Cool Girls' Names Starting with K

  1. Kacie
    • Origin:

      Variation of Casey
    • Meaning:

      "vigilant in war"
    • Description:

      Dated 'creative' spelling of Irish classic.
  2. Kaitlyn
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Caitlin
    • Meaning:

      "pure"
    • Description:

      A huge name in the late 90's and most of the 00's, Kaitlyn's been on a downward trend in recent years. Kaitlyn and its soundalikes have been so well used in the US that they can no longer be seen as fresh, but it's still relatively popular in Canada.
  3. Kalen
    • Description:

      Kalen is a versatile feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It can be a variation of Kalin (Slavic, meaning "pure") or derived from the Greek name Kalene, meaning "beautiful." Some also consider it a feminine form of Kale, which has Irish roots meaning "slender." The name's popularity for girls rose gradually through the 1980s and 1990s, though it has remained relatively uncommon. Kalen has a contemporary sound while maintaining a connection to traditional naming roots. It appeals to parents seeking a name that balances strength and femininity. The name's short, crisp sound and simple spelling make it accessible while still being distinctive. Kalen is sometimes used as a unisex name, though this entry focuses on its feminine usage.
  4. Kalinda
    • Origin:

      Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "sun"
    • Description:

      This lovely, rhythmic Hindu nature name relates to the mythical Kalinda Mountains, from which a sacred river flows.
  5. Kallista
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "most beautiful"
    • Description:

      Actress Flockhart popularized the C version, but this works, too.
  6. Kamila
    • Origin:

      Latin, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "young ceremonial attendant; perfect"
    • Description:

      Variant spelling of Camila, common in Eastern Europe. Kamila and Kamilah are also feminine forms of the Arabic name Kamil, meaning "perfect".
  7. Karah
    • Description:

      Karah is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Cara (Italian for "beloved"), Kara (derived from various languages including Irish for "friend" or Turkish for "black"), or Sarah (Hebrew for "princess"). The distinctive spelling with 'K' and 'h' gives the name a modern, individualized feel while maintaining its melodic sound. Karah emerged primarily in the late 20th century in the United States, coinciding with trends toward unique spellings of traditional names. While never ranking among the most popular names, Karah has maintained steady usage, appreciated for its balance of familiarity and distinctiveness. The name conveys warmth and affection, particularly with its connection to meanings of "beloved" and "friend" in its various etymological roots.
  8. Kari
    • Origin:

      Short form of Karen, Carol, or Katherine
    • Description:

      Kari and all her many sisters, from Carrie to Carey to Kerry and onward, originated for the most part as short forms of either CatherineKatherine or one of the Charles feminizations such as Carol or Caroline.
  9. Karissa
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Carissa
    • Description:

      Both Karissa and Carissa are trending downward, along with the other issa names that first rose to popularity in the 1970s. Karissa fell out of the Top 1000 in 2014, two years after Carissa.
  10. Karmela
    • Description:

      Karmela is a feminine name representing a variation of Carmela, which derives from Hebrew origins meaning "garden" or "vineyard of God." This name has roots in multiple cultures including Spanish, Italian, and Eastern European traditions, with the K-spelling variant being particularly popular in Slavic countries. The name carries connections to Mount Carmel in Israel, a place of biblical significance, and to Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Catholic tradition. Karmela projects warmth, beauty, and spiritual richness. While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, it maintains steady usage in Mediterranean and Eastern European regions. The name offers the familiar nickname options of Karma, Mela, or Karme. Karmela appeals to parents seeking a name with cultural depth, religious significance, and a touch of exotic elegance.

  11. Karrie
    • Description:

      Karrie is a feminine name typically considered a variant of Caroline or Karen, with Germanic roots meaning "free woman." This spelling with a 'K' and double 'r' emerged in the mid-20th century, giving the traditional name a more contemporary feel. Karrie enjoyed peak popularity in the United States during the 1970s and early 1980s but has become less common in recent decades. The name carries a friendly, approachable quality with its bright sound and informal feel. It strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness—recognizable without being overly common. Karrie often evokes associations with vivaciousness and warmth, projecting an image of someone spirited and personable.

