real girls

Roxanna

Persian

"little star"

Spelled with one 'n', this was the name of the wife of Alexander the Great, and is more attractive than the better-known Roxanne.

Eir

Norse

"peacefulness, mercy"

So airy, it's almost not there.

Vivianna

Vivianna is a feminine name derived from Latin roots, elaborating on the name Vivian or Viviana, ultimately from 'vivus' meaning 'alive' or 'full of life.' This melodic four-syllable name carries…

Kathleen

Anglicized form of Irish Caitlin

"pure"

Kathleen is the early Irish import version that came between Katherine and Kaitlin, and which hasn't been used in so long it's almost beginning to sound fresh again. It was a surprise pick by one of…

Cierra

Spanish

"mountain range or finish"

Cierra is a feminine name with Spanish influences, possibly derived from 'sierra' meaning 'mountain range' or related to the Spanish word 'cerrar' meaning 'to close or finish.' The name gained…

Jean

English and Scottish, from French variation of Johanna

"God is gracious"

Originally a feminine of John, Jean was popular in Scotland long before it found favor elsewhere, and had its most shining moment here in the era of Jean Harlow (born Harlean), ultimate symbol of…

Kiki

French nickname and Japanese

"double happiness"

Kiki is one of the Coco-Gigi-Fifi-Lulu bohemian-type French nickname names from the turn of the last century, which have endless energy and sparkle. Artist Kiki Smith is its most well-known…

Carina

Italian

"dear little one"

Carina is a pretty delicately feminine name whose fall from popularity is not helped by its similarity to hurricane name Katrina or slang victim Karen.

Brie

French, place-name of cheese-producing region, short form of Briana

Place-name and homonym of Bree, less popular than its enlargement, Brielle or Brianna. Brie Larson is a notable bearer.

Zia

Short form of Luzia or Terézia, Hungarian, Portuguese

"light; harvest"

A short and zippy name that would blend right in with but also stand out among a group of girls named Mia, Gia, Lia and Tia. It is a multicultural choice, used in Hungary as a short from of Terézia,…

Annabel

Scottish variation of Amabel

"loving"

Annabel is a spirited name that embodies quirky British gentility. Appearing in Scotland as early as the twelfth century, where it was a royal name, it also recalls the romantic Edgar Allan Poe poem…

Lou

Short form of Louise

"renowned warrior"

Lou is usually a short form of Louise, Louisa, or Lucy in English-speaking countries, when Lou is used for girls at all. But in France and Germany, it's a fashionable choice all on its own, sure to…

Sibelle

Sibelle is a feminine name of Greek origin, considered a variant of Sybil or Sibyl. The original name derives from the Greek 'sibylla' meaning 'prophetess' or 'oracle'. In ancient Greek and Roman…

Charlotta

Swedish variation of Charlotte, French

"free man"

This form of Charlotte, long obscure, is sure to grow in popularity along with the explosion of Charlotte. It's pretty and feminine and a nice spin on the more familiar version. In Germany, short…

Kyndal

Kyndal is a modern feminine name that gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It appears to be a creative spelling variation of Kendall, which originated…

Annaliese

German, combination of Anna and Liese

"grace and pledged to God"

Annaliese is a distinctly German smoosh name that's found some popularity in the US, especially with the simpler spelling Annalise. Annalise is among the Top 1000, given to about 750 baby girls in…

Dory

French

"gift of God"

A Dorothy nickname name with a measure of nostalgic charm. Kids will associate it with the funny fish character voiced by Ellen DeGeneres in the Pixar animated instant classic Finding Nemo .