Popular girl names for 2023
- Payton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"fighting man's estate"Description:
Rarely used until the 90s, Payton rose up the charts when it was popularized by the football star, Peyton Manning, and, interestingly, by the character of "Peyton Flanders", the villainess of the 1992 film, The Hand That Rocks The Cradle.
- Alexa
Origin:
Greek, EnglishMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Alexa was a steadily popular modern classic until Amazon's virtual assistant Alexa was released in 2013. It remains relatively well used in the US despite this, though its standing keeps dropping for obvious reasons. Too bad, because it's a strong and pretty name (which is probably why Amazon used it.)
- Kaira
Description:
Kaira is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, creating a beautiful synthesis of meanings across traditions. In Hindi, Kaira means 'peaceful' or 'peaceful place,' while some associate it with the Sanskrit word for 'crown.' In African traditions, particularly Yoruba, it can mean 'peaceful soul.' The name also appears as a variation of the Irish Keira (meaning 'dark-haired') or the Greek Kyra ('lady' or 'mistress'). Kaira has gained modest popularity in recent decades as parents seek distinctive yet melodious names with positive meanings. Its gentle sound combined with strong meanings of peace and leadership makes it appealing across cultures. Though not among the most common names, Kaira offers a balance of uniqueness and accessibility that continues to attract parents seeking a meaningful yet contemporary choice.
- Quin
Description:
Quin is a concise, gender-neutral name that has been increasingly used for girls. It originated as a shortened form of names like Quincy, Quinlan, or Quintana, ultimately derived from the Latin 'quintus' meaning 'fifth.' The name has Irish connections through surnames like Quinn (from Ó Cuinn, meaning 'descendant of Conn'). Quin's simplicity gives it a modern, streamlined appeal that fits contemporary naming trends favoring short, gender-flexible names. For girls specifically, it offers a strong yet feminine option without frills or elaboration. The name has grown in popularity since the early 2000s but remains relatively uncommon. Its brief, punchy sound and rich cultural heritage make it appealing for parents seeking a name that's both substantive and stylish.
- Clair
Origin:
French and English from LatinMeaning:
"bright, clear"Description:
This simplified spelling of Claire does not improve on the more popular version.
- Anabell
Description:
Anabell is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Annabel or Anabel, which themselves are variants of Amabel, derived from the Latin 'amabilis' meaning 'lovable.' This spelling variation adds a distinctive touch while maintaining the name's elegant sound. The name gained literary recognition through Edgar Allan Poe's poem 'Annabel Lee,' which added romantic and somewhat melancholic associations. Anabell combines the popularity of Anna names with the appealing '-bell' ending that became fashionable in the late 20th century. While less common than Annabelle or Annabel, this spelling offers a slightly more modern feel. The name carries connotations of beauty, grace, and sweetness, and allows for nicknames like Ana, Annie, or Belle, giving its bearers flexibility in how they present themselves.
- Giana
Origin:
Spelling variation of GiannaDescription:
This variant of Gianna has been in the US Top 1000 for most of the 21st century and hit a peak in 2010 at Number 568. The original spelling outranks the trimmed down version by far.
- savvanah
- nova
- nataalie