Cowgirl Names

  1. Abby
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Abigail, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "my father is joyful"
    • Description:

      Gently old-fashioned stand-alone nickname that owes its popularity to mega popular Abigail.
  2. Abelia
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "sigh, breath"
    • Description:

      This feminine form of Abel is also a flower name and makes a distinctive alternative to the widely used Abigail. There is a similar name, Adelia, that is beginning to be rediscovered thanks to the trend for all names Adel- related.
  3. Abigail
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "my father is joyful"
    • Description:

      Abigail has been in for so long -- the name has ranked in the US Top 100 since the late 1980s -- it's amazing that it isn't more out by now. But Abigail's biblical and historic roots make it a fashionable classic rather than a passing fad.
  4. Abilene
    • Origin:

      English from Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "grass"
    • Description:

      Abilene is a rarely used place name, mentioned as such in the New Testament, that combines the cowboy spunk of the Texas city with the midwestern morality of the Kansas town where Dwight D. Eisenhower spent his boyhood. Abilene is a much more untrodden path to the nickname Abbie/Abbie than the Top 10 Abigail.
  5. Ada
    • Origin:

      German or Turkish
    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility, or island"
    • Description:

      Ada is one of the classic baby names for girls that is suddenly super stylish again. A favorite at the end of the nineteenth century, Ada is an alternative to the over-popular Ava. Ada is also part of the trend toward simple, old-fashioned names beginning with a vowel, like Ivy and Ella.
  6. Addie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Adelaide or Adeline
    • Description:

      Old-fashioned nickname with sweet turn-of-the-last-century charm that's become a favorite among the popular girl names starting with A of today. In fact, with all spellings of Adeline/Adalynn taken together firmly in the Top 10, and Adelaide and Addison also high in the charts, Addie is one of the most frequently-heard short forms around. But no matter how popular (or pandemic) it gets, Addie is undeniably one of the cutest names for baby girls. Little girls might like the fact that it's the name, though spelled Addy, of an American Girl series doll.
  7. Addison
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of Adam"
    • Description:

      Newly fashioned but familiar and with an on trend, unisex feel, Addison seems like the perfect solution for anyone who can’t decide between Madison, Adeline, and Alison.
  8. Addy
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Adelaide or Adeline
    • Description:

      This name has become increasingly popular, though usually with the Addie spelling. In fact, Addy/Addie has taken over for Maddie and Allie as one of the most frequently-heard short forms for a range of also-popular formal names, including Adeline, Adalynn, Adeliaide, and Addison. As Addy, it's the name of an American Girls doll.
  9. Adelaide
    • Origin:

      Variant of Adelheidis, German
    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"
    • Description:

      Adelaide is now heading straight uphill on the coattails of such newly popular sisters as Ava, Ada, and Audrey, and in the company of Adeline and Amelia. It was chosen by actress Katherine Heigl for the name of her second daughter.
  10. Adeline
    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Adele
    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"
    • Description:

      Adeline has a lovely, old-fashioned "Sweet Adeline" charm, but has become so popular in the US under so many spellings and variations -- with Adalynn and Adalyn also popular -- that considered together it is far more popular than it first seems. Adorable nickname Addie is also pervasive.
  11. Adia
    • Description:

      Adia is a feminine name with origins spanning several cultures. In Swahili, it means 'gift,' while similar variations appear in Hebrew and Arabic traditions with meanings relating to 'adornment' or 'jewel.' The name gained some recognition in Western countries after Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan released a song titled 'Adia' in 1997. Despite this brief spotlight, the name remains relatively uncommon in most Western countries. Adia appeals to parents seeking a name with multicultural roots and positive connotations. Its brevity and melodic sound make it accessible across different languages and cultures. The name's four distinct vowels create a rhythmic, musical quality when spoken. While rare, Adia provides a beautiful alternative to more common 'A' names for girls.
  12. Agatha
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "good woman"
    • Description:

      Agatha until recently summoned up visions of martyred saints, mauve silk dresses, and high lace collars, but now that some dauntless excavators have begun to resurrect it, we're sure more will follow their lead. Actor Thomas Gibson used it for his daughter in 2004.
  13. Aggie
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Agatha and Agnes
    • Description:

      Mauve-tinted nickname with vintage charm that could just follow in the footsteps of ABBIE. More prominent now as the nickname for the Texas A&M sports teams.
  14. Alameda
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "cottonwood grove"
    • Description:

      Common California place-name that could work for a girl.
  15. Alaska
    • Origin:

      Native American
    • Meaning:

      "great land"
    • Description:

      State name Alaska stems from an Aleutian word for the land mass itself. The number of baby girls named Alaska has doubled in the past five years, and is sure to continue increasing as more place names are annexed as baby names. Wilder but as habitable as Dakota or Cheyenne, Alaska is a girls' name choice for the future.
  16. Alex
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexandra or Alexis
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      One of the most evenly divided unisex names these days; strong and energetic, if overused, for both genders.
  17. Alexia
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alexandria, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      This diminutive, similar to Alex or Alexis, has been yo-yoing in popularity since the turn of the 21st century.
  18. Alexis
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "defender"
    • Description:

      Alexis, a one-time exclusively-boys’ name, was more popular than its sister Alexandra for quite a while, but in recent years Alexandra has overtaken it once again. Alexis was a Top 20 girls’ name from 1994-2010 but has experienced a decline in popularity in recent years, though now it's one of the top unisex names.
  19. Alice
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "noble"
    • Description:

      Alice is a classic literary name that's both strong and sweet, ranking in the US Top 100 and popular throughout the western world. Alice is derived from the Old French name Aalis, a diminutive of Adelais that itself came from the Germanic name Adalhaidis, which is composed of the Proto-Germanic elements aþala, meaning "noble," and haidu, "kind, appearance, type."
  20. Alicia
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Alice
    • Meaning:

      "noble"
    • Description:

      Alicia is a Latinized variation of Alice, a name ultimately derived from the German Adalhaidis. It emerged in the 19th century, but the 20th saw many spelling evolutions for Alicia, including Alecia, Alisha, Aleesha, and Alysha. Alyssa originated as a form of Alicia.
  21. Allie
    • Origin:

      Variation or diminutive of Alexandra, Alice or Allison; Greek, German or Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "defending men or noble"
    • Description:

      Allie is one short form that's gotten so popular it's often used as a name on its own. Cute, friendly, yet we'd recommend using one of the proper names such as Alice to give your daughter an option.
  22. Alma
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  23. Alondra
    • Origin:

      Pet form of Alejandra or Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "lark"
    • Description:

      A Spanish TV show made this one popular, along with single-named Mexican singer, Alondra.
  24. Alonza
    • Description:

      Alonza is the feminine form of Alonzo, which derives from the Germanic name Alfonso, meaning "noble and ready." This elegant name has Spanish roots and emerged as a feminine variation during the late 19th century. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Alonza carries a distinctive, melodic quality that appeals to parents seeking a unique yet historically-grounded name for their daughters. The name has seen modest usage in the United States, particularly in communities with Hispanic heritage. Alonza combines sophistication with a certain lyrical strength, offering the potential nicknames Lonnie or Allie for more casual use.

  25. Amara
    • Origin:

      Igbo, Sanskrit, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "grace, immortal, tribe"
    • Description:

      Strong, attractive, and stylish, Amara is a true multicultural choice enjoying some popularity in both the US and the UK. In the US Top 1000 since the turn of this century, Amara has been holding steady in the rankings between overly popular and obscure.
  26. Amity
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "friendship"
    • Description:

      Amity--what nicer gift to give your little girl than a name that signifies friendship and harmony? This virtue name is also more rhythmic and feminine than the single-syllable Hope, Faith, and Grace.
  27. Amy
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "beloved"
    • Description:

      Amy is the English variation of the Old French name Amée—Aimée in modern French. Amée was a translation of the Latin name Amata, which derived from amatus, meaning "beloved." Other spelling variations include Amie and Ami.
  28. Andromeda
    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name
    • Meaning:

      "advising like a man"
    • Description:

      One of the stellar unique baby names from mythology, Andromeda was the beautiful daughter of Cassiopeia who, like her mother, literally became a star--the constellation that bears her name.The Bohemian Andromeda makes a dramatic and adventurous choice in a time when four-syllable mythological names are gradually making their way into the mainstream.
  29. Andy
    • Description:

      Andy as a feminine name typically functions as a diminutive of Andrea, Alexandra, or Miranda, though it has established itself as an independent given name as well. Derived ultimately from the Greek 'andrós' meaning 'man' or 'warrior,' Andy has transcended its masculine origins to become a popular unisex choice. For girls, the name gained traction in the mid-20th century alongside the trend toward gender-neutral nicknames. Andy projects a casual, friendly quality with its short, approachable sound. The name carries associations with independence and a straightforward personality. Its simplicity and familiarity make it accessible across cultures, while still maintaining a slightly unconventional edge for girls. Andy's tomboyish charm appeals to parents seeking a name that is unpretentious yet distinctive.

  30. Angela
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "angel"
    • Description:

      Angela was a Top 10 name from 1965 to 1979, the fifth most popular name for three years, and staying in the double digits until the turn of the 21st century. Today, though, Angelina or Angelica would be more fashionable options.
  31. Angelica
    • Origin:

      Italian, Polish, Russian diminutive of Angela
    • Meaning:

      "angel or angelic"
    • Description:

      Angelica is by far the choicest form of the angelic names -- more delicate than Angelina, more feminine than Angel, more modern than Angela. But though Angelica is so lacy and poetic, it lags behind the bolder Angelina (probably for obvious reasons).
  32. Angeline
    • Origin:

      French variation of Angela
    • Meaning:

      "angel"
    • Description:

      With Angelina becoming so popular thanks to Ms. Jolie, this could be a new twist—but everyone will always misunderstand it as Angelina. While it currently ranks at Number 951 in the US, it's Number 352 in France.
  33. Angie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Angela
    • Description:

      Cute nickname of Angela and other angelic names, Angie is now being used on its own, although its popularity has fallen in recent years. That said, Angie is one of those surprising classics, hanging on in the girls' Top 1000 continuously since its inception in 1880.
  34. Annabel
    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Amabel
    • Meaning:

      "loving"
    • Description:

      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 Annabel Lee, written upon the death of his young wife, Virginia.
  35. Annabeth
    • Origin:

      Combination of Anna and Beth
    • Description:

      This is a long-recognized smoosh name merging Anna with the short form of Elizabeth, and is one of the prettiest combo names, a possible alternative to Annabel.
  36. Anne
    • Origin:

      French variation of English Ann and Hebrew Hannah
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      The name of the sainted mother of the Virgin Mary was among the top girls’ names for centuries, in both the original English Ann spelling and the French Anne. Both left the Top 100 around 1970 but Anne is still among the most classic names for girls, although others are more likely to choose the original Hannah, the Anna variation, or even Annabel or Annabella.
  37. Annelore
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "grace + god is my light"
    • Description:

      Variant of Hannelore
  38. Annie
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Ann
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      Annie is one of the most open and optimistic, the-sun'll-come-out-tomorrow type of name, having been celebrated over the years in song (Annie Laurie), comic strip (Little Orphan Annie), folklore (Annie Oakley, born Phoebe), and film (Annie Hall). It strikes a nice old-fashioned-but-jaunty chord that still has appeal, but we do suggest that you consider putting a more formal version on her birth certificate.
  39. Annona
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "corn, grain"
    • Description:

      The Roman goddess Annona personified Rome's grain supply. Her name is derived from the Latin word annōna, meaning "corn" or "grain," which ultimately originated from annus, "year."
  40. April
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "to open"
    • Description:

      Once the most popular month names, April has been overtaken by June (for girls) and August (for boys), as well as the charmingly old-fashioned May. Literary reference: the heroine of the book and movie Revolutionary Road, and there have been Aprils on Parks and Recreation, Glee, and The Vampire Diaries. Trivia note: comedian Ralphie May named his daughter April June May.
  41. Arabella
    • Origin:

      Latin, Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "yielding to prayer; lovable"
    • Description:

      Arabella, lovely and elegant, has long been well used in Britain and finally made it onto the American list in 2005. A Top 50 choice in the UK, in the US in remains in the Top 300, given to around 1300 babies each year.
  42. Arden
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "valley of the eagle; high"
    • Description:

      Arden, the name of the magical forest in Shakespeare's As You Like It, is a stylish A name with a strong, straightforward image. Another reason to love Arden: its similarity to "ardent." Arden is solidly unisex, with the current gender distribution running about 60 percent girls and 40 percent boys.
  43. Aria
    • Origin:

      Italian and Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "air; song or melody; lion"
    • Description:

      Aria is a multi-cultural name with two extremely popular versions: this more word-like one along with Arya, the spelling used for the feisty young heroine of Game of Thrones. There were about 6400 baby girls named Aria in the US last year alog with 2400 named Arya, which counted together places the name in the Top 10.
  44. Arizona
    • Origin:

      Place-name from Papago Indian
    • Meaning:

      "little springs"
    • Description:

      We usually think of place-names as a modern invention, but in fact Arizona ranked on the US Top 1000 from its inception in 1880 until 1911, when it vanished below the surface. It peaked at Number 510 in 1882, before Arizona became a state. One notorious vintage bearer: criminal "Ma" Barker, born Arizona Clark.
  45. Arlene
    • Origin:

      English
    • Description:

      Popular in the US from the 1920s to the 1950s, Arlene is of uncertain origin and seems to be a modern innovation, perhaps based on names like Marlene and Darlene which were popular around the same time. Nowadays, the -lene names are mostly outdated, although the recent rise of retro Arlette could make Arlene seem plausible again as well.
  46. Ashley
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the ash tree meadow"
    • Description:

      Ashley was a sensation in the 1980s and 1990s; it hit Number 1 in 1991. Ashley is still pretty but more and more parents are turning to newer names like Ashlyn and Aubrey, and spellings such as Ashleigh and Ashlea. If you hear the name Ashley in a playground today, it's more likely to be the mom than the little girl.
  47. Ashlyn
    • Origin:

      Variation of Aislinn, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "dream"
    • Description:

      Though it relates to the Irish original, Ashlyn and its next most popular form, Ashlynn, owe more of their popularity as baby names in the US to the megastar Ashley, though all three have been dropping on the charts lately.
  48. Aspen
    • Origin:

      Nature and place-name
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  49. Aubrey
    • Origin:

      English from French version of German Alberic
    • Meaning:

      "elf ruler"
    • Description:

      Almost like a fusion between vintage Audrey, bubbly Ruby, and unisex Avery, Aubrey has been a popular choice for girls since the mid 2000’s.
  50. Auden
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "old friend"
    • Description:

      A softly poetic surname name, associated with poet W.H., Auden is enjoying quiet but marked fashion status. It was chosen for his daughter by Noah Wyle and is definitely one to watch.
  51. Audrey
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "noble strength"
    • Description:

      Audrey is one of the girls' names that have been rising due to their connection to Old Hollywood glamour—in this case the eternally chic and radiant Audrey Hepburn. Audrey has another very different appeal as one of the elite group of girl names that mean strong, brave, or powerful.
  52. August
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "majestic, venerable"
    • Description:

      Though associated traditionally (and fashionably) with boys, it has been used occasionally for girls as well – by Garth Brooks, Nicolas Cage, and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, for example. But August is used significantly more often for girls these days than traditional feminine variations Augusta and Augustina, and makes for a fresh twist on traditional month names like April and May, as well as an updated spin on season name Autumn.
  53. Austin
    • Origin:

      English, shortened version of Augustine, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"
    • Description:

      More often used as a boys' name, parents have also been choosing Austin for their little girls - as the 176 female Austins born in the US in 2022 demonstrate. May we suggest the literary version "Austen" for girls, as a well-deserved homage to the famed English author Jane Austen?
  54. Ava
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Latin or Germanic
    • Meaning:

      "life; bird; water, island"
    • Description:

      Ava is one of the prime examples of a modern classic name, rising thought the course of a generation into the Top 10, where it has lingered for nearly 20 years.
  55. Avery
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "ruler of the elves"
    • Description:

      Avery is a hugely popular name in the US, especially for girls. But while nearly four times as many girls as boys are named Avery today Avery's popularity is starting to soften for girls while it continues to strengthen for boys.
  56. Aviva
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "springlike, fresh, dewy"
    • Description:

      Aviva is vivacious and memorable, a fresh spin on the Vivian and Vivienne names that have been getting more popular since Angelina and Brad chose one for their twin daughter. Another A-beginning palindrome name: Aziza.
  57. Azalea
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "azalea, a flower"
    • Description:

      Azalea is one of the fresher flower names, along with Zinnia and Lilac, that are new to the name bouquet — in fact, it entered the Social Security list for the first time in 2012. So if Lily and Rose are too tame for you, consider this brilliant pink springtime blossom with a touch of the unusual that has been growing in popularity.
  58. Anna-Lee
    • Annie-Jo
      • Bailey
        • Origin:

          Occupational name
        • Meaning:

          "law enforcer, bailiff"
        • Description:

          Bailey -- a jaunty surname -- was first used for a female TV character in 1978 in the show WKRP in Cincinnaati, then caught on big time. Bailey's still an appealing choice, though, and a celebrity fave. Parents of daughters named Bailey include Scot Baio and Stella McCartney.
      • Bea
        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Beatrice
        • Meaning:

          "she who brings happiness"
        • Description:

          Bea is a former old lady name that's cute again as a short form -- and is now beginning to stand on its own. Bee is a variation that, like Bea, can work as a diminutive for any name that starts with the letter B, or in the middle. Bea actually stood alone on the popularity lists for four years at the beginning of the twentieth century--and it could happen again.
      • Beatrice
        • Origin:

          Latin
        • Meaning:

          "she who brings happiness; blessed"
        • Description:

          Beatrice is back. Stored in the attic for almost a century, the lovely Beatrice with its long literary (Shakespeare, Dante) and royal history is being looked at with fresh eyes by parents seeking a classic name with character and lots of upbeat nicknames, like Bea and Bee.
      • Beatrix
        • Origin:

          Latin
        • Meaning:

          "she who brings happiness; blessed"
        • Description:

          Beatrix has a solid history of its own apart from Beatrice, with that final x adding a playful, animated note to the name's imposing history and stately vibe.
      • Belen
        • Origin:

          Spanish place name and form of Bethlehem, Hebrew
        • Meaning:

          "house of bread"
        • Description:

          Actually the Spanish name for Bethlehem, which means "house of bread," this name is high on Spain's popularity list and is rising in the US as well. Though this is one of the Spanish names for girls that has not for the most part crossed over to the English-speaking population, that could change thanks to its similarity to the popular Belle or Bella.
      • Bellamy
        • Origin:

          English and Irish from French
        • Meaning:

          "fine friend"
        • Description:

          Bellamy is emerging as an up-and-coming girls' name, an Irish surname-y riff on the super-popular Bella series of names. While the Bella connection makes Bellamy sound a little trendier and more popular than it really is, we see the name possibly rising through the ranks for both genders in the coming years.
      • Belle
        • Origin:

          Short form of Isabelle or French
        • Meaning:

          "beautiful"
        • Description:

          Belle has nothing but positive associations, from "belle of the ball" to "Southern belle" to the heroine of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. As if this weren't enough good things, Belle is also one of the most familiar and usable names that mean beautiful. Though it has been overshadowed by the Twilight-influenced Bella and longer forms like Isabella and Annabella, Belle has its own Southern charm and would make a pretty choice as a first or middle name.
      • Bernadette
        • Origin:

          German
        • Meaning:

          "brave as a bear"
        • Description:

          Although feminizations ending in "ette" are not particularly popular now, Bernadette is a pleasant, feminine, but strong name that doesn't feel prohibitively dated. And though strongly associated with the saint who saw visions of the Virgin Mary—Saint Bernadette of Lourdes—it is now no longer strictly inhabiting the Catholic diocese.
      • Bess
        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Elizabeth
        • Meaning:

          "pledged to God"
        • Description:

          Although she declared her independence as far back as the reign of Elizabeth I--Good Queen Bess, Bess now sounds less passé than Beth or Betsy.
      • Bessie
        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
        • Meaning:

          "pledged to God"
        • Description:

          After a century of association with horses and cows, this name just could be ready for revival by a fearless baby namer -- after all, it did happen to Jessie and Becky.
      • Beth
        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Elizabeth
        • Meaning:

          "pledged to God"
        • Description:

          The sweetest and most sensitive of the pet names for Elizabeth, now also one of the most dated.
      • Betsy
        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Elizabeth
        • Meaning:

          "pledged to God"
        • Description:

          This Elizabeth nickname has a decidedly retro feel--think Betsy Ross and the Betsy Wetsy doll-- once seen as a perkier, younger-sounding alternative to Betty. But with Betty on the brink of a comeback, pigtailed Betsy could return as well.
      • Betty
        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Elizabeth
        • Meaning:

          "pledged to God"
        • Description:

          Combine the popularity of Betty White and Mad Men's glamorous Betty Draper Francis, with the residual sweetness of Ugly Betty's Betty Suarez, and the result is an impending return of the name. It's got presidential cred via Betty Ford and feminist history through Betty Friedan.
      • Bianca
        • Origin:

          Italian
        • Meaning:

          "white"
        • Description:

