Delicious D Names [girls]
- Daffodil
Origin:
Flower name, from GreekMeaning:
"asphodel"Description:
Yes, though it seems so extreme, girls were actually sometimes given this name a century ago; now it is so uncommon it would make a strong springtime statement. Biggest obstacle: the nickname Daffy.
- Dagny
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"new day"Description:
If you're looking for a name with Scandinavian roots, this would make a stronger and more appealing import than Dagmar. With its meaning of "new day," it could make an ideal choice for a girl born around New Year's.
- Dahlia
Origin:
Flower name, from Swedish surnameMeaning:
"Dahl's flower"Description:
One of the flower names, used occasionally in Britain (where it's pronounced DAY-lee-a). It seems to have recovered from what was perceived as a slightly affected la-di-dah air. The flower was named in honor of the pioneering Swedish botanist Andreas Dahl, which means dale.
- Daisy
Origin:
Diminutive of Margaret or flower name, EnglishMeaning:
"day's eye"Description:
Daisy, fresh, wholesome, and energetic, is one of the flower names that burst back into bloom after a century's hibernation. Originally a nickname for Margaret (the French Marguerite is the word for the flower), Daisy comes from the phrase "day's eye," because it opens its petals at daybreak.
- Daphne
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"laurel tree, bay tree"Description:
In Greek mythology, Daphne was the nymph daughter of Peneus, a river god. Peneus saved Daphne from Apollo’s romantic obsessions by transforming her into a laurel tree. It is from this myth that the plant genus daphne, which contains the laurel species, gets its name.
- Darlie
Description:
Darlie is a feminine name that likely evolved as a diminutive form of names beginning with 'Dar-' such as Darlene or Darla, or possibly as a feminine version of Daryl. Its origins may connect to the Old English 'dear' or 'beloved,' suggesting someone treasured and valued. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its soft ending and playful sound. Darlie peaked in popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but has since become quite uncommon, giving it a vintage charm today. The name carries a slight Southern American or country feel to modern ears. Despite its rarity, Darlie remains accessible and easy to pronounce, with a cheerful, unpretentious character that distinguishes it from more commonly used feminine names.
- Dash
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
For a boy, Dash is usually short for Dashiell, but as a girl's name it just stands for energetic--and also the stores run by the Kardashian sisters..
- Deanna
Origin:
English variation of Diana, feminine form of DeanMeaning:
"divine; valley"Description:
Though still being used, Deanna peaked many decades ago.
- Debra
Origin:
Spelling variation of DeborahMeaning:
"bee"Description:
When Deborah seemed too formal in the laid-back sixties, Debra stepped in as a pared-down alternative, but the pendulum is about to swing back.
- December
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"tenth month"Description:
Cooler than April, May, or June, but also a tad icy. December gets its name from the number ten as the old Roman calendar only had ten months, and as now, December was the last.
- Delilah
Origin:
Hebrew or ArabicMeaning:
"delicate"Description:
Melodic and lively, Delilah has cut itself (mostly) free from its treacherous past to become a contemporary favorite.
- Delphi
Origin:
Greek place nameMeaning:
"of Delphi; womb"Description:
An interesting unisex possibility, with an air of mystery connected to the Delphic Oracle, the most important oracle in ancient Greece; it was also a major site for the worship of the god Apollo.
- Demeter
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"earth mother"Description:
Demeter, the Greek goddess of grain, agriculture, and the harvest, growth and nourishment, was Zeus's sister and Persephone's mother. Variation Demetria is the full name of actress Demi Moore. Though familiar, Demeter is not one of the Greek goddess namesthat's finding widespread modern favor.
- Deva
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"divine, shining one"Description:
If you don't want your daughter to be a Diva, try this Hindu moon goddess name that was chosen by actress Monica Bellucci for hers.
- Devorah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"bee"Description:
The Biblical name of a great prophet and judge who helped organize an army and effect a major victory over the Canaanites. Sounds much fresher than the Anglicized Deborah.
