Alternatives to Hailey

Adley made the Top 1000 at Number 735 in 2012 on the heels of sister name Hadley, only to vanish again in 2013. But now, with the popularity of Adelaide and Adeline, it has leaped upward and entered the Top 1000 once again. Adley feels in step with name trends of the moment, but will it survive the ages? Other such mashups have not.

While theoretically unisex, this surname name has been edging up the girls’ names list, perhaps originally as an Ashley substitute. One quality in Ainsley's favor: It's remained steadily popular -- but not TOO popular -- for more than 20 years now, ranking consistently around Number 400. That makes it stylish and familiar without showing up everywhere.

Aisley is a delicate feminine name that blends elements of traditional names with modern styling. It appears to be a contemporary variation of the Irish name Aisling (pronounced 'ASH-ling'), which means 'dream' or 'vision.' The modified spelling makes pronunciation more intuitive for English speakers while maintaining its Celtic charm. Some may also see Aisley as a creative fusion of popular names like Aislinn and Paisley. The name carries a light, airy quality with its soft sounds and flowing syllables. While not among the most common names, Aisley has gained modest popularity in recent years as parents seek names with traditional roots but distinctive qualities. Its appeal lies in striking a perfect balance—recognizable without being ordinary, unique without being difficult to pronounce, and carrying a subtle nod to Irish heritage without requiring explanation.

Abbreviated form of Harley that might also be spelled, for girls, Arleigh or Arlee.

Atley is a modern feminine name with origins as an English surname derived from Old English elements meaning 'at the meadow' or 'at the clearing.' While traditionally used as a family name, it has transitioned to first-name status in recent decades, initially for boys but increasingly for girls. This reflects the contemporary trend of repurposing surnames as given names and the movement toward gender-neutral options. Atley has a fresh, contemporary sound with its combination of the strong initial 'A' and the trendy '-ley' ending that echoes popular names like Ashley, Hadley, and Kinsley. Though still relatively uncommon, it has gained modest popularity in English-speaking countries since the 2010s, appealing to parents seeking a name that sounds both modern and grounded with a subtle connection to nature.

Almost like a fusion between vintage Audrey, bubbly Ruby, and unisex Avery, Aubrey has been a popular choice for girls since the mid 2000’s.

Bailey -- a jaunty surname -- was first used for a female TV character in 1978 in the show WKRP in Cincinnaati, then caught on big time. Bailey's still an appealing choice, though, and a celebrity fave. Parents of daughters named Bailey include Scot Baio and Stella McCartney.

One of many spellings of Kaylee, itself a name created from Kay and Lee or from Kelila; or, an anglicization of the Gaelic Ceilidh, meaning "companion" but generally referring to a social occasion of dancing, music, and story telling.

As 90s and early 2000s favorite Allie is starting to fall, Callie is feeling extra fresh. Callie is a nickname name that is currently more popular on its own than any of its longer versions. Callie was popular in the late 1800s when it was in the Top 200 for several years. However the name fell out of favor, eventually falling off the charts for some time. Callie has been rising again since the 70s, and it is now back in the Top 200 once again. In the popular show Grey's Anatomy, doctor Callie Torez's full name is the Greek Calliope.

Hello, Dolly! Okay, we couldn't resist, but be warned: Most people who meet your little Dolly won't be able to either. This nickname-name, rarely heard since whatever decade Dolly Parton was born, is singing a fashionable note again along with sisters Dottie and Dixie; it was chosen for one of their twin girls by Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell.

Earley is an uncommon feminine name that originated as an English surname derived from a place name, meaning 'eagle clearing' or 'eagle wood' in Old English. As a given name, it represents a modern trend of adopting surnames as first names. Earley carries a natural, earthy quality with its woodland associations and connection to the majestic eagle. While quite rare as a first name for girls, it offers a unique alternative to more common nature-inspired names. The name has an understated elegance and distinctive sound that sets it apart. Its spelling variation 'Early' can also reference the morning or being first, adding layers of potential meaning.

Eisley and sister Isley are drawn from the German surname Eisele, which means iron and was often used as a nickname for a blacksmith. More than 100 baby girls were named Eisley in the US last year, and about two-thirds that number called Isley.

The superpopularity of Emily and Emma has recently boosted the unisex Emery, especially since it became a celebrity baby name when it was chosen by Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn.

Soft and simple, but no less magical, Faye is enjoying a quiet spell of popularity in the US. It broke the Top 1000 in 2014, and by 2023, was one of the fastest rising names on the charts. Faye is a perfect example of a name that fits in and stands out, recognizable and yet unexpected. It also makes a beautiful middle name option, if Mae and Rae are feeling too overdone.

This color name, spelled either Gray or Grey is rapidly catching on. Actress Jenny von Oy recently called her daughter Gray Audrey.

Grey is the more common spelling in Britain and Australia. This color name has a softness and ambiguity which makes it equally lovely for a boy or a girl.

Hadley, most famous as the name of Ernest Hemingway's first wife, is more sophisticated, professional, and modern than cousins Harley, Haley, or Hayden. The hit book The Paris Wife, a novel by Paula McLain told from the point of view of Hadley Hemingway (born Elizabeth Hadley Richardson), has helped popularize the name, which also appears on the vampire show True Blood. Hadley could become this generation's Hailey. Adley, a mashup of Hadley and Addie, has also appeared on the scene.

While Haidee may sound like a variant of Heidi or Hailey, it's actually a separate name with a literary history. First appearing in Byron's epic poem Don Juan (1819), it was likely inspired by the Greek word aidoios meaning "modest, reserved".

A name inspired by such popular choices as Hailey, Halsey, and Hallie.