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Oregon Trail era names but for girls

  1. Isabel

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Elizabeth

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Isabel derived from Elizabeth in southwest Europe during the Middle Ages. It was originally written as Elisabel, but the first syllable was dropped as it spread across the continent. In Spain and Portugal, Isabel and Elizabeth are considered to be variations of the same name, but they are treated as separate names in other European countries and the US.
  2. 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.
  3. Isadora

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "gift of Isis"

    • Description:

      For a long time, Isadora has been overlooked in favor of Isabella, owing perhaps to its association with the tragic modern dancer, Isadora Duncan, or because parents would rather their daughter be a Bella than a Dora. Now, with Theodora back in the charts and vintage names in vogue, Isadora has been slowly gaining more attention over the last decade.
  4. Ivy

    • Origin:

      Botanical name

    • Description:

      The quirky, offbeat and energetic botanical name Ivy is enjoying a deserved revival, propelled even higher by its choice by high-profile parents Beyonce and Jay-Z for daughter Blue Ivy. Ivy is also traditionally used at Christmas, make this one of the perfect names for December babies.
  5. Ibna
    • Irinda
      • Isloe
        • Jane

          • Origin:

            English

          • Meaning:

            "God is gracious"

          • Description:

            No, we don't consider Jane too plain. In fact, for a venerable and short one-syllable name, we think it packs a surprising amount of punch, as compared to the related Jean and Joan.
        • Janet

          • Origin:

            Diminutive of Jane

          • Meaning:

            "God is gracious"

          • Description:

            Janet started as a pet form of Jane but has long been used independently. Jane is a feminine form of John, which derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan. Janet can also be considered a variation of Jeannette, a derivative of Joan and another feminization of the name John.
        • Janie

          • Origin:

            Diminutive of Jane, English

          • Meaning:

            "God is gracious"

          • Description:

            Will this old-fashioned nickname make a comeback, now that Jane has shed her "plain" image? Janie is cute and approachable, and would stand as well on the birth certificate as Josie and Jessie do now.
        • Jannet

          • Description:

            Jannet is a feminine name representing a variation of Janet, which itself originated as a diminutive of Jane. Tracing back to the medieval period, this name ultimately derives from John, meaning 'God is gracious.' The doubled 'n' spelling gives this traditional name a distinctive touch while maintaining its classic appeal. Jannet enjoyed modest popularity in Scotland and England throughout history but remains less common than the standard Janet spelling. The name carries a timeless quality with its clear pronunciation and familiar roots, evoking images of reliability and quiet strength. While not currently trending, Jannet appeals to parents seeking traditional names with subtle uniqueness. Its cross-generational versatility allows it to suit both a child and a woman throughout her life, providing classic elegance with a personalized touch.
        • Jeanette

          • Origin:

            French, diminutive of Jeanne

          • Description:

            Relic of a past period of French favorites, out to pasture with Claudette and Paulette.
        • Jeanne

          • Origin:

            French variation of Jean

          • Meaning:

            "God is gracious"

          • Description:

            Pronounced just like Jean in the English-speaking world, but as the more unusual zhahn in France, this has sailed away with the first wave of French favorites: Denise, Michelle, et soeurs.
        • Jeannie

          • Origin:

            Diminutive of Jean

          • Description:

            One-time girl next door -- and dream girl -- name has followed mama Jean down the ladder and out of the picture.
        • Jemima

          • Origin:

            Hebrew

          • Meaning:

            "dove"

          • Description:

            Jemima, the name of a strong and beautiful Biblical daughter of Job, has long been among the chicest choices of aristocratic Brits, most recently ranking at #231 there in 2017. But despite its lovely sound and peaceful meaning, this attractive name hasn't ranked in the US Top 1000 since 1893, no doubt due to the problematic association with racial stereotyping, exemplified by the Aunt Jemima brand of pancakes.
        • Jenne

          • Description:

            Jenne is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Jenny or Jennifer, derived from the Welsh name Guinevere meaning 'fair, white, smooth.' Alternatively, it could be related to the French name Jeanne, the feminine form of John, meaning 'God is gracious.' In some communities, it might be a shortened form of Jennifer used as a standalone name. With its concise two-syllable structure and familiar sound, Jenne offers a refreshing simplicity while maintaining femininity. Though never widely popular as an independent name, Jenne possesses a timeless quality and works well in contemporary settings. Its brevity makes it unlikely to be shortened to nicknames.

        • Jennett

          • Description:

            Jennett is a feminine name that serves as a diminutive form of Jane or Janet, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning "God is gracious." Popular in medieval and Renaissance Scotland and England, Jennett represents a vintage variation that was once common but has become quite rare in modern usage. The name has a delicate, antique quality while maintaining familiarity through its connection to more common names like Jennifer and Janet. Jennett's distinctive double-t ending gives it a unique twist on familiar sounds. The name carries a sense of heritage and tradition, potentially appealing to parents interested in reviving authentic historical names rather than modern inventions. Its soft consonants and clear pronunciation make it accessible despite its rarity.

        • Jennifer

          • Origin:

            Cornish variation of Welsh Guinevere

          • Meaning:

            "white shadow, white wave"

          • Description:

            Jennifer is the Cornish variation of Guinevere, which ultimately derived from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar. It has been in use in the English-speaking world since the 18th century but came to prominence in the 20th. Playwright George Bernard Shaw chose Jennifer for the name of his leading lady in his play The Doctor’s Dilemma, which drew more attention to the name.
        • Jenny

          • Origin:

            Diminutive of Janet, Jane, Jean, and Jennifer

          • Description:

            At the height of the Jennifer craze, many parents were cutting straight to the nickname and putting Jenny on the birth certificate. But now that Jennifer is the mom rather than the daughter, Jenny, which has been somewhat replaced by Jenna, has faded as well.
        • Jessy

          • Description:

            Jessy is a sweet, familiar name used for girls, though it occasionally appears as a male name as well. Typically considered a diminutive of Jessica (which comes from the Hebrew name Yiskah, meaning 'to behold' or 'God beholds'), Jessy offers a more casual, playful alternative to its formal counterpart. The spelling variation with a 'y' ending gives it a modern touch compared to the more traditional 'Jessie.' This name gained popularity during the late 20th century alongside similar short forms like Jenny and Katie. Jessy conveys a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining a youthful charm into adulthood. Though not as widely used as it once was, Jessy remains a pleasant choice for parents seeking a name that is familiar yet not overly common, with a cheerful, unpretentious vibe.