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Girls

  1. Adelaide

    • Origin:

      Variant of Adelheidis, German

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"

    • Description:

      Adelaide is now heading straight uphill on the coattails of such newly popular sisters as Ava, Ada, and Audrey, and in the company of Adeline and Amelia. It was chosen by actress Katherine Heigl for the name of her second daughter.
  2. Aili

    • Origin:

      Finnish and Sami variation of Helga, diminutive of Aileen, Anglicization of Eilidh

    • Meaning:

      "holy, blessed; bright and shining light"

    • Description:

      An attractive Scandinavian take on Helga, or a potential Helen nickname.
  3. Alba

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "white"

    • Description:

      Alba is quietly making a behind-the-scenes comeback, perhaps thanks to actress turned baby-product mogul Jessica Alba. Last on the Top 1000 a century ago, the name was given to nearly 200 baby girls in the US last year. Alba might be tomorrow's successor to Ava and Ella. In Spain, Alba ranks among the Top 20 girls' names. Alba is the name of a character in The Time Traveler's Wife.
  4. Alice

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "noble"

    • Description:

      Alice is a classic literary name that's both strong and sweet, ranking in the US Top 100 and popular throughout the western world. Alice is derived from the Old French name Aalis, a diminutive of Adelais that itself came from the Germanic name Adalhaidis, which is composed of the Proto-Germanic elements aþala, meaning "noble," and haidu, "kind, appearance, type."
  5. 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.
  6. Anderson

    • Origin:

      English from Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "son of Anders"

    • Description:

      Anderson shot up quite a bit on the popular names list in the 2000's, no doubt in large part due to the prominence of white-haired cable newsman Anderson Cooper. Perhaps surprisingly though, Anderson was even higher on the list in 1880. Actress Edie Falco named her son Anderson in 2005. Though there haven't been many first-named Anderson namesakes, there have been countless notables bearing the surname, including Hans Christian, Marian, Maxwell, Sherwood, Gillian, Laurie, and Pamela.
  7. Arden

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "valley of the eagle; high"

    • Description:

      Arden, the name of the magical forest in Shakespeare's As You Like It, is a stylish A name with a strong, straightforward image. Another reason to love Arden: its similarity to "ardent." Arden is solidly unisex, with the current gender distribution running about 60 percent girls and 40 percent boys.
  8. Averie

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Avery

    • Meaning:

      "ruler of the elves"

    • Description:

      This spelling has been on the rise since it entered the charts in 2004, hot on the coattails of trendy Avery.
  9. Anistyn
    • Auryn
      • Birdie

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "bird"

        • Description:

          Birdie was until recently a middle-aged Ladies' Club member wearing a bird-decorated hat --but now it's just the kind of vintage nickname (think Hattie, Josie, Mamie, Millie) that's coming back into style in a big way. Actress Busy Philipps named her baby Birdie (inspired by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson), as did soap star Maura West.
      • Blake

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "fair-haired, dark"

        • Description:

          The unisex Blake, which indeed has two conflicting meanings, has a briskly efficient image when used for a girl.
      • Boheme

        • Origin:

          French word name

        • Description:

          "Girls Gone Child" blogger Rebecca Woolf made Boheme a first name when she gave it to one of her twin daughters (the other one's name is Reverie). La Boheme -- "The Bohemian" -- is a Puccini opera that was transmogrified into the modern play Rent. Boheme means a literary or artistic person who lives outside conventional society.
      • Briar

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "a thorny patch"

        • Description:

          Fairy-tale memories of Sleeping Beauty inspire some parents—such as Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen—to call their daughters Briar Rose. But Briar plus a different middle name might work even better. It's one of the newly popular nature-word names, charting in the US for the first time in 2015 for both genders.
      • Bronwyn

        • Origin:

          Welsh

        • Meaning:

          "white breast"

        • Description:

          One of the loveliest of the Welsh names, striking the perfect balance between being familiar and unusual. In Wales, the female spelling is always Bronwen, but Americans usually see a "y" as adding femininity.
      • Becket
        • Berlyn
          • Brioni
            • Brynnlie
              • Camilla

                • Origin:

                  Latin

                • Meaning:

                  "young ceremonial attendant"

                • Description:

                  The Spanish Camila, pronounced ka-MEE-la, is the fastest rising version of this ancient Roman name, but recent royal Camilla may have helped promote the British brand. In Roman myth, Camilla was a swift-footed huntress so fast she could run over a field without bending a blade of grass.
              • Cara

