Girl Names I Love That Hubby Wouldn't
- Roslyn
Origin:
Spelling variation of RosalindDescription:
Spelling variations abound when a name is trendy, which Rosalind is not these days. We say leave Roslyn back in the middle of the 20th century and reclaim the original Rosalind.
- 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.
- Ana
Origin:
Variation of HannahMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Confident and compact, Ana is a widely used variation of the Biblical Hannah. Favored in Spain, Slovenia, Bosnia, Portugal, and Croatia, this shorter spelling has the same substance and versatility of its longer counterparts.
- Aerin
Origin:
Tolkien Middle Earth invention, or variation of ErinDescription:
In Tolkien's world, the derivation of this airy name is Elvish. Regular folks might consider it an artsier form of Erin, borne by cosmetics heiress and socialite Aerin Lauder.
- Ellia
Origin:
English elaboration of EllaMeaning:
"all, completely; fairy maiden"Description:
Ellia is one of the newer entries in the extremely popular El group of names for girls, which includes Ella, Ellie, Elle and so on, as well as L-starting names such as Lillia. Nearly 100 baby girls were named Ellia last year, but we're afraid that the name will not sound as distinctive as it should due to so many other girls with similar names.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sahar
Origin:
Arabic, PersianMeaning:
"dawn, morning, awakening"Description:
This is a soft and strong Arabic and Persian name commonly heard in the Middle East.
- Sahari
Description:
Sahari is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections, potentially derived from Arabic or Hebrew origins. In Arabic contexts, it may relate to 'sahara' meaning 'desert,' evoking images of vast, beautiful landscapes. In Hebrew, it could connect to 'sahar' meaning 'moon' or 'crescent.' This cross-cultural name has a flowing, melodic quality with its soft consonants and open vowel sounds. While not extremely common in any region, Sahari has a contemporary feel with ancient roots, appealing to parents seeking names with both cultural depth and modern appeal. The name's relative rarity gives children bearing it a sense of uniqueness. Sahari travels well across different languages, with its straightforward pronunciation making it accessible internationally. Its evocative potential meanings connecting to natural elements give it an organic, earthy quality that resonates with many contemporary naming preferences.
- Connolly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"love, friendship"Description:
Energetic Connelly variation that works better for girls than for boys.
- 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.
- Vivica
Origin:
Spelling variation of VivecaDescription:
The attractive actress Vivica A. Fox has done a lot to add this version of the name into the mix.
- Kalila
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"beloved"Description:
The lilting name of a range of mythical mountains, with an extensive menu of spellings, and a more unusual way of fitting in with current favorites Lila and Lola.
- Soline
Description:
Soline is a delicate feminine name with French origins, derived from 'soleil' meaning 'sun.' This luminous name evokes warmth, brightness, and joy. While not among the most common French names, Soline has maintained a steady presence particularly in French-speaking regions. Its connection to the sun gives it positive associations with light, energy, and optimism. The name has a gentle, flowing quality when pronounced (typically so-LEEN), making it both sophisticated and approachable. Soline offers a distinctive yet recognizable option for parents drawn to French naming traditions or seeking a name with bright, positive connotations. Its relative rarity outside France gives it an exotic quality while remaining straightforward to pronounce.
- 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.
- Sariah
Origin:
Variation of SarahDescription:
Sariah is the perfect compromise name for when you say Sarah, and your spouse says Mariah. Spelled Saria, it's a character in the video game The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
- 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.
- Zenia
Description:
Zenia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Greek name Xenia, meaning "hospitality" or "foreign," reflecting the ancient Greek concept of welcoming strangers. Alternatively, it could be connected to Zena, a Slavic diminutive of names like Zenobia, meaning "life of Zeus." In some cultures, it's associated with the zinnia flower. With its exotic Z beginning and flowing sound, Zenia projects an image of uncommon beauty and strength. The name has appeared across various cultures, from Eastern Europe to Latin America, giving it international appeal. Zenia's relative rarity combined with its accessible pronunciation makes it an intriguing choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet melodic with cross-cultural resonance.
- Christiana
Origin:
Latin feminization of Christian, Greek from LatinMeaning:
"follower of Christ"Description:
Not cutting edge, but still graceful and feminine. Parents who care about style may pass on all names Chris (or Kris) related, which were so popular in the second half of the 20th century. But Christiana feels strong and distinctive, given to only about 50 baby girls each year. It does, however, feel distinctly Christian.
- Kalilah
Description:
Kalilah is a feminine name with Arabic origins, derived from the word "khalil" which means "friend" or "beloved." It carries connotations of loyalty, friendship, and close companionship. The name gained recognition through the famous Arabic literary work "Kalila wa Dimna," a collection of animal fables. While not extremely common in Western countries, Kalilah has been gaining appreciation for its melodious sound and meaningful roots. The name offers a balance of exotic appeal and accessibility, making it an increasingly attractive choice for parents seeking a name with cultural depth. Kalilah can also be spelled as Kalila or Kaleela in some variations.
The Nameberry App Is Live
Find your perfect baby name together in our app, now available on the App Store and Google Play.
- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
