Cool Girls' Names Starting with K

  1. Kiara
    • Origin:

      English variation of Chiara, Italian, Ciara, Irish, 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."
  2. 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.
  3. 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?
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Kalinda
    • Origin:

      Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "sun"
    • Description:

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

      English variation of Casey, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "brave in battle"
    • Description:

      Dated 'creative' spelling of Irish classic.
  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. Kari
    • Origin:

      Norwegian diminutive of Katarina or variation of Carrie, English
    • Meaning:

      "pure; free man"
    • 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 Catherine Katherine or one of the Charles feminizations such as Carol or Caroline.
  11. Kyle
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "narrow spit of land"
    • Description:

      Not as popular for girls as Kylie or Kyla, but we prefer its simplicity.
  12. 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".
  13. Kessie
    • Origin:

      African, Ashanti
    • Meaning:

      "chubby baby"
    • Description:

      Kessie is cute but slight.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Korey
    • Origin:

      Variation of Cory, English, or Corey, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "from the hollow"
    • Description:

      Korey was never widely used for girls, while sisters Cory and Corey faded from the Top 1000 in the mid-90s though they hang on for boys. With the rise of the classic name Cora, derived from the Greek goddess name Kore, Korey may find new life as a nickname.
  17. Kallista
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "most beautiful"
    • Description:

      Actress Flockhart popularized the C version, but this works, too.
  18. Kornelia
    • Description:

      Kornelia is the Polish, German, Hungarian, and Scandinavian form of Cornelia, a feminine name with ancient Roman roots. Derived from the Latin 'cornu' meaning 'horn,' it was the name of a prestigious Roman family, most notably Cornelia Africana, mother of the reformers Gracchi brothers, who was considered the ideal Roman matron. Kornelia carries an air of classical elegance while maintaining a distinct Eastern European character through its spelling with 'K' rather than 'C.' The name has enjoyed consistent popularity particularly in Poland, Hungary and Germanic countries, though it never reached extreme heights of usage. Kornelia projects sophistication and cultural depth, appealing to parents drawn to names with historical significance and international flair. The name offers several nickname possibilities including Nelia, Kora, or Nella.

  19. Klarissa
    • Description:

      Klarissa is a feminine variant of Clarissa, derived from the Latin word 'clarus' meaning 'bright, clear, or famous.' This spelling with a 'K' gives the classic name a modern twist while maintaining its elegant sound. Klarissa shares the same noble heritage as Clara and Claire, but offers a more elaborate and distinctive option. While less common than the traditional spelling, Klarissa has seen occasional usage in English-speaking countries, particularly since the 1990s. The name conveys a sense of clarity and brightness, suggesting a person with a clear vision and bright personality. Its melodic quality and distinctive spelling make it appeal to parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon.
  20. 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.