springlike old-fashioned name, hadn't been on the national charts in forty years, but finally made it back in 2010. Mae is derived from May, the month name that was chosen for its connection to Maia, the Roman goddess of growth and motherhood.
                  • Merina

                    • Description:

                      Merina is a delicate feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Latin, it's related to 'marinus' meaning 'of the sea,' while in Malagasy culture, it refers to the highlands people of Madagascar. The name also appears as a variant of Marina or a diminutive of Mary. With its soft, melodious sound pattern and ending in the feminine 'a,' Merina has a gentle, flowing quality reminiscent of water. Though not widely common in English-speaking countries, it enjoys greater popularity in parts of Eastern Europe and Madagascar. Merina offers a distinctive yet accessible choice for parents seeking a name with international appeal and natural associations, balancing uniqueness with familiarity.
                  • Natalia

                    • Origin:

                      Latin

                    • Meaning:

                      "birthday [of the Lord]"

                    • Description:

                      Natalia was derived from the Latin word natalis, meaning "birthday." It refers to the birthday of Jesus Christ, and thus originated as a name for girls born on Christmas Day. Related forms include the French Natalie, Portuguese Natalina, and Russian diminutive Natasha.
                  • Nina

                    • Origin:

                      Short form of names that end in -nina

                    • Description:

                      Nina is as multiethnic as you can get: Nina is a common nickname name in Spain and Russia, a Babylonian goddess of the oceans, and an Incan goddess of fire. Here and now, it's a stylish possibility that's been underused. "Weird Al" Yankovic chose this decidedly nonweird name for his daughter.
                  • Natali
                    • Olive

                      • Origin:

                        English, from Latin, nature name

                      • Meaning:

                        "olive tree"

                      • Description:

                        Though greatly overshadowed by the trendy Olivia, Olive has a quiet, subtle appeal of its own -- and is now enjoying a remarkable comeback. Olive is one of only four girl names starting with O on the US Top 1000. Cool couple Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen chose it for their daughter, reviving the name to stylishness, and now Drew Barrymore has a little Olive too, as has country singer Jake Owen.
                    • Olivia

                      • Origin:

                        Latin

                      • Meaning:

                        "olive tree"

                      • Description:

                        Olivia, a lovely Shakespearean name with an admirable balance of strength and femininity, is the Number 1 name for baby girls in the US and one of the top girls' names around the world.
                    • Ori

                      • Description:

                        Ori is a delicate feminine name with multicultural roots. In Hebrew, it means "my light" derived from "or" (light), symbolizing enlightenment and hope. In Finnish mythology, Ori refers to a majestic wild mountain reindeer. The name also appears in Japanese as a variant of "Hori," meaning "ditch or canal." As a feminine name, Ori has gained modest popularity in recent years among parents seeking short, meaningful names with cross-cultural appeal. Its simplicity and melodic quality make it versatile across different languages and cultures, while its connections to light and nature give it a spiritual and ethereal quality that resonates with modern naming trends.

                    • Oriana

                      • Origin:

                        Latin

                      • Meaning:

                        "dawn"

                      • Description:

                        Oriana is a dashing medieval name, with a meaning similar to Aurora. At this point, though, Oriana is much more unusual than Aurora and makes a unique choice if you're searching for names that mean new beginnings or dawn.
                    • Paige

                      • Origin:

                        English, occupational name

                      • Meaning:

                        "page to a lord"

                      • Description:

                        Paige is more name, and less word than the occupational Page. Paige is also sleek and sophisticated a la Brooke and Blair and reached as high as Number 47 in 2003, when there was a very popular television show, Trading Spaces, hosted by the energetic Paige Davis.
                    • Penni

                      • Description:

                        Penni is a feminine name that serves as a diminutive form of Penelope. It originated as a variation of Penny, which was traditionally a nickname for Penelope but has become a standalone name in modern usage. The name has English origins and carries the same meaning as Penny - 'weaver' or 'duck' from the Greek original. Penni enjoyed modest popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s, but has since become less common. The variation with an 'i' ending gives the name a slightly more distinctive and playful quality compared to the more standard spelling of Penny. Today, Penni remains a charming, vintage choice that projects friendliness and warmth.
                    • Paily
                      • Qynn
                        • Raina

                          • Origin:

                            Slavic and German variation of Regina

                          • Meaning:

                            "queen"

                          • Description:

                            Strong and solid, with a touch of foreign intrigue, it's the most popular of the rain-related names, with a variety of pronunciations—RAY-na, rah-EE-na, or RY-na. Alternate spellings Reyna and Rayna currently rank higher in the US.
                        • Rose

                          • Origin:

                            Latin

                          • Meaning:

                            "rose, a flower"

                          • Description:

                            Rose is derived from the Latin rosa, which referred to the flower. There is also evidence to suggest it was a Norman variation of the Germanic name Hrodohaidis, meaning "famous type," and also Hros, "horse". In Old English it was translated as Roese and Rohese.
                        • Rosie

                          • Origin:

                            English

                          • Meaning:

                            "rose"

                          • Description:

                            Rosy-cheeked and cheery, Rosie (also spelled Rosy) has been standing on her own for many decades, back to the days of 1943 musical Sweet Rosie O'Grady. She's one of the perky nickname-names that are filling the popularity lists of other English-speaking countries. In the US, she came back to the Top 1000 in 2013, after a 30 year hiatus. In 2023, Rosie was one of the fastest rising girl names.
                        • Sera

                          • Origin:

                            Hebrew, variation of Sarah

                          • Meaning:

                            "princess"

                          • Description:

                            Sera is a truly international variation heard in Hebrew-speaking, Spanish and Italian cultures. Sera can also spelled Serah. Sera might also be a short form of Seraphina.
                        • Stef

                          • Description:

                            Stef is a diminutive form of Stephanie or Stefan, depending on usage, though it's more commonly associated with the feminine name Stephanie. As a feminine name, it derives from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning "crown" or "garland." Stef offers a modern, concise alternative to the more traditional Stephanie, appealing to parents seeking shorter names with familiar roots. This nickname-as-given-name reflects the contemporary trend toward brevity and informality. Though less common as a standalone name than Stephanie, Stef has maintained a consistent, if modest, presence in English-speaking countries. The name carries a friendly, approachable quality while retaining connections to its more traditional origin.
                        • Saraphina
                          • Tai

                            • Origin:

                              Chinese

                            • Meaning:

                              "great extreme"

                            • Description:

                              Skater Tai Babilonia brought this sleek modern name to the world's attention. Pronounced "tie."
                          • Taylor

                            • Origin:

                              English occupational name

                            • Meaning:

                              "tailor"

                            • Description:

                              Taylor is one of the prime unisex surnames used for girls and has also been a soap opera favorite. Taylor was in the Top 10 for the last several years of the twentieth century, so that now it tends to feel a little nineties – though Taylor Swift is keeping it in the spotlight and Tay is a charming nickname. Garth Brooks and Bryan Cranston have daughters named Taylor; Taylor Schilling portrays lead Piper Chapman in Orange is the New Black.
                          • Tyler

                            • Origin:

                              Occupational name

                            • Meaning:

                              "maker of tiles"

                            • Description:

                              This once-trendy name has been fading for both boys and girls. A Top 10 name from 1992 to 2000, it is now at Number 38 and falling. It was the surname of the tenth U.S. president.
                          • Unity

                            • Origin:

                              English

                            • Meaning:

                              "oneness"

                            • Description:

                              Like Verity and Amity, this inclusive virtue name used by the colorful British literary Mitford family is ready to join its more popular peers Hope, Faith, and Grace.
                          • Verity

                            • Origin:

                              Latin

                            • Meaning:

                              "truth"

                            • Description:

                              If you love Puritan virtue names and want to move beyond Hope and Faith and Grace, this is a wonderful choice, both for its meaning and its sound. A rare find here, though occasionally heard in England. It was used in Winston Graham's Poldark novels, was Madonna's name as James Bond's fencing instructor in Die Another Day, and made a brief appearance in Harry Potter. Not to mention being a fixture on British and Australian soaps. Verity also appears in one of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple mysteries.
                          • Victori
                            • Wayn
                              • Xena

                                • Origin:

                                  Greek

                                • Meaning:

                                  "guest"

                                • Description:

                                  Still projects the potent allure of television's warrior princess.
                              • Xailia (zailia)
                                • Yda
                                  • Yzabelle
                                    • Zaila

                                      • Origin:

                                        Variation of Zayla, invented name

                                      • Description:

                                        Zayla is a modern invention that's ranked on the US Top 1000 for the past few years. Variation Zaila is still far from that milestone, but however you spell it, this is a name that's rising.
                                    • Zarah

                                      • Description:

                                        Zarah is a feminine name with rich multicultural origins. It's a variant of Sarah, derived from Hebrew meaning 'princess,' but this spelling gives it a more exotic and distinctive character. In Arabic contexts, Zarah relates to 'brilliance' or 'flower,' while some associate it with 'radiance' or 'the rising of light.' The name appears in various cultures including Persian, Arabic, and European traditions, each adding layers to its meaning. The 'Z' initial and 'h' ending create a balanced, melodic quality that feels both ancient and contemporary. While less common than Sarah, Zarah has gained appreciation among parents seeking a name with cross-cultural appeal, spiritual significance, and a touch of uniqueness without being difficult to pronounce.
                                    • Zinnia

                                      • Origin:

                                        Flower name, from German surname

                                      • Meaning:

                                        "Zinn's flower"

                                      • Description:

                                        Zinnia is an unusual floral choice with a bit more edge and energy than most and beginning to find its way onto namers' wish lists of botanical possibilities. Named after an eighteenth German botanist called Johann Gottfried Zinn, it appears in Roald Dahl's Matilda as the young protagonist's mother.
                                    • Zora

                                      • Origin:

                                        Serbo-Croatian

                                      • Meaning:

                                        "dawn"

                                      • Description:

                                        Zora is a meaningful literary heroine name honoring Zora Neale Hurston, an important black writer and leader of the Harlem Renaissance.
                                    • Zail
                                      • Zaili
                                        • jamy
                                          • jullianne
                                            • klea (Clay-uh)
                                              • mayli