Girls Names Beginning With L

An interesting name despite the pronunciation challenge. It has literary roots, both in the classical poetry of Horace, and as a character in John Fowles' The French Lieutenant's Woman. Appealing nicknames are Lalla and Lally.

Lallie is a charming feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may function as a diminutive form of names like Laura, Eulalia, or Laurel, or it could derive from Scottish and Northern English dialect where "lallie" referred to a tongue. The name has a distinctly vintage quality, having seen modest popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. With its repeating 'l' sounds and endearing '-ie' suffix, Lallie carries a naturally affectionate, sweet quality. While uncommon in contemporary use, it exemplifies the trend of reviving quaint, old-fashioned names with a playful lilt. The name's rarity makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking something both traditional and distinctive.

A likable nickname-name in the Callie, Hallie mode.

Landry is one rising surname name, often after legendary Dallas Cowboys football coach Tom Landry, that is given to boys and girls. But the y ending does give it a feminine sound (as opposed to the more boyish and more popular Landon). Land is a Landry nickname that might work for boys or girls.

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.

This is an alternative to Laura or Lauren made romantic by Dr Zhivago, and badass by video-game heroine Lara Croft.

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.

Lark is getting some new and well-deserved attention as a post-Robin and Raven bird name. Although it was first recorded as a name in the 1830's, it has never appeared on the Social Security list.

While Larkin takes this name from bird to surname, there are actually more female Larkins these days than male, and it's a name that works as well for either gender. It has the literary connection to poet Philip Larkin too.

The name Lassie originates from Scottish culture, where it was traditionally used as a term for a young girl or maiden. However, its widespread recognition comes primarily from the fictional female collie dog character created by Eric Knight in his 1940 novel 'Lassie Come-Home,' which spawned multiple films and a popular television series. As a human name, Lassie is quite rare, maintaining an affectionate, loyal quality associated with the beloved canine character. The name carries connotations of faithfulness, heroism, and protective instincts. While uncommon as a given name for girls, it may occasionally be used as a nickname for names like Lassarina or simply to evoke the wholesome, classic Americana feel associated with the character.

Laura is a hauntingly evocative perennial, never trendy, never dated, feminine without being fussy, with long-standing literary links. 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.

Laure is a feminine French name derived from the Latin 'laurus,' meaning 'laurel tree' - a symbol of victory and honor in ancient times. It functions as both a standalone name and the French form of Laura. Elegant and understated, Laure has maintained consistent usage in France and French-speaking regions while remaining relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name carries an air of sophisticated simplicity with its single-syllable pronunciation and subtle ending. Historically associated with the poet Petrarch's muse Laura, the name conveys literary and artistic connections. Laure appeals to parents seeking a name with French elegance, historical depth, and international recognition without excessive popularity.

The first syllable of Laura in Italian rhymes with now, so Lauretta does not really sound like the decidedly midcentury Loretta thought most English speakers will pronounce it that way. Still, this Italian names for girls feels more closely related to the classic beauty Laura and somehow more charming and unusual.

Italian color and nature name.

Laverna was the Roman goddess of thievery, cheating, and the underworld. The original meaning of her name in unknown, however, there are several theories. One such theory states that Laverna is related to the Latin word for theif, laterniō, while another connects the name to levare, meaning "to lift," as in shoplifting. In the case of the latter, Laverna would mean "goddess of gain".

Although it has a sweet meaning, this name feels dated nowadays, like a fifties poodle skirt. Lavender may be a fresher alternative.

Now deeply associated with the gemstone Lapis Lazuli, Lazuli is derived from one of the places where the stone was first mined. The word Lazuli is the root for words like azure. Lapis Lazuli is a deep and rich blue color and was used for pigments and jewellery. Lazuli can be used for a boy or a girl.

While traditionally pronounced as a homonym for Lee, Glee actress Lea Michele pronounces her name like Leah, and it may also rhyme with Freya. Regardless of your preferred pronunciation, it's interesting to note that Lea has always charted in the US Top 1000, despite coming close to the bottom a few times, making it one of the girl names starting with L that both fits in and stands out.

Leaf is a hippieish choice that, for girls, still retains an evergreen quality.