          Bianca, the livelier Italian and Shakespearean version of Blanche, has been chosen by many American parents since the 1990s, just as Blanca is a favorite in the Spanish-speaking community. Its meaning of white relates to snow, making it one of the prime names for winter babies.
      • Billie
        • Origin:

          English, diminutive of Wilhelmina, Wilma
        • Meaning:

          "resolute protection"
        • Description:

          Billie is a tomboy nickname name, part of the growing trend for using boyish nicknames for girls and now destined for stardom along with its most famous contemporary bearer, music sensation Billie Eilish.
      • Birdie
        • Origin:

          English
        • Meaning:

          "bird"
        • Description:

          Birdie was until recently a middle-aged Ladies' Club member wearing a bird-decorated hat --but now it's just the kind of vintage nickname (think Hattie, Josie, Mamie, Millie) that's coming back into style in a big way. Actress Busy Philipps named her baby Birdie (inspired by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson), as did soap star Maura West.
      • Blake
        • Origin:

          English
        • Meaning:

          "fair-haired, dark"
        • Description:

          The unisex Blake, which indeed has two conflicting meanings, has a briskly efficient image when used for a girl.
      • Blanca
        • Origin:

          Spanish
        • Meaning:

          "white"
        • Description:

          More colorful than Blanche, but blanker than Bianca.
      • Blossom
        • Origin:

          English
        • Meaning:

          "to bloom"
        • Description:

          Now that parents have picked virtually every name in the garden, from the common Rose to the captivating Zinnia, some are reconsidering the old, more generic names like Flora and Posy and Blossom — which was last in favor in the 1920s and still has a Floradora showgirl aura.
      • Blue
        • Origin:

          Color name
        • Description:

          Blue suddenly came into the spotlight, as the unusual color name chosen by Beyonce and Jay-Z for their baby girl Blue Ivy. Blue is also a starbaby middle name du jour, used for both sexes in different spellings and forms, from John Travolta and Kelly Preston's Ella Bleu to Alicia Silverstone's Bear Blu. Dave 'The Edge' Evans named his daughter Blue Angel back in 1989.
      • Bluebell
        • Origin:

          Flower name from English
        • Meaning:

          "blue bell"
        • Description:

          Bluebell is one flower name that is used very quietly. Geri "Ginger Spice" Halliwell joined her former Spice Sisters in creative baby-naming with this adventurous — some might say outlandish — choice. Andie MacDowell has a granddaughter named Bluebell Coyote through her daughter Rainey Qualley.
      • Blythe
        • Origin:

          English
        • Meaning:

          "happy, carefree"
        • Description:

          Blythe is Nameberry gem — one of those names that visitors to the site are often searching for, despite the fact it's never ranked in the US charts as a given name.
      • Bobby
        • Origin:

          Short form of Roberta, English
        • Meaning:

          "bright fame"
        • Description:

          Bobby is a nickname-name that's long been used on its own for both girls and boys, though the Bobby spelling is more usually masculine while the girls' version is usually Bobbie. There were just over 50 baby girls named Bobbie in one recent year and only five named Bobby, compared with nearly 300 baby boys named Bobby. Robert F. Kennedy III and Amaryllis Fox named their daughter Bobby, continuing the family tradition across genders. And Millie Bobby Brown is a hot young actress.
      • Bonnie
        • Origin:

          Scottish
        • Meaning:

          "beautiful, cheerful"
        • Description:

          Bonnie is an adorable nickname name, heading back up the popularity list after a 50-year nap. A Top 100 girls' name throughout the rest of the English-speaking world, Americans are later to jump on the Bonnie bandwagon but now it's trending here too.
      • Brandi
        • Origin:

          Variation of Brandy, Dutch
        • Meaning:

          "burnt wine"
        • Description:

          Only slightly fewer girls are named Brandi each year than Brandy, 45 versus 57 in the US. Both spellings have their advantages and disadvantages.
      • Briar
        • Origin:

          English
        • Meaning:

          "a thorny patch"
        • Description:

          Fairy-tale memories of Sleeping Beauty inspire some parents—such as Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen—to call their daughters Briar Rose. But Briar plus a different middle name might work even better. It's one of the newly popular nature-word names, charting in the US for the first time in 2015 for both genders.
      • Briony
        • Origin:

          Spelling variation of Bryony
        • Meaning:

          "to sprout"
        • Description:

          Briony may be the variation and Bryony the original, but many parents will see this as the more authentic-feeling version of this attractive botanical name. Still unusual in the U.S., Briony is in the British Top 100 and may appeal to parents as a fresh spin on Briana or Brittany or an honorific for a Brian, though it bears no relationship to the male name.
      • Cadence
        • Origin:

          Latin
        • Meaning:

          "rhythm, beat"
        • Description:

          The musical word name Cadence, seemed to come out of nowhere to zoom up the charts; it rose over 700 spots between 2002 and 2004, and showed up in the Top 200 in 2007. It's gone down in the popular names list since then, though. Some might see it as a feminine relative of the popular Caden. Kadence and Kaydence are also rising.
      • 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.
      • Callie
        • Origin:

          Greek diminutive
        • Meaning:

          "beautiful"
        • Description:

          As 90s and early 2000s favorite Allie is starting to fall, Callie is feeling extra fresh. Callie is a nickname name that is currently more popular on its own than any of its longer versions. Callie was popular in the late 1800s when it was in the Top 200 for several years. However the name fell out of favor, eventually falling off the charts for some time. Callie has been rising again since the 70s, and it is now back in the Top 200 once again. In the popular show Grey's Anatomy, doctor Callie Torez's full name is the Greek Calliope.
      • Calliope
        • Origin:

          Greek mythology name
        • Meaning:

          "beautiful voice"
        • Description:

          Calliope is the name of the muse of epic poetry -- and also the musical instrument on the merry-go-round. Bold and creative, it debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016, and entered the Top 500 in 2023. Similar in rhythm and sound to Penelope with usable nicknames Callie, Clio, and Lola, it is no wonder it's on the rise.
      • Carmen
        • Origin:

          Spanish variation of Carmel or Latin
        • Meaning:

          "garden or song"
        • Description:

          Carmen has long been associated with the sensuous, tragic heroine of Bizet's opera, based on a novel by Prosper Merimee; more recently it has called to mind two other bombshells: Carmen Miranda (born Maria) and Carmen Electra (born Tara), as well as the great jazz singer Carmen McRae. In the celebrity baby name world, this classic Spanish name for girls was used by Hilaria and Alec Baldwin for their oldest daughter.
      • Carolina
        • Origin:

          Variation of Caroline; also place-name
        • Meaning:

          "free man"
        • Description:

          Romantic, and classy, this variation heats up Caroline and modernizes Carol, adding a southern accent. A popular choice in Portugal, Spain, Mexico, and Italy, it recently entered the US Top 500.
      • Caroline
        • Origin:

          French, feminine variation of Charles
        • Meaning:

          "free man"
        • Description:

          Caroline is a perennial classic, one of the elite group of girls' names that's ALWAYS ranked among the Top 1000 and that's been in the Top 100 since 1994. Elegant yet strong, Caroline calls to mind the Kennedy Camelot years and Princess Caroline of Monaco.
      • Carrie
        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Carol or Caroline, French
        • Meaning:

          "free man"
        • Description:

          Carrie lives on mainly on the screen, as the new/old antiheroine of Stephen King's classic Carrie, as turn-of-the-21st-century diva Carrie Bradshaw of Sex & The City, and as Claire Danes' Emmy-winning character Carrie Mathison of Homeland.
      • Carter
        • Origin:

          English occupational name
        • Meaning:

          "cart maker or driver"
        • Description:

          One of the surname names for boys on its way to becoming unisex, this name broke into the Top 1000 for the first time in 2013 for girls. While it sounds masculine to us, because of its two-syllable er-ending sound so trendy with boys’ names, many parents apparently disagree.
      • Casey
        • Origin:

          Irish
        • Meaning:

          "brave in battle"
        • Description:

          One of the original unisex Irish surname names, energetic Casey bounced onto the scene in the 1960s, then peaked in the 1980s for both boys and girls. Today Casey is having a resurgence for both girls and boys and re-entered the charts on the girls' side, likely due to the character Kayce Dutton (pronounced like Casey) on the hit show Yellowstone.
      • Cassandra
        • Origin:

          Greek
        • Meaning:

          "shining or excelling man"
        • Description:

          The name of the tragic mythological Trojan princess who was given the gift of prophecy by Apollo, but was condemned never to be believed, Cassandra has been used for striking characters in movies and soap operas. Ethereal and delicate, Cassandra was in the Top 70 throughout the 1990s but is now descending in popularity.
      • Cassidy
        • Origin:

          Irish
        • Meaning:

          "curly-haired"
        • Description:

          Has fallen off its Kathie Lee Gifford inspired peak in the 1990s, but since that notably celebrity baby is now a grownup and out of the limelight, Cassidy may once again reclaim its own Irish charm.
      • Cassie
        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Cassandra
        • Meaning:

          "prophetess"
        • Description:

          Though not much in use, still retains a cozy Little House on the Prairie-type pioneer feel.
      • Charlie
        • Origin:

          English diminutive of Charles or Charlotte, French from German
        • Meaning:

          "free man"
        • Description:

          Charlie is a friendly, boyish nickname name now used slightly more frequently for girls than boys, with over 2200 baby girls named Charlie last year versus about 2100 boys. That makes Charlie one of the most evenly-balanced and most popular unisex names around today.
      • Charo
        • Origin:

          Spanish nickname for Rosa or Rosario
        • Meaning:

          "rose or rosary"
        • Description:

          A nickname-name made famous by the uni-named Spanish singer Charo, whose full name was María del Rosario Pilar Martínez Molina Gutiérrez de los Perales Santa Ana Romanguera y de la Hinojosa Rasten.
      • Chloe
        • Origin:

          Greek
        • Meaning:

          "young green shoot"
        • Description:

          Chloe is a pretty springtime name symbolizing new growth. Though slightly off its peak in the Top 10 in 2010, Chloe still ranks in the Top 20 and is solidly a modern classic.
      • Christina
        • Origin:

          Greek
        • Meaning:

          "a Christian"
        • Description:

          Christina, a pretty and feminine, crystal clear classic, may be trending downward, but it's never out of style. Christina's short forms Chris, Christie, and Tina all seem dated—making the royal Christina best used in its full glory.
      • Clara
        • Origin:

          Latin
        • Meaning:

          "bright, clear"
        • Description:

          Clara is a strong, lovely girls' name that's always ranked among the US Top 1000 girl names but has been climbing since the turn of this century. It now ranks right around Number 100, making it a modern classic that's neither too popular nor unfamiliar.
      • Claude
        • Origin:

          Latin
        • Meaning:

          "lame; enclosure"
        • Description:

          Yes, we tend to think of Claude as a male name and Claudia and Claudette as the female, but this ancient clan name is used in France for girls as well as boys, and could make a distinctively chic boy name for girls here too. You may be surprised to know that Claude was in fairly regular use for American girls in the 1880's and nineties, reaching as high as 553 in 1880.
      • Claudia
        • Origin:

          Feminine variation of Claude
        • Meaning:

          "lame; enclosure"
        • Description:

          Claudia is a classic name with ancient Roman roots. Never truly in or truly out, Claudia feels like a strong, modern choice that hits the sweet spot between too popular and too unusual..
      • Clementine
        • Origin:

          French feminine version of Clement, Latin
        • Meaning:

          "mild, merciful"
        • Description:

          Clementine is a Nameberry favorite that broke back into the US Top 1000 in 2014 after more than half a century off the list.
      • Cleo
        • Origin:

          Greek
        • Meaning:

          "glory"
        • Description:

          Cleo, one of the few girls' names to boast the cool-yet-lively o ending, is of course short for Cleopatra, the name of one of the most powerful women in history.
      • Clover
        • Origin:

          Flower name, from Old English
        • Meaning:

          "key"
        • Description:

          Clover is a charming, perky choice if you want to move beyond hothouse blooms like Rose and Lily, and it's recently become a new celeb favorite, chosen by both Neal McDonough and Natasha Gregson Wagner, who used it to honor her mother, Natalie Wood, one of whose most iconic films was Inside Daisy Clover.
      • Connie
        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Constance
        • Meaning:

          "steadfastness"
        • Description:

          Connie is a sweet and charming vintage nickname, which ranks in the top 200 in the UK and has a vintage charm that makes it ready for a comeback in the US as well.
      • Constance
        • Origin:

          English version of Latin Constantia
        • Meaning:

          "steadfastness"
        • Description:

          Constance is one of the more subtle of the virtue baby names, but still has quite a prim and proper image. One impediment to its revival has been the decidedly dated nickname Connie, though modern parents might well opt for using the strong and dignified name in full.
      • Coralie
        • Origin:

          French from Latin
        • Meaning:

          "coral"
        • Description:

          Coralie is a French name not often heard here, though she's gaining some recognition via Neil Gaiman's similar sounding spooky and lovely children's book, Coraline. Other literary appearances: Coralie is the stage name of an actress in Balzac's Lost Illusions, and a French girl in an 1850 Thackeray novel.

          Coralie is currently very popular in French-speaking Quebec, and there is a contemporary French singer named Coralie Clement.

      • Coretta
        • Origin:

          English, elaborated form of Cora
        • Description:

          Famous as the name of the widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
      • Cressida
        • Origin:

          Greek
        • Meaning:

          "gold"
        • Description:

          Cressida is a pretty mythological and Shakespearean heroine name much better known in Britain than it is here — an imbalance the adventurous baby namer might want to correct.
      • Cash
        • Dahlia
          • Origin:

            Flower name, from Swedish surname
          • Meaning:

            "Dahl's flower"
          • Description:

            One of the flower names, used occasionally in Britain (where it's pronounced DAY-lee-a). It seems to have recovered from what was perceived as a slightly affected la-di-dah air. The flower was named in honor of the pioneering Swedish botanist Andreas Dahl, which means dale.
        • Daisy
          • Origin:

            Diminutive of Margaret or flower name, English
          • Meaning:

            "day's eye"
          • Description:

            Daisy, fresh, wholesome, and energetic, is one of the flower names that burst back into bloom after a century's hibernation. Originally a nickname for Margaret (the French Marguerite is the word for the flower), Daisy comes from the phrase "day's eye," because it opens its petals at daybreak.
        • Dakota
          • Origin:

            Native American tribe and place name; Sioux
          • Meaning:

            "friendly one"
          • Description:

            A Native American tribe name which is found in the names of two US states, Dakota was one of the first trendy nineties place names, but is now flagging a little in popularity. The cultural question around using a Native American tribe name as a baby name may be partly to blame.
        • Dale
          • Origin:

            English
          • Meaning:

            "valley"
          • Description:

            An early unisex nature name that has been surpassed by others, Dale is still a simple, sylvan and serene option.
        • Dallas
          • Origin:

            Place name, surnamed and Irish
          • Meaning:

            "skilled"
          • Description:

            A name with a bit of glamor but also cowgirl vibes, Dallas entered the US Top 1000 for girls in 1992. It fell out of style during noughties, but reappeared in 2012 when other gender neutral names like River, Sawyer, Rowan, and Blake were also climbing fast.
        • Danny
          • Description:

            Danny as a feminine name represents a trend of traditionally masculine nicknames adopted as independent given names for girls. Originally a diminutive of Daniel (meaning "God is my judge" in Hebrew), Danny crossed gender boundaries in the mid-20th century. While more commonly used for males, its adoption for females reflects naming trends that favor gender-neutral choices. As a feminine name, Danny has an approachable, unpretentious quality with a touch of tomboy charm. Its simplicity and familiarity make it distinctive yet accessible. The name peaked in popularity for girls in the 1970s but has maintained steady, if uncommon, usage. Danny offers a straightforward, unfussy option with friendly, energetic associations.
        • Darlene
          • Origin:

            English
          • Meaning:

            "darling"
          • Description:

            A modern(ish) invented name, only in widespread use since the 20th century. It is a combination of the English word darling and the popular midcentury suffix -lene. It was recently used on a character in the BBC comedy-crime drama, Death in Paradise.
        • Dawn
          • Origin:

            English
          • Meaning:

            "dawn, sunrise"
          • Description:

            Dawn's heyday in the US, Canada and the UK came in the 1960s and 70s. It peaked at #14 in the US in 1971, but has since sunk from sight to be eclipsed by other names with the same meaning, such as Aurora, Roxana or Zariah.
        • Deirdre
          • Origin:

            Irish
          • Meaning:

            "sorrowful"
          • Description:

            Sadly, this strong Celtic name often has "of the sorrows" attached to it because of the tragic character in Irish legend. Also a bit drab when compared with newer Irish imports.
        • Delaney
          • Origin:

            Irish
          • Meaning:

            "dark challenger; dark river"
          • Description:

            Delaney has been a popular surname-style choice since 90s, when it joined other Irish surnames such as Cassidy, Kennedy, and Mallory on the US Charts. Buoyant, bright, and cheerful, it ranks in the US Top 250 and is given to nearly 1300 babies every year.
        • Delia
          • Origin:

            Greek
          • Meaning:

            "born on the island of Delos"
          • Description:

            Delia is a somewhat neglected southern charmer that stands on its own but also might be short for Adelia or Cordelia.
        • Della
          • Origin:

            Diminutive of Adela, Adele or Adelaide
          • Meaning:

            "noble"
          • Description:

            Fresh, bright, and sunny, Della could be an alternative to Ella, Delilah, or Adeline. Familiar but not yet overused, it combines the elements of contemporary favorites with vintage charm.
        • Delphine
          • Origin:

            French from Greek
          • Meaning:

            "of Delphi; womb"
          • Description:

            Delphine is a sleek, chic French name with two nature associations — the dolphin and the delphinium, a bluebell-like flower, a well as a link to the ancient city of Delphi, which the Greeks believed to be the womb of the earth. All of these derive from the Greek word delphus "womb".
        • Demelza
          • Origin:

            Cornish
          • Meaning:

            "eel house or Maeldaf's fort"
          • Description:

            A punchy modern Cornish name derived from a place name, which is of disputed origin. It is sometimes said to derive from a rare Welsh name, Maeldaf, plus dinas, the Cornish for "fort". Another theory is that it comes from Cornish ty "house" plus malsai "eel" – likely a reference to Cornwall's fishing trade.
        • Denver
          • Origin:

            English or French place-name and surname
          • Meaning:

            "green valley or from Anvers"
          • Description:

            Yet another creative character name from Toni Morrison, Denver was a daughter of Sethe's in the novel Beloved. Today Denver is most familiar as the name of the largest city in Colorado, used almost equally for girls and boys.
        • Destiny
          • Origin:

            Word name
          • Description:

            If Destiny is your daughter's destiny, she probably won't be the only one in her school: until 2009, Destiny was in the Top 50, with three of its alternate spellings in hot pursuit. It has since dipped a bit in popularity but is still widely used. Destiny Hope was the birth name of Miley Cyrus and Destiny Jones is the daughter or rapper Nas.
        • Diana
          • Origin:

            Latin
          • Meaning:

            "divine"
          • Description:

            Diana, the tragic British princess, inspired many fashions, but strangely, not one for her name. For us, Diana is a gorgeous and still-underused choice.
        • Dinah
          • Origin:

            Hebrew
          • Meaning:

            "God will judge"
          • Description:

            As the song says, "Dinah, is there anyone finer?" Dinah is a charming, underused Old Testament name with a rich literary and musical resume.
        • Dodie
          • Origin:

            English diminutive of Dorothy
          • Meaning:

            "gift of god"
          • Description:

            Sweet old-fashioned nickname name that could make a comeback in the wake of Sadie, Edie et al. Famous bearers include author Dodie Smith, who wrote The Hundred and One Dalmatians and I Capture the Castle.
        • Dolly
          • Origin:

            English, diminutive of Dorothy
          • Meaning:

            "gift of God"
          • Description:

            Hello, Dolly! Okay, we couldn't resist, but be warned: Most people who meet your little Dolly won't be able to either. This nickname-name, rarely heard since whatever decade Dolly Parton was born, is singing a fashionable note again along with sisters Dottie and Dixie; it was chosen for one of their twin girls by Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell.
        • Dora
          • Origin:

            Diminutive of Theodora and Isidora, Greek
          • Meaning:

            "gift"
          • Description:

            Dora is poised for a comeback, right behind Laura, Nora, Cora, and Flora. First-time parents who haven't watched cartoons in a couple of decades should be aware of the Dora the Explorer connection, which has its pluses and minuses.
        • Dorothea
          • Origin:

            Greek
          • Meaning:

            "gift of God"
          • Description:

            Dorothea is a flowing and romantic Victorian-sounding name which was popular in the early decades of the twentieth century, but has been off the charts since 1970. Definitely on the brink of a revival!
        • Dorothy
          • Origin:

            English variation of Greek Dorothea
          • Meaning:

            "gift of God"
          • Description:

            In the 1930s, Dorothy left Kansas and landed in the Land of Oz; by the '80s she had become a Golden Girl, living in Miami with roommates Blanche and Rose, giving her a decidedly older image. But parents today seeking a quiet classic are bringing Dorothy back—she reentered the Top 1000 in 2011 after almost completely disappearing.
        • Dottie
          • Origin:

            English, diminutive of Dorothy
          • Meaning:

