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My favorite girls names!

  1. Alana

    • Origin:

      Feminization of Alan, Irish; variation of Ilana, Hebrew; Gaelic; Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "handsome, rock; oak tree; child; awakening"

    • Description:

      Alana, in all its various spellings, was at one time reserved for daughters of dads named Alan, but is now much more widespread. It came into prominence via model/actress/celeb spouse Alana Hamilton Stewart.
  2. Amelia

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "work"

    • Description:

      Amelia is one of the hottest girls' names, a successor to the megapopular Emma and Emily. Amelia, which spent several years at Number 1 in England, is now comfortably ensconced in the US Top 10.
  3. Andrea

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Andrew, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "strong and manly"

    • Description:

      Andrea — a feminine form of Andrew (and a male name in several European cultures) — comes with a good selection of pronunciations — ANN-dree-a, AHN-dree-a, or ahn-DRAY-a — each with a slightly different image: girl next door/slightly affected/downright mysterious
  4. Anneliese

    • Origin:

      German, Dutch

    • Meaning:

      "grace + oath"

    • Description:

      Anneliese is a German and Dutch combination of Anna and Liese (a form of Elizabeth) with an Old World feel but modern appeal. The Anglicized Annalise spelling in in the US Top 500, but this authentic German version has only ever broken into the US Top 1000 once, back in 2005.
  5. Aria

    • Origin:

      Italian and Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "air; song or melody; lion"

    • Description:

      Aria is a multi-cultural name with two extremely popular versions: this more word-like one along with Arya, the spelling used for the feisty young heroine of Game of Thrones. There were about 6400 baby girls named Aria in the US last year alog with 2400 named Arya, which counted together places the name in the Top 10.
  6. Ariel

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "lion of God"

    • Description:

      Ariel is a male Biblical name, seen there as the messenger of Ezra, and also used as a symbolic name for the city of Jerusalem, while Shakespeare used it for a (male) sprite in The Tempest.
  7. Athena

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "from Athens"

    • Description:

      Magical and distinctive but grounded and familiar too, it's no surprise that Athena has become one of the most widely used ancient goddess names in the contemporary Western world. Derived from the city name Athens, it is current a Top 100 choice in the US.
  8. Audrey

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "noble strength"

    • Description:

      Audrey is one of the girls' names that have been rising due to their connection to Old Hollywood glamour—in this case the eternally chic and radiant Audrey Hepburn. Audrey has another very different appeal as one of the elite group of girl names that mean strong, brave, or powerful.
  9. Aurelia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "the golden one"

    • Description:

      Aurelia is an ancient Roman name that's become a surprise hit in the contemporary world. A top favorite on Nameberry, it reentered the US Top 1000 in 2014 after a 70-year absence and continues to climb.
  10. Avery

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "ruler of the elves"

    • Description:

      Avery is a hugely popular name in the US, especially for girls. But while nearly four times as many girls as boys are named Avery today Avery's popularity is starting to soften for girls while it continues to strengthen for boys.
  11. Avia

    • Origin:

      Latin, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "bird; God is my father"

    • Description:

      Avia is one of those multi-cultural, vowel-heavy girls' names so popular today, along with such choices as Ayla and Aya.
  12. Aviana

    • Origin:

      Variation of Avis, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bird"

    • Description:

      Aviana is a name that's kinda like the megapopular Ava, and kinda like the popular Ariana, and not quite as widely appealing as either of them. But it's on everyone's scope now as the choice of actress Amy Adams for her new daughter -- ironic as she was quoted as saying she wanted a "normal" name. Turns out that Adams was born in Aviano, Italy, explaining the mystery. The first syllable of the name can be pronounced ah, ay, or (most commonly) to rhyme with have.
  13. Bridget

    • Origin:

      Anglicized variation of Gaelic Brighid

    • Meaning:

      "strength or exalted one"

    • Description:

      Bridget is the Anglicized form of Brigid, an Irish-Gaelic name that was derived from the word brígh, which means "strength."
  14. Cassia

    • Origin:

      Feminine form of Cassius or Greek

    • Meaning:

      "cinnamon"

    • Description:

      Cassia is related to the cassia tree, which has yellow flowers and produces a spice that can be a substitute for cinnamon. Keziah, the name of Job’s daughter in the Old Testament, derives from the name of the plant as well. Cassia also has ties to the Ancient Roman name Cassius, an Ancient Roman family name meaning "hollow."
  15. Celia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "heavenly"

    • Description:

      Celia, splendidly sleek and feminine, is a name that was scattered throughout Shakespeare and other Elizabethan literature, but still manages to feel totally modern.
  16. Charis

