Violet is soft and sweet, yet with a vivacious edge. Today, Violet is the top flower name for girls, outranking Lily and Iris in the Top 100, and the second most popular color name for girls after Scarlett.

Effortlessly stylish, with plenty of sweetness and strength, Valentina feels like a fresh alternative to Valerie, Victoria, or Vanessa, even if it does now rank ahead of them in the US charts. Popular across the globe, from Chile to Czechia, Belgium to Uruguay, Slovenia to Australia, it's a well-established choice that hasn't lost its flair.

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.

Vivian, once an elderly lady name, is on the rise, along with all forms 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 2024, vaulting into the Top 100 in 2023.

Valeria -- the original form of the name, used by early Christians --has been experiencing significant popularity in recent years. While Valeria was nearly always on the charts, the name peaked in 2009 at #72, surpassing the longtime Franco-American version Valerie. Today Valeria and Valerie are at about equal rankings, sitting in the 150s.

Vivienne is an elaborated Gallic version of the name Vivian, chosen first by Rosie O'Donnell for her daughter and then catapulted to superstardom when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie used it for their twin daughter. An adult namesake is the British designer Vivienne Westwood. Rosie O'Donnell also has a daughter named Vivienne, known as Vivi.

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.

Lively and rhythmic version of Vivian heard in Italy and Spain. Viviana is right on trend today, fitting in with other frilly, girly favorites like Isabella, Eliana, and Ariana. It may also be spelled as Bibiana. One of the fastest rising names of 2023, Viviana has been in the US Top 500 since the 2000s.

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.

Vienna is one of the more popular of the European place-names, with a particularly pleasant sound, evoking elegant images of the Blue Danube, of castles and cafes, sweets and sausages and Strauss waltzes—and Sigmund Freud. It could be a possible substitute for the popular Sienna or Vivienne, though it has been climbing the charts itself.

A literary name and a place name with a grand yet familiar feel, Virginia has been in the US Top 1000 since records began in the late 19th century. Also familiar in Spain, Brazil and Italy, recent years have seen it rank around the #500 mark in the States.

Vivien (Scarlett O'Hara) Leigh was born Vivian. Some sources give Vivien as a relative of the Irish goddess name Bebinn and a literary name invented by Tennyson. Others say it's related to the Latin-based Viviana, meaning life. This spelling of the name is as legitimate as many others.

A winning unisex word name, fresher than Victoria or Victor. While Victory ranked only once on the US Top 1000, in 1918 at the end of World War I, it's a Top 25 name for girls in France.

Verne as a feminine name has French origins, possibly derived from the Latin 'vernus' meaning 'spring.' While more commonly recognized as a masculine name (as with author Jules Verne), its use for girls represents a pleasant gender-crossing choice. For females, Verne carries a vintage charm and understated elegance. The name's compact nature and soft sound give it a subtle femininity despite its traditional masculine associations. Verne for girls saw limited usage in the early 20th century but remains quite rare. It might appeal to parents seeking a short, distinctive name with literary connections and a gentle strength. Its uncommon status makes it an intriguing choice for those looking beyond typical feminine names.

Verona is a scenic place-name with the added attraction of a Shakespearean connection, as in Two Gentlemen of....

With Violet in vogue, this vibrant international variation has been on the rise since the 2010s. Vintage and floral like its more popular sister, Violetta has a slightly softer sound and a touch of extra flair. Given to 135 girls in a recent year, it also gets you to nicknames Etta, Vita, and Lettie.

Victorine is appealing if you know it's an authentic vintage French girls' name, less so if you assume it's an awkward feminization, ala Davette or Richardine.

Now that Violet is becoming more popular, parents are starting to explore same-but-different options such as the French Violette, which would properly be pronounced with a long e sound in the first syllable and three syllables -- vee-oh-let -- as well as the Spanish Violeta — both of which were among the fastest-rising girl names of 2023.

Vena is a concise feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Latin word 'vena' meaning 'vein,' symbolizing life's vital essence, or possibly from a shortened form of names like Lavena or Rovena. In some cultures, it relates to Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. Vena has remained consistently uncommon throughout history, appealing to parents who prefer rare, short names with a gentle sound. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel despite its ancient roots. With its soft consonants and open ending, Vena offers a delicate yet distinctive choice. Its rarity means a Vena will likely stand out while still carrying a name that's easy to pronounce and spell.

Valorie is a feminine name representing a variation of Valerie, which derives from the Latin 'Valerius,' meaning 'strong' or 'healthy.' This spelling with an 'o' instead of an 'e' gives the classic name a slightly unique touch while maintaining its traditional pronunciation. Valorie peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s but has since become less common, giving it a vintage charm. The name carries associations with strength and valor from its Latin roots, making it appealing for parents seeking a name with both substance and gentle femininity. Valorie balances familiarity with distinction in its slightly unconventional spelling.