            "gift of God"
          • Description:

            Dottie and Dot are old Dorothy nicknames that some cutting-edge Brits are bringing back to fashion. It's been half a century since Dottie ranked on its own in this country, one of those nickname names that flourished in the 1890's.
        • Dylan
          • Origin:

            Welsh
          • Meaning:

            "son of the sea"
          • Description:

            Boys' favorite retains more of its poetic, windswept quality when used for a girl, as Robin Wright and Sean Penn did. Alyssa Milano gave her daughter Elizabella Dylan as a middle name.
        • Dev
          • Eden
            • Origin:

              Hebrew
            • Meaning:

              "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 seventeenth century.
          • Edie
            • Origin:

              English, diminutive of Edith
            • Meaning:

              "prosperous in war"
            • Description:

              Edie is part of the Evie-Ellie et al family of cute and friendly short forms that sometimes stand on its own. Briefly popular in the 1960s, it could well be due for rediscovery. It's already a fashionable choice in the UK, where it has ranked just outside the Top 100 for several years.
          • Eileen
            • Origin:

              Scottish variation of Evelyn
            • Meaning:

              "desired; or water, island"
            • Description:

              The Scottish Eileen was a midcentury darling that was on a long downward slide for decades. And then, in 2012, it took an unexpected pivot and has been inching upward in the US. The unrelated but similar-sounding Isla may have revived the taste for Eileen. Isla along with Lee and Lena might be nicknames for Eileen. Eileen is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Eibhlin or Aibhilin, which is technically a form of to Evelyn/Aveline, but is also sometimes considered part of the Helen family of names. Aileen is the Irish version, less popular now than Eileen.
          • Eleanor
            • Origin:

              English variation of French Provencal Alienor, meaning unknown
            • Description:

              Eleanor's straightforward feminine image combined with its royal medieval history is striking just the right note for parents in search of a girls' name that combines substance and style.
          • Elena
            • Origin:

              Spanish, Italian, German, Greek variation of Helen
            • Meaning:

              "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.
          • Elise
            • Origin:

              French variation of Elizabeth
            • Meaning:

              "pledged to God"
            • Description:

              Elise is one of those golden names that stylish but not TOO popular. Its appeal is due in large part to its French flair and to the love for El-names in general.
          • Eliza
            • Origin:

              Hebrew
            • Meaning:

              "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.
          • Elizabeth
            • Origin:

              Hebrew
            • Meaning:

              "pledged to God"
            • Description:

              Elizabeth is one of the most popular girls' names of all time, the female equivalent of James or William. Yet Elizabeth has so much going for it—rich history, broad appeal, and timeless style—that no matter how many little girls are named Lizzie, Eliza, and Beth, you can still make Elizabeth your own.
          • Ella
            • Origin:

              German; English
            • Meaning:

              "all, completely; fairy maiden"
            • Description:

              Ella is a sweet, simple name that owes much of its current popularity to the popularity of other names, from Emma to Bella to Emily to Ellie.
          • Ellen
            • Origin:

              English variation of Helen
            • Meaning:

              "torch; shining light"
            • Description:

              An medieval English form of Helen, the sensitive but clear-eyed Ellen has swung in and out of style for centuries, often alternating with the parent name. Ellen was the more common in medieval England, until after the Renaissance, when Helen overtook her. In Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, set at the end of the nineteenth century, one character wonders why another has not changed her "ugly" given name to something prettier, like Elaine—a statement few would make today.
          • Elsie
            • Origin:

              Diminutive of Elizabeth via its Scottish variation, Elspeth
            • Meaning:

              "pledged to God"
            • Description:

              Elsie is a sweet vintage nickname-name turned modern star. After a 30-year hiatus, Elsie started climbing the US popularity list 20 years ago and is still headed for the top.
          • Elva
            • Origin:

              Icelandic and Danish form of Alf, anglicized form of Ailbhe, Irish
            • Meaning:

              "bright, light, white; elf"
            • Description:

              Elva is a multicultural choice, being both an anglicization of the Irish Ailbhe and an feminine form of the name Alf, meaning "elf". Popular in the US at the beginning of the 20th century, it remaining in the charts until the '70s, but it has not been given since. The alternative form Alva has faired slightly better, while in Ireland, Ailbhe remains the preferred spelling. Nevertheless, Elva combines the sounds of Elsa, Ella, Eva, and Ever and may also appeal to those expecting a baby at Christmas.
          • Elvira
            • Origin:

              Spanish
            • Meaning:

              "white, fair"
            • Description:

              Before there was the campy TV Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, Elvira was the long-suffering wife of Don Juan, and remnants of those negative, gothic images still cling to it, though they are fading.

              Other references include the romantic film Elvira Madigan, based on a real person, and the main ghostly character in Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, as well as appearances in several operas.

          • Emerson
            • Origin:

              English
            • Meaning:

              "son of Emery"
            • Description:

              The combination of Emily and Emma's popularity -- and the fact that Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher's daughter is named Emerson -- have put this formerly strictly boys’ name, embodying the gravitas of Ralph Waldo Emerson, in the limelight for girls.
          • Emery
            • Origin:

              English from German
            • Meaning:

              "industrious"
            • Description:

              The superpopularity of Emily and Emma has recently boosted the unisex Emery, especially since it became a celebrity baby name when it was chosen by Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn.
          • Emily
            • Origin:

              Feminine variation of Emil, Latin
            • Meaning:

              "rival"
            • Description:

              Emily may have dropped somewhat in the current standings, but it was the most popular girls' name for over a decade because it appeals on many levels: Emily is feminine, classic, simple, pretty, and strong. Emily is Number 1 among Gen Z names. It also has those nice literary namesakes, like Emily Dickinson and Emily Brontë.
          • Emmie
            • Description:

              A variation of mega popular name Emma and all of her cousins, Emmie came back to the US Top 1000 for the first time in 80 years in 2016. It's phonetically the same as more popular Emmy, but this option may avoid the award show connection. We could see it rising in future years.
          • Emmy
            • Origin:

              Diminutive of Emily and Emma
            • Meaning:

              "work; universal"
            • Description:

              Long a nickname for all the Em-names, as well as an annual award, Emmy is now being given on its own, as are soundalikes Emme and Emmi. Might be too identified with the TV awards--though that doesn't seem to have hurt Oscar or Tony. We think Emmy is a little too cutesey, and is probably best kept as a nickname for something that ages a little better.
          • Emmylou
            • Origin:

              English compound name, Emmy + Lou
            • Meaning:

              "work, universal + renowned warrior"
            • Description:

              This name is closely identified with Emmylou Harris, the singer who gives dignity to an old-style combo name. There were over 60 baby girls named Emmylou in the US last year, due the the popularity of all names Em-related and the stylish middle name Lou.
          • Esme
            • Origin:

              French
            • Meaning:

              "beloved"
            • Description:

              Esmé comes from the past participle of the Old French verb esmer, meaing "to esteem" or "to love." It can also be considered a derivative of the Spanish name Esmeralda, which means "emerald".
          • Esmeralda
            • Origin:

              Spanish and Portuguese
            • Meaning:

              "emerald"
            • Description:

              Esmeralda came into use as an applied use of the Spanish word for emerald, esmeralda. In the 1831 Victor Hugo novel Notre-Dame de Paris, also known as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, the heroine was born Agnes, but called La Esmeralda in reference to the jewel she wears around her neck. The name Esmeralda got increased visibility via the Disney version of the story.
          • Esperanza
            • Origin:

              Spanish
            • Meaning:

              "hope, expectation"
            • Description:

              Esperanza is a Spanish classic that's found its way onto the national popularity list in recent years. It came into the spotlight not long ago when jazz singer Esperanza Spalding "stole" the Best New Artist Grammy from favorite Justin Bieber. It's also the name of the main character in the novel The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, about a young Latina growing up in Chicago.
          • Esther
            • Origin:

              Persian
            • Meaning:

              "star"
            • Description:

              Esther was derived from the Old Persian word stāra, meaning "star." In the Old Testament, Esther, originally named Hadassah, was the captured Jewish wife of the King of Persia who risked her life to save her exiled people from annihilation. This story is celebrated by Jews on the holiday of Purim, so that it has traditionally been given to girls around that time.
          • Etta
            • Origin:

              English and Scottish, short form of any name ending with -etta: Henrietta, Loretta etc.
            • Description:

              Thanks to the surprise hit revival of Etta James' song At Last and because of recent interest in vintage style nicknames, Etta has established herself as a possible successor to Emma and Ella. Back in the US Top 1000 as of 2023 and rising rapidly up the UK charts, where it sits in the Top 200, Etta is a snappy, smart and sparky choice.
          • Eva
            • Origin:

              Latin form of Eve, Hebrew
            • Meaning:

              "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.
          • Evangeline
            • Origin:

              Greek
            • Meaning:

              "bearer of good news"
            • Description:

              Evangeline is a romantic old name enjoying a major comeback, thanks to its religious overtones, Eva's popularity, and the star of the TV megahit Lost, Evangeline Lilly. Evangelia and Evangelina — two variants of Evangeline — are sure to tag along for the ride.
          • Eve
            • Origin:

              Hebrew
            • Meaning:

              "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.
          • Evelyn
            • Origin:

              English from French and German
            • Meaning:

              "desired; or water, island"
            • Description:

              After decades of disuse, soft and feminine Evelyn has returned to the baby name stage in a huge way. It reached the Top 10 for the first time in 2017. Evelyn has now surpassed its former heights, joining a legion of contemporary little Evas, Avas, Eves, Evies, and Evelines.
          • Evie
            • Origin:

              Diminutive of Eve or Eva
            • Meaning:

              "life"
            • Description:

              Evie was derived from Eve, which in turn comes from Chawwah, a Hebrew name related to the concept of life. Evie can be used as a nickname for any name that starts with Ev-, including Eva, Evelyn, and Evangeline, but also for names such as Genevieve and Maeve. Evie is typically pronounced with a long E sound, but a short E is also valid.
          • Faith
            • Origin:

              Virtue name
            • Description:

              Faith is one of the most straightforward of the virtue names popularized by the Puritans in the seventeenth century, many parents still choosing it as an indicator of their religious conviction. Faith peaked in 2002 at Number 48.
          • Farrah
            • Origin:

              Arabic
            • Meaning:

              "happiness"
            • Description:

              For a few seconds there in the late '70s, Farrah Fawcett's name was as frequently copied as her hairstyle; the name was Number 177 in 1977. Now, after many years off the charts and out of style, it's back, mostly thanks to a TV Teen Mom who bears the name.
          • Felicity
            • Origin:

              Latin
            • Meaning:

              "good fortune, happy"
            • Description:

              Felicity is as accessible a virtue name as Hope and Faith, but much more feminine -- and dare we say, happier. The hit TV show did a lot to soften and modernize the once buttoned-up image of Felicity, and it got further notice as the red-haired Colonial doll, Felicity Merriman, in the American Girl series. A current bearer is actress Felicity Huffman.
          • Fenna
            • Origin:

              Dutch and Frisian
            • Meaning:

              "peace"
            • Description:

              The vintage Fenna, an old lady name making a comeback in the Netherlands, originates in Friesland in the northern part of the country, where the Fries language is spoken. Rhyming with Jenna, it's both rare and familiar and could conceivably enjoy wider usage in the English-speaking world as well. Fenna is a Top 50 girls' name in the Netherlands.
          • Fern
            • Origin:

              English
            • Meaning:

              "plant name"
            • Description:

              Of all the botanicals, Fern has been one of the slowest to move back from the front parlor into the nursery, despite the appealing girl character in the children's classic Charlotte's Web. Fern was most popular from the turn of the last century through the 1940s, reaching a high of #152 in 1916. We can certainly see her rejoining the long list of popular greenery names.
          • Finley
            • Origin:

              Irish and Scottish
            • Meaning:

              "fair-haired hero"
            • Description:

              This was a 100 percent boys’ name until celebs Jason Sehorn and Angie Harmon bestowed it on their daughter, followed by Lisa Marie Presley, who used it for one of her (female) twins. Finlay is also now among the most popular unisex names.
          • Fiona
            • Origin:

              Scottish
            • Meaning:

              "white, fair"
            • Description:

              Fiona entered the American consciousness with the opening of the 1954 Broadway musical Brigadoon, but didn't come onto the U.S. popularity list until 1990.
          • Fiora
            • Origin:

              Latin
            • Meaning:

              "flower"
            • Description:

              Fiora is a lost name that's now been found, a sleeker version of the antique Fiorella. There's an Italian river called the Fiora as well as a character in the video game League of Legends: Fiora is known in that game as "The Grand Duelist".
          • Frances
            • Origin:

              English from Latin
            • Meaning:

              "from France; free man"
            • Description:

              Frances, a soft and gentle classic last popular a hundred years ago, is trending again. The cool nickname Frankie is one reason for the revival of Frances, adding lightness and sass to a serious name. Frances is the feminine form of Francis, the English variation of the Latin name Franciscus. Franciscus, meaning "Frenchman," was taken from the Germanic tribe the Franks, which got its name from the francisca, the axe they used in battle. Until the seventeenth century, the spellings Frances and Francis were used interchangeably for both sexes.
          • Francine
            • Origin:

              French diminutive pet form of Francoise
            • Meaning:

              "from France or free man"
            • Description:

              With the advent of Pope Francis, all forms of this ancient and saintly name came up for a fresh look. Along with most other -een and -ine (when pronounced like -een) names for girls, Francine has a dated midcentury Mad Men feel. But its choice for their daughter by modern glamour couple Casey Neistat and Candice Pool, respectively a video star and a jewelry designer, has made Francine chic again.
          • Frankie
            • Origin:

              Diminutive of Frances
            • Meaning:

              "from France; free man"
            • Description:

              Vintage nickname name, with a down-to-earth country feel. This renewed interest placed Frankie back in the US Top 1000 in 2015 after a 41-year hiatus. For girls, it's a popular choice in England and Wales, Australia, and New Zealand. Drew Barrymore, who helped popularize and glamorize boyish names for girls, has a daughter named Frankie. On TV's Better Things, Pamela Adlon's middle daughter is named Frankie (sister to Max and Duke, both girls).
          • Freddie
            • Origin:

              Short form of Alfreda or Frederica
            • Description:

              Freddie, especially with the ie ending, is one of the old-school boy-names-for-girls that came into vogue at the turn of the last century. Freddie, all on its own, ranked among the Top 1000 girl names until 1958, but in 2021 it was given to just 8 baby girls. Maybe that makes it prime for a comeback, ala Billie?
          • Gemma
            • Origin:

              Italian, Catalonian, Spanish
            • Meaning:

              "precious stone"
            • Description:

              Gemma is a jewel of a name, an Italian classic that was very popular in 1980s England, but has only recently been started to be used here; it entered the list in 2008.
          • Georgia
            • Origin:

              English, feminine variation of George
            • Meaning:

              "farmer"
            • Description:

              Georgia is so rich, lush and luscious, it's almost irresistible. Georgia's now a rising star among the feminizations of George, helped by associations with the southern state (named for British King George II) and painter Georgia O'Keeffe, with the Ray Charles song "Georgia On My Mind" or maybe "Sweet Georgia Brown" playing in the background.
          • Georgiana
            • Origin:

              English, feminine variation of George
            • Meaning:

              "farmer"
            • Description:

              Long a popular upper-crust form in England, where it's pronounced George-ee-AH-na, Georgiana has been been neglected here. But with Georgia growing more popular and the general fashion for elaborate feminine names, Georgiana might have room to grow.
          • Georgie
            • Origin:

              Greek
            • Meaning:

              "farmer"
            • Description:

              A spunky boyish diminutive in the vein of Frankie, Billie and Charlie, but far less popular in the US. Georgie could be a nickname for Georgia, Georgette, Georgina or Georgiana – or just use it as it is, as over 90 sets of American parents did in 2021.
          • Georgina
            • Origin:

              English, feminine variation of George
            • Meaning:

              "farmer"
            • Description:

              Now more popular than Georgiana in Britain, this elegant Dickens. Jane Austen name deserves attention. Most American parents prefer Georgia to Georgina or any other feminization of George.
          • Gertie
            • Origin:

              Short form of Gertrude
            • Description:

              Gertie has a certain homespun charm, summoning to mind butter-yellow braids and denim overalls, summoning mind the adorable character played by little Drew Barrymore in E.T. Is the world ready for the return of Gertie and Gertrude? Maybe?
          • Ginny
            • Origin:

              English, diminutive of Virginia, American place-name and Latin
            • Meaning:

              "virginal"
            • Description:

              Ginny was more common before Jenny and its myriad variants came along.
          • Gloria
            • Origin:

              Latin
            • Meaning:

              "glory"
            • Description:

              Gloria is beginning to move beyond its de-glamorized Grandma image, most recently thanks to glamorous young Hollywood parents Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard, who chose it for their second daughter. Gyllenhaal was quoted as saying they had been inspired by Patti Smith's rendition of the Van Morrison song "Gloria" at a concert and thought " 'We'll name our daughter that one day'."
          • Gloriana
            • Origin:

              Latin
            • Meaning:

              "glory"
            • Description:

              Originally the name of the titular faerie queene of Spenser's epic poem "The Faerie Queene," published in 1590. Gloriana was, along with Belphoebe, an allegory for Queen Elizabeth.
          • Grace
            • Origin:

              English, virtue name
            • Description:

              Grace, a simple and pure virtue name which originally referred to divine grace, is a fashionable classic. In the early 2000s, it seemed headed for the Top 10 but pulled back from the upward trajectory, which you may consider a very good thing.
          • Gracie
            • Origin:

              English, diminutive of Grace
            • Description:

              Cute Gracie is one of the more recently revived nickname names by parents who chose it over the more formal Grace--or variations like Graziella or Grania. Country singers Faith Hill and Tim McGraw cut straight to the nickname when they called one of their daughters Gracie, and actors Ron Livingston and Rosemarie DeWitt named their newborn daughter Gracie James. Gracie Gold is a popular young figure skater.
          • Guadalupe
            • Origin:

              Spanish from Arabic
            • Meaning:

              "hidden river, valley of the wolves"
            • Description:

              Popular Spanish name that relates to the patron saint of Mexico. It could conceivably, like Soledad and Consuelo, cross the border into multicultural territory, but the name's decline since the nineties would seem to make that less likely.
          • Hadley
            • Origin:

              English
            • Meaning:

              "heather field"
            • Description:

              Hadley, most famous as the name of Ernest Hemingway's first wife, is more sophisticated, professional, and modern than cousins Harley, Haley, or Hayden. The hit book The Paris Wife, a novel by Paula McLain told from the point of view of Hadley Hemingway (born Elizabeth Hadley Richardson), has helped popularize the name, which also appears on the vampire show True Blood. Hadley could become this generation's Hailey. Adley, a mashup of Hadley and Addie, has also appeared on the scene.
          • Haley
            • Origin:

              English
            • Meaning:

              "hay field"
            • Description:

              The second most popular spelling of this name is also the most straightforward.
          • Hallelujah
            • Origin:

              Hebrew
            • Meaning:

              "God be praised"
            • Description:

              This bold musical word name is given to just a handful of baby girls per year in the US, but it has a very contemporary sound. Hallie and Lou/Lulu would make for more mainstream nicknames. Lovers of the music and lyrics of Leonard Cohen might also appreciate the link to one of his most successful hits.
          • Hallie
            • Origin:

              English
            • Meaning:

              "dweller at the meadow by the manor"
            • Description:

              Hallie -- it rhymes with alley and is not to be confused with Halle or Hailey or Holly -- is one of those comfy nicknamish names that are in favor in these complicated times.
          • Hannah
            • Origin:

              Hebrew
            • Meaning:

              "grace"
            • Description:

              Hannah is one of the nation's top biblical girls' names—it surpassed Sarah in 1998, and ranks in the Top 50 along with Elizabeth, Abigail, Chloe, and Naomi. Hannah is a name with many sources of appeal: Old Testament roots, soft and gentle sound, and a homey yet aristocratic image.
          • Harmony
            • Origin:

              Word name
            • Meaning:

              "harmony"
            • Description:

              If Melody and Lyric are on your style sheet, the peaceful Harmony, popularized by Buffy the Vampire Slayer, should be too. Girls names starting with the "Har" sound like Harper, Harley, and Harlow have been trending in recent years. This musical choice fits right in, and it is no wonder that Harmony has been in the Top 200 since 2014.
          • Harper
            • Origin:

              English
            • Meaning:

              "harp player"
            • Description:

              You might think of Harper as the hottest name of the last decade, jumping from obscurity to the Top 10, where it remained until last year.
          • Havilah
            • Origin:

              Biblical place-name
            • Meaning:

              "to dance"
            • Description:

              Though there are a few (male) people named Havilah in the Bible, it's also a Biblical place-name that can work as an original choice for modern girls.
          • Hazel
            • Origin:

              English
            • Meaning:

              "the hazelnut tree"
            • Description:

              Hazel has a pleasantly hazy, brownish-green-eyed, old-fashioned image that more and more parents are choosing to share. Former Old Lady name Hazel reentered the popularity lists in 1998 and now is near the top of the charts.
          • Heather
            • Origin:

              English botanical name
            • Meaning:

              "small shrub"
            • Description:

              This flower name was one of the most popular in her class in the seventies and eighties, a fact reflected in the 1989 movie Heathers, in which every snobby girl in the high school clique bears the name. Now, though still pretty and evocative of the Scottish moors, it has faded in favor of other purplish blooms. It fell out of the Top 1000 in 2016 after having been as high as Number 3 in 1975, when it was given to close to 25,000 girls. Across the pond in the UK however, it remains near the latter end of the Top 1000.
          • Helen
            • Origin:

              Greek
            • Meaning:

              "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.
          • Helena
            • Origin:

              Latinate form of Helen, Greek
            • Meaning:

              "torch; shining light"
            • Description:

              Helena is one of those classic names that just misses making the US Top 1000 girl names for its entire history, falling off for a single year in 1992. Since then it's been drifting lazily up the charts, and makes a perfect choice if you want a name that both fits in and stands out.
          • Helene
            • Origin:

              French variation of Helen
            • Meaning:

              "bright, shining one"
            • Description:

              Whether it's pronounced with an "een" or an "aine" or an "enn" sound at the end, Helene doesn't feel as current the more forthright Helen or the airier Helena. Helene reached a high of Number 228 in the US in 1916, when ene, ine and een names were all the fashion, and stayed in the Top 500 until 1962, making a final exit in 1970. It still ranks well in its native France, and even more in Norway (#70). Model Heidi Klum's daughter 'Leni' has Helene on her birth certificate.
          • Hero
            • Origin:

              Greek
            • Meaning:

              "demi-god"
            • Description:

              Despite the possibility of gender confusion, the Hero in Greek myth was a woman. Myleene Klass got that when she chose Hero for her daughter, and Sam Taylor-Wood and Aaron Johnson used it as their daughter's middle--and we wouldn't be surprised to see more girls with this heroic name.
          • Hilda
            • Origin:

              German
            • Meaning:

              "battle woman"
            • Description:

              Short for Brunhilda, the operatic Valkyrie of Teutonic legend, Hilda still has not quite shaken off that image that image. Though with the resurgence of Matilda, she might just have a bit of a comeback.
          • Hosanna
            • Origin:

              Hebrew
            • Meaning:

              "deliver us"
            • Description:

              In the New Testament, Hosanna was exclaimed by those around Jesus when he first entered Jerusalem, making this an exuberant and spiritual choice. A possible alternative for Susanna or Hannah, it was given to more than 100 girls in a recent year in the US. Associated with the hymn "Give Me Joy In My Heart", Hosanna would fit in with the likes of Halo, Chosen, Shepherd, Blessing, and Messiah.
          • Hilda-Ruth
            • Ida
              • Origin:

                German
              • Meaning:

                "industrious one"
              • Description:

                Many vowel names stylish a century ago are coming back, and Ida seems like a possible, logical successor to Ada and Ava.
            • Idalie
              • Origin:

                French and Swedish variation of Idalia, Greek
              • Meaning:

                "behold the sun"
              • Description:

                A warm, sunny, and extremely rare name, even within its native France. Idalie would be especially perfect to honor an Ida.
            • Idgie
              • Origin:

                Diminutive of Imogen or Imogene, Celtic
              • Meaning:

                "maiden"
              • Description:

                This cutesy nickname is best known as that of Imogene Threadgoode in the movie Fried Green Tomatoes.
            • Imelda
              • Origin:

                Italian and Spanish from German
              • Meaning:

                "all-consuming fight"
              • Description:

                Saint's name made infamous by Philippine dictator's wife Imelda Marcos. A more positive famous bearer is the British actress Imelda Staunton, best known for playing Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter movies.
            • Imogen
              • Origin:

                Celtic
              • Meaning:

                "maiden"
              • Description:

                Imogen has long been fashionable in England and is gaining favor in the US among stylish parents. Pronounced the British way — the initial i is short as in Kim, as is the final E as in Ken — Imogen is as pretty and classy as it is distinctive.
            • Imogene
              • Description:

                Imogene is a feminine name of Celtic origin, believed to be derived from the Gaelic word 'imogen,' meaning 'maiden' or 'daughter.' Some scholars suggest it may also have connections to the Latin phrase 'Iphigenia,' from Greek mythology. The name gained literary significance through Shakespeare's play 'Cymbeline,' where the virtuous protagonist bears this name. Imogene enjoyed moderate popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries before declining, though it has seen renewed interest in recent years as part of the revival of vintage names. With its combination of classical literary associations and a distinctive, melodic sound, Imogene appeals to parents seeking names with historical depth, intellectual connections, and a touch of antiquated elegance.

            • Indie
              • Origin:

                Short form of India, Indigo etc
              • Description:

                Indie is an independent-sounding nickname name that is in the Top 100 in Wales. As a diminutive, it's growing in popularity -- along with indie films, indie publishing -- and the reason some parents are choosing names like India and Indigo. The Indie version seems more feminine, while Indy as in Indiana Jones tends toward the boyish.
            • Indigo
              • Origin:

                Greek
              • Meaning:

                "Indian dye"
              • Description:

                Indigo is one of the most appealing and evocative of the new generation of color names. Color names have joined flower and jewel names -- in a big way -- and Indigo, a deep blue-purple dye from plants native to India, is particularly striking for both girls and boys. Indigo is the name of a character in the Ntozake Shange novel Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo, and was used for his daughter by Lou Diamond Phillips.
            • Inez
              • Origin:

                Spanish variation of Agnes
              • Meaning:

                "pure, virginal"
              • Description:

                Also spelled Ines, this name of the prudish mother of Don Juan in the Byron poem has a touch of mystery, but has also been fully integrated into the American name pool.
            • Iphigenia
              • Origin:

                Greek
              • Meaning:

                "of royal birth"
              • Description:

                In mythology, Iphigenia was sacrificed by her father, Agamemnon -- a difficult legacy to pass on to a daughter, and only one reason the name is hardly ever used.
            • Ira
              • Origin:

                Hebrew, Russian, Greek, Finnish, Sanskrit, "watchful one; peace; protectress; earth
              • Description:

                Truly multi-cultural, Ira can be: a Russian short form of Irina, meaning "peace"; a gender-switch of the Hebrew male name Ira, meaning "watchful"; a modern Greek and Finnish form of Hera, meaning "hero" or "protectress"; a Sanskrit name meaning "earth" or "enjoyment"; and a Basque nature name meaning "fern", from the word iratzea.
            • Isa
              • Origin:

                Germanic, Persian, or diminutive of Isabel
              • Meaning:

                "ice; strong-willed; pledged to God"
              • Description:

                Isa is a name unto itself as both a Persian name meaning "strong-willed" and as Germanic one derived from the element is meaning "ice". It can also be a short form of Isabel, Isabella, Isadora, Louisa, and similar. Currently popular in Brazil and The Netherlands, it has seen some increased use in the US in recent years, perhaps owing to the popularity of other short names like Ava, Mia, and Isla.
            • Isabelle
              • Origin:

                French variation of Isabel
              • Meaning:

                "pledged to God"
              • Description:

                Isabelle is the French variation of Isabel, which emerged in the Middle ages as an Occitan form of Elizabeth. Medieval queens Isabella of Angoulême and Isabella of France helped popularize the name in the United Kingdom. Isobel is the Scottish version, Isabella the Italian, and Izabel is used in Brazil.
            • Isadora
              • Origin:

                Greek
              • Meaning:

                "gift of Isis"
              • Description:

                For a long time, Isadora has been overlooked in favor of Isabella, owing perhaps to its association with the tragic modern dancer, Isadora Duncan, or because parents would rather their daughter be a Bella than a Dora. Now, with Theodora back in the charts and vintage names in vogue, Isadora has been slowly gaining more attention over the last decade.
            • Isannah
              • Origin:

                Origin and meaning unknown
              • Description:

                A name that seems to be a combination of Isabel and Susannah, used in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries, most notably for a daughter of Paul Revere. Isannah was also a character in the 1943 Revolutionary War novel Johnny Tremain. An unusual old choice with modern possibilities.
            • Isobel
              • Origin:

                Scottish variation of Isabel
              • Meaning:

                "pledged to God"
              • Description:

                The Scottish spelling of Isabel has a definite character of her own, the 'o' giving her an extra infusion of strength but also an element of confusion. How do you pronounce that? Answer: Exactly like Isabel or Isabelle.
            • Isola
              • Origin:

                Celtic variation of Isolde or Italian
              • Meaning:

                "island"
              • Description:

                Isola (named for the Celtic heroine Iseult) was the unusual name of Irish author Oscar Wilde’s younger sister, who died of meningitis at the age of nine. Wilde later dedicated his poem Requiescat to her memory.
            • Ida-Beth
              • Jackie
                • Origin:

                  English
                • Meaning:

                  "supplanter"
                • Description:

                  Jackie Kennedy gave this name a lot of style, but it doesn't seem destined for a comeback the way brother name Jack has. Jackie and Jacqueline both peaked in 1961.
              • Jacqueline
                • Origin:

                  French, feminine diminutive of Jacques
                • Meaning:

                  "supplanter"
                • Description:

                  Jacqueline originated as a feminine form of Jacques, the French variation of James, and therefore Jacob. Jacob was ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Ya’aqov, and gets its meaning, "supplanter" from the story of Jacob supplanting his brother Esau as the first-born son in the Bible. Jacqueline was first used in France in the Middle Ages.
              • Jade
                • Origin:

                  Spanish
                • Meaning:

                  "stone of the side"
                • Description:

                  As a precious stone, Jade is known for its cool green hues, its importance in Chinese art, and its ability to transmit wisdom, confidence, and clarity. As a name however, Jade is a 90’s throwback in the UK, a Number 1 choice in France, and a returning gem in the US right now.
              • Jamie
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of James
                • Meaning:

                  "supplanter"
                • Description:

                  Jamie is typical of the relaxed unisex names starting with J that seemed so cool in the sixties after decades of Jeans and Joans, though now pretty tepid. Jaime and even Jamey and Jayme are alternate spellings.
              • Jana
                • Origin:

                  International feminine variation of Jan
                • Description:

                  A sweet name with many cross-cultural ties: it's an equivalent of Jane in languages including Czech, Slovak, Dutch, German, Slovene, Catalan, Estonian, and Latvian.
              • Jane
                • Origin:

                  English
                • Meaning:

                  "God is gracious"
                • Description:

                  No, we don't consider Jane too plain. In fact, for a venerable and short one-syllable name, we think it packs a surprising amount of punch, as compared to the related Jean and Joan.
              • Janie
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Jane, English
                • Meaning:

                  "God is gracious"
                • Description:

                  Will this old-fashioned nickname make a comeback, now that Jane has shed her "plain" image? Janie is cute and approachable, and would stand as well on the birth certificate as Josie and Jessie do now.
              • Jean
                • Origin:

                  English and Scottish, from French variation of Johanna
                • Meaning:

                  "God is gracious"
                • Description:

                  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 silver screen glamour. Now, though there are many grandmas and even moms with the name, it doesn't seem all that baby-friendly. Though that could change, and Jean could join Jane.
              • Jeanie
                • Origin:

                  Short form of Jean or Jeanne
                • Description:

                  Jeanie is a midcentury bobby soxer kind of nickname that might almost be so old it's new again.
              • Jenna
                • Origin:

                  English, diminutive of Jennifer
                • Meaning:

                  "white shadow, white wave"
                • Description:

                  Jenna was first noted on the 1980s TV series Dallas, later associated with one of the First Twin Daughters. Jenna is still being used, but no longer feels much fresher than Jennifer. You can also spell it Jena, but then many people will pronounce it jeen-a, as in Gina.
              • Jenny
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Janet, Jane, Jean, and Jennifer
                • Description:

                  At the height of the Jennifer craze, many parents were cutting straight to the nickname and putting Jenny on the birth certificate. But now that Jennifer is the mom rather than the daughter, Jenny, which has been somewhat replaced by Jenna, has faded as well.
              • Jessamine
                • Origin:

                  English from Persian
                • Meaning:

                  "jasmine"
                • Description:

                  Jessamine, a charming name occasionally heard in England, is just beginning to be appreciated in the U.S. as a possible successor to all the Jess names of the past. It's also spelled Jessamyn, as in Quaker novelist Jessamyn West, author of Friendly Persuasion--who started life with Jessamyn as her middle name.
              • Jessie
                • Origin:

                  Anglicized form of Teasagh or diminutive of Jessica, Hebrew
                • Meaning:

                  "behold or wealthy"
                • Description:

                  Jessie has never been used as much as Jennie/Jenny, partly because it's a boys’ name as well (spelled Jesse), but it does have a friendly and unpretentious pioneer feel. In Scotland, it's found as an Anglicized form of Teasagh, itself a form of Jean, and is used as a full name. And in the rest of the world, Jessie may be short for Jessica or used on its own.
              • Jo
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Joanna or Josephine, Hebrew
                • Meaning:

                  "Jehovah increases"
                • Description:

                  The name Jo still evokes the spunky image of the character in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. Its literary status makes Jo one of the OG boyish nicknames for girls, ala Frankie, Billie, and Stevie. If you like that form, you can lengthen it to Joey.
              • Joan
                • Origin:

                  English variation of Johanna
                • Meaning:

                  "God is gracious"
                • Description:

                  Joan was the perfect name choice for one of the leading characters on Mad Men, being a quintessential girls' name of the period. A Top 10 name in the 30s, a Top 50 name from the 40s through the early 60s, it was the fifth most popular name in the country for three years running and ranks as one of the most common names for girls in the 20th century. But alas, Joan hasn't even appeared in the Top 1000 for a dozen years, and these days it's primarily associated with Joans of the generation of Joan Crawford, Joan Collins and Joan Rivers--just a few of the noted Joans whose ranks also include the singers Joan Sutherland, Joan Baez, Joan Armatrading and Joan Jett. But it's possible that modern parents who are reviving Jane might move on to Joan, inspired by Joan Hollaway Harris.
              • Jocelyn
                • Origin:

                  German
                • Meaning:

                  "member of the Gauts tribe"
                • Description:

                  Jocelyn has gotten new life and popularity as a result of the current passion for lyn endings. Though it was a male name in medieval times, now Jocelyn couldn't sound more softly feminine.
              • Jodie
                • Origin:

                  Spelling variation of Jody
                • Description:

                  The Jodie spelling might be even more obscure, at this point, than the fading original, except actresses Jodie Foster and Jodie Sweetin have kept it in the public eye.
              • Jolene
                • Origin:

                  Modern invented name
                • Description:

                  Stuck in the shadow of the old Dolly Parton song. In spite of its dated feel, Jolene reentered the charts in 2010 and has been rising in recent years.
              • Jolie
                • Origin:

                  French
                • Meaning:

                  "pretty"
                • Description:

                  Jolie is as pretty as its literal meaning; nowadays it is also seen as a girls’ name, via Angelina for whom Jolie was originally her middle name.
              • Joni
                • Origin:

                  English
                • Meaning:

                  "God is gracious"
                • Description:

                  Iconic folk singer Joni Mitchell (born Roberta Joan) lends this cute vintage nickname a cool, bohemian feel. This spelling feels more streamlined and modern than Mad Men-esque Joanie.
              • Jordan
                • Origin:

                  English from Hebrew
                • Meaning:

                  "flowing down"
                • Description:

                  Originally used for children baptized in holy water from the river Jordan, it became one of the leading androgynous names of the nineties. As the balance tips toward the boys' side, it's slipping on the girls' popularity chart. Alternate spelling Jordyn is now more popular for girls.
              • Josephine
                • Origin:

                  French feminine variation of Joseph, Hebrew
                • Meaning:

                  "Jehovah increases"
                • Description:

                  Josephine, with its large measure of class and character and a gently offbeat quality, has been on a gentle uphill climb in the US for over 30 years, now ranking in the Top 100. With an intriguing number of vivacious nicknames, from Jo to Josie to Fifi to Posy, Josephine is a Nameberry favorite.
              • Josie
                • Origin:

                  English, diminutive of Josephine, feminine of Joseph, Hebrew
                • Meaning:

                  "Jehovah increases"
                • Description:

                  Josie is jaunty and friendly: among the most winning of all nickname names. She's been on the social security list since records began being kept.
              • Joyce
                • Origin:

                  Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "merry, joyous"
                • Description:

                  Joyce was once a boy name, but took off for girls during the mid-twentieth century, when it spent 1930 to 1947 in the Top 20.
              • Judy
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Judith, Hebrew
                • Meaning:

                  "He will be praised or woman from Judea"
                • Description:

                  Judy was the nickname of choice for almost all the Judiths born in the 1940s and 50s; today's little Judiths are much more likely to be called Judith -- or, possibly, Jude.
              • Julie
                • Origin:

                  French from Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "youthful, sky father"
                • Description:

                  Wildly popular in the 1960s and '70s, Julie is no longer anywhere near as stylish as the name's longer forms. Try Juliet, Juliana, or even the more grownup Julia.
              • Juliet
                • Origin:

                  English from Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "youthful or sky father"
                • Description:

                  One of the most romantic names, the lovely and stylish Juliet seems finally to have shaken off her limiting link to Romeo. In Shakespeare's play, it was Juliet who said "What's in a name?"
              • July
                • Origin:

                  English word name
                • Meaning:

                  "month name"
                • Description:

                  Most things Jul-related – from the month of July to popular modern names Julia and Julian – originate with Roman emperor Julius Caesar, and the month name July is no exception. Fifteen girls and seven boys were named July in 2013, putting this month name into the class of gender neutral names.
              • June
                • Origin:

                  Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "young"
                • Description:

                  June, a sweetly old-fashioned month name derived from the goddess Juno, was long locked in a time capsule with June Allyson (born Ella) and June Cleaver, but is rising again especially as a middle name.
              • Junie
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of June
                • Description:

                  A cute nickname, but June is a much better bet for the birth certificate.
              • Juniper
                • Origin:

                  Latin tree name
                • Meaning:

                  "young"
                • Description:

                  Juniper is a fresh-feeling nature name -- it's a small evergreen shrub -- with lots of energy. A new favorite of fashionable parents, Juniper joins such other tree and shrub names as Hazel, Acacia, and Willow.
              • Kasey
                • Origin:

                  Variation of Casey, Irish
                • Meaning:

                  "brave in battle"
                • Description:

                  Kasey was a modestly popular choice among Millennial babies, particularly girls.
              • Kate
                • Origin:

                  English, diminutive of Katherine
                • Meaning:

                  "pure"
                • Description:

                  Kate, in the headlines via Catherine Middleton aka the Princess of Wales, has been as pervasive as Kathy was in the 1950s and 1960s, both as a nickname for Katherine and Kaitlyn and as a strong, classic stand-alone name.
              • Katelyn
                • Origin:

                  Spelling variation of Caitlin
                • Meaning:

                  "pure"
                • Description:

                  One of the most popular of the trendy Caitlin variations, Katelyn points directly to components Kate and Lyn --making it a bit more traditionally feminine.
              • Katherine
                • Origin:

                  Greek
                • Meaning:

                  "pure"
                • Description:

                  Katherine is one of the oldest, most diverse, and all-around best names: it's powerful, feminine, royal, saintly, classic, popular, and adaptable. Long one of the top girls' names starting with K, Katherine has now been unseated on the popularity list by upstarts Kennedy and Kinsley, but a dip in popularity only adds to its charm.
              • Kathleen
                • Origin:

                  Anglicized form of Irish Caitlin
                • Meaning:

                  "pure"
                • Description:

                  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 the hip Dixie Chicks, Martie Maguire. Kathleen was a Top 10 name from 1948 to 1951, and it is the subject of several old sentimental songs, such as "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen."
              • Katie
                • Origin:

                  English, diminutive of Katherine
                • Meaning:

                  "pure"
                • Description:

                  Friendly mega-popular short form of Katherine that has definitively replaced Kathy, Katie is often given on its own. Going forward, though, Katie is more stylishly clipped itself to the grownup Kate.
              • Katrina
                • Origin:

                  German variation of Katherine
                • Meaning:

                  "pure"
                • Description:

                  The hurricane blew this one out of the realm of possibility.
              • Kennedy
                • Origin:

                  Irish
                • Meaning:

                  "misshapen head"
                • Description:

                  This attractive surname name still projects that Kennedy family charisma. While it didn't come into widespread use until long after the deaths of martyred heroes President John F. or Senator Robert Kennedy, Kennedy is now one of the most popular unisex names for girls as well as the top girls' name starting with K. This is one name that manages to sound trendy and classic at the same time.
              • Kirsten
                • Origin:

                  Scandinavian variation of Christine
                • Description:

                  Lovely, authentic name -- but any Kirsten will be condemned to a lifetime of hearing "Did you say Kristen?" They're both genuine Scandinavian names but too interchangeable.
              • Kit
                • Origin:

                  English diminutive of Katherine, Greek
                • Meaning:

                  "pure"
                • Description:

                  Kit is a crisp, old-time nickname with plenty of spirit and style. In the UK it's a rising star for boys, while in the US, it is trending upwards for girls too.
              • Kitty
                • Origin:

                  English, diminutive of Katherine
                • Meaning:

                  "pure"
                • Description:

                  This endearing nickname name is one Katherine pet form that predates all the Kathys and Katies, having been fairly common in the eighteenth century. With the current mini-craze for animal-related names, Kitty is sounding cute and cuddly again—she's already jumped back onto the U.K. list, at number 199.
              • Lana
                • Origin:

