Girly Wurly Names

This name of the Cretan goddess of fertility is most popular now as the more melodic Ariana, but Ariadne has possibilities of its own. It first entered the US Top 1000 in 2014. The renewed interest in the name falls in line with the revival of other mythological names like Apollo and Athena. The trendy nickname Ari doesn't hurt either.

Beatrix has a solid history of its own apart from Beatrice, with that final x adding a playful, animated note to the name's imposing history and stately vibe.

Although they could be easily confused, Elsbeth is a fairly unusual contracted German version of Elizabeth, while cousin Elspeth hails from Scotland. With its 'beth' ending, Elsbeth feels closer to the mother name.

Esther was derived from the Old Persian word stāra, meaning "star." In the Old Testament, Esther, originally named Hadassah, was the captured Jewish wife of the King of Persia who risked her life to save her exiled people from annihilation. This story is celebrated by Jews on the holiday of Purim, so that it has traditionally been given to girls around that time.

Hannah is one of the nation's top biblical girls' names—it surpassed Sarah in 1998, and ranks in the Top 50 along with Elizabeth, Abigail, Chloe, and Naomi. Hannah is a name with many sources of appeal: Old Testament roots, soft and gentle sound, and a homey yet aristocratic image.

Jemimah is a feminine biblical name of Hebrew origin meaning 'dove' or 'bright day.' In the Old Testament, Jemimah was the eldest daughter of Job, known for her exceptional beauty. The name carries connotations of peace, purity, and grace associated with doves in biblical symbolism. While never extremely common in Western countries, Jemimah has maintained steady usage, particularly in Christian communities and English-speaking countries with strong biblical naming traditions. The name experienced a modest revival during the late 20th century as parents sought names with historical depth and religious significance. In some communities, Jemimah is appreciated for its vintage charm and gentle sound. The spelling with the final 'h' is considered the traditional biblical form, distinguishing it from the variant Jemima.

The name of the Roman goddess of the moon, Luna is derived straight from the Latin word for moon, luna. Luna may be the name most likely to surprise someone from an older generation by its Top 10 status in the US and its widespread international popularity.

Onyx is a fresh and trending gemstone name for boys, currently in the US Top 500, having climbed the charts rapidly since 2018. Now, an increasing number of girls are receiving the name, with a recent count revealing nearly 200 baby girls were called Onyx in 2023.

Opal is on the verge of a repolishing, following other jewel names like Ruby and Pearl. A Top 100 name during the first two decades of the twentieth century, the opalescent Opal has a good chance of coming back as another O-initial option.

Orianna is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from elements meaning 'golden' or 'dawn.' It can be interpreted as 'golden dawn' or 'rising light,' carrying beautiful imagery of daybreak and new beginnings. The name gained modest popularity in the early 21st century, appreciated for its elegant, flowing quality and romantic feel. Orianna offers the friendly nicknames Ori or Anna while maintaining its sophisticated full form. The name has a musical quality with its rhythm and vowel sounds, giving it a graceful, feminine energy. Though not among the most common names, Orianna has remained consistently recognized across English-speaking countries, striking a balance between familiarity and distinction.

Ottilie is trending in the UK, where the pronounced T helps the name sound pretty and delicate, rather like Amelie and Elodie. Ottilie is less popular in the US, where many Americans pronounce it as a near-homonym for "oddly".

Quin is a concise, gender-neutral name that has been increasingly used for girls. It originated as a shortened form of names like Quincy, Quinlan, or Quintana, ultimately derived from the Latin 'quintus' meaning 'fifth.' The name has Irish connections through surnames like Quinn (from Ó Cuinn, meaning 'descendant of Conn'). Quin's simplicity gives it a modern, streamlined appeal that fits contemporary naming trends favoring short, gender-flexible names. For girls specifically, it offers a strong yet feminine option without frills or elaboration. The name has grown in popularity since the early 2000s but remains relatively uncommon. Its brief, punchy sound and rich cultural heritage make it appealing for parents seeking a name that's both substantive and stylish.

Most of the notable Rivers have been male, but this nature name certainly flows as well for a girl. The name River is still rising for both genders, with about 3500 baby boys receiving the name last year vs. 1900 baby girls.