Cute and Playfull Names for Girls
- Cady
Origin:
English, diminutive and surnameDescription:
Cady is one of those names that sounds popular but is actually rare in this form, given to only a few dozen baby girls in the US last year.
- Lexa
Description:
Lexa is a feminine name with multiple origin possibilities. Most commonly, it's considered a shortened form of Alexandra, which derives from Greek elements meaning 'defender of mankind.' It also functions as an independent diminutive of Alexis or Alexa. In Slavic languages, particularly Czech and Slovak, Lexa can be a nickname for names containing the Alex- element. The name gained modest recognition following the introduction of the character Commander Lexa in the television series 'The 100' (2014-2016). With its crisp, modern sound combining the popular 'Lex' sound with a feminine ending, Lexa appeals to parents seeking short, strong feminine names that balance contemporary style with classical roots.
- Rya
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"dream"Description:
While many English sources say this name is a feminization of Ryan and give the pronunciation as Ryan without the final n, Rya is a genuine Arabic name for girls that rhymes with Mia and Leah. It is used widely throughout the Middle East and India and more than 50 girls were named Rya last year in the US, where it's quietly but steadily increasing in popularity.
- Journey
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"passage from one place to another"Description:
One of the new word names, appealing to parents attracted to the idea of a spiritual -- or even an actual -- voyage. The Journee spelling is also being used. Unisex alert: Jenna Jameson used Journey for one of her twin boys, as did the Black Eyed Peas rock musician known as Taboo.
- Spirit
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
" a supernatural being or essence"Description:
Spiritual word names are becoming more and more popular – think Peace, Bodhi, Zen and Psalm – and Spirit is among the rarer options, given to a couple dozen baby girls each year in the US. It's the name of the horse in the kids' TV show Spirit.
- Lakelyn
Origin:
American invented name or variation of LachlanMeaning:
"pretty lake; lake; lake land"Description:
If you can add Lyn to it, someone will. This particular -lyn name is a rising star of the 2020s, having entered the US Top 1000 in 2022, alongside sister spelling Lakelynn. Meaning "lake lake" or "pretty lake", depending on which Lynn meaning you choose to apply, it could also be viewed as a feminine form of Lachlan ("lake land").
- Taya
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"young"Description:
Taya has recently jumped into the mainstream name pool, perhaps because of kinship with Maya and Kaya. After five years outside the US Top 1000, it reentered in 2015.
- Dior
Origin:
French surnameMeaning:
"golden"Description:
Dior has joined Chanel and Armani on the fashionista hit parade of names, appealing due to its designer quality, its succinct sound, and contemporary air. Nearly 400 baby girls were named Dior in the US last year.
- Colbie
Origin:
Variation of Colby, EnglishMeaning:
"from a coal town"Description:
Strongly feminine variation of Colby with two prime associations: singer Colbie Caillat and actress Colbie Smulders (born Jacoba).
- Gale
Origin:
Spelling variation of GailDescription:
When Gail was popular, half a century ago, Gale was a plausible choice. Gale does put a slightly more masculine spin on the name, but it's dated in any version.
- Wilde
Origin:
English surname, variation of Wild, English word nameMeaning:
"untamed, undomesticated, uncultivated"Description:
A wild world name with literary connections and a surname-style, Wilde is best associated with Irish author, poet, and playwright, Oscar Wilde. Similar in sound to the more popular Wilder and Wiley, Willow and Wyatt, in could make a bold option for girls, especially in the middle spot.
- Payson
Origin:
English, meaning unknownDescription:
Surname-sounding unisex cousin of Peyton is gaining in popularity, especially for girls.
- Stormy
Origin:
Word name; variation of StormDescription:
Stormy is on the rise following the birth of Kylie Jenner's daughter Stormi, although the starbaby's spelling has taken over the lead.
- Corey
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"from the hollow"Description:
Cool a few decades ago, along with Lori and Tori. Currently out of fashion but may make a retro tomboy choice as an offbeat spin on Charlie.
- Earhart
Origin:
German surnameMeaning:
"honor, bravery"Description:
Conceivable middle name choice for admirers of flyer Amelia.
- Copeland
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"bought land"Description:
Ballet dancer Misty Copeland may draw more parents to consider her surname for a baby girl — which at last count was 29% female.
- Rhylee
Description:
Rhylee is a contemporary feminine name with a melodic quality, typically considered a modern variant of Riley. This spelling variation, with the distinctive 'h' and double 'e' ending, emerged as parents sought to create more feminine and unique versions of the originally masculine Irish surname. The name has gained popularity primarily in English-speaking countries since the early 2000s, riding the wave of surname-to-first-name transitions. Rhylee blends the trendy sound of Riley with a distinctively feminine spelling. The name conveys a sense of spiritedness and individuality. While not among the top-ranked names, Rhylee appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet stands out, offering a balance between uniqueness and accessibility.
- Seabrooke
Origin:
Variation of Seabrook, English surnameMeaning:
"trickling stream"Description:
A way to feminize Seabrook, if you want a name that is gender-neutral in sound but not appearance.