                  English diminutive of Alana
                • Meaning:

                  "rock or handsome"
                • Description:

                  Popularized in the 1940s by Lana (born Judy) Turner, today Lana is synonymous with American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. Although it has been rising steadily since the early 2000s, Lana still sits in the popularity "sweet spot" – familiar, but not overused. Simple, sleek and seamlessly international, it makes a great choice.
              • Lane
                • Origin:

                  English
                • Meaning:

                  "a small roadway or path"
                • Description:

                  Lane is a unisex name equally accessible to boys and girls. Breezy, cool and contemporary, it might equally put in mind country lanes and banks of wildflowers.
              • Lanie
                • Description:

                  Lanie is a sweet, feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of names like Elaine, Alaine, or Melanie. With its roots in various European traditions, Lanie carries the meanings of its parent names, which include 'bright, shining light' or 'dark' depending on the origin. This short, melodic name gained recognition in the late 20th century as parents increasingly chose nickname forms as given names. Lanie strikes a balance between casual charm and understated elegance, making it versatile across ages and settings. The name has maintained a consistent but modest presence in name rankings, appealing to parents who want something recognizable but not overly common. Its friendly sound and gentle vibe give it an enduring appeal.
              • Laramie
                • Origin:

                  Wyoming place-name, French
                • Meaning:

                  "canopy of leafy boughs"
                • Description:

                  Laramie was derived from the French word la ramée, meaning "leafy canopy." It was historically a French surname, but today it is a viable first name option for girls or boys. The balance is currently running at about seven girls for every boy named Laramie. The Wyoming city gives it more of a cowgirl Western than French vibe.
              • Laura
                • Origin:

                  English from Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "from Laurentum or bay laurel"
                • Description:

                  Laura is a hauntingly evocative perennial, never trendy, never dated, feminine without being fussy, with literary links stretching back to Dante. All this makes Laura a more solid choice than any of its more decorative counterparts and one of the most classic girl names starting with L.
              • Lauren
                • Origin:

                  English from Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "from Laurentum or bay laurel"
                • Description:

                  Lauren was derived from Laurence, an English name from the Roman family name Laurentius, meaning "from Laurentum." Laurentum, an ancient Italian city, got its name from the Latin word laurus, meaning "bay laurel."
              • Laurie
                • Origin:

                  English, diminutive of Laura
                • Meaning:

                  "from Laurentum or bay laurel"
                • Description:

                  Laurie morphed into the more streamlined Lori in the sixties but now feels dated for a girl in either spelling. Update Lauren has been renovated as Laurel or Laura itself.
              • Leah
                • Origin:

                  Hebrew
                • Meaning:

                  "weary"
                • Description:

                  Strong but sweet, Leah is a classic name that doesn’t feel dull or dusty. It’s got plenty of dignity, grace, and pluck, making it a solid choice in the 21st century.
              • Lee
                • Origin:

                  English
                • Meaning:

                  "pasture, meadow"
                • Description:

                  The original brief, breezy name is somewhat out of favor now even as a middle name. The Leigh spelling has more substance and is more identifiable as female.
              • Lenora
                • Origin:

                  English, contracted form of Leonora
                • Meaning:

                  "light"
                • Description:

                  A lovely (and uncommon) longer form for Nora, one of the most fashionable international nickname names around. Lenora fell off the US charts in the 70s, but just re-entered in 2022 as parents' love for short forms Leni and Nora is growing.
              • Lenore
                • Origin:

                  German variation of Leonora, Italian derivative of Eleonora, meaning unknown
                • Description:

                  A "modernization" of Leonora that has suddenly come back on the radar along with the many other Leo names--both male and female. With literary cred via a famous eponymous poem by Edgar Allan Poe (and also in his even more famous The Raven,) Lenore was steadily in the top half of the popularity list until the mid-fifties, falling off in 1973. Cameron Diaz played a Lenore in The Green Hornet.
              • Leona
                • Origin:

                  Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "lioness"
                • Description:

                  A Top 100 name from 1896 to 1921, Leona reached as high as Number 72. Since then, Leona had seemed to be one of the most unfashionable of the pride of lion names, but singer Leona Lewis has done a lot to rejuvenate it. Leona returned to the Top 1000 in 2009 after decades of being away.
              • Leonie
                • Origin:

                  Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "lion"
                • Description:

                  Leonie is a chic French and German form of a name that exists in a range of variations from Leona to Leonia to Leon to Leo to Lionel, all newly fashionable after a couple of generations in style limbo.
              • Leonora
                • Origin:

                  Italian diminutive of Eleonora or Eleanor, meaning unknown
                • Description:

                  Its mellifluous sound makes Leonora--which has a rich history and a tie to the popular Leo names-- a keen possibility for revival. Though it's been hiding below the Top 1000 since the 1940s, Leonora is being rediscovered by stylish parents in the US and Europe.
              • Leslie
                • Origin:

                  Scottish
                • Meaning:

                  "garden of holly"
                • Description:

                  A Scottish place and surname that was once adrogynous but now leans about 20 to 1 toward the girls' side, Leslie has a pleasant, heathery feel that kept it in or near the Top 100 for several decades; the Lesly and Lesley spellings are also frequently used, especially in Britain. While Leslie may not be the freshest name in the bunch, it's become a modern classic and is one of the surprising names always to have ranked among the US Top 1000 for girls.
              • Libby
                • Origin:

                  English, diminutive of Elizabeth
                • Meaning:

                  "pledged to God"
                • Description:

                  Through all the years when Betty, Betsy, Beth, Liz, and Lizzie were the Elizabethan nicknames of choice, the bubblier Libby was set aside, but today it may be the most modern of all—it has already made a strong comeback in England and Wales, where it ranks Number 139.
              • Lillian
                • Origin:

                  English from Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "lily; pledged to God"
                • Description:

                  Lillian has ranked among the US Top 50 for the past 20 years, making it Lily's less popular but more grownup cousin.
              • Lily
                • Origin:

                  English flower name
                • Meaning:

                  "lily"
                • Description:

                  Lily is the most popular of the popular delicate century-old flower names now making a return, thanks to its many irresistible attributes: a cool elegance and a lovely sound, a symbol of purity and innocence, and a role in Christian imagery.
              • Liv
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Olivia, English, Norse
                • Meaning:

                  "olive tree; life, protection"
                • Description:

                  Liv combines the succinct charm of a nickname—people might assume it's short for Olivia—with the solidity of being a classic stand-alone Scandinavian name with a life-force meaning. It was brought into the public eye (in the English speaking world that is) due to the fame of actress and Aerosmith daughter Liv Tyler.
              • Lizzie
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
                • Meaning:

                  "pledged to God"
                • Description:

                  Lizzie was commonly used as an independent name in the last half of the nineteenth century. Today Lizzie is still one of the most stylish short forms of Elizabeth, but few U.S. parents put it on the birth certificate.
              • Lola
                • Origin:

                  Spanish, diminutive of Dolores
                • Meaning:

                  "lady of sorrows"
                • Description:

                  A hot starbaby name – chosen by Kelly Ripa, Chris Rock, Lisa Bonet, Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen, Carnie Wilson, and Annie Lennox, and used as the nickname of Madonna's Lourdes – Lola manages to feel fun and sassy without going over the top. Be warned, though: "Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets," to quote a song from the show Damn Yankees.
              • Lorelai
                • Origin:

                  Spelling variation of Lorelei, German
                • Meaning:

                  "alluring, temptress"
                • Description:

                  Lorelai is the spelling used for the character played by Lauren Graham on The Gilmore Girls, as well as her daughter, who preferred the nickname Rory. The television show reintroduced this name to a new generation, but the Lorelai spelling could be confusing -- is it lor-ah-LAY? -- to those unacquainted with the Gilmores.
              • Lorena
                • Origin:

                  Spanish variation of Lorraine
                • Meaning:

                  "from the province of Lorraine"
                • Description:

                  A feminine name heard most often in the Hispanic community. Surprisingly, Lorena was on the US Top 1000 list of girls' names for an impressive 130 years, from 1880 until falling off in 2011. We do not predict an imminent return.
              • Loretta
                • Origin:

                  English variation of Italian Lauretta; diminutive of Laura
                • Meaning:

                  "bay laurel"
                • Description:

                  Though Loretta has long ago lost its Latin flair, fashionable Sarah Jessica Parker's choice of it as the middle name of one of her twin daughters freshens it up a bit. It's one of several such names, like Anita and Rita that we can envision making a comeback.
              • Lorraine
                • Origin:

                  French
                • Meaning:

                  "from the province of Lorraine"
                • Description:

                  Sweet Lorraine might just be old enough to be ripe for reconsideration. This French place name has moved in and out of fashion in the few hundred years it's been used as a girls' first name, somewhat influenced by the alternative name of Joan of Arc--Saint Joan of Lorraine. It was quite popular from the 1920s to the fifties, but has pretty much been in limbo since then.
              • Lotta
                • Origin:

                  Short form of Charlotta or Carlotta
                • Description:

                  This nickname-name is very popular in Germany, though Lottie is still the preferred version in the US. The problem, of course, is that you'll have to put up with a lotta jokes. See?
              • Lottie
                • Origin:

                  English, diminutive of Charlotte
                • Meaning:

                  "free man"
                • Description:

                  Lottie is a nostalgic great-grandma name that conjures up lockets and lace, and — like Nellie, Josie, Hattie, Tillie, and Milly — has considerable vintage charm.
              • Lou
                • Origin:

                  Short form of Louise
                • Meaning:

                  "renowned warrior"
                • Description:

                  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 gain even more widespread style credibility since Heidi Klum and Seal chose it for their daughter.
              • Louisa
                • Origin:

                  Latinate feminine variation of Louis
                • Meaning:

                  "renowned warrior"
                • Description:

                  Louisa, a quaint but strongvintage name, is an example of the idea that these days, old-style girls’ names are more fashionable when they end with an a rather than with an e, as in Julie/Julia, Diane/Diana. So for the next generation, Louisa may rise again, especially with the growing popularity of other Lou/Lu-starting names, like Lucy and Luna. Louisa reentered the US Top 1000 in 2014 after a 45 year absence.
              • Louise
                • Origin:

                  French and English, feminine variation of Louis
                • Meaning:

                  "renowned warrior"
                • Description:

                  Louise has for several decades now been seen as competent, studious, and efficient—desirable if not dramatic qualities. But now along with a raft of other L names, as well as cousin Eloise, Louise is up for reappreciation—sleek and chic, stylish in Paris, and starting to become so in the US as well. Louisa is perhaps more in tune with the times, but Louise has more edge. Louise has been on the rise lately, and reentered the US Top 1000 for the first time in a quarter century in 2016.
              • Louisiana
                • Origin:

                  French place-name
                • Description:

                  Louisiana is a geographic spin on the Louise theme. Pretty, if a bit of a syllable overload. Short form Lou or Lulu lightens it.
              • Lucie
                • Origin:

                  French, English
                • Meaning:

                  "light"
                • Description:

                  The French spelling of Lucy feels particularly light and shimmery.
              • Lucille
                • Origin:

                  French variation of Latin Lucilla
                • Meaning:

                  "light"
                • Description:

                  Lucille is a name that had long been overpowered by its link to Lucille Ball, with an image of tangerine-colored hair, big, round eyes, and a tendency to stage daffy and desperate stunts. But with the newfound craze for double-L names like Lily and Lila, Lulu and Luna, and as the choice of Lucille by hipster parents Maya Rudolph and Paul Thomas Anderson, Lucille is breaking free from its old clownish image, moving rapidly up the charts over the past decade after a long nap.
              • Lucinda
                • Origin:

                  Variation of Lucia
                • Meaning:

                  "light"
                • Description:

                  Lucinda, an elaboration of Lucia created by Cervantes for his 1605 novel Don Quixote, is a pleasingly pretty alternative to Lucy. It was subsequently used by Moliere in his play The Doctor in Spite of Himself' (1666). More in tune with the times than Linda, Belinda and Melinda, it could be used to honor someone with one of those dated names.
              • Lucy
                • Origin:

                  English variation of Lucia, Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "light"
                • Description:

                  A versatile classic, Lucy is both sweet and solid, a saint's name, and the heroine of several great novels. First fashionable in England and Wales, Lucy is now a popular choice in the US, The Netherlands, and New Zealand.
              • Luella
                • Origin:

                  Spelling variation of Louella
                • Meaning:

                  "battle famous fairy maiden"
                • Description:

                  Luella is a sleeker spelling variant of the girls' name Louella and is now more popular than the original. Sweet, but lively, it was a popular name in the the early 19th century, but fell out of favor in the 50s. Now, after a 60 year absence, it's back in the charts, in the US and the UK.
              • Luisa
                • Origin:

                  Italian, Spanish
                • Meaning:

                  "renowned warrior"
                • Description:

                  This streamlined Italian and Spanish spelling of Louisa is currently very popular in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Portugal, where it's usually spelt Luísa.
              • Lula
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of any Lu name
                • Description:

                  Lula is one of the livelier nickname-names with the fashionable double-L sound: It joins Lulu, Lila, Lily, and Lou among the trendiest names today. Lula might be short for Talula and sisters or for Lucy or Louise, or may stand on its own two adorable feet. Lula was actually a Top 50 name in the late 1880's and continued in the Top 100 for a couple of decades more.
              • Lupita
                • Origin:

                  Spanish, “little wolf”
                • Description:

                  This lively pet name has recently been associated with Mexican-born Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o, acclaimed for her role in the 2013 film Twelve Years a Slave.

                  The mother name Guadalupe, literally "valley of the wolves," relates to Our Lady of Guadalupe, revered in Latino culture as a protector of the Mexican people.

              • Lydia
                • Origin:

                  Greek
                • Meaning:

                  "woman from Lydia"
                • Description:

                  Lydia is one of the first place names, after an area of Asia Minor whose inhabitants are credited with strong musical talent great wealth. Always among the US Top 1000 girl names, Lydia is a quietly fashionable classic.
              • Lynn
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Linda or Welsh
                • Meaning:

                  "lake"
                • Description:

                  Lynn arrived in the 1940s, spinning off from the wildly popular Linda, to become a top midcentury middle name. Now, Lynn's in limbo.
              • Mabel
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Amabel, Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "lovable"
                • Description:

                  Mabel is cuddly Victorian favorite rising in popularity in the US, after a 50-year nap If you love offbeat old-fashioned names like Violet or Josephine, only sassier and bubblier, Mabel is one for you to consider. It is currently in the US Top 200 and the UK Top 50.
              • Mable
                • Description:

                  Mable is a vintage feminine name, primarily a spelling variant of Mabel, which derives from the Latin 'amabilis' meaning 'lovable.' This particular spelling was quite popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in the United States. Like many names from that era, Mable experienced a decline mid-century but has potential for revival as part of the trend toward reclaiming vintage names. It carries a sweet, unpretentious charm with its simple sound and straightforward spelling. The name evokes images of warmth and accessibility, with a touch of old-fashioned character. After decades of relative obscurity, Mable now offers an appealing alternative to more common vintage revivals, combining familiarity with relative uniqueness in today's naming landscape.
              • Maddie
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Madeline or Madison, English
                • Meaning:

                  "woman from Magdala or son of Matthew"
                • Description:

                  Britney Spears' little sister Jamie Lynn was one of the first to put this nickname on the birth certificate. Cute for a child, but we recommend giving her the option of the full name for later use.
              • Madeline
                • Origin:

                  English variation of Magdalen
                • Meaning:

                  "high tower or woman from Magdala"
                • Description:

                  Madeline, a lovely name with a soft and delicate image, is an old-fashioned favorite that returned to favor in the 1990's, combining a classic pedigree with a cute nickname option: Maddy.
              • Madrigal
                • Origin:

                  Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "song for unaccompanied voices"
                • Description:

                  Madrigal might be a pretty and highly distinctive choice for a child of a musical family--or for the parent looking for a less conventional path to the nickname Maddie than Madeline or Madison . Definitely more striking than Cadence or even the increasingly popular Aria.
              • Mae
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Mary or Margaret, Hebrew, Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "beloved, bitter, drop of the sea; pearl"
                • Description:

                  Mae, a sweet and springlike old-fashioned name, hadn't been on the national charts in forty years, but finally made it back in 2010. Mae is derived from May, the month name that was chosen for its connection to Maia, the Roman goddess of growth and motherhood.
              • Magdalena
                • Origin:

                  Greek
                • Meaning:

                  "from Magdala"
                • Description:

                  Magdalena is a pretty name forever associated with the fallen-yet-redeemed Mary Magdalen; often heard in the Hispanic community. But forward thinking parents are reviving Magdalena along with Magdalene and the unrelated but similar-sounding Marguerite.
              • Magdalene
                • Origin:

                  Spelling variation of Magdalen
                • Meaning:

                  "woman from Magdala or high tower"
                • Description:

                  This name made famous in the New Testament has gone from crusty grandma to sleek and chic in recent years, or is it months? The name's image is perhaps helped by the fact that Mary Magdalene was one of the most intriguing women inthe Bible, both a saint and a sinner.
              • Maggie
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Margaret
                • Meaning:

                  "pearl"
                • Description:

                  Maggie is a cute, earthy short form that has been in style for several decades now, still sometimes used as an independent name by such parents as Jon Stewart. First used in Scotland, it got a large bump in popularity via the 1971 Rod Stewart hit song "Maggie May." Today's Maggie might just as well be short for a more adventurous name such as Magdalena or Magnolia as for the classic Margaret.

                  Maggie Gyllenhaal was born Margaret.

              • Magnolia
                • Origin:

                  Flower name, from French surname
                • Meaning:

                  "Magnol's flower"
                • Description:

                  Magnolia, a sweet-smelling Southern belle of a name made famous via the iconic Edna Ferber novel and musical Showboat, is one of the latest wave of botanical names, along with unexpected blossoms Azalea and Zinnia. It is named for French botanist Pierre Magnol.
              • Maisie
                • Origin:

                  Scottish diminutive of Margaret or Mary
                • Meaning:

                  "pearl or bitter"
                • Description:

                  Maisie, a charming name long popular as a nickname for Margaret or Mary, entered the Top 1000 as itself ten years ago and continues to rise. Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams helped propel the name back into the limelight, along with the that of her character, Arya.
              • Malena
                • Description:

                  Malena is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Spanish, it's often used as a diminutive of Magdalena, deriving from Mary Magdalene in the New Testament. In Greek contexts, it relates to meanings of 'light' or 'bright.' The name has gained popularity in Latin American countries and is increasingly recognized internationally. Malena has a melodic quality that contributes to its appeal, with three flowing syllables that give it a gentle rhythm. The actress Malena Alterio and the film 'Malena' starring Monica Bellucci have added to the name's cultural visibility. The name offers a balance of familiarity and distinctiveness, making it accessible while still feeling somewhat uncommon in many Western countries.
              • Mamie
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Mary or Margaret, Hebrew, Egyptian, Greek
                • Meaning:

                  "drop of the sea or bitter or pearl"
                • Description:

                  Mamie is back. Having finally shorn her Mamie Eisenhower bangs, this insouciant and adorable nickname name is perfect if you want a zestier way to honor a beloved aunt Mary. Meryl Streep's actress daughter, properly named Mary Willa, is called Mamie Gummer. You might think of Mamie as a sister of the stylish Maisie.
              • Mara
                • Origin:

                  Hebrew
                • Meaning:

                  "bitter"
                • Description:

                  Mara is the evocative ancient root of Mary, appearing in the Book of Ruth, in which Naomi, devastated after the death of her two sons, says "Call me not Naomi, call me Mara." It's one of the girl names starting with M that both fits in and stands out.
              • Maren
                • Origin:

                  Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "sea"
                • Description:

                  Maren is one of the many twenty-first-century takes on Mary--but we find the more classic Marin spelling preferable. When spelled Maren, the pronunciation seems more clearly to resemble Mary, with the emphasis on the first syllable. Marin, the spelling also used for the beautiful coastal county north of San Francisco, is often pronounced with the emphasis on the second syllable, as in Marie.
              • Margaret
                • Origin:

                  Greek
                • Meaning:

                  "pearl"
                • Description:

                  Margaret is derived from the French Marguerite, which in turn came from Margarita, the Latin form of the Greek Margarites. Margarites was based on the Old Persian word margārīta, meaning "pearl."
              • Maria
                • Origin:

                  Hebrew or Egyptian
                • Meaning:

                  "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
                • Description:

                  As a highly popular girls’ name in all Spanish-speaking countries, this saintly Latin variation of Mary retains a timeless beauty. Through the centuries, Maria remains one of the most widely-used girl names starting with M.
              • Mariah
                • Origin:

                  Hebrew
                • Meaning:

                  "the Lord is my teacher; or drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
                • Description:

                  Thanks to Mariah Carey, everyone now knows this name – and is aware that Mariah's pronounced with a long i – just as Maria was in the Jane Austen era. And though Mariah now sounds modern, it was heard as far back as 1550 in Great Britain.
              • Marianne
                • Origin:

                  French combination of Marie and Anne
                • Meaning:

                  "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + grace"
                • Description:

                  A midcentury Catholic classic that's not chosen by many parents today. Leonard Cohen fans might think of the beautiful song So Long, Marianne, named for his lover and muse Marianne Ihlen.
              • Marie
                • Origin:

