State Names California Edition

This name's buttoned-up British vibe is what makes it cool - that, and the fact that it was chosen by Anne Bronte as her pseudonym - Acton Bell. That's quite the literary - and may we add feminist - credential for a name. For those with an adventurous edge, Acton is one of the highest peaks in Antarctica.

Common California place-name that could work for a girl.

Almond may seem like a hippy modern name, but its use for American boys goes right back to the mid-nineteenth century. In these cases, it was either a variation of Almund, meaning "noble strength," or the surname Aleman, meaning "German."

Pared-down form loses none of the name's grace or power. Ana is one of the most popular Spanish names for girls in the US.

Andreas is a beautiful name, with the patina of an Old Master painting, one that could make a dashing namesake for an Uncle Andrew.

While Angel is primarily used among Hispanic baby boys, Angeles is overwhelmingly feminine. This is because it's typically a reference to Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, a title of the Virgin Mary.

A spiritually significant name used in honor of the Virgin Mary. In Spanish, her title is Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, meaning "Our Lady the Queen of the Angels."

With its rich aural relation to names like Aubrey and Audrey, this color name could be the next Amber, or Scarlett.

If you can get the lively young Barbara Bush to replace her grandmother's white-haired image, you might discover a rhythmic classic with an interesting history. Barbara is undoubtedly among the most classic girl names starting with B.