                • Origin:

                  Latin, Italian, Irish, Spanish, and Portuguese

                • Meaning:

                  "dear; friend; face"

                • Description:

                  Cara is a simple, sweet, Italian endearment that enjoyed its greatest popularity from the 1970s through the 1990s, reaching a high of Number 189 in 1977. Despite the rising celebrity of English model/actress Cara Delevingne, who played Enchantress in Suicide Squad, Cara dropped off the Top 1000 in the US in 2020, perhaps because it sounds too close to the dreaded Karen.
              • Caroline

                • Origin:

                  French, feminine variation of Charles

                • Meaning:

                  "free man"

                • Description:

                  Caroline is a perennial classic, one of the elite group of girls' names that's ALWAYS ranked among the Top 1000 and that's been in the Top 100 since 1994. Elegant yet strong, Caroline calls to mind the Kennedy Camelot years and Princess Caroline of Monaco.
              • Cecilia

                • Origin:

                  Feminine form of Cecil, Latin

                • Meaning:

                  "blind"

                • Description:

                  Cecilia is a lovely classic name deservedly enjoying a new turn in the sun. Always among the Top 500 girls' names in the US, Cecilia is now at its highest point ever.
              • 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.
              • Chandler

                • Origin:

                  English from French occupational name

                • Meaning:

                  "candle maker"

                • Description:

                  In the US, nearly 300 baby girls were named Chandler in the US last year, which first appeared on the girls' Top 1000 in the heyday of Friends. While the TV character was masculine, today the name is 43 percent female and climbing, making it one of the trendiest boy names for girls.
              • 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.
              • Clementine

                • Origin:

                  French feminine version of Clement, Latin

                • Meaning:

                  "mild, merciful"

                • Description:

                  Clementine is a Nameberry favorite that broke back into the US Top 1000 in 2014 after more than half a century off the list.
              • Coraline

                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Coralie and Caroline, English

                • Meaning:

                  "coral; man; army"

                • Description:

                  Coraline may not be original to Neil Gaiman's wonderful book of the same name, but it might as well be. Gaiman's young heroine Coraline Jones is constantly called Caroline but as a name Coraline is more distinctive and has a more mysterious feel. The 2002 novel Coraline was made into a 2009 animated film voiced by Dakota Fanning and nominated for an Academy Award.
              • Cosette

                • Origin:

                  French literary nickname

                • Meaning:

                  "little thing"

                • Description:

                  Cosette is best known as the heroine of Les Miserables. In the Victor Hugo novel, Cosette was the nickname given to the girl named Euphrasie by her mother. Although Hugo invented the name, some etymologists believe it's a spin on Colette, originally a female short form of Nicolas.
              • Cyprus

                • Origin:

                  Latin from Greek

                • Meaning:

                  "cypress tree; copper"

                • Description:

                  This Mediterranean island name would be a plausible choice for parents with a Greek or Turkish heritage.
              • Cambelle
                • Charys
                  • Darcy

                    • Origin:

                      Irish or French

                    • Meaning:

                      "dark one, or from Arcy, or from the fortress"

                    • Description:

                      Delicate ballerina name with grace, charm, and heft courtesy of Jane Austen's Mr.
                  • Delainey

                    • Description:

                      Delainey is a feminine name that evolved as a modern variant of Delaney, which itself originated as an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic 'Ó Dubhshláine,' meaning 'descendant of Dubhshláine.' The personal name element 'dubh' means 'dark' or 'black,' while 'sláine' relates to 'health' or 'defiance.' This spelling with the added 'i' emerged as surnames began transitioning to first names, giving it a more feminine appearance. Delainey gained modest popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, riding the wave of interest in Irish-derived names and surnames-as-first-names. The name carries a contemporary yet substantial quality, blending traditional Irish heritage with modern styling. Its melodic three-syllable rhythm and soft ending sound contribute to its appeal. Parents might choose Delainey for its distinctive quality while still maintaining connections to Irish heritage and familiar naming patterns.

