Girl
- Ainsley
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"one's own meadow"Description:
While theoretically unisex, this surname name has been edging up the girls’ names list, perhaps originally as an Ashley substitute. One quality in Ainsley's favor: It's remained steadily popular -- but not TOO popular -- for more than 20 years now, ranking consistently around Number 400. That makes it stylish and familiar without showing up everywhere.
- Allison
Origin:
Scottish, diminutive of AliceMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Widely used here since the 50s, Allison — a derivative of Alice — has now been once again surpassed by the original Alice as parents embrace vintage revivals. Despite this, Allison's popularity has slipped only slightly.
- Alma
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"nurturing, soul"Description:
Alma is a somewhat solemn, soulful name that had a burst of popularity a century ago, then faded into the flowered wallpaper, and is now finding its footing once more.
- Aspen
Origin:
Nature and place-nameMeaning:
"a poplar tree that quakes in the breeze"Description:
Aspen is part of two groups of stylish and unique baby names: nature names and place-names. The name of a graceful tree in the poplar family with heart-shaped leaves so delicate they quiver in the gentlest breeze, Aspen is also the name of a trendy Colorado ski resort. Aspen started as a unisex name possibility but now is much more frequently worn by girls.
- Breanne
Description:
Breanne is a feminine name that emerged as a modern variation of Breanna, which itself is a feminine form of Brian, a name of Irish and Celtic origin meaning "high" or "noble." This contemporary spelling became popular in North America during the 1980s and 1990s, offering a slightly different take on the more common Breanna or Brianna. Breanne strikes a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness, with its recognizable roots but less common form. The name peaked in popularity during the late 1990s but has maintained steady usage since then. With its soft sounds and feminine ending, Breanne carries a gentle yet modern feel. The name's Irish heritage connects it to a rich cultural tradition while its contemporary spelling gives it a fresh, updated quality.
- Brielle
Origin:
Short form of Gabrielle, French, Cajun, Hebrew, CelticMeaning:
"god is my strength; hunting grounds"Description:
Though it sounds modern, Brielle is, among other things, a traditional Cajun contraction of Gabrielle, and the name of a historic seaport in the Western Netherlands, also known as Brill. Today, it is used more widely as a nickname for Gabrielle and as a stand-alone name that fits in easily with Isabelle, Briana, and Brinley. In a recent year, it appeared in the US Top 200, ranking above the longer form and used nearly four times as often.
- Brook
Origin:
English nature nameMeaning:
"small stream"Description:
Brooke variation – or is the other way around? – that makes it more a nature name, less an eighties-style androgynous name.
- Cierra
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"mountain range or finish"Description:
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.'
- Davon
Description:
Davon as a feminine name represents an interesting crossover, as it's more commonly used as a masculine name in English-speaking countries. It may be considered a feminine variation of 'Devon' or 'Davina.' The name likely derives from either the English county of Devon or possibly as a variation of the Hebrew name David, meaning 'beloved.' As a feminine choice, Davon offers a modern, gender-neutral sound that appeals to parents seeking less traditionally gendered names. The name possesses a contemporary feel with strong consonants balanced by its soft ending, making it distinctive yet accessible for a girl.
- Eden
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"place of pleasure, delight"Description:
Eden is an attractive, serene name with obvious intimations of Paradise, one of several place names drawn from the Bible by the Puritans in the 17th century.
- Elaine
Origin:
French and ScottishMeaning:
"bright, shining light"Description:
This old Scottish form of Helen has had quite a history, going from appearing as one of the shining heroines of the Arthurian legends, the princess who fell in love with Sir Lancelot and became the mother of Sir Galahad, referred to as 'Elaine the fair' and 'Elaine the lovable', to being the name of the most famous of New York's celebrity restaurants, to being the archetypal New York neurotic on Seinfeld.
- Elena
Origin:
Spanish, Italian, German, Greek variation of HelenMeaning:
"bright, shining light"Description:
Elena is at its most popular point ever in the US, thanks to its cross-cultural appeal and the overall popularity of El- names. It's more international than Ellen or Eleanor, but still accessible.
- Eliza
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Eliza is a name with a wonderful combination of streamlined zest and Eliza Doolittle charm and spunk. It's a classic that's popular right now -- but not too popular.
- Elsa
Origin:
German diminutive of ElisabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Lost in limbo for decades and decades, Elsa now stands a good chance of following along in the progression from Emma to Ella to Etta, thanks to the ice queen heroine who "Let It Go" in the wildly popular Disney movie Frozen. The name shot all the up to Number 286 (its highest ranking since the 1890s) in the year after the release of the movie, though it's now dropped back down the list in the US.
- Eva
Origin:
Latin form of Eve, HebrewMeaning:
"life"Description:
Eva is a simple, classic Hebrew name for girls that recently slipped out of the US Top 100 for the first time in more than a decade. Pronounced either like her more popular sister Ava or less popular sister Eve, Eva is one of the elite group of girl names that mean life.
- Eve
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"life"Description:
Eve, the oldest name in the Book, is now coming back into style, having the virtues of simplicity and purity, yet with more strength and resonance than other single-syllable names like Ann. British actor Clive Owen chose Eve for his daughter, as did Jessica Capshaw.
- Francis
Description:
Francis as a feminine name has Latin origins, derived from the Latin 'Franciscus' meaning 'French' or 'free one.' While Francis is more commonly used for boys in English-speaking countries, it has a long tradition as a feminine name as well, especially in Catholic families. The feminine version is sometimes distinguished by pronunciation (FRAN-sis for females versus FRAN-sis or FRAN-siss for males). Many women named Francis opt to use nicknames like Fran, Frannie, or Francie. The name gained popularity for girls in the early 20th century but declined after the 1950s. With its classic religious associations, particularly to St. Francis of Assisi, the name carries connotations of humility, generosity, and connection to nature.
- Haleigh
Origin:
Spelling variation of HaileyDescription:
Trendy -leigh suffix.
- Helen
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"torch; shining light"Description:
Helen is a name that has connoted beauty since ancient times – Helen of Troy was the the mythological "face that launched a thousand ships," over whom the ten-year Trojan War was fought.
- Janet
Origin:
Diminutive of JaneMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Janet started as a pet form of Jane but has long been used independently. Jane is a feminine form of John, which derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan. Janet can also be considered a variation of Jeannette, a derivative of Joan and another feminization of the name John.