My Favorite Girl Names
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- Arabella
Origin:
Latin, ScottishMeaning:
"yielding to prayer; lovable"Description:
Arabella, lovely and elegant, has long been well used in Britain and finally made it onto the American list in 2005. A Top 50 choice in the UK, in the US in remains in the Top 300, given to around 1300 babies each year.
- Baylie
Description:
Baylie is a feminine name that represents a modern variation of Bailey, which originated as an English surname derived from 'bailiff' or 'steward.' This charming name gained popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as part of the trend toward using surnames as first names. The spelling variant 'Baylie' adds a distinctive and feminine touch to the traditional form. The name has a youthful, spirited quality that appeals to many parents seeking something familiar yet slightly unconventional. While not among the top-ranked names, Baylie enjoys steady usage in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where it's appreciated for its friendly, approachable sound and contemporary feel.
- Brielle
Origin:
Short form of Gabrielle, French, Cajun, Hebrew, CelticMeaning:
"god is my strength; hunting grounds"Description:
Though it sounds modern, Brielle is, among other things, a traditional Cajun contraction of Gabrielle, and the name of a historic seaport in the Western Netherlands, also known as Brill. Today, it is used more widely as a nickname for Gabrielle and as a stand-alone name that fits in easily with Isabelle, Briana, and Brinley. In a recent year, it appeared in the US Top 200, ranking above the longer form and used nearly four times as often.
- Brylie
Origin:
American invented nameDescription:
The newest addition to the Kylie, Rylie family, really catching on with some parents.
- Camryn
Origin:
Spelling variation of Cameron, ScottishMeaning:
"crooked nose"Description:
This Cameron variation was popularized by actress Camryn Manheim and the character inTwitches of the same name. It also makes it more obviously feminine, which might appeal to some parents, considering the classic Cameron is a Top 100 choice for boys in the US.
- Carys
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"love"Description:
Familiar in Wales and England, this name was introduced to America when Welsh-born Catherine Zeta-Jones and husband Michael Douglas chose it for their daughter in 2003. Light, pretty, and distinctive in appearance, it didn't catch on in the US, where it was only given to 22 girls in 2023.
- Chloe
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"young green shoot"Description:
Chloe is a pretty springtime name symbolizing new growth. Though slightly off its peak in the Top 10 in 2010, Chloe still ranks in the Top 20 and is solidly a modern classic.
- Ella
Origin:
German; EnglishMeaning:
"all, completely; fairy maiden"Description:
Ella is a sweet, simple name that owes much of its current popularity to the popularity of other names, from Emma to Bella to Emily to Ellie.
- Grace
Origin:
English, virtue nameDescription:
Grace, a simple and pure virtue name which originally referred to divine grace, is a fashionable classic. In the early 2000s, it seemed headed for the Top 10 but pulled back from the upward trajectory, which you may consider a very good thing.
- Harlow
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"rock hill or army hill"Description:
Jean Harlow (born Harlean Carpenter), the original platinum blonde bombshell, was a symbol of 1930s glamour, a factor that first Patricia Arquette and then Nicole Richie and Joel Madden probably had in mind when they gave their daughters the distinctive surname name Harlow.
- Harper
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"harp player"Description:
You might think of Harper as the hottest name of the last decade, jumping from obscurity to the Top 10, where it remained until last year.
- Kyndal
Description:
Kyndal is a modern feminine name that gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It appears to be a creative spelling variation of Kendall, which originated as an English surname derived from the place name in Cumbria, meaning 'valley of the River Kent.' This contemporary spelling with 'y' instead of 'e' reflects the trend toward unique name spellings. Kyndal carries associations of strength and individuality. The name rose in popularity alongside similar-sounding names like Kendall and Kindle, particularly after media personalities brought attention to the name. Kyndal projects a modern, slightly androgynous image while maintaining a distinctly feminine identity in most contexts.
- Madison
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Matthew"Description:
Since we wrote a book called Beyond Jennifer & Jason, Madison & Montana, encouraging parents to move beyond overused names, it's no secret what we think of this trendy surname name, inspired by a mermaid named Madison in the 1980s movie Splash.
- Myla
Origin:
Spelling variation of Mila or feminine variation of MiloMeaning:
"soldier or merciful"Description:
Myla can be seen as a female variation of Milo or a different spelling for popular Mila. Though frequently unnecessary in alternate spellings, the "y" here does connote a specific pronunciation.
- Nicole
Origin:
French feminine variation of Nicholas, GreekMeaning:
"people of victory"Description:
Nicole was derived from Nicholas, the English variation of the Greek Nikolaos, composed of the compounds nike, meaning "victory," and laos, "people." The variation Nicole arose in the Middle Ages in France to honor St. Nicholas. Names related to Nicole include Colette, Nicolette, Nika, Nicola, and Nicolina.
- Sasha
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of Greek AlexanderMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Sasha, largely male in Russia--and also spelled Sascha and Sacha--is an energetic name that has really taken off for girls here, chosen by Jerry Seinfeld (using the alternate Sascha spelling) and other celebs. The Barack Obamas use it as the nickname for their younger daughter, whose proper name is Natasha. But in line with a trend toward softer-sounding boys' names like Asher and Joshua and thanks to Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen, Sasha also still has life as a boys' name too--it's popular in France for boys and girls almost equally.
- Seraphina
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"ardent; fiery"Description:
Seraphina is one of the most-searched name on Nameberry, destined for even greater popularity. The highest-ranking angels, the six-winged seraphim, inspired the lovely name Seraphina.