                  • Dove

                    • Origin:

                      Nature name

                    • Meaning:

                      "dove, a bird"

                    • Description:

                      One of the new bird names, like Lark and Wren, this one's associated with the billing and cooing sounds of love. Soft and gentle, Dove also has the admirable association with peace.
                  • 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.
                  • Eleanor

                    • Origin:

                      English variation of French Provencal Alienor, meaning unknown

                    • Description:

                      Eleanor's straightforward feminine image combined with its royal medieval history is striking just the right note for parents in search of a girls' name that combines substance and style.
                  • Elizabeth

                    • Origin:

                      Hebrew

                    • Meaning:

                      "pledged to God"

                    • Description:

                      Elizabeth is one of the most popular girls' names of all time, the female equivalent of James or William. Yet Elizabeth has so much going for it—rich history, broad appeal, and timeless style—that no matter how many little girls are named Lizzie, Eliza, and Beth, you can still make Elizabeth your own.
                  • Elnora

                    • Origin:

                      Contracted form of Eleanora, meaning unknown

                    • Description:

                      Elnora is best known as the name of the heroine of the early 20th century novel A Girl of the Limberlost. While Elnora might plausibly have many derivations, the most logical is that isn't a contracted form of Eleanora, the Latinate variation of Eleanor.
                  • 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.
                  • Elowen

                    • Origin:

                      Cornish

                    • Meaning:

                      "elm"

                    • Description:

                      A beautiful modern Cornish nature name that is rapidly picking up steam in the States: even spawning variant spellings like Elowyn and Elowynn. In its native region, it wasn't widely used as a name before the twentieth century, when the Cornish language was revived. A (currently) unique member of the fashionble El- family of names, it has a pleasant, evocative sound.
                  • Elsa

                    • Origin:

                      German diminutive of Elisabeth

                    • Meaning:

                      "pledged to God"

                    • Description:

                      Lost in limbo for decades and decades, Elsa now stands a good chance of following along in the progression from Emma to Ella to Etta, thanks to the ice queen heroine who "Let It Go" in the wildly popular Disney movie Frozen. The name shot all the up to Number 286 (its highest ranking since the 1890s) in the year after the release of the movie, though it's now dropped back down the list in the US.
                  • Elsie

                    • Origin:

                      Diminutive of Elizabeth via its Scottish variation, Elspeth

                    • Meaning:

                      "pledged to God"

                    • Description:

                      Elsie is a sweet vintage nickname-name turned modern star. After a 30-year hiatus, Elsie started climbing the US popularity list 20 years ago and is still headed for the top.
                  • Emery

                    • Origin:

                      English from German

                    • Meaning:

                      "industrious"

                    • Description:

                      The superpopularity of Emily and Emma has recently boosted the unisex Emery, especially since it became a celebrity baby name when it was chosen by Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn.
                  • Emmy

                    • Origin:

                      Diminutive of Emily and Emma

                    • Meaning:

                      "work; universal"

                    • Description:

                      Long a nickname for all the Em-names, as well as an annual award, Emmy is now being given on its own, as are soundalikes Emme and Emmi. Might be too identified with the TV awards--though that doesn't seem to have hurt Oscar or Tony. We think Emmy is a little too cutesey, and is probably best kept as a nickname for something that ages a little better.
                  • 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".
                  • Estee

                    • Description:

                      Estée is a feminine name with French origins, most famously associated with cosmetics entrepreneur Estée Lauder, whose birth name was actually Josephine Esther Mentzer. The name is believed to be a stylized form of Esther, a biblical name meaning 'star' in Persian. Estée has an elegant, sophisticated quality with its French accent mark and simple, melodic sound. Though relatively uncommon as a given name, it carries associations of beauty, entrepreneurship, and luxury due to the Lauder connection. The name's brevity makes it distinctive yet accessible, combining classical roots with a modern, cosmopolitan feel. Estée provides a graceful alternative to more common names like Esther or Estelle.
                  • Estelle

                    • Origin:

                      French

                    • Meaning:

                      "star"

                    • Description:

                      Maybe it's because she shares that winning -elle sound with Isabel and Bella, but Estelle is no longer seen as a muumuu-wearing canasta player of a certain age (think George Costanza's mother on Seinfeld or Joey Tribbiani's talent agent in Friends). This could be in part thanks to the young Royal Couple of Sweden, who chose it for their firstborn daughter, or the single-named British R&B singer. It reentered the US Top 1000 in 2012 after a nearly fifty-year absence.
                  • Evangeline

                    • Origin:

                      Greek

                    • Meaning:

