Cool Girls' Names Starting with K

  1. 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?
  2. 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."
  3. Kayla
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "crown, wreath; fortress; who is like God?"
    • Description:

      Kayla is a modern invented name that emerged in the late 1950s. It may have been inspired by the similar sounding Michaela, though it could equally have come about as a combination of the then popular name popular name Kay and the familiar -la suffix.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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".
  8. 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.
  9. Kacie
    • Origin:

      English variation of Casey, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "brave in battle"
    • Description:

      Dated 'creative' spelling of Irish classic.
  10. Kalinda
    • Origin:

      Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "sun"
    • Description:

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

      African, Ashanti
    • Meaning:

      "chubby baby"
    • Description:

      Kessie is cute but slight.
  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. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.

  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. Kyle
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "narrow spit of land"
    • Description:

      Not as popular for girls as Kylie or Kyla, but we prefer its simplicity.
  18. Kordelia
    • Description:

      Kordelia is an alternative spelling of Cordelia, a feminine name with Latin origins that means 'heart' or 'daughter of the sea.' This variation with a 'K' gives the classical name a more modern, distinctive appearance while maintaining its elegant sound. The name gained literary fame through Shakespeare's tragic character in 'King Lear,' lending it artistic and cultural significance. While the traditional spelling remains more common, Kordelia offers a fresh take that maintains the name's romantic, poetic quality. The name evokes associations with loyalty, sincerity, and emotional depth. Its multiple syllables create a melodic, flowing quality that contributes to its timeless appeal.

  19. 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.
  20. Kallista
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "most beautiful"
    • Description:

      Actress Flockhart popularized the C version, but this works, too.