- Dexter
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"right-handed, skillful"Description:
Dexter turned ultracool for a girl when Diane Keaton named her daughter Dexter Dean. Dexter is getting a new style gloss for both genders thanks to (unlikely) baby name role model, television's Dexter the genial serial killer.
- Dextra
Description:
Dextra is a distinctive feminine name derived from the Latin word 'dexter,' meaning 'right-handed' or more broadly 'skillful' and 'fortunate.' The ancient Romans associated the right side with favorable omens and positive qualities, giving this name auspicious connotations. Dextra has a strong, modern sound despite its classical origins. It remains quite uncommon as a given name, making it a distinctive choice. The name has a certain scientific or academic quality, perhaps due to its similarity to words like 'dexterous' and 'ambidextrous.' For parents seeking a rare name with positive meanings and classical roots, Dextra offers both uniqueness and substance.
- Dharma
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"truth"Description:
In Buddhism, Dharma embodies the basic principles of cosmic existence--making it a fitting name for the hippyish character on the sitcom Dharma and Greg, whose middle name was Freedom.
- Diamanta
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"diamond"Description:
Diamanta is a version of Diamond that is sometimes heard in France, and does soften the hardness of the stone. It likely comes from the Greek Diamantina.
- Diantha
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"divine flower"Description:
Diantha, a mythological flower of the supreme Greek god Zeus, is a melodious and more unusual cousin of Diana, heard most often in The Netherlands.
- Dimanche
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"Sunday"Description:
Pleasant-sounding word that could morph into a unique Sunday-picnic-type name.
- Dinah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God will judge"Description:
As the song says, "Dinah, is there anyone finer?" Dinah is a charming, underused Old Testament name with a rich literary and musical resume.
- Discovery
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
A lot to handle, but it does give a sense of openness, joy, and awe.
- Dixie
Origin:
Latin, FrenchMeaning:
"I have spoken; tenth"Description:
A sassy, spunky, punchy kind of name, Dixie can also be considered a place name, one that has become problematic because of its association with the antebellum South. The Dixie Chicks recently dropped Dixie from their band name because of its association with slavery and white privilege.
- Domino
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"lord, master"Description:
One of those ultimate cool-girl names, played by Keira Knightley in a movie about a supermodel-turned-bounty hunter, but kids might associate it with the game. High profile British designer India Hicks used it for her daughter. As a girls' nameit's still very rare, used in 2015 in the US for only seven baby girls.
- Dorothy
Origin:
English variation of Greek DorotheaMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
In the 1930s, Dorothy left Kansas and landed in the Land of Oz; by the '80s she had become a Golden Girl, living in Miami with roommates Blanche and Rose, giving her a decidedly older image. But parents today seeking a quiet classic are bringing Dorothy back—she reentered the Top 1000 in 2011 after almost completely disappearing.
- Dosha
Description:
Dosha is a feminine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Ayurvedic tradition, 'dosha' refers to one of three energies believed to circulate in the body and govern physiological activity, connecting the name to concepts of balance and wellness. The name may also have African roots, particularly in certain West African naming traditions. With its soft consonants and ending in 'a,' Dosha has a gentle, melodic quality typical of feminine names across many cultures. Relatively uncommon in Western countries, it offers distinctiveness while remaining straightforward to pronounce. The name carries an exotic appeal while still sounding accessible. Parents might choose Dosha seeking a name with spiritual connotations, cultural significance, or simply for its pleasing sound and uniqueness.
- Dove
Origin:
Nature nameMeaning:
"dove, a bird"Description:
One of the new bird names, like Lark and Wren, this one's associated with the billing and cooing sounds of love. Soft and gentle, Dove also has the admirable association with peace.
- Doveva
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"graceful"Description:
Feminine but strong name heard in Israel.
- Drucilla
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"strong"Description:
Pleasingly quaint and dainty New Testament possibility; the nickname Dru modernizes it.
- Dune
Origin:
English word nameDescription:
Dune is a haunting and evocative sandy-beach name, which also has sci-fi connections. Dune is a science fiction franchise that was launched by Frank Herbert's 1965 novel. Some interesting Dune character names include Alia, Leto, Siona, Bellonda,and Tamalane.