                      "bearer of good news"

                    • Description:

                      Evangeline is a romantic old name enjoying a major comeback, thanks to its religious overtones, Eva's popularity, and the star of the TV megahit Lost, Evangeline Lilly. Evangelia and Evangelina — two variants of Evangeline — are sure to tag along for the ride.
                  • Everleigh

                    • Origin:

                      Variation of Everly

                    • Meaning:

                      "wild boar in woodland clearing"

                    • Description:

                      Like Ashley before it, on-trend Everly has been followed by a range of spelling variants, and among them, Everleigh is the most popular.
                  • Finleigh

                    • Description:

                      Finleigh is a modern feminine variation of the traditional Scottish and Irish name Finley, which means 'fair-haired hero' or 'fair warrior.' The distinctive spelling with '-leigh' instead of '-ley' gives this name a more feminine touch while maintaining its Celtic heritage. This contemporary adaptation follows the trend of surnames becoming first names and traditional male names being adapted for girls. Finleigh combines strength and delicacy, offering parents a name with substance and style. Though still relatively uncommon, it has gained modest popularity in recent years among parents seeking names with both traditional roots and modern appeal. The name works well in professional settings while still carrying a touch of uniqueness that helps a child stand out.

                  • Freya

                    • Origin:

                      Norse

                    • Meaning:

                      "a noble woman"

                    • Description:

                      Freya has long been popular in the U.K. but has only taken off in the US in the last decade, along with the entire category of mythological names. Derived from the Old Norse name Freyja, meaning "Lady, noble woman", Freya is the name of the Norse goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
                  • 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.
                  • Genevieve

                    • Origin:

                      English from French

                    • Meaning:

                      "tribe woman"

                    • Description:

                      Genevieve is derived from the Germanic medieval name Genovefa, or Kenowefa, which consists of the elements kuni, meaning "kin", and wefa, meaning "woman." The medieval saint Genevieve, patroness of Paris, defended the city against Attila the Hun through her rational thinking, courage and prayer.
                  • Greta

                    • Origin:

                      German, diminutive of Margarethe

                    • Meaning:

                      "pearl"

                    • Description:

                      Greta is an Old World name long tied to the iconic Garbo, but now synonymous with environmental activism.
                  • Grier

                    • Origin:

                      Scottish, spelling variation of Greer

                    • Meaning:

                      "alert, watchful"

                    • Description:

                      The more popular Greer spelling might lean feminine, however, Grier sees more even distribution between the sexes. It is given to a small handful of babies each year, but for every one Grier, there are three Greers.
                  • Halle

                    • Origin:

                      Modern invented name or diminutive of Harald, English or Norse

                    • Meaning:

                      "Thor's stone"

                    • Description:

                      Until the beautiful actress Halle Berry inspired hundreds of parents to emulate her name, it was the diminutive Swedish families used for their sons christened Harald. Now, in a complete turnaround, it couldn't be more feminine. It is worth noting, however, that its popularity has fallen dramatically since 2002 when it reached a high of 316.
                  • Hannah

                    • Origin:

                      Hebrew

                    • Meaning:

                      "grace"

                    • Description:

                      Hannah is one of the nation's top biblical girls' names—it surpassed Sarah in 1998, and ranks in the Top 50 along with Elizabeth, Abigail, Chloe, and Naomi. Hannah is a name with many sources of appeal: Old Testament roots, soft and gentle sound, and a homey yet aristocratic image.
                  • Harlow

                    • Origin:

                      English surname

                    • Meaning:

                      "rock hill or army hill"

                    • Description:

                      Jean Harlow (born Harlean Carpenter), the original platinum blonde bombshell, was a symbol of 1930s glamour, a factor that first Patricia Arquette and then Nicole Richie and Joel Madden probably had in mind when they gave their daughters the distinctive surname name Harlow.
                  • Harper

                    • Origin:

                      English

                    • Meaning:

                      "harp player"

                    • Description:

                      You might think of Harper as the hottest name of the last decade, jumping from obscurity to the Top 10, where it remained until last year.
                  • Hattie

                    • Origin:

                      English, diminutive of Harriet

                    • Meaning:

                      "estate ruler"

                    • Description:

                      In the USA, Hattie is one of those nicknames that is now more popular than its parent name, Harriet. In England, however, Harriet is still by far more popular than Hattie, while in Australia, Harriet is highly popular while no data exists on Hattie. In the US, we’d like to see Harriet get more usage but we’re happy to see Hattie again.
                  • Hayden

