The Best Girl Names of 2022

Aella is one of the Amazons in Greek mythology, killed by Heracles in his quest for Hyppolita’s magic girdle. Aella or Aelle (often written as Ælla or Ælle) is also an ancient Saxon masculine name, belonging to several kings of regions of modern-day England from the 5th to 9th centuries.

Alecia is a feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Alicia, which itself derives from the Germanic name Adelaide, meaning 'noble type' or 'noble kind.' This particular spelling variation gained popularity in the late 20th century as parents sought distinctive ways to spell traditional names. Alecia offers a slightly different visual appearance while maintaining the familiar pronunciation of Alicia (usually ah-LEE-sha or ah-LEE-see-ah). The name carries associations with nobility and refinement from its etymological roots while also feeling contemporary and accessible. Despite never reaching the popularity heights of Alicia or its variant Alyssa, Alecia provides a balance between recognizability and uniqueness, appealing to parents seeking familiar sounds with distinctive spelling.

Alethea, the name of the Greek goddess of truth, came into fashion in England in the 16th century, in tandem with the virtue names. Alethea may find new favor now as one of the goddess names stylish for baby girls.

Alina has been drifting up the US popularity charts since the early 1980s, and now sits in in the Top 200. But Alina's real strength is in its international flexibility: The name ranks highly in a wide range of European, English speaking, and Latin American countries.

Given to children of both sexes as far back as colonial times, this carries a lot of baggage. However, parents continue to take the risk. Actress America Ferrera may be have inspired some families to choose the name. Ferrera's Honduras-born mother shares her unusual name.

Variation of Annabelle.

This name of the Cretan goddess of fertility is most popular now as the more melodic Ariana, but Ariadne has possibilities of its own. It first entered the US Top 1000 in 2014. The renewed interest in the name falls in line with the revival of other mythological names like Apollo and Athena. The trendy nickname Ari doesn't hurt either.

Avangeline is a unique feminine name that appears to be a variant of Evangeline, combining elements of 'Eva' or 'Ava' with 'Evangeline.' The traditional Evangeline derives from Greek meaning 'bearer of good news.' Avangeline maintains this meaningful heritage while offering a distinctive spelling. Though relatively uncommon, it offers parents a melodic alternative with the same elegant quality as its more traditional counterpart. The name carries a romantic, literary quality, reminiscent of Longfellow's epic poem 'Evangeline.' With the popularity of similar names like Ava and Evangeline in recent decades, Avangeline presents an uncommon yet recognizable option for parents seeking something both familiar and unique.

Variant of Eaven, an Anglicization of Aoibheann. As a botanical name, it refers to a type of pretty white flower which thrives in mountainous regions.

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

Vintage nickname for Roberta or Barbara, most famously borne by Roberta "Bobbie" in Edith Nesbit's classic The Railway Children. Bobbie is one of the adorable boyish nicknames newly fashionable for girls, with all the appeal of Billie but without the popularity (yet!).

An English surname used mononymously by the American singer-songwriter and record producer Breland (born Daniel Gerard Breland), who could certainly boost his cool name into the limelight.

Most names that start with Cam- are on the upswing, so why not this obscure term for Wales as well as for a prehistoric time period.

Clarissa, the daintier version of Claire, has a long literary history of its own, having been featured in the novels of Samuel Richardson, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf—Clarissa was the title character of Mrs. Dalloway—not to mention the 1990s teen sitcom, Clarissa Explains it All.

Ballet dancer Misty Copeland may draw more parents to consider her surname for a baby girl — which at last count was 29% female.

A color name, a gemstone name, and an ocean-inspired choice, Coral has a lot going for it with its sharp C sounds yet sweet vintage feel. Unlike Scarlett or Violet, however, it is only quietly used in the US these days, perhaps because of its similarity to more 'dated' Carol.

An updated form of Emmeline or Emmaline or a compound name that makes your chosen pronunciation more obvious. Spelling variation Emmalyn reached the US Top 500 in2017, but has since fallen out of Top 1000. However, if you put the two spellings together, this smoosh name is given to nearly 400 girls, placing it above Emmeline or Emmaline. Influence Emmalynn Minassian and Canadian singer, Emmalyn Estrada are notable bearers.