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Reference to the mythological Three Graces of womanly charm, this one representing charity. Pronounced in Greek as starting with a back-of-the-throat H sound, most English-speakers would translate that to something closer to KAR-is. It's also the name of a girl who lived in Atlantis in the novel Taliesin, and appears in the Margaret Atwood novel The Robber Bride.
  17. Charlotte

    • Origin:

      French, feminine diminutive of Charles

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      Charlotte, the name of the young Princess of Cambridge, is the latest classic name to join Sophia, Emma, Olivia, and Isabella at the top of the popularity list. It is now among the most popular girl names in many English-speaking and European countries.
  18. Christiana

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Christian

    • Meaning:

      "follower of Christ"

    • Description:

      Not cutting edge, but still graceful and feminine.
  19. Clara

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bright, clear"

    • Description:

      Clara is a strong, lovely girls' name that's always ranked among the US Top 1000 girl names but has been climbing since the turn of this century. It now ranks right around Number 100, making it a modern classic that's neither too popular nor unfamiliar.
  20. Cora

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "maiden"

    • Description:

      Cora is a lovely, old-fashioned girls' that has been recently rejuvenated by its contemporary-feeling simplicity. In fact, Cora seemed headed straight for the top of the popularity list when the coronavirus pandemic somewhat weakened its appeal.
  21. Eden

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "place of pleasure, delight"

    • Description:

      Eden is an attractive, serene name with obvious intimations of Paradise, one of several place names drawn from the Bible by the Puritans in the seventeenth century.
  22. Elena

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian, German, Greek variation of Helen

    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining light"

    • Description:

      Elena is at its most popular point ever in the US, thanks to its cross-cultural appeal and the overall popularity of El- names. It's more international than Ellen or Eleanor, but still accessible.
  23. Elodie

    • Origin:

      French, variation of Alodia, German

    • Meaning:

      "foreign riches"

    • Description:

      The lyrical and melodious Elodie, a Nameberry favorite, is starting to rise through the US popularity charts for the first time since the 1880s. It's a uncommon member of the trending El- family of names, which includes Ella, Eloise, and Eleanor.
  24. Esme

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "beloved"

    • Description:

      Esmé comes from the past participle of the Old French verb esmer, meaing "to esteem" or "to love." It can also be considered a derivative of the Spanish name Esmeralda, which means "emerald".
  25. Felicity

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "good fortune, happy"

    • Description:

      Felicity is as accessible a virtue name as Hope and Faith, but much more feminine -- and dare we say, happier. The hit TV show did a lot to soften and modernize the once buttoned-up image of Felicity, and it got further notice as the red-haired Colonial doll, Felicity Merriman, in the American Girl series. A current bearer is actress Felicity Huffman.
  26. Gemma

    • Origin:

      Italian, Catalonian, Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "precious stone"

    • Description:

      Gemma is a jewel of a name, an Italian classic that was very popular in 1980s England, but has only recently been started to be used here; it entered the list in 2008.
  27. Haven

    • Origin:

      Word name, English

    • Meaning:

      "a place of safety"

    • Description:

      Haven is a recently invented safe-harbor name that appeals to an increasing number of parents who don't want to voyage quite as far as Heaven.
  28. Isla

    • Origin:

      Scottish place-name or Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "island"

    • Description:

      Isla is a hit name throughout the English-speaking world but hasn't found the same popularity in other western countries, perhaps because its spelling and pronunciation don't make sense for those whose native language is not English. Think island without the final two letters.
  29. Julia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "youthful or sky father"

    • Description:

      Julia was an ancient Roman imperial name given to females in the house of a Julius, as in Caesar. Its origin is shrouded in history, but possible roots include Latin iuvenis, meaning "youthfu"; Greek ioulos, meaning "downy-bearded"; or Jovis, a form of Jupiter, which means "sky father".
  30. Juliette

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "little Julia"

    • Description:

      Juliette, pronounced with the emphasis on the last syllable, adds a little something extra to Juliet. In the past years it has been rising up the chart.
  31. Katrina

    • Origin:

      German variation of Katherine

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      The hurricane blew this one out of the realm of possibility.
  32. Lacie

    • Description:

      Lacie is a feminine name that originated as a variant spelling of Lacey, which derives from a Norman French place name and surname meaning 'from Lassy' (a town in Normandy). The name later associated with the English word 'lace,' giving it delicate, intricate connotations. This alternative spelling gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1980s-90s, offering a slightly more modern take on the traditional Lacey. The name evokes qualities of elegance, femininity, and refinement through both its sound and its etymological connections to the delicate fabric. Though never reaching the highest popularity rankings, Lacie maintains appeal for parents seeking a name that balances familiarity with uniqueness and carries gentle, graceful associations.