                  French variation of Mary
                • Meaning:

                  "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
                • Description:

                  The ubiquitous French version of Mary came into the English-speaking world in the nineteenth century. In the United States, Marie was a huge hit at the turn of the last century and for the ensuing fifty years, becoming the seventh most popular name in the country for three years, from 1901 to 1904.
              • Marjorie
                • Origin:

                  Scottish variation of Margery, diminutive of Margaret
                • Meaning:

                  "pearl"
                • Description:

                  Scottish Marjorie and her English twin Margery were early twentieth century favorites that date back to medieval times, when it was popular among the royals. They were at their height in the 1920s, when they were seen as more lively versions of the old standard. Marjorie was always the preferred spelling, in the Top 25 from 1920 to 1927.
              • Marlene
                • Origin:

                  German variation of Madeline; combination of Mary and Magdalen
                • Description:

                  Marlene Dietrich made it famous when she condensed her first two names, Maria and Magdalena. Now more often pronounced with two syllables rather than three.
              • Marta
                • Origin:

                  Italian, Spanish, Scandinavian, Slavic
                • Meaning:

                  "lady"
                • Description:

                  Sharper and steelier than Martha, but with the same underused vintage appeal.
              • Martha
                • Origin:

                  Aramaic
                • Meaning:

                  "lady"
                • Description:

                  The name of our first First Lady still has something of a prim and proper image, academic and efficient. That quiet, traditional, and tasteful gestalt is exactly what makes Martha appealing to some parents today.
              • Mary
                • Origin:

                  Hebrew or Egyptian
                • Meaning:

                  "drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
                • Description:

                  Mary is the English form of Maria, which ultimately was derived from the Hebrew name Maryam/Mariam. The original meaning of Maryam is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).
              • Maureen
                • Origin:

                  Irish variation of Mary
                • Description:

                  Almost as popular in the 1950s among the Irish in Boston as it was with those back in Bray, Maureen was once among the most prominent Irish names for girls in the US but has fallen from favor along with most of her een-ending sisters such as Eileen and Colleen.
              • Mavis
                • Origin:

                  French
                • Meaning:

                  "songbird"
                • Description:

                  Mavis, another word for the song thrush, is also a relative of the Welsh word for strawberries, mefus. Mavis has something of a British World War II feel, a friend of Beryl and Doris, but it was quite popular in the U.S. a couple of decades earlier, peaking in the Roaring Twenties.
              • Max
                • Origin:

                  Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "greatest"
                • Description:

                  If Sam can make it as a girl's name, why not Max? Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's eldest daughter Maxima goes by Max, but you could also use it as a short form for Maxine, Maximilienne or even Margaux.
              • Maxine
                • Origin:

                  Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "greatest"
                • Description:

                  With the success of all names Max, from Max itself to Maxwell to Maxfield to Maximilian, it's just possible that Maxine could be lured away from her mah-jongg game at the clubhouse and into the nursery. She's already been chosen by hip musician Nick Hexum for his daughter, sister to Echo.
              • May
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Margaret and Mary; month name
                • Description:

                  May is a sweet old-fashioned name that hasn't been on the national charts in several decades, but is definitely sounding fresh and springlike. Parents are beginning to see it once more as one of the prettiest middle name options. May was as high on the list as Number 57 in the 1880s; it's now 228 on Nameberry.
              • Meg
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Margaret
                • Meaning:

                  "pearl"
                • Description:

                  Meg, perennially one of the Little Women, is a Margaret short form that manages to be neither quite in nor quite out of style. Meg is sleeker and more sophisticated than Maggie, more contemporary than Peg, more stylish than Megan, and still one of the best diminutives of Margaret.

                  Meg Ryan was born Margaret Mary Emily Anne.

              • Megan
                • Origin:

                  Welsh diminutive of Margaret
                • Meaning:

                  "pearl"
                • Description:

                  Megan originally evolved from Meg, which itself derived as a nickname for Margaret. Margaret ultimately comes from the Greek word margarites, meaning "pearl." Megan is no longer a common nickname for Margaret—it is most often used as a full name. Other spellings include Meghan, Meagan, Megyn, and Meaghan.
              • Meggie
                • Description:

                  Meggie is a diminutive form of Margaret, which derives from the Greek word "margarites" meaning "pearl." This affectionate nickname has a sweet, friendly quality that has made it endure through generations, though it's less common as a formal given name. Meggie gained some popularity in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, particularly after the publication of Colleen McCullough's novel "The Thorn Birds" (1977), which featured a protagonist named Meggie Cleary. The name has a youthful, energetic feel and is often associated with warmth and approachability. While not ranking high on most popularity charts as a standalone name, Meggie continues to be used as both a nickname and given name, especially in Scotland, Ireland, and other parts of the United Kingdom.

              • Melanie
                • Origin:

                  Greek
                • Meaning:

                  "black, dark"
                • Description:

                  Gone with the Wind inspired a generation of girls named Melanie, though it looks as though Scarlett will triumph in the end.
              • Melody
                • Origin:

                  Greek
                • Meaning:

                  "song"
                • Description:

                  A melodious choice big in the sixties, Melody is now starting to pick up tempo again. It cracked the Top 150 for the first time ever in 2015. Melody is also the name of Ariel's equally curious and more tom-boyish daughter in The Little Mermaid sequel. Read more about Melody and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.
              • Melvina
                • Origin:

                  Celtic
                • Meaning:

                  "chieftain"
                • Description:

                  Melvina ranked in the Top 1000 for over 65 years in the US, coinciding to a large extent with the years its much more popular masculine counterpart Melvin ranked in the Top 100. Today, Melvin is still hanging on in the Top 1000 for boys, but Melvina hasn't been given to more than 20 babies in a year since 1991.
              • Mercedes
                • Origin:

                  Spanish
                • Meaning:

                  "gracious gifts, benefits"
                • Description:

                  Mercedes is one of the few names attached to luxury living that we can wholeheartedly recommend, it being a legitimate Spanish appellation stemming from one of the epithets given to the Virgin Mary--Santa Maria de las Mercedes, or Our Lady of the Mercies. The car, by the way was named after the eleven-year-old daughter of the Daimler company's French distributor in 1901.
              • Mercy
                • Origin:

                  English word name
                • Meaning:

                  "compassion"
                • Description:

                  The quality of mercy makes this lovely Puritan virtue name a quiet favorite today. Although it was most popular in the late nineteenth century, Mercy is on its way to a comeback -- it rose 143 spots between 2012 and 2013, making it one of the year's fastest-rising names. Right now, it's still stylish and distinctive, a rare and wonderful combination.
              • Meredith
                • Origin:

                  Welsh
                • Meaning:

                  "great ruler"
                • Description:

                  Meredith is a soft, gentle-sounding name with subtle Welsh roots. Although originally a boys’ name , Meredith is used mainly for girls now.
              • Mia
                • Origin:

                  Italian word name or Scandinavian short form of Maria
                • Meaning:

                  "mine or bitter"
                • Description:

                  Mia is an appealingly unfussy multicultural name that has enjoyed a meteoric rise up the charts and is now firmly among the ten top girl names. Mia has surpassed its mother name Maria as the Number 1 girls' name starting with M.
              • Mickey
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Michelle or Michaela
                • Description:

                  Mickey is a nickname-name redolent of the mid-20th century and best-known as a mouse name. While this spelling works for either gender, the girls' version is more often spelled Micki.
              • Miley
                • Origin:

                  Modern invented name
                • Description:

                  One-time overnight success name, thanks to Hannah Montana actress and singer Miley Cyrus, Miley fell just as quickly from her peak of Number 127 in 2008 as the star entered her rebellious era.
              • Millie
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Mildred or Millicent
                • Meaning:

                  "gentle strength; strong in work"
                • Description:

                  Millie is back. It's a Top 100 name throughout much of the English-speaking world, though not yet in the US. Millicent would be an appealing long form, but many people are using Millie all by its cute self -- so many, in fact, that it returned to the Top 500 in 2015 for the first time since World War 2 and continues to climb.
              • Mimi
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Mary, Miriam, and others
                • Description:

                  Sweet, nicknamey name belonging to the tragic heroines of both La Bohème and Rent. Mimi might feel too slight for many parents to use on the birth certificate, but as a short form, it's one of the cutest of the cute baby names.
              • Mirabella
                • Origin:

                  Italian variation of Mirabelle
                • Meaning:

                  "wonderful"
                • Description:

                  The short-lived magazine edited by former Vogue chief Grace Mirabella put this beautiful name off-limits for a while, but now it's perfectly fit to join the fashionable Bella pantheon. More distinctive than Isabella.
              • Molly
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Mary, Hebrew
                • Meaning:

                  "bitter"
                • Description:

                  Molly is one of the original nickname names, ALWAYS ranking among the US Top 500 girl names since statistics began, in 1880. Molly peaked in 1991 only to rise just as high again in 2011, and though softening retains a good measure of popularity and charm.
              • Montana
                • Origin:

                  Spanish place-name
                • Meaning:

                  "mountainous"
                • Description:

                  Overly trendy western place-name, as stated in the title of our book Beyond Jennifer & Jason, Madison & Montana.
              • Myrtle
                • Origin:

                  Greek botanical name
                • Description:

                  Long in our category of so-far-out-it-will-always-be-out category, once seen as a gum-cracking 1940's telephone operator, we think it's time to reassess Myrtle, and look at is as a nature name, a plant with pink or white aromatic berries. Ruled by Venus, myrtle is a plant associated with love, peace, fertility and youth.
              • Mary-Jane
                • Mary-Jo
                  • Mary-Jose
                    • Mary-Kate
                      • Mary-Ruth
                        • Nadine
                          • Origin:

                            French variation of Nadia, Russian
                          • Meaning:

                            "hope"
                          • Description:

                            Part of the vogue for French-sounding names in the 1920s and 30s, Nadine has been replaced by the Russian sound of Nadia and Natasha.
                        • Nancy
                          • Origin:

                            English diminutive of Ann or Agnes, Hebrew; Greek
                          • Meaning:

                            "grace; pure"
                          • Description:

                            To some, Nancy is a sweet, sparkly, vintage choice with plenty of energy and style. For it strays too much into '"old-lady" territory to be cool again yet. It's out of fashion in France, New Zealand, and Canada; it lingers towards to bottom of the US charts. In the UK however, Nancy has been a Top 100 name for nearly a decade where it fits right in with Evie, Mabel, and Pippa.
                        • Naomi
                          • Origin:

                            Hebrew
                          • Meaning:

                            "pleasantness"
                          • Description:

                            Naomi was once a primarily Jewish name from the Old Testament that referenced the mother-in-law of Ruth. Because of this, it is a symbolic name given to girls on Shavuot when the story of Ruth is read in the synagogue.
                        • Natalie
                          • Origin:

                            French variation of Russian Natalia
                          • Meaning:

                            "birthday of the Lord"
                          • Description:

                            Natalie—a Franco-Russian name—became Americanized years ago and is one of those surprising names that's always ranked among the girls' Top 1000 names in the US.
                        • Neal
                          • Origin:

                            Irish
                          • Meaning:

                            "cloud"
                          • Description:

                            An Irish classic for boys that has a streamlined, surnamey, unisex appeal in this spelling.
                        • Nell
                          • Origin:

                            English, diminutive of Helen, Eleanor, et al
                          • Meaning:

                            "bright, shining one"
                          • Description:

                            Nell, once a nickname for Helen, Ellen, or Eleanor, is a sweet old-fashioned charmer that is fashionably used today in its own right. While Nell is perfectly in tune with contemporary vintage name style, it hasn't taken off the way some of its sisters have and so maintains an air of distinction. Use Nell or Nellie as a short for any name from Eleanor to Penelope or just name her Nell.
                        • Nellie
                          • Origin:

                            Diminutive of Helen, Ellen, and Eleanor, English, Swedish
                          • Meaning:

                            "light, shining torch"
                          • Description:

                            This sweet nickname name has seen a recent revival in the US, breaking the Top 1000 in 2019 for the first time in 40 years. By 2023, Nellie became one of the fastest rising girl names, chasing sister name Eleanor up the charts. Nellie is an elaboration of Nell, a medieval diminutive of names starting with El, such as Eleanor and Ellen. It may have arisen from the affectionate phrase "mine El" which was later reinterpreted as "my Nel".
                        • Nessa
                          • Origin:

                            Scandinavian
                          • Meaning:

                            "headlands, promontory"
                          • Description:

                            Like its cousin Tessa, Nessa -- a shortening of Vanessa or Agnes or Anastasia among other possibilities -- is an attractive nickname that can stand on its own.
                        • Nina
                          • Origin:

                            Short form of names that end in -nina
                          • Description:

                            Nina is as multiethnic as you can get: Nina is a common nickname name in Spain and Russia, a Babylonian goddess of the oceans, and an Incan goddess of fire. Here and now, it's a stylish possibility that's been underused. "Weird Al" Yankovic chose this decidedly nonweird name for his daughter.
                        • Nita
                          • Origin:

                            Hindi, Hebrew, and Choctaw
                          • Meaning:

                            "friendly, to plant, and bear"
                          • Description:

                            One of those slender names, like Lena or Etta, that's used in several cultures and carries a range of meanings. But by being so many things, it doesn't feel decidedly like anything.
                        • Noa
                          • Origin:

                            Hebrew
                          • Meaning:

                            "motion"
                          • Description:

                            This Old Testament female name has been one of the most popular girls’ names in Israel over the last decade. Also highly popular in Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, and a new entrant to the US Top 1000, it may be misunderstood here as an attempt to streamline and feminize the more familiar Noah – although it's a separate name with a separate derivation.
                        • Noah
                          • Origin:

                            Hebrew
                          • Meaning:

                            "motion"
                          • Description:

                            There is a female figure in the Old Testament named Noa or Noah, whose name derives from the Hebrew No'ah, meaning "motion". The popular Biblical male name Noah (sometimes spelled as the streamlined Noa) is derived from a different Hebrew name: Noach, which means "rest, repose" – although confusingly they are often written the same in English.
                        • Nola
                          • Origin:

                            Gaelic
                          • Meaning:

                            "white shoulder"
                          • Description:

                            Nola, a name with a sleek, enigmatic quality, was used for the much-pursued heroine of Spike Lee's 1986 breakout film, She's Gotta Have It, and again by Woody Allen in Match Point. It's a short form of the traditional Irish name Fionnuala. Nola reentered the US Top 1000 in 2008, for the first time in 50 years.
                        • Nantahala
                          • Oakley
                            • Origin:

                              English
                            • Meaning:

                              "oak wood or clearing"
                            • Description:

                              Oakley, with its nature name roots and its Annie Oakley charm, is a hot name for both genders but more than twice as popular for girls. This name made it into the Top 1000 for the first time in 2013, one of only four girl names starting with O to rank that high. A decade letter, it's aiming for the Top 100.
                          • Opal
                            • Origin:

                              Sanskrit
                            • Meaning:

                              "gem"
                            • Description:

                              Opal is on the verge of a repolishing, following other jewel names like Ruby and Pearl. A Top 100 name during the first two decades of the twentieth century, the opalescent Opal has a good chance of coming back as another O-initial option.
                          • Ophelia
                            • Origin:

                              Greek
                            • Meaning:

                              "help"
                            • Description:

                              Floral, elegant, and bold, Ophelia re-entered the US Top 1000 in 2015 after more than 50 years off the charts. It has risen more than 700 spots since then and shows no signs of slowing down. Now in the US Top 300, could Ophelia one day become the next Olivia or Amelia?
                          • Oriana
                            • Origin:

                              Latin
                            • Meaning:

                              "dawn"
                            • Description:

                              Oriana is a dashing medieval name, with a meaning similar to Aurora. At this point, though, Oriana is much more unusual than Aurora and makes a unique choice if you're searching for names that mean new beginnings or dawn.
                          • Orla
                            • Origin:

                              Irish
                            • Meaning:

                              "golden princess"
                            • Description:

                              Orla is an Irish name closely associated with the high king Brian Boru, as it was the name of his sister, daughter and niece. It was very popular in the Middle Ages – the fourth most popular name in twelfth century Ireland – and has become popular again in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales today. In Irish, the name is commonly spelled Orlaith or Orlagh.
                          • Paige
                            • Origin:

                              English, occupational name
                            • Meaning:

                              "page to a lord"
                            • Description:

                              Paige is more name, and less word than the occupational Page. Paige is also sleek and sophisticated a la Brooke and Blair and reached as high as Number 47 in 2003, when there was a very popular television show, Trading Spaces, hosted by the energetic Paige Davis.
                          • Paisley
                            • Origin:

                              Scottish
                            • Meaning:

                              "church, cemetery"
                            • Description:

                              For a name related to a Scottish town, a patterned Indian fabric, and a country singer named Brad, Paisley has seen remarkable success. After appearing, seemingly out of nowhere, it is now an American favorite.
                          • Paloma
                            • Origin:

                              Spanish
                            • Meaning:

                              "dove"
                            • Description:

                              Paloma is vibrant and ruby-lipped a la jewelry designer Paloma Picasso, but it also suggests peace, as symbolized by the dove. Paloma is a highly recommended striking but soft name, one of the best of the names that mean peace and girls' names starting with P.
                          • Pam
                            • Origin:

                              Diminutive of Pamela, English
                            • Meaning:

                              "all honey"
                            • Description:

                              This mild-mannered short form was Queen of the Prom in the fifties and sixties, but today is mostly heard on TV's The Office (and of course as one of the founders of Nameberry).
                          • Patience
                            • Origin:

                              Latin virtue name
                            • Meaning:

                              "ability to accept or tolerate inconveniences, and suffering without anxiety or anger"
                            • Description:

                              Patience is a passive virtue turned engaging name, fresher than Hope, Faith, or even Charity. Its resemblance to the trendy Payton may be one reason that it returned to the US charts back in the 90's and 2000s, having been absent for a century.
                          • Patsy
                            • Origin:

                              English, diminutive of Patricia
                            • Meaning:

                              "noble, patrician"
                            • Description:

                              This sassy, spunky name was used for the mostly Irish jump-roping pigtailed girls of the thirties and forties -- and some Irish and Italian boys as well. Its most noted bearer was iconic country music singer Patsy Cline (born Virginia), and was sighted most recently in the Ab Fab movie. After reaching Number 52 in the late thirties, it dropped off the list completely in 1970--and we're not anticipating a return.
                          • Peaches
                            • Origin:

                              English fruit name
                            • Description:

                              Unlike the other fruit names that are just coming onto the baby name menu, Peaches is an old-timey nickname previously reserved for spangled showgirls, and now would be considered an outrageous -- verging on hip -- choice. Or perhaps it was, until 2023, when it entered the UK Top 1000, not sounding too out of place beside other 2023 favorites, Honey, Blossom, Sage, Halo, and Dolly.
                          • Pearl
                            • Origin:

                              Latin gem name
                            • Meaning:

                              "pearl"
                            • Description:

                              Pearl, like Ruby, has begun to be polished up for a new generation of fashionable children after a century of jewelry box storage. The birthstone for the month of June, Pearl could also make a fresher middle name alternative to the overused Rose. Cool couple Maya Rudolph and Paul Thomas Anderson named their daughter Pearl Minnie, followed by Jack Osbourne picking Pearl Clementine. Several celebs have put it in the middle spot, as in Busy Philipps's Cricket Pearl, Jake Owen's Olive Pearl and Caleb Followill's Dixie Pearl .
                          • Penelope
                            • Origin:

                              Greek
                            • Meaning:

                              "weaver"
                            • Description:

                              Penelope is an unlikely 21st century baby name success story. Off the Top 1000 for 25 years, Penelope jumped back on in 2001 and has been heading uphill ever since, propelled by the trend for mythological names, Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, and some high-profile celebrity babies.
                          • Penny
                            • Origin:

                              English, diminutive of Penelope
                            • Description:

                              Like Peggy and Patsy, the kind of zesty moniker young Judy Garland would sport in her early let's-put-on-a-show flicks. It fell out of favor (and the Top 1000) for a while, but has recently rebounded by reentering the charts in 2013. Expect it to continue gaining traction on the heels of Penelope.
                          • Perdita
                            • Origin:

                              Latin
                            • Meaning:

                              "lost"
                            • Description:

                              A Shakespearean invention for an abandoned baby in The Winter's Tale, Perdita's sense of loss has always been off-putting to parents. But her image was somewhat resuscitated by its association with the appealing canine character in Disney's One Hundred and One Dalmations.
                          • Persephone
                            • Origin:

                              Greek
                            • Meaning:

                              "bringer of destruction"
                            • Description:

                              Persephone is the esoteric name of the Greek mythological daughter of Zeus by Demeter, the queen of the harvest. After she was kidnapped by Hades to be Queen of the Underworld, it was decreed by Zeus that she would spend six months of the year with her mother, allowing crops to grow, and six in mourning, thus accounting for the seasons.
                          • Peyton
                            • Origin:

                              English
                            • Meaning:

                              "fighting-man's estate"
                            • Description:

                              Peyton is a unisex surname that rose to fame in the 90s, with parents drawing inspiration from football star, Peyton Manning, and, oddly enough, from "Peyton Flanders", the villainess of the 1992 film, The Hand That Rocks The Cradle. Combining gentle sounds with contemporary style and the naughtiness of Peyton Place, the name remains a popular choice in the US today.
                          • Phil
                            • Origin:

