Cute and Playfull Names for Girls

  1. Jessa
    • Origin:

      Short form of Jessica, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "behold or wealthy"
    • Description:

      Once rare, this streamlined form of Jessica has been boosted by two very different television figures: the Jemima Kirke character on HBO series Girls, and reality television daughter Jessa Duggar.
  2. Lakelyn
    • Origin:

      American invented name or variation of Lachlan
    • Meaning:

      "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").
  3. Fae
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Faye, English
    • Meaning:

      "fairy"
    • Description:

      Now that Faye is back on the Top 1000 after a decades-long absence, its spelling variations are being revived as well. Fae was given to nearly as many baby girls last year as Fay and may be especially attractive as a middle name option.
  4. Wilde
    • Origin:

      English surname, variation of Wild, English word name
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  5. Cady
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive and surname
    • Description:

      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.
  6. Gale
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Gail
    • Description:

      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.
  7. Corey
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  8. Spirit
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      " 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.
  9. Dior
    • Origin:

      French surname
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. Colbie
    • Origin:

      Variation of Colby, English
    • Meaning:

      "from a coal town"
    • Description:

      Strongly feminine variation of Colby with two prime associations: singer Colbie Caillat and actress Colbie Smulders (born Jacoba).
  11. Becca
    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Rebecca
    • Meaning:

      "servant of God"
    • Description:

      The currently preferred replacement for Becky, sometimes used on its own.
  12. Deanna
    • Origin:

      English variation of Diana, Latin, feminization of Dean
    • Meaning:

      "divine; church official"
    • Description:

      Though still being used, Deanna peaked many decades ago.
  13. Copeland
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  14. Stormy
    • Origin:

      Word name; variation of Storm
    • Description:

      Stormy is on the rise following the birth of Kylie Jenner's daughter Stormi, although the starbaby's spelling has taken over the lead.
  15. Seabrooke
    • Origin:

      Variation of Seabrook, English surname
    • Meaning:

      "trickling stream"
    • Description:

      A way to feminize Seabrook, if you want a name that is gender-neutral in sound but not appearance.
  16. Payson
    • Origin:

      English, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Surname-sounding unisex cousin of Peyton is gaining in popularity, especially for girls.
  17. Earhart
    • Origin:

      German surname
    • Meaning:

      "honor, bravery"
    • Description:

      Conceivable middle name choice for admirers of flyer Amelia.
  18. 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.

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Find your perfect baby name together in our iPhone app, now available on the App Store.
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