K - Girls' Names

Contrary to popular belief, the name Kahlo has German origins, rather than Spanish. It derives from kahl, a German word meaning "bald." Mexican Artist Frida Kahlo was born to a German father, photographer Guillermo Kahlo.

Kalan as a feminine name represents a modern, gender-crossing choice with multiple possible origins. It may be an alternative spelling of Calan, which has Welsh roots meaning "powerful in battle," or it could derive from the Irish name Caoilfhionn, meaning "slender" or "fair." When used for girls, Kalan exemplifies the contemporary trend of adopting traditionally masculine or surname-style names for females. The strong consonants give it a bold, confident quality, while its brevity makes it straightforward and modern. Though relatively uncommon for either gender, Kalan has seen occasional usage in North America since the 1990s. Parents might choose this distinctive name for its cross-cultural appeal and strong, sleek sound that works well in today's naming landscape.

Kali is a number of different things: a playful, contemporary twist on the name Callie; the Hindu goddess of destruction; an alternative spelling for Kaylee; a short form of the Arablic Kalila, the Greek Kalista, or the African American Kaliyah; a masculine name in India; and a trendy form of Kali(fornia).

Kalindi is a lovely, rhythmic name refers to one of the seven sacred rivers of India.

A sweet and international short form of Catherine, pronounced like Katya and used in various European languages.

One of the warm and earthy Russian nickname names now coming into style. Denzel Washington gave his daughter the Katia spelling.

Keeley is well-used in modern Ireland, also found as Keely and Keela. The boys' form is Keelan. Largely unknown in the US, this could make an interesting update for Kelly or Kaylie or Kylie. A famous bearer is actress Keeley Hawes.

Keira is an attractive girls’ name that's gotten a huge boost from the meteoric rise of Keira Knightley. Original spelling Kiera, which relates more directly to the male Kieran, was the more popular form until the rise of Keira Knightley reversed the order. Both are Anglicized versions of the Irish Ciara.

Kenza may feel perfectly in step with modern names like McKenzie and Kinsey and Kendra, but there was an 8th century Moroccan queen named Kenza so the name has deep roots. Kenza is that rare name that's equally attractive, simple, and unusual

Kerensa, forever romantic, is a rare Cornish name spelled with an 's' or 'z', the most modern of the Karen family. Kerensa (or Kerenza) has ties to the Welsh Cerys.

Kessa is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Tessa (short for Theresa), a diminutive of Jessica, or derived from the Irish name Cessa (a form of Caitlin). In some cases, it might be a modern invention inspired by these more traditional names. Kessa has a bright, contemporary sound while maintaining a classic feel. The name's brevity gives it a modern appeal, fitting well with the trend toward shorter names that are easy to pronounce and spell. Though relatively uncommon, Kessa has a friendly, approachable quality that works well across different ages. Its rarity makes it distinctive without seeming too unusual or difficult to pronounce.

This lively Old Testament nature name (belonging to one of the three beautiful daughters of Job) may be missing from the current US Top 1000 list, but it ranks highly here on Nameberry — making it one to watch!

The name Kiri was made famous by New Zealand soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, whose original name was Claire. Cute but slight, Kiri is close to several other names from Kiriah to Keira to Kyra and its diminutive Kyrie.

The next Destiny? Kismet seems like it might be fated for increased use.