Cute and Playfull Names for Girls
- Ozzie
Origin:
English, GermanMeaning:
"divine; deer"Description:
This zippy diminutive name has been rising up the charts in recent years as a cool unisex choice. The Ozzy spelling is currently more popular all round, however for girls the Ozzie spelling isn't too far behind. It was given to around 50 American girls in 2023, while Ozzy was chosen for 70.
- Deanna
Origin:
English variation of Diana, Latin, feminization of DeanMeaning:
"divine; church official"Description:
Though still being used, Deanna peaked many decades ago.
- 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.
- Becca
Origin:
English diminutive of RebeccaMeaning:
"servant of God"Description:
The currently preferred replacement for Becky, sometimes used on its own.
- 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.
- Chandler
Origin:
English from French occupational nameMeaning:
"candle maker"Description:
In the US, nearly 300 baby girls were named Chandler in the US last year, which first appeared on the girls' Top 1000 in the heyday of Friends. While the TV character was masculine, today the name is 43 percent female and climbing, making it one of the trendiest boy names for girls.
- Luka
Description:
Luka as a feminine name represents a gender-switched variation of the traditionally masculine Luka/Luca, which derives from the Latin 'Lucius,' meaning 'light' or 'illumination.' While Luka remains predominantly masculine in most cultures (particularly popular in Eastern European countries like Croatia and Slovenia), its use for girls has emerged as part of the trend toward gender-neutral naming. The feminine Luka carries a modern, international appeal with its melodic sound and simple spelling. The name's connection to light gives it an uplifting quality, while its cross-cultural presence (appearing in Slavic, Italian, and Japanese naming traditions) adds versatility. Though still uncommon for girls, Luka fits alongside other formerly masculine names like Riley and Avery that have gained acceptance for both genders.
- 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:
"undomesticated, uncultivated"Description:
The final -e takes this from a daring word name to a literary honor name, for the inimitable Irish author, poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, infamous for his wit and flamboyance.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Earhart
Origin:
German surnameMeaning:
"honor, bravery"Description:
Conceivable middle name choice for admirers of flyer Amelia.
- Payson
Origin:
English, meaning unknownDescription:
Surname-sounding unisex cousin of Peyton is gaining in popularity, especially for girls.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.