Girls
- Coby
Origin:
English, diminutive of Coburn or Jacob or JacobyDescription:
Actor Coby Bell gives this short but sweet name a hefty amount of street cred. Can also be spelled Koby or Kobe, as in Kobe Bryant.
- Lowri
Origin:
Welsh, from LatinMeaning:
"laurel"Description:
This unusual and appealing form of Laura is popular in sections of Wales.
- Ophelie
Origin:
French variation of OpheliaMeaning:
"help"Description:
Though this name properly takes an accent over the first e, most Americans would probably have trouble pronouncing it with French elan.
- Bridgette
Description:
Bridgette is a feminine name representing a French variation of Bridget, ultimately derived from the Celtic name Brighid meaning "exalted one." In Irish mythology, Brighid was a powerful goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom. This spelling with the double-t gives the name a touch of French elegance while maintaining its Celtic roots. Bridgette gained popularity in the mid-20th century, partly inspired by French actress Brigitte Bardot, though this variation uses a more phonetic English spelling. The name balances traditional heritage with accessibility, offering a slightly more elaborate alternative to the simpler Bridget. While never reaching the heights of ultra-popular girls' names, Bridgette has maintained steady usage, appreciated for its classic feel and feminine charm.
- Bristol
Origin:
Place-nameMeaning:
"the site of the bridge"Description:
Bristol Palin, the daughter of former Alaska governor and Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, grabbed her own share of headlines after her pregnancy and having appearing on Dancing With The Stars. She subsequently (almost) single-handedly propelled her distinctive name, derived from the name of a city in England, into the Top 1000 and up the charts.
- Mischa
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of MikhailDescription:
This was a 100 percent boys' name till the willowy Mischa Barton of TV's "The OC" made it unisex, a la Sascha.
- Ariadna
Origin:
Spanish, Catalan, Russian, Polish variation of Ariadne, GreekMeaning:
"most holy"Description:
Romantic and elegant but tough and sparky at the same time, Ariadna is a variation of the Greek Ariadne, predominantly used among Spanish speakers. In Greek mythology, Ariadne was the daughter of King Minos of Crete who oversaw the labyrinth, where she later helped Theseus defeat the Minotaur.
- Franziska
Description:
Franziska is a feminine name of German origin, serving as the female form of Franz (Francis). The name ultimately derives from Latin "Franciscus," meaning "Frenchman" or "free one." Franziska has been consistently popular in German-speaking countries, particularly Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, where it's appreciated for its classic elegance and cultural roots. The name gained recognition through figures like Franziska von Hohenheim, a German noblewoman of the 18th century. While less common in English-speaking countries, Franziska offers an international alternative to Frances or Francesca. The name carries a sophisticated European flair with its distinctive consonant blend and melodic three-syllable structure. It provides the charming nickname options Franzi or Ziska, adding versatility to this culturally rich name.
- Idella
Origin:
Diminutive of Ida, GermanMeaning:
"industrious one"Description:
Ida is one of those terminally old-fashioned names that suddenly sounds fresh again, especially given how fashionable it is in Europe. Ida, usually pronounced ee-da, is a Top 100 name in Scandinavia and German-speaking countries, and is rising more gently in the US.
- Essa
Description:
Essa is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic, it's a variation of Isa (the Arabic form of Jesus) and means 'God is salvation.' In Irish contexts, Essa derives from the Gaelic 'os' meaning 'deer' or possibly as a diminutive of Esther. In some South Asian cultures, particularly in Pakistan and India, Essa appears as both a feminine and masculine name. The name remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it a distinctive choice. Its brevity and melodic quality with soft consonants give it an appealing, gentle sound while maintaining a unique character. Essa has seen modest usage in recent decades without becoming mainstream, appealing to parents seeking a simple yet uncommon name with multicultural resonance.
- Fiammetta
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"little fiery one"Description:
Fiammetta, from the Italian word for flame, has both femininity and fire. Fiammetta could make a good alternative to more conventional Italian girls' names like Giovanna.
- Ebba
Origin:
English or GermanMeaning:
"fortress of riches, or strength of a boar"Description:
Ebba, the feminine version of Eberhard and also a form of an old English name, is in the Swedish Top 10 but virtually unknown in the US. However, with the rise of Emma, Ella, Ada, and similar simple-yet-traditional names, Ebba may enjoy more widespread popularity.
- Opaline
Origin:
Elaboration of Opal, French, SanskritMeaning:
"gem"Description:
A word name with a touch of Adeline/Caroline/Apolline mixed in, Opaline has a sleek and stylish yet whimsical feel.
- Suvi
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"summer"Description:
To the non-Scandinavian ear, a cute and unusual nickname name, used by Finnish supermodel Suvi Koponen. It has a zippy, yet sunny feel to it, and could make an interesting alternative to Susie.
- Domitille
Origin:
French feminine variation of Roman family name Domitius, LatinMeaning:
"tamed"Description:
Domitille is the French form of the ancient royal name Domitilla. Domitille is used today, and was in the French Top 500 during the 2000s. While English speakers might say it as dom-ih-till or dom-ih-teel, in French, it would be DAW-MEE-TEE. Either way, it could be an interesting way to nickname Dottie.
- Saija
Origin:
Finnish diminutive of SarahMeaning:
"princess"Description:
This pretty Finnish name is a diminutive of a diminutive, going from Sarah to Sari to Saija.
- Malou
Origin:
Combination of Mary and LouMeaning:
"bitter; renowned warrior"Description:
This charming name, popular in France and the Netherlands, has not traveled to the U.S. yet but would make a modern way to honor grandma Mary or Louise, or as a perfect short form of Mary Louise. Or, with the growing fashion for nickname names, it can stand perfect well on its own. One of several similar variations — Lou, Lilou, Louane — in vogue in Europe.
- Margalo
Origin:
Greek variation of MargaretMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
Margalo could make an intriguing spin on Margaret, with Margo as a nickname. The name appears in E. B. White's Stuart Little — as a bird. Margalo Gilmore (born Margaret) was a well-known British-born Broadway actress.
- Sohvi
Origin:
Finnish variation of Sophia, GreekMeaning:
"wisdom"Description:
Sohvi is the Finnish translation of Sophia, although Sofia ranks as the most popular variation in Finland.
- Philomela
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"lover of songs"Description:
Philomela, the name of a mythological Athenian princess who was transformed into a nightingale, is rarely heard outside the Greek community. The mellifluous Philomela might make a more distinctive and prettier update for Pamela or Phyllis. Philomela may also be a good choice for a music-lover's daughter. Try Pippa or Millie for short.