                    • Origin:

                      English place name

                    • Meaning:

                      "hay hill; hay valley"

                    • Description:

                      A newly successful name for girls, which, like Brayden and Caden, used to be strictly for the boys. Young Heroes and now Nashville star Hayden Panettiere planted it in the girls' camp.
                  • Hayven

                    • Description:

                      Hayven is a contemporary feminine name that represents a modern spelling variation of 'Heaven.' This celestial-inspired name conveys ideas of peace, beauty, and spiritual elevation. The alternative spelling with 'y' gives the name a distinctive look while maintaining its ethereal pronunciation. Hayven began gaining modest popularity in the early 2000s as part of the trend toward names with positive connotations and aspirational meanings. It appeals to parents seeking names that blend familiar sounds with unique spellings. While not among the most common names, Hayven continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its uplifting meaning and the balance it strikes between uniqueness and recognizability.
                  • Hazel

                    • Origin:

                      English

                    • Meaning:

                      "the hazelnut tree"

                    • Description:

                      Hazel has a pleasantly hazy, brownish-green-eyed, old-fashioned image that more and more parents are choosing to share. Former Old Lady name Hazel reentered the popularity lists in 1998 and now is near the top of the charts.
                  • Heather

                    • Origin:

                      English botanical name

                    • Meaning:

                      "small shrub"

                    • Description:

                      This flower name was one of the most popular in her class in the seventies and eighties, a fact reflected in the 1989 movie Heathers, in which every snobby girl in the high school clique bears the name. Now, though still pretty and evocative of the Scottish moors, it has faded in favor of other purplish blooms. It fell out of the Top 1000 in 2016 after having been as high as Number 3 in 1975, when it was given to close to 25,000 girls. Across the pond in the UK however, it remains near the latter end of the Top 1000.
                  • Hollis

                    • Origin:

                      English

                    • Meaning:

                      "dweller at the holly trees"

                    • Description:

                      Hollis is a surname-name used quietly for both genders. At last count, it was given to over 200 baby boys and 160 baby girls in the US. Now a Top 1000 name for boys, it could well break into the charts for girls too in the coming years.
                  • Holly

                    • Origin:

                      English nature name

                    • Description:

                      Holly ranks just in British Top 50, but it's been out of favor here since the 1970s Era of Nickname Names. Still, the name may be on her way back as a rejuvenated nature pick.
                  • India

                    • Origin:

                      Place name, from the River Indus

                    • Description:

                      Euphonious and long stylish in England, India was one of the fastest-rising names on the 2013 list, after jumping 240 spots back into the Top 1000.
                  • Iris

                    • Origin:

                      Flower name; Greek

                    • Meaning:

                      "rainbow"

                    • Description:

                      Iris has so much going for it. It's a fashionable flower name. It's a mythological name, from the Greek goddess of the rainbow. And it's a classic name, always ranking in the girls' Top 1000 but now at its highest point ever.
                  • Isadora

                    • Origin:

                      Greek

                    • Meaning:

                      "gift of Isis"

                    • Description:

                      For a long time, Isadora has been overlooked in favor of Isabella, owing perhaps to its association with the tragic modern dancer, Isadora Duncan, or because parents would rather their daughter be a Bella than a Dora. Now, with Theodora back in the charts and vintage names in vogue, Isadora has been slowly gaining more attention over the last decade.
                  • 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.
                  • Isolde

                    • Origin:

                      Welsh, German

                    • Meaning:

                      "ice ruler"

                    • Description:

                      Now that Tristan has been rediscovered, maybe it's time for his fabled lover in the Arthurian romances and Wagnerian opera, a beautiful Irish princess, to be brought back into the light as well.
                  • James

                    • Origin:

                      Hebrew

                    • Meaning:

                      "supplanter"

                    • Description:

                      James for a girl? Believe it or not, this is one of the boy names for girls" gaining a lot of attention these days, since Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds shocked the world by choosing it for their eldest daughter in 2014 (after his late father).
                  • Jameson

                    • Origin:

                      English

                    • Meaning:

                      "son of James"

                    • Description:

                      Stylish surname way to go if you want to name a girl after a James, and is more substantial than the passé Jamie; it was chosen for their daughter by Chynna Phillips and Billy Baldwin.
                  • Jane

