Favourite Girls Names - A to Z

Dora

Diminutive of Theodora and Isidora, Greek

"gift"

Dora is poised for a comeback, right behind Laura, Nora, Cora, and Flora. First-time parents who haven't watched cartoons in a couple of decades should be aware of the Dora the Explorer connection,…

Fearne

English

"fern"

This spelling variation of Fern may appeal to those who enjoy the sounds of the plant name, but want something that looks and feels less "wordy" for their baby — just as people choose Scarlett over…

Hermione

Feminine version of Hermes, Greek

"messenger, earthly"

Hermione's costarring role in Harry Potter has made this previously ignored, once stodgy name suddenly viable. Hermione could really take off once today's children start having kids of their own. In…

Orla

Irish

"golden princess"

Orla is an Irish name closely associated with the high king Brian Boru, as it was the name of his sister, daughter and niece. It was very popular in the Middle Ages – the fourth most popular name in…

Rori

Rori is a feminine name with Gaelic origins, though it can occasionally be used for boys as well. Traditionally, it's a feminine variation of Rory, which means 'red king' in Gaelic. The name has a…

Uma

Sanskrit, Hebrew

"light, peace, nation"

Uma is a sweet, strong name for a Hindu goddess... and a Hollywood one. But as popular as Uma Thurman is, other parents have not yet picked up on her name, making it a rarity. Uma is one of the more…

Urban

Latin

"of the city"

This name of eight popes might appeal to confirmed city-dwellers, but Urbana would be more feminine.

Xanthe

Greek

"golden, yellow"

X marks the spot in names these days, usually at the middles or ends of names, but here is one that puts it squarely up front. This extravagant name, which, like many Greek names beginning with X, is…

Ynez

Spanish

"pure, virginal"

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…

Ysabel

Spanish variation of Isabel, variation of Elizabeth, Hebrew

"pledged to God"

Ysabel is the original spelling of this ever-more-popular name, though to English-speakers, the initial Y may confuse pronunciation. Only 14 baby girls were given the Ysabel spelling in the US last…