the ultimate girls name list

AN ECLECTIC MIX!
  1. Abilene
    • Origin:

      English from Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "grass"
    • Description:

      Abilene is a rarely used place name, mentioned as such in the New Testament, that combines the cowboy spunk of the Texas city with the midwestern morality of the Kansas town where Dwight D. Eisenhower spent his boyhood. Abilene is a much more untrodden path to the nickname Abbie/Abbie than the Top 10 Abigail.
  2. Adelie
    • Description:

      Adelie comes from French origins and is often associated with nobility, deriving from the Germanic name Adelaide, meaning 'noble' or 'nobility.' The name gained recognition from the Adelie penguin, discovered in 1840 by French explorer Jules Dumont d'Urville, who named the species after his wife, Adèle. As a girl's name, Adelie offers a delicate, elegant sound with a connection to both nature and aristocratic heritage. While not among the most common names, Adelie has been steadily increasing in popularity, particularly among parents seeking a name that is distinctive yet easy to pronounce. Its French flair and penguin association give it both sophistication and a whimsical quality that appeals to modern naming sensibilities.
  3. Adeline
    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Adele
    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"
    • Description:

      Adeline has a lovely, old-fashioned "Sweet Adeline" charm, but has become so popular in the US under so many spellings and variations — with Adalynn and Adalyn also popular — that considered together it is far more popular than it first seems. Adorable nickname Addie is also pervasive.
  4. Adessa
    • Origin:

      Finnish and Swedish, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Adessa may be a Scandinavian variation of the place name Odessa.
  5. Ahna
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Anna
    • Description:

      Want to be sure that people pronounce your baby's name the way you intend? Then choose a spelling variation like Ahna for Anna. Ahna is best known as the name of actress and ex-James Franco girlfriend Ahna O'Reilly. Pronunciation issues aside, we still prefer Anna.
  6. Ainsley
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "one's own meadow"
    • Description:

      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.
  7. Aira
    • Origin:

      Variation of Air, Ayra, or Ara, English; Sanskrit; Finnish; Lithuanian
    • Meaning:

      "air; noble; messenger; river place name"
    • Description:

      Aira is a light and airy name that is currently on the rise. Playful but concise, Aira made its debut in the England and Wales Top 1000 in 2022.
  8. Alastrina
    • Description:

      Alastrina is a feminine name likely derived as an elaborate feminine form of Alastair or Alastar, which ultimately comes from the Greek name Alexander, meaning 'defender of mankind.' This ornate, melodic extension adds a romantic, flowery quality to the sturdy masculine original. Extremely rare in usage, Alastrina combines Scottish/Celtic name traditions with a distinctly feminine ending pattern common in Italian or Spanish naming conventions. The name's rarity makes it a truly distinctive choice while maintaining connections to the well-established Alexander name family. Alastrina carries an elegant, almost mythical quality that appeals to parents seeking something elaborate and unconventional while still having traditional roots. Its flowing syllables create a lyrical, sophisticated impression.
  9. Albertina
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alberta, feminine form of Albert, German
    • Meaning:

      "noble, bright"
    • Description:

      Albertina is a dainty, antiquated -- dare we say demure? -- pet name for Alberta, the feminine spin on the once-popular Albert. With Albert one of the classic boys' names due for a comeback, we can imagine more little girls named Albertina than the zero who get the name today.
  10. Albertine
    • Origin:

      French feminine variation of Albert
    • Description:

      Albertine and Alberta are old-fashioned feminizations ala Geraldine and Roberta. This is the kind of name that sounds very dowdy until a hip celebrity chooses it, at which point we don't know how we missed its coolness all this time.
  11. Alethea
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "truth"
    • Description:

      Alethea, the name of the Greek goddess of truth, came into fashion in England in the 16th century, in tandem with the virtue names. Alethea may find new favor now as one of the goddess names stylish for baby girls.
  12. Alma
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "nurturing, soul"
    • Description:

      Alma is a somewhat solemn, soulful name that had a burst of popularity a century ago, then faded into the flowered wallpaper, and is now finding its footing once more.
  13. Alondrah
    • Description:

      Alondrah is a feminine name that appears to be a creative variation of Alondra, which itself derives from the Spanish word for 'lark' (a type of songbird). The added 'h' gives the name a distinctive spelling while maintaining its melodic quality. Alondra originates from Spanish-speaking countries, where names associated with nature are traditionally popular. The name evokes the beautiful singing of the lark bird, suggesting a person with a melodious voice or joyful spirit. Alondrah combines natural imagery with musical connotations, creating a name that sounds both earthy and graceful. While less common than the standard spelling, this variation has gained some usage in multicultural communities, particularly among Hispanic Americans seeking to personalize traditional names. The name carries connotations of freedom, beauty, and song—qualities associated with the lark in various cultural traditions.
  14. Alvah
    • Description:

      Alvah is a feminine name with ancient Hebrew origins, though it's historically been used for both genders. Derived from the Hebrew word meaning 'sublimity' or 'exaltation,' it appears in the Bible as a male name. As a feminine name, Alvah has maintained a quiet presence throughout the years without ever becoming common. It shares roots with more familiar names like Alva and Alba. The name carries a delicate strength with its soft consonants and open ending. Alvah offers a vintage appeal that aligns with the revival of other classic names. Its rarity makes it an uncommon choice for parents seeking something traditional yet distinctive for their daughters.

  15. Alyena
    • Origin:

      Variation of Yelena or Helen
    • Description:

      One of the many international variations of the classic Helen.
  16. Amalia
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "work"
    • Description:

      Amalia is a widely cross-cultural name, heard from Italy to Romania, Germany to Scandinavia. The current heir to the Dutch throne is Princess Catharina-Amalia of Orange. It can be pronounced ah-MAH-lee-a or ah-mah-LEE-a.
  17. Amaranta
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian form of Amarantha
    • Meaning:

      "unfading"
    • Description:

      Amaranta is the unusual and intriguing Latinate form of the Greek botanical name Amarantha, which connects to an eternal mythical figure. An excellent choice for the parent who wants an A name but wishes to move beyond the usual complement of names from Amelia to Annabel.
  18. Anastacia
    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Anastasia
    • Meaning:

      "resurrection"
    • Description:

      Gorgeous name in any form, though the c may muddy the pronunciation.
  19. Annica
    • Description:

      Annica is a feminine name of Swedish and Finnish origin, representing a variant of Ann or Anna. These names ultimately derive from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' Annica combines the timeless quality of its root name with a distinctive Nordic flair through its ending. While relatively common in Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, it remains uncommon in English-speaking regions, offering a unique option that's still easy to pronounce. The double 'n' gives it a soft, melodic quality that differentiates it from similar variants like Anika or Annika. The name carries connotations of elegance and classic femininity while maintaining a fresh, somewhat exotic appeal for those outside Nordic cultures. Annica's bearer inherits both ancient roots and regional distinction.

  20. Annora
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "honor"
    • Description:

      Annora is a noble name, a distinctive twist on its most essential form: Honor. Other variations to explore include Honora and Nora.