Light and glittery, but with plenty of spirit, Kinsley has risen quickly into the US Top 100. Balanced between preppy and cutesy, it feels like a fresh alternative to Kelly, Kaitlyn, or Kimberly.

Kiara can be considered a variation of both the Italian name Chiara and the Irish name Ciara. Chiara is the Italian form of Clara, meaning "bright" or "clear," while Ciara is the feminine form of male given name Ciar, derived from the old Irish cíar, meaning "dark."

Kate, in the headlines via Catherine Middleton aka the Princess of Wales, has been as pervasive as Kathy was in the 1950s and 1960s, both as a nickname for Katherine and Kaitlyn and as a strong, classic stand-alone name.

Kiana (or more appropriately, Quiana) is the original polyester name, coming into favor in the 1970s but then drifting downward for years before taking a surprise turn back up the charts, perhaps thanks to its resemblance to the popular Keanu.

Kerry is the name of one of the most beautiful and lush counties of Ireland was a seventies favorite. Related, updated versions might include Cerys and Keira.

Kinsey enjoyed popularity blip thanks to similarity to Lindsay, and because of Sue Grafton's alphabet mysteries heroine, Kinsey Millhone. Now, Kinsley has become more popular than Kinsey, perhaps because it's more distinct from Mackenzie offshoot, Kenzie.

This endearing nickname name is one Katherine pet form that predates all the Kathys and Katies, having been fairly common in the eighteenth century. With the current mini-craze for animal-related names, Kitty is sounding cute and cuddly again—she's already jumped back onto the U.K. list, at number 199.

Kim was the coolest name... of the 1960s. Kim was popularized by actress Kim Novak, and its energy is still maintained by rapper Lil' Kim, but it holds lil' or no appeal for new babies. Parents who like Kim's short, sweet sound might look to a choice such as Sam, Lou, or Belle.

One of the most popular of the trendy Caitlin variations, Katelyn points directly to components Kate and Lyn --making it a bit more traditionally feminine.

Kerrie is a feminine name that originated as a variant spelling of Kerry, which derives from the Irish Gaelic 'Ciarraí,' referring to the county in Ireland. The name carries associations with the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Ireland, lending it a connection to Celtic heritage and natural beauty. Kerrie peaked in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s but remains a friendly, approachable choice with its soft sounds and straightforward pronunciation. The spelling with an 'ie' ending gives it a distinctly feminine touch compared to the original Kerry, which is used for both genders. While less common today, Kerrie has a warm, unpretentious quality that resonates with those seeking a name that's familiar without being overused. Its Irish roots give it a subtle connection to cultural heritage without being obviously ethnic.

A multicultural name, that's currently on style and fits right in with Kaia, Maya, Raya, and Mia. Currently in the Top 500 in both the UK and The Netherlands, it has several different origins and meanings.

This streamlined form of a pretty and feminine classic may not be as popular as it once was, but it's never out of style. A royal name best used now in its full glory rather than as nicknames Kris or Kristy.

Kari and all her many sisters, from Carrie to Carey to Kerry and onward, originated for the most part as short forms of either Catherine Katherine or one of the Charles feminizations such as Carol or Caroline.

Kiera entered the American popularity list in 1988, though it lags behind the alternate spelling Keira, largely due to the fame of actress Keira Knightley.

Kathleen is the early Irish import version that came between Katherine and Kaitlin, and which hasn't been used in so long it's almost beginning to sound fresh again. It was a surprise pick by one of the hip Dixie Chicks, Martie Maguire. Kathleen was a Top 10 name from 1948 to 1951, and it is the subject of several old sentimental songs, such as "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen."

Kay, a cigarette-smoking, nightclubbing name of the 1930's, could be ready for a comeback along with cousins May/Mae and Ray/Rae.

Kahlila is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant of Khalila, which has Arabic roots meaning 'beloved' or 'dearly loved.' Alternatively, it could be connected to the Hebrew 'kelilah' meaning 'crown' or 'laurel.' The spelling with 'ah' gives it a flowing, melodic quality. This name carries a sense of exoticism and elegance, with its rhythmic three-syllable pronunciation. While not among commonly used names in Western countries, Kahlila has cross-cultural appeal and fits with contemporary trends toward names with meaningful origins and distinctive sounds. The name conveys warmth and affection while maintaining a sense of uniqueness and cultural richness.

Kataleen is a feminine name that represents a creative spelling variation of Katherine/Catherine and its derivative Kathleen. This unique orthographic form maintains the traditional Irish feel of Kathleen while giving it a distinctive visual identity. The name's roots trace back to the Greek 'Aikaterine,' possibly meaning 'pure,' though its etymology remains somewhat debated. Kataleen carries the same warm, classic appeal as Kathleen, which became particularly popular among Irish-American families in the mid-20th century. The 'K' beginning and 'een' ending preserve the name's Celtic character, while the middle spelling creates individuality. Though relatively uncommon, Kataleen appeals to parents seeking traditional sounds with contemporary spelling. The name evokes qualities of warmth, strength and cultural heritage while allowing its bearer a degree of uniqueness.

Kayah is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Native American traditions, particularly Hopi, it's associated with meanings like 'wise child' or 'elder sister.' The name also appears in Arabic contexts meaning 'unique' or 'distinctive.' Additionally, Kayah is the name of an ethnic group in Myanmar. This multicultural background gives the name rich, diverse associations. Phonetically appealing with its balanced two syllables and open ending, Kayah offers a modern sound with ancient roots. The name has gained modest popularity in recent decades as parents seek meaningful names with global connections. Its simplicity makes it accessible while its various cultural associations provide depth and significance beyond its pleasant sound.

This Cornish word name would make an excellent choice for a first-born daughter.