Baby girl names

One of the new word names, appealing to parents attracted to the idea of a spiritual -- or even an actual -- voyage. The Journee spelling is also being used. Unisex alert: Jenna Jameson used Journey for one of her twin boys, as did the Black Eyed Peas rock musician known as Taboo.

Jubilee has a joyous and jubilant aura, but it wouldn't be an easy name to carry, what with all that pressure to be a living, breathing, 24-7 party. Jubilee was the name selected by television's Duggars for their miscarried child.

Jude may be a popular boys' name, thanks to Jude Law, but boyish nicknames for girls - like Frankie and Teddy - are on trend and Jude is also a new way to spin Judy or Judith. It's long been used quietly for girls as well as boys, and may start to pick up steam.

Most things Jul-related – from the month of July to popular modern names Julia and Julian – originate with Roman emperor Julius Caesar, and the month name July is no exception. Fifteen girls and seven boys were named July in 2013, putting this month name into the class of gender neutral names.

Juniper is a fresh-feeling nature name -- it's a small evergreen shrub -- with lots of energy. A new favorite of fashionable parents, Juniper joins such other tree and shrub names as Hazel, Acacia, and Willow.

Juno is an ancient name that feels as fresh as if it had been minted, well, not yesterday, but in 2007. Since the release of the popular indie film Juno, this lively but strong Roman goddess name has held new potential as a baby name. Currently in the UK Top 500 and used in The Netherlands too, Juno is on the rise in the US - and is 15 times more popular than it was before the release of the film.

Jynx is an uncommon feminine name with modern origins, inspired by the English word 'jinx' meaning a person or thing believed to bring bad luck. The distinctive spelling with a 'y' instead of an 'i' gives the name a contemporary, edgy quality. Jynx gained some recognition through pop culture, particularly as a Pokémon character introduced in the late 1990s. The name carries a playful, mischievous connotation and projects a bold, unconventional image. Its rarity makes it stand out, appealing to parents seeking names with attitude and uniqueness. Despite its association with superstition, the name has been embraced by some for its short, punchy sound and memorable quality.

Actress Flockhart popularized the C version, but this works, too.

Kalypso is a feminine name derived from Greek mythology, an alternative spelling of Calypso. In Homer's Odyssey, Calypso was a nymph who detained Odysseus on her island for seven years. The name comes from the Greek word 'kalypto,' meaning 'to conceal' or 'to hide,' reflecting the nymph's remote island home. This spelling variation with 'K' and 'y' gives the name a modern, distinctive appearance while maintaining its mythological roots. Beyond its literary associations, Kalypso also evokes the vibrant Calypso music of the Caribbean, adding cultural richness to the name. Though uncommon as a given name, Kalypso offers parents a choice that combines ancient storytelling tradition with exotic flair. The name conveys a sense of mystery, enchantment, and feminine power that appeals to those drawn to names with mythological significance.

Korinne is a feminine name representing a modern variant spelling of Corinne, which derives from the Greek name Korinna, meaning "maiden." This alternative spelling with 'K' emerged as parents sought ways to personalize traditional names while maintaining their essential sound and character. The name carries a graceful, feminine quality while its less common spelling adds a touch of uniqueness. Korinne has never reached widespread popularity but maintains steady usage, particularly in North America. The name balances classic origins with contemporary style, appealing to parents who appreciate traditional names with a slight twist. With its soft sounds and ancient Greek heritage, Korinne conveys both elegance and strength.

Lainie is a nickname for Elaine that has been in the public eye via Lainie Kazan (that was her full given name), who was a popular singer in the 1960s and 1970s (she was Barbra Streisand's understudy in "Funny Girl"), and then became a motherly character actress. We still find Lainie a bit flimsy for a full first name.

Often heard in India, this is the name of the Hindu goddess of abundance, beauty, and prosperity, the embodiment of grace and charm --lucky omens indeed. The goddess Lakshmi is worshiped daily in Hindu homes, and has festivals held in her honor.

Popularized in the 1940s by Lana (born Judy) Turner, today Lana is synonymous with American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. Although it has been rising steadily since the early 2000s, Lana still sits in the popularity "sweet spot" – familiar, but not overused. Simple, sleek and seamlessly international, it makes a great choice.

This somewhat snobby-sounding surname popped onto the name map when Mariel Hemingway used it for one of her daughters.

Lavender lags far behind sweet-smelling purple-hued sister names Violet and Lila, but is starting to get some enthusiastic attention from cutting-edge namers along with other adventurous nature names like Clementine and Marigold.

Legacy is proof that any attractive-sounding word can be turned into a name, and this one has the added attractions of an inspirational meaning and a cool creative namesake -- hot young artist Legacy Russell.

Legend joins cousins Story, Saga and Fable in the baby name pantheon of narrative words. Unlike Story and Fable, however, Legend comes with additional weight, being used for fame ("living legend") and to denote a person who is fantastic "what a legend"). Who can live up to that?

One of those names that's suddenly on the map because of a celebrity's influence, Leighton Meester of the TV show Gossip Girl. She pronounces it LAY-ton but some will intuitively say LEE-ton.

Lyrical, lively and bold, Leilani is a name that feels fresh, floral, and summery. Sharing sounds with the popular Lillian, Layla and Luna, Leilani is a fairly recent addition to the US Top 100.