  12. Kassandra
    • Origin:

      Original spelling of Cassandra
    • Description:

      Kassandra is actually the original form of Cassandra (Greek names do not have Cs), though most will see it as a Kardashianization, which is a shame! As you might expect, the C currently charts higher. Still, Kassandra can lead to all sorts of cute nicknames, such as Kassie, Kass, and Sandy.
  13. Kaya
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian, English, Literature, Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "pure; one who arranges rocks; perfume, incense; fruit, reward"
    • Description:

      A multicultural name, that's currently on style and fits right in with Kaia, Maya, Raya, and Mia. Currently in the Top 500 in both the UK and The Netherlands, it has several different origins and meanings.
  14. Kayla
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "laurel, crown"
    • Description:

      Kayla is a modern invented name that emerged in the late 1950s. Despite its similarity to the name Michaela, Kayla most likely began as a combination of the then-popular name Kay and -la suffix. Alternatively, it may be a variation of the Yiddish name Kaila, which derived from the Hebrew name Kelila. Kayla can also be considered an Anglicization of the Gaelic surname MacCaollaidhe or MacCathail.
  15. Kelsea
    • Description:

      Kelsea is a feminine name that originated as a variant spelling of Kelsey, which began as an English surname derived from place names meaning 'Cenel's island' or 'ship's island.' This alternative spelling gained popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as parents sought unique twists on familiar names. The name received additional attention through country music artist Kelsea Ballerini. Kelsea maintains the melodic quality of Kelsey while offering a slightly more feminine appearance through the 'ea' ending. The name carries associations with strength and individuality, balancing a contemporary feel with recognizable roots. Its popularity reflects the modern preference for names that sound familiar yet distinctive.
  16. Kerrie
    • Description:

      Kerrie is a feminine name that originated as a variant spelling of Kerry, which derives from the Irish Gaelic 'Ciarraí,' referring to the county in Ireland. The name carries associations with the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Ireland, lending it a connection to Celtic heritage and natural beauty. Kerrie peaked in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s but remains a friendly, approachable choice with its soft sounds and straightforward pronunciation. The spelling with an 'ie' ending gives it a distinctly feminine touch compared to the original Kerry, which is used for both genders. While less common today, Kerrie has a warm, unpretentious quality that resonates with those seeking a name that's familiar without being overused. Its Irish roots give it a subtle connection to cultural heritage without being obviously ethnic.
  17. Kessie
    • Origin:

      African, Ashanti
    • Meaning:

      "chubby baby"
    • Description:

      Kessie is cute but slight.
  18. Kiara
    • Origin:

      Variation of the Italian Chiara or the Irish Ciara or Aboriginal Australian, Korean
    • Meaning:

      "light, clear; little dark one; cockatoo; first ray of sun"
    • Description:

      Kiara can be considered a variation of both the Italian name Chiara and the Irish name Ciara. Chiara is the Italian form of Clara, meaning "bright" or "clear," while Ciara is the feminine form of male given name Ciar, derived from the old Irish cíar, meaning "dark."
  19. Kira
    • Origin:

      Russian feminine variation of Cyrus
    • Meaning:

      "throne"
    • Description:

      Though such cognates of Kira as Keira, Kyra, and Ciara are increasingly popular throughout Europe and in the U.S., this Cyrus relative has a different root. As with all the many variations of this appealing name, there is often confusion around spelling and pronunciation -- does the first syllable rhyme with ear or eye?
  20. Kirsten
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Christine
    • Description:

      Lovely, authentic name -- but any Kirsten will be condemned to a lifetime of hearing "Did you say Kristen?" They're both genuine Scandinavian names but too interchangeable.