California Inspired Girl Names
- Azul
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"blue"Description:
Azul is the Spanish word for "blue" and was first recorded as a baby name (for girls) in 1995. It's technically considered unisex today, although it is still more than three times as common as a feminine name.
- Carmel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"garden"Description:
Carmel is a biblical place-name that is often used by Catholic parents around the world. It is given in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and is the name of a mountain ridge on the Mediterranean near Haifa in Israel, mentioned in the Old Testament, famous for its lush vegetation and said to have been often visited by Mary and the Infant Christ.
- Oceane
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"ocean"Description:
Oceane (oh-see-EN) has been one of the chicest names in France for several years, ranking in the French Top 50. This is a sophisticated name that could easily cross the ocean, and is much more stylish than the English Ocean or Oceana.
- Bay
Origin:
English word, Old EnglishMeaning:
"an inlet of the sea where the land curves inward; berry"Description:
One of the most usable of the pleasant, newly adopted nature/water names (like Lake and Ocean), especially in middle position. It's gentle, slightly whimsical, but grounded by its similarity to May or Rae.
- Soledad
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"solitude"Description:
This strong Spanish name that refers to the Virgin Mary (Our Lady of Solitude) has been made accessible by broadcaster Soledad O'Brien -- who shows how well it combines with an Anglo surname. Her birth name was Maria de la Soledad Teresa O'Brien.
- Laken
Origin:
Variation of Lake, EnglishMeaning:
"lake"Description:
Not quite a nature name and not quite a surname — whatever Laken is or isn't, we know it's definitely a name to watch.
- Cruz
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"cross"Description:
Cruz might be a sister for Concepcion and Corazon, although its masculine side was emphasized when the high profile David Beckhams chose it for their son.
- Pacifica
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"tranquil"Description:
When properly pronounced, has an alluring sound and harmonious meaning.
- Venice
Origin:
Italian place-nameDescription:
This name of one of the most romantic cities in the world could easily find its way onto an American baby girl's birth certificate.
- Diablo
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"devil"Description:
Diablo Cody, self-named (she's really Brook Busey) screenwriter of Juno, singlehandedly helped popularize not just her heroine's name and her own but all o-ending names for girls. You don't need us to tell you that it takes a brave parent, in every way, to name a baby Diablo. Diablo is one of the Spanish baby names that diverges furthest from the well-paved camino.
- Shasta
Origin:
Place-name, SanskritMeaning:
"teacher, guide, ruler"Description:
A Californian mountain name revered by healers and spiritualists, Shasta has a New Age, cowboy feel. The mountain takes its name from the Indigenous American tribe, the Shasta people - though this name is believed to have been given to them either by white people, or by the nearby Klamath people.
- Ynez
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"pure, virginal"Description:
Y is a very rare initial, and this feisty mini-name packs a double punch with its spiky final Z. Inez or Inez are the more familiar spellings of this chic name, which is related to Agnes and could be an interesting way to honor a relative with that name.
- Angeles
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"angels"Description:
A spiritually significant name used in honor of the Virgin Mary. In Spanish, her title is Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, meaning "Our Lady the Queen of the Angels."
- Francisca
Origin:
Spanish, PortugueseMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Spanish and Portuguese form of Frances or Francesca
- Benicia
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"blessed one"Description:
There are several fine Ben-beginning boy's names, such as BENJAMIN and BENEDICT, but girls names like this and BENJAMINA don't fare as well.
- Clarita
Description:
Clarita is a feminine name of Spanish and Latin origin, serving as a diminutive form of Clara, which means 'bright,' 'clear,' or 'famous.' The suffix '-ita' adds an affectionate quality in Spanish naming traditions. Popular in Spanish-speaking communities, Clarita conveys warmth and brightness while maintaining its classic roots. The name reached modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries today. Clarita balances traditional charm with melodic appeal, making it attractive to parents seeking a name with Latin heritage that's recognizable but not overused. The name has cultural significance in Hispanic communities while offering cross-cultural appeal with its clear pronunciation and inherently positive meaning.
- Palmyra
Origin:
Greek, place nameMeaning:
"palm tree; pilgrim"Description:
An ancient city in modern-day Syria, which occasionally makes the roster of girl names. Its etymology is uncertain — locally it is called Tadmor, and Palmyra is the Greek version — but it has traditionally been associated with palm trees. It may also be a feminine form of the Italian Palmiro, meaning "pilgrim", ultimately from palma, again meaning "palm tree".
- Baja
Origin:
Spanish place-nameMeaning:
"lower"Description:
Pronounced Bah-hah, this name of the Mexican peninsula attached to California makes for an out-of-the-ordinary possibility.
- Lassen
- Playa