Violet is soft and sweet, yet with a vivacious edge. Today, Violet is the top flower name for girls, outranking Lily and Iris in the Top 100, and the second most popular color name for girls after Scarlett.

Effortlessly stylish, with plenty of sweetness and strength, Valentina feels like a fresh alternative to Valerie, Victoria, or Vanessa, even if it does now rank ahead of them in the US charts. Popular across the globe, from Chile to Czechia, Belgium to Uruguay, Slovenia to Australia, it's a well-established choice that hasn't lost its flair.

Victoria is the Latin word for "victory" and a feminine form of Victor. It is the name of the ancient Roman goddess of victory, the equivalent of the Greek Nike, and also a popular third century saint.

Vera was the height of fashion in 1910, then was for a long time difficult to picture embroidered on a baby blanket. Now, though, it has come back into style along with other old-fashioned simple names such as Ada and Iris.

Vivien (Scarlett O'Hara) Leigh was born Vivian. Some sources give Vivien as a relative of the Irish goddess name Bebinn and a literary name invented by Tennyson. Others say it's related to the Latin-based Viviana, meaning life. This spelling of the name is as legitimate as many others.

Valinda is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a combination of the Latin prefix 'val' meaning 'strong' or 'healthy' with the Spanish suffix 'linda' meaning 'beautiful,' essentially creating a name that means 'beautiful and strong.' Alternatively, it could be a variation of Valentina or a unique creation. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon today. Valinda has a melodic, romantic quality while still conveying strength. Its distinctive sound and spelling make it stand out among more common names, appealing to parents seeking something unique yet accessible with a pleasant rhythm.

Vada is a feisty retro choice that feels like a fresh spin on the likes of Ava and Ada. Its bold V initial is bang on trend, although Vada remains very uncommon in the US. It is perhaps best known as the heroine of the 1991 cult classic coming-of-age movie My Girl, Vada Sultenfuss, played by Anna Chlumsky.

Viva la baby with this life-affirming name, one of the appealing group of girl names that mean life. Other related life-giving names on the rise: cousins Vida and Vita, and Vivian, Aviva, and even Zoe.

Vital and vivacious, Vita is stirring back to life along with many of her V-themed sisters -- Vivian, Vivica -- and is becoming a new celebrity baby favorite.

The name of a heavenly planet and the Roman goddess of beauty and love was an intimidating no-no until tennis champ Venus Williams put an athletic, modern spin on it.

Vara is a feminine name with diverse origins across multiple cultures. In Sanskrit, it means 'blessing' or 'boon,' while in Swedish it's related to 'spring' or 'springtime.' In Hebrew, Vara can be a variation of Sarah meaning 'princess,' and in Finnish, it relates to 'preparation' or 'readiness.' This multicultural name is concise yet melodious with its two balanced syllables. Vara remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries but has consistent usage in India, Scandinavia, and parts of Eastern Europe. Its simplicity makes it easy to pronounce across languages while its varied meaningful associations give it depth. The name projects gentle strength and natural beauty, appealing to parents seeking a cross-cultural name with substance.

Viola has plenty of positive elements going for it: the rhythm of the musical instrument, the association with the flower, the trending 'Vi' beginning and its leading role in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. With a touch of international flair, it also avoids the violent/Violet some parents have.

For a girl, we'd say Val-en-teen, though many would insist on pronouncing it like the holiday.

This Persian name with an Old Testament pedigree has a warm Sasha-like feel. The Biblical Vashti was a queen who refused her husband's orders to appear naked in front of his party guests and so was deposed in favor of Esther. For her independent spirit, Vashti has become something of a feminist icon.

Velvet is a name that couldn't possibly be softer or more luxuriant. Many people have fond memories of it via the character of Velvet Brown, played by the young Elizabeth Taylor in National Velvet, an intrepid young woman willing to masquerade as a boy to race her horse in a dangerous steeplechase.

Mystical overtones.

Valdis is a feminine name with Norse and Baltic origins, particularly prominent in Latvian culture. The name derives from elements meaning 'rule' and 'goddess' or 'power,' suggesting a woman of strength and authority. In Latvian tradition, Valdis is actually more commonly used as a masculine name, though it has been adopted for girls in some regions and contexts. The name has a concise, powerful sound with its two syllables and strong consonants. Valdis carries connotations of leadership, wisdom, and divine connection in its traditional usage. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, it offers a distinctive option for parents drawn to names with Nordic or Baltic heritage. Its straightforward pronunciation and spelling make it accessible despite its unfamiliarity in many Western naming traditions.

This diminutive of Valeria has a strong and striking sound to match its meaning. It has also been used in Brazil in recent decades.

Valora may be one of several things: a femininization of word name Valor, celebrating bravery and strength; an Esperanto name meaning "valuable"; a spin on Valerie and Valeria, via the Valorie spelling, meaning "strength, health"; a play on Lora/Laura and Valerie, giving the it the combined meaning of "healthy bay laurel".