                              Short form of Philippa, Greek
                            • Meaning:

                              "lover of horses"
                            • Description:

                              Phil is one of those Old Man names that, like Sid and Max, can be pretty cute on a girl. And if your Philippa objects, you can always pivot to Pippa.
                          • Phoebe
                            • Origin:

                              Greek
                            • Meaning:

                              "radiant, shining one"
                            • Description:

                              Phoebe is the Latin variation of the Greek name Phoibe, which derived from phoibos, meaning "bright." In classical mythology, Phoebe is the by-name of Artemis, goddess of the moon and of hunting. The masculine version of Phoebe is Phoebus.
                          • Piper
                            • Origin:

                              English occupational name
                            • Meaning:

                              "pipe or flute player"
                            • Description:

                              Piper is a bright, musical name that entered the list in 1999, one year after the debut of the TV series Charmed, which featured a Piper, and it's been a consistent riser since. Piper Kerman is the memoirist whose prison experiences provided the basis for the hit Netflix series Orange is the New Black.
                          • Polly
                            • Origin:

                              English variation of Molly
                            • Description:

                              An alternative to the no-longer-fresh Molly, the initial 'P' gives Polly a peppier sound, combining the cozy virtues of an old-timey name with the bounce of a barmaid.
                          • Pomona
                            • Origin:

                              Latin
                            • Meaning:

                              "apple"
                            • Description:

                              This name of the Roman goddess of fruit trees is also associated with a suburban town in Southern California.
                          • Promise
                            • Origin:

                              English word name
                            • Meaning:

                              "a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified"
                            • Description:

                              Promise is one of those word names with an uplifting meaning that is making inroads as a girls' name, like sisters Dream and Serenity. How promising is Promise as a first name? Our try at cleverness illustrates perhaps the biggest problem with naming your baby girl Promise: It will be difficult for people to resist making bad puns on the name. We promise (argh) you'll be tired of hearing them well before your baby Promise's first birthday.
                          • Providence
                            • Origin:

                              English
                            • Meaning:

                              "divine protection or care"
                            • Description:

                              A Puritanical virtue name and also a place name, belonging to the state capital of Rhode Island and several other towns and cities in the US.
                          • Prudence
                            • Origin:

                              Virtue name
                            • Meaning:

                              "caution"
                            • Description:

                              Prudence, like Hope and Faith, is a Puritan virtue name with a quiet charm and sensitivity that is slowly returning to favor, though it hasn't yet registered on the charts.
                          • Queenie
                            • Origin:

                              English
                            • Meaning:

                              "queen"
                            • Description:

                              Wisecracking waitress name stuck in the luncheonette. Started as nickname for girls named Regina -- queen in Latin -- now mostly a canine choice.
                          • Quinn
                            • Origin:

                              Irish
                            • Meaning:

                              "descendant of Conn, chief leader, intelligence"
                            • Description:

                              Quinn is one of the first popular Irish unisex surnames, a strong and attractive choice on the rise for girls but still popular for boys. Quinn was used for about 3000 baby girls and 700 boys in the US last year.
                          • Rachel
                            • Origin:

                              Hebrew
                            • Meaning:

                              "ewe"
                            • Description:

                              Rachel was derived from the Hebrew word rāchēl, meaning "ewe." In the Old Testament, Rachel was the favorite wife of Jacob, and mother of Joseph and Benjamin. International variations include the Spanish Raquel and Israeli Rahel.
                          • Rae
                            • Origin:

                              English, diminutive of Rachel, Hebrew
                            • Meaning:

                              "ewe"
                            • Description:

                              All the old ae/ay middle names for girls are back--Kay, Fay, Mae/May, --and Rae is one of the coolest, used as such by celebrities as Mark Wahlberg and Daniel Baldwin.
                          • Rain
                            • Origin:

                              Word name
                            • Description:

                              Among a small shower of rain-related names, this pure version can have a cool, refreshing image.
                          • Ramona
                            • Origin:

                              Spanish, feminine variation of Ramon
                            • Meaning:

                              "wise protector"
                            • Description:

                              Ramona is a sweet spot name – neither too trendy nor too eccentric. Kids will associate it with the clever Ramona Quimby character in the series of books by Beverly Cleary, also seen on TV. It was chosen by starcouple Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard for their little girl, who would be joined by sister Gloria.
                          • Ray
                            • Origin:

                              Diminutive of Rachel or Raymond; word name
                            • Description:

                              Most female Rays used to spell their names Rae, but now the Ray Charles, ray-of-sunshine way is cool for both genders.
                          • Reagan
                            • Origin:

                              Irish
                            • Meaning:

                              "little king"
                            • Description:

                              A strong, straightforward Irish unisex surname, with a merry glint in its eye, Reagan has been leaping up the popularity lists, to become one of the top girl names starting with R. Some will inevitably link it to President Ronald, but spell it Regan and it's a Shakespearean name: a daughter of King Lear.
                          • Remember
                            • Origin:

                              Word name
                            • Description:

                              No one will ever forget it. But Remember as a name came over on the Mayflower, so it has deep history as well as modern potential.
                          • Rhiannon
                            • Origin:

                              Welsh
                            • Meaning:

                              "divine queen"
                            • Description:

                              Most of us had never heard this lovely Welsh name with links to the moon until we heard the 1976 smash hit Fleetwood Mac song of that name, with lyrics by Stevie Nicks. That same year it popped onto the U.S. Top 1000 at Number 593.
                          • Riley
                            • Origin:

                              English, Irish
                            • Meaning:

                              "rye clearing; courageous"
                            • Description:

                              Riley—an upbeat, friendly surname name—is red hot for girls and still going strong for boys. If you haven't been spending much time around babies recently, you may be surprised to learn that Riley is the most popular girls' name starting with R and also the Number 1 Irish name for girls in the US.
                          • Rio
                            • Origin:

                              Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese
                            • Meaning:

                              "river or place of the cherry blossoms"
                            • Description:

                              Rio is one of Japan's most popular girls' names, constantly sitting in that country's Top 10. Of course, Rio may also stem from the Portuguese and Spanish word for river, and the Brazilian city Rio de Janeiro. A truly international name for a cosmopolitan baby!
                          • Riona
                            • Origin:

                              Irish
                            • Meaning:

                              "queenly"
                            • Description:

                              We'd opt for Fiona.
                          • Rita
                            • Origin:

                              Spanish, Hindi
                            • Meaning:

                              "pearl; truth, order"
                            • Description:

                              One of the glamour girl names of the Rita Hayworth 1940s, Rita was once a Top 50 name and stayed on the SSA list until 2002.
                          • River
                            • Origin:

                              Nature name
                            • Description:

                              Most of the notable Rivers have been male, but this nature name certainly flows as well for a girl. The name River is still rising for both genders, with about 3500 baby boys receiving the name last year vs. 1900 baby girls.
                          • Robin
                            • Origin:

                              Bird name, or English, diminutive of Robert
                            • Meaning:

                              "bright fame"
                            • Description:

                              After a 60 year slide down the popularity ladder, Robin made a turnaround in 2020 and began climbing back into favor for baby girls. One reason may be its new status as one of the most evenly-divided gender neutral names.
                          • Romy
                            • Origin:

                              Diminutive of Rosemary, Roma, Romana, Romilly etc.
                            • Description:

                              Austrian actress Romy Schneider seemed to be the singular bearer of this international nickname name until it found new style currency in the past decade.
                          • Rory
                            • Origin:

                              Irish
                            • Meaning:

                              "red king"
                            • Description:

                              Rory is a buoyant, spirited name for a redhead with Celtic roots. The name Rory is getting more popular overall, but for the past few years has been trending decidedly toward the boys' side -- however, it's been rising to new heights for girls in recent years.
                          • Rosa
                            • Origin:

                              Latinate variation of Rose
                            • Meaning:

                              "rose, a flower"
                            • Description:

                              As sweet-smelling as Rose but with an international flavour, Rosa is one of the most classic Portuguese, Spanish and Italian names, which is also favored by upper-class Brits, having an ample measure of vintage charm. Rosa has been on the popularity charts for every year that's been counted, especially popular from the 1880s through the beginning of the twentieth century.
                          • Rosalba
                            • Origin:

                              Latin, from the phrase rosa alba
                            • Meaning:

                              "white rose"
                            • Description:

                              One of many Spanish elaborations of Rosa.
                          • Rose
                            • Origin:

                              Latin
                            • Meaning:

                              "rose, a flower"
                            • Description:

                              Rose is derived from the Latin rosa, which referred to the flower. There is also evidence to suggest it was a Norman variation of the Germanic name Hrodohaidis, meaning "famous type," and also Hros, "horse". In Old English it was translated as Roese and Rohese.
                          • Rosemary
                            • Origin:

                              Latin or English
                            • Meaning:

                              "dew of the sea, or rosemary (herb)"
                            • Description:

                              Despite appearances, Rosemary is not a "smoosh" name, not even a traditional one. The name derives from two Latin terms "Ros" meaning ‘dew’ and "Marinus" "meaning "of the sea". The plant was termed ‘dew of the sea’ due to its salty texture and its ability to thrive in coastal climes. Only after the Middle Ages did the English names of Rose and Mary become interchanged with the name Rosmarinus and give us the modern name we use today.
                          • Rosetta
                            • Origin:

                              Persian
                            • Meaning:

                              "splendid"
                            • Description:

                              Associated with the ancient Rosetta stone, this is also the pretty Italian pet form of Rosa.
                          • Rosie
                            • Origin:

                              English
                            • Meaning:

                              "rose"
                            • Description:

                              Rosy-cheeked and cheery, Rosie (also spelled Rosy) has been standing on her own for many decades, back to the days of 1943 musical Sweet Rosie O'Grady. She's one of the perky nickname-names that are filling the popularity lists of other English-speaking countries. In the US, she came back to the Top 1000 in 2013, after a 30 year hiatus. In 2023, Rosie was one of the fastest rising girl names.
                          • Rosina
                            • Description:

                              Rosina is a delicate feminine name with Italian and Latin roots, functioning as a diminutive of Rosa, meaning 'rose.' The name carries the beauty and fragrance associations of the flower it references, with the suffix '-ina' adding a touch of endearment and delicacy. Rosina appears in classical opera, most notably as the clever heroine in Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville.' While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, it has maintained consistent usage particularly in Italian communities. Rosina offers a slightly more elaborate and romantic alternative to the simpler Rose or Rosa, with a melodic quality that resonates particularly well in musical languages. The name suggests femininity, grace, and classical beauty.
                          • Rosita
                            • Origin:

                              Spanish, diminutive of Rosa
                            • Meaning:

                              "rose"
                            • Description:

                              This spirited Spanish variation of Rosa was familiar in the mid-20th century, but is used more quietly now. Given to around 35 babies in the US each year, it could work as a fresh alternative to Roberta or Rosie.
                          • Ruby
                            • Origin:

                              Latin
                            • Meaning:

                              "deep red precious stone"
                            • Description:

                              Vibrant, sassy, and bubbly, Ruby is a vintage gem that hasn’t lost any of its sparkle. Currently popular in a number of English-speaking countries, Ruby is proof of the 100 Year Rule, trending again for the first time since its heyday in the 1910s.
                          • Rue
                            • Origin:

                              Botanical names or word name
                            • Meaning:

                              "herb; regret"
                            • Description:

                              Rue has gone from Golden Girls actress to Hunger Games heroine to a fresh alternative to beloved middle name Rose. This botanical name is also a coincidental double word name, meaning "regret" in English and "street" in French. Despite these unfortunate secondary meanings, Rue has real potential to be one of the most popular new middle names for girls.
                          • Ruth
                            • Origin:

                              Hebrew
                            • Meaning:

                              "compassionate friend"
                            • Description:

                              Ruth, with its air of calm and compassion, was the third most popular name in the 1890s, remaining in the Top 10 through the 1920s. It's still in use today as some parents tiring of Rachel and Rebecca are giving Ruth a second thought. Some see such Old Testament girls’ names as Ruth and Esther rising on the heels of boy equivalents Abel and Moses.
                          • Ruthie
                            • Origin:

                              Diminutive of Ruth, Hebrew
                            • Meaning:

                              "compassionate friend"
                            • Description:

                              With vintage names on the rise and recent data suggesting that the US is following the UK trend of nicknames-as-given-names, Ruthie joined Goldie, Daisy, and Nellie on the US Top 1000 list in 2023.
                          • Ryan
                            • Origin:

                              Irish
                            • Meaning:

                              "little king"
                            • Description:

                              This ultrapopular boys' name is rapidly becoming a hot name for girls; admired for its buoyant Irish spirit.
                          • Sabrina
                            • Origin:

                              Celtic, Latin name for the River Severn
                            • Description:

                              Sabrina, the bewitchingly radiant name of a legendary Celtic goddess, is best known as the heroine of the eponymous film, originally played by Audrey Hepburn, and later as a teenage TV witch; it would make a distinctive alternative to the ultrapopular Samantha. Similar names you might also want to consider include Sabina and Serena.
                          • Sadie
                            • Origin:

                              Diminutive of Sarah
                            • Meaning:

                              "princess"
                            • Description:

                              Sadie started as a nickname for Sarah, but their images couldn't be more disparate. Where Sarah is serious and sweet, Sadie is full of sass and fun.
                          • Sage
                            • Origin:

                              Herb name, Latin
                            • Meaning:

                              "wise and knowing"
                            • Description:

                              Sage is an evocatively fragrant herbal name that also connotes wisdom, giving it a double advantage. It entered the Top 1000 at about the same time for both genders in the early 1990s, but it has pulled ahead for the girls. Toni Collette named her daughter Sage Florence.
                          • Sally
                            • Origin:

                              Diminutive of Sarah
                            • Meaning:

                              "princess"
                            • Description:

                              Sally is a cheerful, fresh-faced girl-next-door name that was originally a nickname for Sarah, but has long been used independently. Sally was popular in the eighteenth century and then again from the 1920s to the 1960s--it was just outside the Top 50 around 1940. Though it hasn't been heard as a baby name for decades, we can see Sally bouncing back, especially after her exposure as young Ms. Draper on Mad Men--the Nameberries rank it at Number 621, and it's a Top 100 name in Sweden.
                          • Sam
                            • Origin:

                              Diminutive of Samantha
                            • Meaning:

                              "told by God"
                            • Description:

                              Sam as a name standing on its own was given to only 18 girls in 2021, versus over 400 boys. But as a short form it's appealing and down-to-earth for both sexes, and heard far more often: There were over 2500 baby girls named Samantha in the US in one recent year and more than 8500 boys named Samuel, so you will hear the name Sam a lot more often than you might guess judging by the numbers for this short form. Like the wildly popular Charlie, Sam is a nickname that works equally well as a girls' name as a boys'. All forms considered, Sam is still one of the most popular names that start with S.
                          • Samantha
                            • Origin:

                              Hebrew, feminization of Samuel
                            • Meaning:

                              "told by God"
                            • Description:

                              The origins of Samantha are not entirely clear, although it is commonly thought to be a feminization of Samuel with the suffix derived from the Greek anthos, meaning "flower." Samantha has been in English-speaking use since the eighteenth century, particularly in the American South, and drew attention via Grace Kelly's Tracy Samantha Lord character in High Society, featuring the song "I love you, Samantha."
                          • Sarah
                            • Origin:

                              Hebrew
                            • Meaning:

                              "princess"
                            • Description:

                              Sarah was derived from the Hebrew word sarah, meaning "princess." Sarah is an Old Testament name—she was the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac. According to the Book of Genesis, Sarah was originally called Sarai, but had her name changed by God to the more auspicious Sarah when she was ninety years old.
                          • Sarai
                            • Origin:

                              Hebrew
                            • Meaning:

                              "princess"
                            • Description:

                              Sharp but sweet, ancient but with a contemporary sound, Sarai has been rising steadily up the US charts since the 90s and now sits comfortably in the Top 1000. In the Old Testament, God changed Sarai's name to Sara, so this would make a clever and legitimate honor name for an ancestral Sarah.
                          • Saro
                            • Origin:

                              English
                            • Description:

                              While in Armenia, Italy and Nigeria Saro is regarded as a masculine name, in English Saro is a rare feminine name, familiar because of the old English folk song Pretty Saro, which was rediscovered in the 20th century, having been preserved through Appalachian oral tradition. In the song, Saro is a girl whom the singer has had to leave behind in his home country after emigrating, which might give an indication as to how it came to be found in North America. Saro in this case is generally thought to be a diminutive of Sarah.
                          • Sawyer
                            • Origin:

                              English occupational name
                            • Meaning:

                              "woodcutter"
                            • Description:

                              Sawyer is one of the top unisex names, used for their daughters by such parents as Sara Gilbert, co-host of The Talk and former actress on Roseanne, currently on The Conners.
                          • Scout
                            • Origin:

                              Word name
                            • Meaning:

                              "one who gathers information covertly"
                            • Description:

                              Scout, a character nickname from To Kill a Mockingbird (her real name was Jean Louise), became a real-life possibility when Bruce Willis and Demi Moore used it for their now-grown middle daughter, followed by Tom Berenger a few years later.
                          • Selah
                            • Origin:

                              Hebrew
                            • Meaning:

                              "praise, pause"
                            • Description:

                              The name is derived from the term commonly used in the Book of Psalms, which has a many Hebrew scholars in confusion over its meaning. Given its context in the Bible, Selah is likely to mean "to praise" or "pause and reflect upon what has just been said." Lauryn Hill used this name for her daughter. It is the last word in Anita Diamant's novel The Red Tent.
                          • Selma
                            • Origin:

                              German
                            • Meaning:

                              "godly helmet"
                            • Description:

                              Selma has recently been given a more youthful spin via actresses Selma Blair and Salma Hayek. But while Selma has not yet become popular again in the US, it is widely used in both Sweden and Norway.
                          • Shelby
                            • Origin:

                              English
                            • Meaning:

                              "estate on the ledge"
                            • Description:

                              Though Shelby was trendier ten years ago, it's still a widely used choice.
                          • Shenandoah
                            • Origin:

                              Native American place-name
                            • Description:

                              While some sources assign the place-name the romantic meaning "beautiful daughter of the stars," the Virginia region itself says the name is of uncertain Native American origin with many possible but no definitive meaning. No matter: Shenandoah is a lovely name that's rare but usable.
                          • Shiloh
                            • Origin:

                              Biblical place-name, Hebrew
                            • Meaning:

                              "tranquil"
                            • Description:

                              Cool meets Born Again meets Brad and Angelina, who made Shiloh an instant star when they chose it for their daughter. While Shiloh has risen from obscurity thanks to its celebrity baby use, it hasn't become a star the way brother names Maddox and Pax have. It entered the Top 1000 in 2007, one year after the birth of Ms. Jolie-Pitt.
                          • Sienna
                            • Origin:

                              Italian color name
                            • Meaning:

                              "orange red"
                            • Description:

                              Sienna has been a Top 100 choice in England & Wales since 2005, the year after Sienna Miller's acting breakthrough in the hit movies Alfie and Layer Cake. In the US, it also got a big boost in the early noughties, before dropping slightly then rebounding to reach an all-time high in 2022.
                          • Sierra
                            • Origin:

                              Spanish
                            • Meaning:

                              "saw"
                            • Description:

                              Sierra is a name borrowed from the western mountain range, with Latin rhythm and cowboy charm, that has led to many offshoots: Cierra, Cyara, and so on. It is now probably past its peak but retains its pretty-yet-strong sound. The meaning refers to the sharp, irregular peaks of some of the Western mountains such as the Sierra Nevada.
                          • Sloane
                            • Origin:

                              Irish
                            • Meaning:

                              "raider"
                            • Description:

                              Sloane is a sleek, sophisticated surname name that has gradually morphed over to the girls' side. With its distinctive and intriguing sound, Sloane has been in the US Top 1000 since 2009, and in 2022, it made its first appearance in the UK charts, jumping more than 400 places in a single year.
                          • Sojourner
                            • Origin:

                              French, English
                            • Meaning:

                              "to stay a while"
                            • Description:

                              African-American and women's rights activist Sojourner Truth was born as Isabelle into enslavement. She adopted her new name when she began traveling and preaching abolition in 1843. Sojourner is a heroine name that may, with the rise of spiritual word names such as Journey and Genesis, finally be ready for prime time.
                          • Sparrow
                            • Origin:

                              Nature name
                            • Meaning:

                              "sparrow, a bird"
                            • Description:

                              With related choices such as Lark and Phoenix gaining popularity, why not Sparrow? Though it's usually thought of as a female name, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden chose it for their son.
                          • Stacy
                            • Origin:

                              Diminutive of Anastasia
                            • Description:

                              A key cheerleader in the nickname game of the 1970s, Stacy is now the mom. Consider Stacia, or the original Anastasia.
                          • Star
                            • Origin:

                              Word name
                            • Description:

                              Most parents today would prefer the softer-sell Stella. But Star has symbolic power related to Christmas, so this could make one of the perfect names for December babies.
                          • Stella
                            • Origin:

                              Latin
                            • Meaning:

                              "star"
                            • Description:

                              Stella is a name with star quality and sparkle, that manages to sound both ethereal and earthy. Celestial but not otherworldly, it lands somewhere between the popular Ella and bold Seraphina.
                          • Stevie
                            • Origin:

                              Short form of Stephanie, Greek
                            • Meaning:

                              "garland, crown"
                            • Description:

                              Stevie survives as a short form of Stephanie thanks to the immortal Ms. Nicks. After a little more than a decade out of the limelight, she rejoined the US Top 1000 in 2014. It is now leading the trend of boyish nicknames for girls - standing alongside picks like Charlie and Scottie.
                          • Summer
                            • Origin:

                              Word name
                            • Description:

                              The temperature is definitely rising for this popular seasonal name, which began being used in the seventies, and has been heard consistently ever since.
                          • Sunday
                            • Origin:

                              Day name, English from Latin
                            • Meaning:

                              "day of the Sun"
                            • Description:

                              Sunday is among the most usable of the day names with its sunny first syllable, its sweet sound, and its potential to be both a sassy or a spiritual choice. The name initially made headlines in 2008 when Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban chose it for their daughter, Sunday Rose. Although it had been widely written that Kidman and Urban named their baby after art patron Sunday Reed, Kidman says this was a myth, they just liked the name.
                          • Sunny
                            • Origin:

                              English nickname
                            • Description:

                              Upbeat nickname-name that can't help but make you smile. You might want to use it as a short form for a more "serious" name such as Sunniva, but Sunny is undeniably, well, sunny.
                          • Susan
                            • Origin:

                              English diminutive of Susannah, Hebrew
                            • Meaning:

                              "lily"
                            • Description:

                              Although Susan had her heyday from the thirties to the sixties, and is now common among moms and new grandmas, and though most modern parents would prefer Susanna/Susannah, we have spotted some flickers of interest in a revival. It still retains a certain black-eyed-Susan freshness.
                          • Susannah
                            • Origin:

                              Hebrew
                            • Meaning:

                              "lily"
                            • Description:

                              Susannah is by far the most stylish form of the classic name now that Susan and Suzanne have retired. Susannah has biblical and musical pedigrees, is impervious to trends, and has an irresistible, flowing rhythm. It can be spelled just as properly with or without the final 'h.'
                          • Susie
                            • Origin:

                              Diminutive of Susan, Hebrew
                            • Meaning:

                              "lily"
                            • Description:

                              In the 1950s and 60s, Susie was the name every little girl wanted for her very own.
                          • Suzanne
                            • Origin:

                              French variation of Susan
                            • Meaning:

                              "lily"
                            • Description:

                              Suzanne became popular along with Susan but has just dropped out of the Top 1,000. Wait a generation (or two) in the US, though in France Suzanne is once again tres chic.
                          • Sybil
                            • Origin:

                              Greek
                            • Meaning:

                              "prophetess"
                            • Description:

                              The image of the lovely Lady Sybil, tragic youngest daughter of the Crawley family on Downton Abbey is likely to go a long way towards reviving this almost forgotten name, off the list since 1966 and most popular in the 1920s and '30s.
                          • Sylvia
                            • Origin:

                              Latin
                            • Meaning:

                              "from the forest"
                            • Description:

                              The musical, sylvan Sylvia seems poised to join former friends Frances and Beatrice and Dorothy back in the nursery.
                          • Sadie-Mae
                            • Sarah-Ruth
                              • Shelby-Jo
                                • Tallulah
                                  • Origin:

                                    Choctaw, Irish
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "leaping water, lady of abundance"
                                  • Description:

                                    This hauntingly euphonious Choctaw name has re-entered the public domain, as memories of the outrageous actress Tallulah Bankhead have faded. For years, Tallulah was a name associated only with Bankhead, named for her paternal grandmother who was named after the Georgia town of Tallulah Falls.
                                • Tamara
                                  • Origin:

                                    Hebrew
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "date palm tree"
                                  • Description:

                                    Adding a final a to Tamar lends it a more sensual Slavic tone, making it a more popular choice than the original.
                                • Tansy
                                  • Origin:

                                    Flower name, from Greek
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "immortality"
                                  • Description:

                                    Tansy is a flower name rarer than Rose, livelier than Lily and a lot less teasable than Pansy.
                                • Tennessee
                                  • Origin:

                                    Native American, Cherokee, place-name
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "bend in the river or meeting place"
                                  • Description:

                                    Young rocker Tennessee Thomas has brought this former one-person name over to the girls' side -- though the census roles of North Carolina in 1850 included a female named Tennessee and called Tincy.
                                • Tess
                                  • Origin:

                                    English, diminutive of Theresa
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "to harvest"
                                  • Description:

                                    With its solid Thomas Hardy background, Tess has a lot more substance, strength, and style than most single-syllable names, with an efficient yet relaxed image.
                                • Tessa
                                  • Origin:

                                    Diminutive of Theresa
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "to reap, to gather"
                                  • Description:

                                    Tessa is one of those golden names that's been popular but not TOO popular for several decades now. Tessa has ranked in the Top 500 in the US since 1981 but has risen only once above Number 200.
                                • Tessie
                                  • Origin:

                                    English, diminutive of Theresa, Greek
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "to reap, gather"
                                  • Description:

                                    With Tillie a new favorite of avant-garde parents, the British music-hall Tessie might conceivably follow.
                                • Thalia
                                  • Origin:

                                    Greek
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "to flourish"
                                  • Description:

                                    Thalia was one of the Three Graces in Greek mythology, and also the Muse of comedy and pastoral poetry, making this a Hellenic choice worthy of consideration.
                                • Thea
                                  • Origin:

                                    Greek
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "goddess, godly"
                                  • Description:

                                    Thea is a diminutive of names ending in -thea, including Dorothea, Althea, and Anthea. It is also the Anglicized spelling of Theia, the Titan of sight, goddess of light, and mother of the moon. She was the consort of Hyperion, and mother of Helios, Selene, and Eos.
                                • Thelma
                                  • Origin:

                                    English, Literary, meaning unknown
                                  • Description:

                                    Though modern parents seeking to honor an ancestor named Thelma might opt for the airier Thea instead, Thelma is starting to make its way back onto adventurous vintage name lovers' radars. It is currently experiencing a modest revival in France, where it now ranks around the #300 mark.
                                • Theo
                                  • Origin:

                                    Diminutive of Theodora
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "divine gift"
                                  • Description:

                                    Theo has a girls' name is used for only a handful of babies today. As a short form of Theodora, Theo is used much less frequently than Thea or even Teddy. One notable appearance was as the younger daughter in Sofia Coppola's film On the Rocks in 2020.
                                • Tiana
                                  • Origin:

                                    Slavic
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "fairy queen"
                                  • Description:

                                    Tiana gained a lot of popularity after Disney bestowed this pretty name upon its first African-American princess. Although it has declined in usage over recent years, Tiana’s connections to dainty Tatiana, Christiana and Bastiana should see it in continued usage for a while to come. Read more about Tiana and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.
                                • Tigerlily
                                  • Origin:

                                    English flower name
                                  • Description:

                                    This name of the bright orange flower found in Asia has been used occasionally in English-speaking countries. A notable namesake is Tiger Lily, the Native American princess from Peter Pan. Read more about Tiger Lily and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.
                                • Tilda
                                  • Origin:

                                    Estonian, diminutive of Matilda
                                  • Description:

                                    Actress Tilda Swinton injected this dated nickname name with some modern charm.
                                • Tilly
                                  • Origin:

                                    Diminutive of Matilda
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "battle-mighty"
                                  • Description:

                                    A favorite in England and Wales where nicknames as given names are very much the norm, Tilly has the potential to catch on in the US, given its similarity to the popular Lily and Ellie and the rising stars Millie, Billie, Kallie, and Nellie.
                                • Tina
                                  • Origin:

                                    Diminutive of Christina et al
                                  • Description:

                                    Tina, despite its petite and tinkly image, is apt these days to be replaced by the more elegant originals, Christina and Martina.It does have some strong namesakes, though, in Tina Turner (born Anna Mae), Tina Brown (born Christina), Tina Fey (born Elizabeth), and photographer Tina Barney (born Tina).
                                • Toni
                                  • Origin:

                                    Latin
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "from Antium"
                                  • Description:

                                    In the 1940s, Toni began to surpass its progenitor, Antonia, but it peaked in 1960 and has since dropped back below the US Top 1000.
                                • Tori
                                  • Origin:

                                    Diminutive of Victoria, English, Japanese
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "victory; bird"
                                  • Description:

                                    A more modern nickname for Victoria than Vicky, Tori is used fairly frequently on its own, kept in the public eye by singer Tori Amos and actress Tori Spelling. Still, it's far from fashionable, sinking in the polls significantly since reaching a peak of Number 142 in 1994. It dropped out of the US popularity charts in 2021, and even earlier in the UK, perhaps owing to the sound-alike political party nickname.
                                • Trixie
                                  • Origin:

                                    Diminutive of Beatrix, Latin
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "she who brings happiness"
                                  • Description:

                                    A sassy, spunky name for the bold parent who doesn't remember Mrs. Ed Norton on The Honeymooners or who's into the nicknames-as-given-names trend sweeping the UK and returning to the US.
                                • True
                                  • Origin:

                                    English word name
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "true"
                                  • Description:

                                    An inspirational and aspirational word name that evokes ideas of loyalty, faith, honesty, and accuracy, True is a unisex name, which is just slightly more popular for boys. Like an updated form of Trudy and Prue and with the virtuous feel of Grace, Faith, and Hope, True was given to around 200 girls in 2023.
                                • Tuesday
                                  • Origin:

                                    English
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "Tiu's Day,"
                                  • Description:

                                    When actress Susan Ker Weld changed her name to Tuesday, she opened up a whole calendar of possibilities. This was decades before the arrival of Sunday Rose Urban.
                                • Valerie
                                  • Origin:

                                    French variation of Valeria
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "strength, health"
                                  • Description:

                                    The name of a martyred medieval saint, Valerie has been on the popularity list since its earliest publication in 1880. Though it peaked in the 1960s, remaining in the Top 100 until 1988, it still doesn't sound terminally dated; the association with the word valor gives it a sense of boldness and makes it one of the special group of girl names that mean strong.
                                • Vega
                                  • Origin:

                                    Arabic, Spanish
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "swooping eagle; meadow"
                                  • Description:

                                    Another astral name, this one relating to one of the largest and brightest stars in the heavens, is popular in Scandinavia and Spain, where it ranks among the Top 50 girls' names. Although still very rare in the US, we think it has serious potential to follow the likes of Luna and Lyra up the charts.
                                • Vera
                                  • Origin:

                                    Russian
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "faith"
                                  • Description:

                                    Vera was the height of fashion in 1910, then was for a long time difficult to picture embroidered on a baby blanket. Now, though, it has come back into style along with other old-fashioned simple names such as Ada and Iris.
                                • Verity
                                  • Origin:

                                    Latin
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "truth"
                                  • Description:

                                    If you love Puritan virtue names and want to move beyond Hope and Faith and Grace, this is a wonderful choice, both for its meaning and its sound. A rare find here, though occasionally heard in England. It was used in Winston Graham's Poldark novels, was Madonna's name as James Bond's fencing instructor in Die Another Day, and made a brief appearance in Harry Potter. Not to mention being a fixture on British and Australian soaps. Verity also appears in one of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple mysteries.
                                • Veronica
                                  • Origin:

                                    Latin
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "she who brings victory; true image"
                                  • Description:

                                    The name Veronica projects a triple-threat image: at once saintly, sensuous, and strong. The name derives from Berenice, the Latin form of the Greek name Berenike "she who brings victory", with the spelling influenced by the Latin phrase vera icon "true image". Veronica was the name of the compassionate woman who wiped Jesus's face when he was on his way to Calvary and whose cloth was miraculously imprinted with his image: she is now the patron saint of photographers.
                                • Victoria
                                  • Origin:

                                    Latin
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "victory"
                                  • Description:

                                    Victoria is the Latin word for "victory" and a feminine form of Victor. It is the name of the ancient Roman goddess of victory, the equivalent of the Greek Nike, and also a popular third century saint.
                                • Viola
                                  • Origin:

                                    Latin
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "violet"
                                  • Description:

                                    Viola has plenty of positive elements going for it: the rhythm of the musical instrument, the association with the flower, the trending 'Vi' beginning and its leading role in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. With a touch of international flair, it also avoids the violent/Violet some parents have.
                                • Virginia
                                  • Origin:

                                    Latin
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "virginal, pure"
                                  • Description:

                                    Virginia is a lovely place name starting with the fashionable V and having deep historical roots, yet, unlike some other other girls' classics, has been sorely neglected in recent years.
                                • Vivian
                                  • Origin:

                                    Latin
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "life"
                                  • Description:

                                    Vivian, once an elderly lady name, is on the rise, along with all form of girl names that mean life -- from Zoe to Eva to those who share the vivid Viv syllable. It was one of the fastest-rising names of 2023, vaulting into the Top 100.
                                • Vivianna
                                  • Description:

                                    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 connotations of vitality, energy, and vibrance. Vivianna appears across several European naming traditions, particularly in Italian, Spanish, and Latin American cultures. The extra syllable adds a flowing, romantic quality to the already lyrical Viviana. While less common than Vivian or Viviana, Vivianna has maintained steady if modest usage. The name's repeated 'vi' sound creates a pleasing rhythm, while the 'anna' ending connects it to classic feminine names. Vivianna offers the perfect balance of familiarity and distinction, conveying both timeless elegance and life-affirming meaning.

                                • Wanda
                                  • Origin:

                                    Slavic or German
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "shepherdess; wanderer"
                                  • Description:

                                    Rarely heard, and when it is, usually attached to a witch. Historically, though, Wanda was a legendary eighth century queen of Poland, and in literature it is the central character of Ouida's eponymous novel Wanda. A musical namesake is the great Polish harpsichordist Wanda Landowska.
                                • Waverly
                                  • Origin:

                                    English
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "meadow of quivering aspens"
                                  • Description:

                                    Waverly, with its literary resonance and lilting three-syllable sound, could well become the next generation's successor to Kimberly. Its upper-crusty surname feel places it among the new stylish English names for girls, successors to Ashley and Whitney.
                                • Wendy
                                  • Origin:

                                    English, Celtic, Welsh
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "friend or white"
                                  • Description:

                                    It is popularly claimed that the name Wendy was invented by Sir James Barrie in 1904 for the big sister character in his play Peter Pan, which was followed by the classic novel in 1911. Barrie supposedly took it from the nickname "fwendy-wendy", that he was called by a young girl acquaintance.
                                • Will
                                  • Description:

                                    Will as a feminine name represents an interesting gender crossover from its traditional masculine usage. Typically a diminutive of William (meaning 'resolute protector'), Will has occasionally been embraced as a short form for feminine names like Wilhelmina, Willa, or Willow. This concise, strong name carries associations of determination and self-assurance—qualities reflected in its literal meaning. The trend of traditionally male names crossing gender boundaries has gained momentum in recent decades, with Will embodying this movement. Though still quite rare for girls, Will offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name that's both familiar and unexpected. Its simplicity and strength make it appealing as both a given name and nickname.
                                • Willa
                                  • Origin:

                                    Feminine variation of William
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "resolute protection"
                                  • Description:

                                    Willa has become increasingly fashionable, with its combination of Willa (born Wilella) Cather-like pioneer strength and the graceful beauty of the willow tree.
                                • Willadean
                                  • Origin:

                                    English
                                  • Description:

                                    Variant spelling of Willodean
                                • Willie
                                  • Origin:

                                    Diminutive of Wilhelmina or Willa, feminine forms of William, German
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "resolute protection"
                                  • Description:

                                    Willie is one of the adorable boyish nicknames newly fashionable for girls, rarer than Billie. It definitely makes the somewhat-fearsome Wilhelmina more fun and approachable.
                                • Willodean
                                  • Origin:

                                    American, meaning unknown
                                  • Description:

                                    The Social Security Lists show this name to have been used throughout the 1920s and 30s especially in Southern states. There are a few theories on its origins (an invented name created to honor William/Willard and a a female name ending in "-dine", or it may be an Anglicization of a Native American name). Either way, it has a willowy sweetness that deserves a comeback.
                                • Willow
                                  • Origin:

                                    English nature name
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "willow tree"
                                  • Description:

                                    An ancient tree that figures in literature from Shakespeare to Harry Potter and is believed to possess magical powers, Willow is a lovely name, as graceful as its inspiration.
                                • Wilma
                                  • Origin:

                                    Diminutive of Wilhelmina
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "resolute protection"
                                  • Description:

                                    In the US, Wilma is appears to be eternally fossilized in Bedrock as Fred Flintstone's wife, but in Sweden it's a Top 10 hottie. It did have its moment in the US--from 1912 to 1940 it was a Top 100 name. One notable namesake: track and field star Wilma Rudolph.
                                • Winifred
                                  • Origin:

                                    Welsh
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "blessed peacemaking"
                                  • Description:

                                    One of the few remaining unrestored vintage gems, with a choice of two winning nicknames--the girlish Winnie and the tomboyish Freddie. Winifred, the name of a legendary Welsh saint, was a Top 200 name into the mid-1920's.
                                • Winnie
                                  • Origin:

                                    English diminutive of Winifred
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "holy peacemaking, gentle friend"
                                  • Description:

                                    This pet form of such names as Winifred and Edwina and Gwendolyn has loads of vintage charm, a la Millie and Maisie, with a decidedly winning vibe. And it just got celebrity cred as the baby daughter of Jimmy Fallon.
                                • Winona
                                  • Origin:

                                    Sioux Indian
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "firstborn daughter"
                                  • Description:

                                    Rode two rockets to fame, with actress Winona Ryder and singer Wynonna Judd. Winona entered the Top 1000 for the first time since 1957 this past year in 2022, following in the footsteps of trending short form Winnie.
                                • Wisteria
                                  • Origin:

                                    Flower name, from English surname
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "Wister's flower"
                                  • Description:

                                    A frilly southern-accented flower name yet to be planted on many birth certificates. In the language of flowers, the wisteria is a symbol of devotion. It is named for American horticulturalist John Caspar Wister.
                                • Wren
                                  • Origin:

                                    English
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "small bird"
                                  • Description:

                                    Wren, a lilting songbird name, could be the next Robin. Wren entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2012 and is among the new wave of popular English names for girls.
                                • Ximena
                                  • Origin:

                                    Feminization of Ximeno, Spanish
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "son"
                                  • Description:

                                    Ximena, sometimes spelled Jimena, is a variation of boys’ name Ximeno. Spanish origins and popularity in the Latino community have boosted this name's popularity. Ximena Diaz was the wife of the Spanish national hero known as El Cid. Several well known Latin American actresses bear this name.
                                • Xiomara
                                  • Origin:

                                    Feminine variation of Guiomar, Spanish, Portuguese
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "famous in battle"
                                  • Description:

                                    The gorgeous and romantic name Xiomara popped into the Top 1000 from 2004-2011 after a contestant on America's Next Top Model increased interest in her rare name.
                                • Yola
                                  • Description:

                                    Yola is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Polish, it's a diminutive of Jolanta, meaning 'violet flower.' The name also exists independently in African cultures, particularly in Nigeria among the Yoruba people. Additionally, Yola has Hungarian roots as a nickname for Jolán. This multicultural background gives the name a global appeal while remaining concise and melodic. Yola has never been extremely common in English-speaking countries, maintaining its distinctive quality. The name's brevity and open vowel sounds make it accessible across language barriers. Its rhythmic quality and gentle sound contribute to its feminine appeal. Parents might be drawn to Yola for its simplicity, international character, and the subtle natural connection to violets in its Polish origin.
                                • Zadie
                                  • Origin:

                                    English variation of Sadie
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "princess"
                                  • Description:

                                    When aspiring British writer Sadie Smith decided to change her name to the more distinctive and zippy Zadie at the age of fourteen, this attention-magnet name was born. But though it might sound like a modern initial-switch, Zadie was actually Number 539 in 1881, remaining in the Top 1000 for almost thirty years.
                                • Zelie
                                  • Origin:

                                    French
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "noble"
                                  • Description:

                                    A cute, zippy French saint's name that's picking up in popularity there, and starting to in the US as well. Zélie originated as a short form of Azélie, thought to derive from Adelaide via the Occitan form Azalaïs. Saint Zélie was born Marie-Azélie.
                                • Zinnia
                                  • Origin:

                                    Flower name, from German surname
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "Zinn's flower"
                                  • Description:

                                    Zinnia is an unusual floral choice with a bit more edge and energy than most and beginning to find its way onto namers' wish lists of botanical possibilities. Named after an eighteenth German botanist called Johann Gottfried Zinn, it appears in Roald Dahl's Matilda as the young protagonist's mother.
                                • Ziva
                                  • Origin:

                                    Hebrew
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "life"
                                  • Description:

                                    A zippy little international name. The Hebrew name relates to the month of Israeli independence, while the Slavic Ziva (also spelled Živa and Siva) is a goddess of love, life and fertility.
                                • Zora
                                  • Origin:

                                    Serbo-Croatian
                                  • Meaning:

                                    "dawn"
                                  • Description:

                                    Zora is a meaningful literary heroine name honoring Zora Neale Hurston, an important black writer and leader of the Harlem Renaissance.