  33. Leila

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "night"

    • Description:

      Leila was popularized in the West by the poet Byron, who used it in his poem Don Juan for a ten-year-old Turkish girl. Leila also appears as a fairy in the Gilbert & Sullivan comic opera Iolanthe.
  34. Lillian

    • Origin:

      English from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lily; pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Lillian has ranked among the US Top 50 for the past 20 years, making it Lily's less popular but more grownup cousin.
  35. Lydia

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "woman from Lydia"

    • Description:

      Lydia is one of the first place names, after an area of Asia Minor whose inhabitants are credited with strong musical talent great wealth. Always among the US Top 1000 girl names, Lydia is a quietly fashionable classic.
  36. Madelynn

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Madelyn, English

    • Meaning:

      "woman from Magdala or high tower"

    • Description:

      Madelynn is the fourth most popular variation of this durably popular name, with Madelyn ranking first in the Top 100, Madeline dropping to the Number 2 spot, the French Madeleine taking third place, and Madelynn coming in fourth but still ranking in the Top 500.
  37. Marie

    • Origin:

      French variation of Mary

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

    • Description:

      The ubiquitous French version of Mary came into the English-speaking world in the nineteenth century. In the United States, Marie was a huge hit at the turn of the last century and for the ensuing fifty years, becoming the seventh most popular name in the country for three years, from 1901 to 1904.
  38. Maya

    • Origin:

      Sanskrit, English, Hebrew, Estonian

    • Meaning:

      "illusion, magic; mother; water; beloved, bitter, drop of the sea"

    • Description:

      Maya, which has an almost mystical image, has been steadily climbing in popularity in the US and the English-speaking world, along with a range of other countries, including France, Germany, Israel, and Brazil. It's ranked in the US Top 100 since the turn of this century, but has never risen to the top of the list, which you may consider a good thing.
  39. Melanie

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "black, dark"

    • Description:

      Gone with the Wind inspired a generation of girls named Melanie, though it looks as though Scarlett will triumph in the end.
  40. Melody

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "song"

    • Description:

      A melodious choice big in the sixties, Melody is now starting to pick up tempo again. It cracked the Top 150 for the first time ever in 2015. Melody is also the name of Ariel's equally curious and more tom-boyish daughter in The Little Mermaid sequel. Read more about Melody and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.
  41. Mia

    • Origin:

      Italian word name or Scandinavian short form of Maria

    • Meaning:

      "mine or bitter"

    • Description:

      Mia is an appealingly unfussy multicultural name that has enjoyed a meteoric rise up the charts and is now firmly among the ten top girl names. Mia has surpassed its mother name Maria as the Number 1 girls' name starting with M.
  42. Mila

    • Origin:

      Slavic, Russian

    • Meaning:

      "gracious; dear"

    • Description:

      Mila is a popular name that took a 125 year nap, ranking in the Top 1000 in 1881 and then not ranking again until 2006, after actress Mila Kunis appeared on That 70s Show.
  43. Natalie

    • Origin:

      French variation of Russian Natalia

    • Meaning:

      "birthday of the Lord"

    • Description:

      Natalie—a Franco-Russian name—became Americanized years ago and is one of those surprising names that's always ranked among the girls' Top 1000 names in the US.
  44. Noelle

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "Christmas"

    • Description:

      Noelle is the feminine variation of Noël, a masculine given name derived from the French word for "Christmas." As a word, Noël originated as a variant of nael, which evolved from the Latin natalis, meaning "birth." Noelle and Noel have traditionally been given to children born around Christmastime, particularly in the Middle ages.
  45. Nova

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "new"

    • Description:

      Nova has the feel of both newness, from its meaning, and great energy as an astronomical term for a star that increases suddenly in brightness before fading.
  46. Ruby

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "deep red precious stone"

    • Description:

      Vibrant, sassy, and bubbly, Ruby is a vintage gem that hasn’t lost any of its sparkle. Currently popular in a number of English-speaking countries, Ruby is proof of the 100 Year Rule, trending again for the first time since its heyday in the 1910s.
  47. Sadie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Sarah

    • Meaning:

      "princess"

    • Description:

      Sadie started as a nickname for Sarah, but their images couldn't be more disparate. Where Sarah is serious and sweet, Sadie is full of sass and fun.
  48. Stella

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "star"

    • Description:

      Stella is a name with star quality and sparkle, that manages to sound both ethereal and earthy. Celestial but not otherworldly, it lands somewhere between the popular Ella and bold Seraphina.
  49. Vivian

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "life"

    • Description:

      Vivian, once an elderly lady name, is on the rise, along with all form of girl names that mean life -- from Zoe to Eva to those who share the vivid Viv syllable. It was one of the fastest-rising names of 2023, vaulting into the Top 100.