Girl Names I Love That Hubby Wouldn't
- Danika
Origin:
Eastern EuropeanMeaning:
"morning star"Description:
Spelling variation of Danica with a modern update.
- Raquel
Origin:
Spanish variation of RachelMeaning:
"ewe"Description:
Attractive name popular in the Latino community, long identified with half-Bolivian actress Raquel Welch. Similarly to the Hebrew form Rachel, Raquel is past its peak. Nonetheless, it retains a certain sparkle and would feel newly refreshing for a baby today.
- Christiana
Origin:
Latin feminization of Christian, Greek from LatinMeaning:
"follower of Christ"Description:
Not cutting edge, but still graceful and feminine.
- Every
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"being each individual or part of a group"Description:
All-inclusive word name.
- Ezri
Origin:
Variation of Ezra, HebrewMeaning:
"help"Description:
Ezri is one of the cool new unisex names starting with E, except as a Biblical name, it's not so new. Used for both genders in Israel, in the US it's currently running five to one in favor of girls, surprisingly. Its deviation from the better known and more traditional Ezra makes it feel like one of the more truly gender neutral names.
- Samaya
Description:
Samaya is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it means 'time' or 'season,' while in Arabic traditions it can mean 'high' or 'elevated.' The name also appears in African cultures, particularly in Ethiopia. Samaya gained modest popularity in the United States during the early 2000s, appreciated for its melodic quality and distinctive sound while remaining relatively accessible to pronounce (sa-MAY-a). The name offers a multicultural appeal without being tied exclusively to one tradition, making it versatile for families with diverse backgrounds. Its pleasing rhythm and contemporary feel, combined with meaningful interpretations across cultures, contribute to its growing appeal in global naming trends.
- Anniston
Origin:
English surname and American place nameMeaning:
"Anis' town; Annie's town"Description:
A name with plenty of celebrity glamor and contemporary flair, Anniston has a variety of origins. On one hand, it's a place name, deriving from a city in Alabama of the same name. Founded in the late 19th century by Samuel Noble and Daniel Tyler, it was named in honor of the latter's daughter-in-law, Annie Tyler.
- Tally
Origin:
Diminutive of TaliaMeaning:
"gentle dew from heaven"Description:
Nickname sometimes heard on its own, sort of an updated Sally and playmate of Hallie.
- Jessamy
Origin:
English, variation of JessamineMeaning:
"jasmine flower"Description:
Jessamy and big sister Jessamine are all but unknown in the U.S., but make distinctive alternatives to overexposed Jessica, Jessie, and Jasmine.
- Sahara
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"deserts"Description:
A beautiful and evocative place-name that deserves wider use, Sahara brings to mind deserts and heat. Derived from Arabic, it is the name of the world's largest hot desert, located across the North of Africa. Similar in appearance to Sarah and Zahra and similar in feel to Savannah, it was selected by reality TV star Georgia Harrison for her daughter Sahara Jean Stacey in 2025.
- Salma
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"safe"Description:
Mexican-born actress Salma Hayek lends a large dollop of glamour to this name that would otherwise resemble the middle-aged Selma.
- Kieran
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little black-haired one"Description:
Kieran is a boys' name that could cross over, as an update of outmoded Karen or a variation on trendy Kiera (or Keira or Kyra). Keren Ann is an Israeli-born singer. The proportion of babies named Kieran who are girls is less than ten percent, but is slowly growing. Kieran had an increase in use for girls in 2022.
- Eline
Description:
Eline is a delicate feminine name with multiple potential origins. In the Scandinavian tradition, it functions as a variant of Helena or Ellen, while in French contexts, it may be considered a form of Aline. The name carries a gentle, refined quality with its soft sounds and simple structure. Eline is more common in Northern European countries, particularly the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway, where it maintains steady popularity. The name's international versatility makes it appealing for multicultural families, as it translates well across language boundaries while remaining distinctive. With its elegant simplicity, Eline balances uniqueness with accessibility.
- Anaise
Origin:
Variation of AnaisDescription:
Anais, the name forever attached to the daring French-born American novelist and diarist Anais Nin, is unusual and French enough without appending an e, though some may think it clarifies pronunciation.
- Léonie
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"lion"Description:
Leona with a French accent that gives it a bit more flair. It's currently very popular there – in the Top 30 for French baby girls.
- Ireland
Origin:
Place nameDescription:
Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin put Ireland on the map when they chose it as a first for their daughter, saying that geographic names were a family tradition. And it seems they were a bit ahead of the curve (or trendsetting)—Ireland has been among the fastest-rising names of recent years. Other Irish place names include Shannon, Kerry, Galway, and Dublin.
- Josselyn
Origin:
English variation of JocelynMeaning:
"member of the Gauts tribe"Description:
One of many modern spellings of Jocelyn, this one used by actress Samantha Harris for her daughter.
- Joss
Origin:
English, diminutive of JocelynDescription:
Joss is more fashionable than Jocelyn or Josslyn. This is a short form that could be used independently, a la the singer Joss Stone. One of a troupe of adorable boyish nicknames newly fashionable for girls a la Lou and Charlie.
- Connolly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"love, friendship"Description:
Energetic Connelly variation that works better for girls than for boys.
- Ohara
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"small field"Description:
Could work for a blended Japanese-Irish family.