Oregon Trail era names but for girls
- Alexandra
Origin:
Greek, feminine form of AlexanderMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Alexandra fell out of the Top 100 for the first time since 1983 in 2015 but is still a popular choice. Strong, tasteful, and elegant, Alexandra remains a chic modern classic with a solid historic pedigree.
- Alicia
Origin:
Spanish variation of AliceMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Alicia is a Latinized variation of Alice, a name ultimately derived from the German Adalhaidis. It emerged in the 19th century, but the 20th saw many spelling evolutions for Alicia, including Alecia, Alisha, Aleesha, and Alysha. Alyssa originated as a form of Alicia.
- Alida
Origin:
Diminutive of AdelaideDescription:
Alida had a brief flurry of popularity a hundred years ago but is rarely used today. But given the rise of so many names related to Adelaide and Adeline, Alida might be rediscovered.
- Alina
Origin:
Slavic, Germanic, Arabic, ScottishMeaning:
"bright, beautiful; noble; delicate, soft; defending men"Description:
Alina has been drifting up the US popularity charts since the early 1980s, and now sits in in the Top 200. But Alina's real strength is in its international flexibility: The name ranks highly in a wide range of European, English speaking, and Latin American countries.
- Alison
Origin:
Norman French, diminutive of AliceMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Alison has been long popular in Scotland and widely used here since the fifties. This more feminine medieval elaboration of Alice had long surpassed the original in popularity, but now sounds a tad dated in the U.S., with Alice having leapfrogged back over Alison, Allison, Alicia and other variations.
- Allie
Origin:
Variation or diminutive of Alexandra, Alice or Allison; Greek, German or ScottishMeaning:
"defending men or noble"Description:
Allie is one short form that's gotten so popular it's often used as a name on its own. Cute, friendly, yet we'd recommend using one of the proper names such as Alice to give your daughter an option.
- Ally
Origin:
Spelling variation of AllieDescription:
This spelling variation of the popular girls' nickname ranks behind the more traditional form—Allie (Number 255). This spelling could be hurt by the word name ally, which bears a different pronunciation.
- Alma
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"nurturing, soul"Description:
Alma is a somewhat solemn, soulful name that had a burst of popularity a century ago, then faded into the flowered wallpaper, and is now finding its footing once more.
- Almeda
Description:
Almeda is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'almus' meaning 'nourishing' or 'kind.' It may also be connected to the Spanish term 'alameda,' referring to a tree-lined avenue or a poplar grove. The name was moderately popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare. Almeda carries connotations of nurturing and natural beauty, evoking images of serene pathways bordered by stately trees. While uncommon today, it represents a classic naming style with a melodic quality that could appeal to parents seeking a vintage name with subtle elegance.
- Almira
Description:
Almira is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, possibly derived from Arabic "al-amirah" meaning "princess" or "commander," or from Germanic elements meaning "noble" and "famous." The name also has connections to Latin "mirus" meaning "wonderful." Almira has historical usage across several cultures, including Hispanic, Turkish, Arabic, and Eastern European communities. It enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the late 19th century. The name appears in literary works, including as a character in Handel's opera "Rinaldo." With its melodious sound and multicultural heritage, Almira offers a distinctive yet accessible option with elegant overtones. Its relative rarity in contemporary Western naming makes it stand out while its traditional roots give it substance and history.
- Alta
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"elevated"Description:
Alta, one of the newer names bookended by the letter A, has a meaning that might raise a child's self-esteem. It was the middle name of First Lady Lady Bird Johnson.
- Alvena
Origin:
Feminine form of Alvin, EnglishMeaning:
"noble friend, friend of the elves"Description:
Similar to Alma and Alba, Alina and Alexandra, Alvena is a clunky but interesting possibility. A notable bearer is Alvena Vajda Sečkar, an American painter, children's book author, and social activist.
- Alzina
Description:
Alzina is a feminine name with Latin and Spanish roots, likely derived from 'alzina' meaning 'holm oak' or 'evergreen oak' in Catalan. This uncommon name carries natural symbolism, evoking the strength and endurance of the oak tree. Historically used in Mediterranean regions, Alzina has a vintage, elegant quality that distinguishes it from more popular botanical names. The 'z' gives it a distinctive flair and memorable pronunciation. While rare in English-speaking countries, it fits with the trend toward reviving unusual vintage names and nature-inspired choices. Alzina offers the appeal of having ancient roots while remaining unfamiliar enough to be unique. Its soft sounds and feminine ending balance nicely with its strong middle consonant, creating a name that's both graceful and distinctive.
- Alzira
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"ornament"Description:
Alzira found its highest degree of popularity in the mid-nineteenth century after Giuseppe Verdi created an opera of the name Alzira, after its romantic heroine. Despite Verdi using the name for a Peruvian princess, Alzira is an arabic name Verdi's opera, despite the name's arabic roots, the name was given to a Peruvian princess. Alzira is also the name of a Spanish city in Valencia.
- Amalthea
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"tender goddess"Description:
In Greek mythology, Amalthea is the name of a goat (or, sometimes, a goat-keeping nymph) who nursed the infant Zeus and protected him from his murderous father, Cronus. Thanks to the goat’s protection and nourishment, Zeus grew up to overthrow Cronus.
- Amanda
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"she must be loved"Description:
Amanda may no longer be the most popular girls' name in her class, but it still holds appeal with its pleasing meaning and solid yet romantic sound. Its heyday however was back in the eighties when it skyrocketed alongside Samantha, Vanessa, Melissa, and co.
- Ambrosia
Origin:
Latin, feminine form of AmbroseMeaning:
"Immortal"Description:
Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning.
- Ame
Description:
Amé is a delicate feminine name with French origins, featuring an accent that indicates the specific pronunciation (ah-MAY). Without the accent, Ame derives from Latin 'amare' meaning 'to love,' suggesting 'beloved' as its meaning. In Japanese, though spelled differently, 'ame' can mean 'rain,' creating a poetic cross-cultural connection. This short, elegant name remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it an exotic appeal. In French usage, it has connections to the term 'âme' meaning 'soul,' adding spiritual depth. Amé's brevity makes it distinctive yet simple, appealing to parents seeking minimalist names with international flair. Its pronunciation may vary slightly based on regional accents, but its musical quality remains consistent.
- Amelia
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"work"Description:
Amelia is one of the hottest girls' names, a successor to the megapopular Emma and Emily. Amelia, the Number 2 choice in England, is now also comfortably ensconced in the US Top 10, where it ranked as the third most popular name for girls in 2024.
- Amy
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"beloved"Description:
Amy is the English variation of the Old French name Amée—Aimée in modern French. Amée was a translation of the Latin name Amata, which derived from amatus, meaning "beloved." Other spelling variations include Amie and Ami.