                    • Origin:

                      English

                    • Meaning:

                      "God is gracious"

                    • Description:

                      No, we don't consider Jane too plain. In fact, for a venerable and short one-syllable name, we think it packs a surprising amount of punch, as compared to the related Jean and Joan.
                  • Jolie

                    • Origin:

                      French

                    • Meaning:

                      "pretty"

                    • Description:

                      Jolie is as pretty as its literal meaning; nowadays it is also seen as a girls’ name, via Angelina for whom Jolie was originally her middle name.
                  • Juliet

                    • Origin:

                      English from Latin

                    • Meaning:

                      "youthful or sky father"

                    • Description:

                      One of the most romantic names, the lovely and stylish Juliet seems finally to have shaken off her limiting link to Romeo. In Shakespeare's play, it was Juliet who said "What's in a name?"
                  • June

                    • Origin:

                      Latin

                    • Meaning:

                      "young"

                    • Description:

                      June, a sweetly old-fashioned month name derived from the goddess Juno, was long locked in a time capsule with June Allyson (born Ella) and June Cleaver, but is rising again especially as a middle name.
                  • Juniper

                    • Origin:

                      Latin tree name

                    • Meaning:

                      "young"

                    • Description:

                      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.
                  • Kate

                    • Origin:

                      English, diminutive of Katherine

                    • Meaning:

                      "pure"

                    • Description:

                      Kate, in the headlines via Catherine Middleton aka the Princess of Wales, has been as pervasive as Kathy was in the 1950s and 1960s, both as a nickname for Katherine and Kaitlyn and as a strong, classic stand-alone name.
                  • Kyrie

                    • Origin:

                      Short form of Kyra or Greek

                    • Meaning:

                      "Lord"

                    • Description:

                      Kyrie elieson is one of the oldest religious refrains, meaning Lord, have mercy. As a first name, though, Kyrie is less a name of God and more a nickname-name that might be short for Kyra or a diminutive that stands on its own, a la Kylie. The best-known Kyrie is the male basketball player Kyrie Irving, who pronounces the first syllable to rhyme with my rather than fear. He has inspired more than 1000 baby boys to be given this name one recent year in the US, while it was given to 178 baby girls. Impressive numbers.
                  • Lacey

                    • Origin:

                      English

                    • Meaning:

                      "from Lassy"

                    • Description:

                      A unique combination of a surname feel and dainty femininity. It's currently associated with actress Lacey Chambert.
                  • Lainey

                    • Origin:

                      Diminutive of Elaine, French and Scottish

                    • Meaning:

                      "bright shining light"

                    • Description:

                      Nickname name Lainey has been rising since the turn of the century to become a Top 200 girls' name in the US today.
                  • Leah

                    • Origin:

                      Hebrew

                    • Meaning:

                      "weary"

                    • Description:

                      Strong but sweet, Leah is a classic name that doesn’t feel dull or dusty. It’s got plenty of dignity, grace, and pluck, making it a solid choice in the 21st century.
                  • Leighton

                    • Origin:

                      English

                    • Meaning:

                      "meadow town"

                    • Description:

                      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.
                  • Liliana

                    • Origin:

                      Italian and Spanish variations of Lilian

                    • Meaning:

                      "lily, a flower"

                    • Description:

                      Frilly and fit for a princess, but with plenty of spark and flair, Liliana holds international appeal and a modern glamor. Joining Lily and Lillian in the US Top 100 for the first time in 2022, Liliana is a fast-rising choice for girls.
                  • Lorelai

                    • Origin:

                      Spelling variation of Lorelei, German

                    • Meaning:

                      "alluring, temptress"

                    • Description:

                      Lorelai is the spelling used for the character played by Lauren Graham on The Gilmore Girls, as well as her daughter, who preferred the nickname Rory. The television show reintroduced this name to a new generation, but the Lorelai spelling could be confusing -- is it lor-ah-LAY? -- to those unacquainted with the Gilmores.
                  • Louise

                    • Origin:

                      French and English, feminine variation of Louis

                    • Meaning:

                      "renowned warrior"

                    • Description:

                      Louise has for several decades now been seen as competent, studious, and efficient—desirable if not dramatic qualities. But now along with a raft of other L names, as well as cousin Eloise, Louise is up for reappreciation—sleek and chic, stylish in Paris, and starting to become so in the US as well. Louisa is perhaps more in tune with the times, but Louise has more edge. Louise has been on the rise lately, and reentered the US Top 1000 for the first time in a quarter century in 2016.
                  • Lucille

                    • Origin:

                      French variation of Latin Lucilla

                    • Meaning:

                      "light"

                    • Description:

                      Lucille is a name that had long been overpowered by its link to Lucille Ball, with an image of tangerine-colored hair, big, round eyes, and a tendency to stage daffy and desperate stunts. But with the newfound craze for double-L names like Lily and Lila, Lulu and Luna, and as the choice of Lucille by hipster parents Maya Rudolph and Paul Thomas Anderson, Lucille is breaking free from its old clownish image, moving rapidly up the charts over the past decade after a long nap.
                  • Luella

                    • Origin:

                      Spelling variation of Louella

                    • Meaning:

                      "battle famous fairy maiden"

                    • Description:

                      Luella is a sleeker spelling variant of the girls' name Louella and is now more popular than the original. Sweet, but lively, it was a popular name in the the early 19th century, but fell out of favor in the 50s. Now, after a 60 year absence, it's back in the charts, in the US and the UK.
                  • Lula

                    • Origin:

                      Diminutive of any Lu name

                    • Description:

                      Lula is one of the livelier nickname-names with the fashionable double-L sound: It joins Lulu, Lila, Lily, and Lou among the trendiest names today. Lula might be short for Talula and sisters or for Lucy or Louise, or may stand on its own two adorable feet. Lula was actually a Top 50 name in the late 1880's and continued in the Top 100 for a couple of decades more.
                  • Lux

                    • Origin:

                      Latin

                    • Meaning:

                      "light"

                    • Description:

                      This name of a character played by Kirsten Dunst in the movie Virgin Suicides, originally a novel by Jeffrey Eugenides, is gaining attention, also thanks to the heroine Lux, Lady of Luminosity in the League of Legends games. Luz is the Spanish version.
                  • Maeve

                    • Origin:

                      Irish

                    • Meaning:

                      "she who intoxicates"

                    • Description:

                      Maeve is a short and sweet name that has become one of the most stylish Irish names for girls in the modern US. Maeve would make an excellent first or middle name choice, with more heft than Mae/May and more modern charm than Mavis.
                  • Magdalene

                    • Origin:

                      Spelling variation of Magdalen

                    • Meaning:

                      "woman from Magdala or high tower"

                    • Description:

                      This name made famous in the New Testament has gone from crusty grandma to sleek and chic in recent years, or is it months? The name's image is perhaps helped by the fact that Mary Magdalene was one of the most intriguing women inthe Bible, both a saint and a sinner.
                  • Magnolia

                    • Origin:

                      Flower name, from French surname

                    • Meaning:

                      "Magnol's flower"

                    • Description:

                      Magnolia, a sweet-smelling Southern belle of a name made famous via the iconic Edna Ferber novel and musical Showboat, is one of the latest wave of botanical names, along with unexpected blossoms Azalea and Zinnia. It is named for French botanist Pierre Magnol.
                  • Maisy

                    • Origin:

                      Scottish diminutive of Margaret

                    • Meaning:

                      "pearl"

                    • Description:

                      The Maisie spelling may be more widely used, but Maisy is perfectly proper and also makes the British Top 100. And as Maisy, she feels like a closer relative to Daisy, another Margaret diminutive.
                  • Mallory

                    • Origin:

                      French

                    • Meaning:

                      "unfortunate"

                    • Description:

                      Early 1980s sitcom (Family Ties) name that has been well used ever since, with an upbeat three-syllable sound and a slightly tomboyish edge.
                  • Margo

                    • Origin:

                      French, diminutive of Margaret

                    • Meaning:

                      "pearl"

                    • Description:

                      Margo and Margot sound exactly the same, so why has the Margot spelling hopped back onto the Top 1000, outpacing Margo in numbers more than two to one? (Over 350 baby girls were named Margot in the most recent year, versus 150 named Margo.)
                  • Mariah

                    • Origin:

                      Hebrew

                    • Meaning:

                      "the Lord is my teacher; or drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

                    • Description:

                      Thanks to Mariah Carey, everyone now knows this name – and is aware that Mariah's pronounced with a long i – just as Maria was in the Jane Austen era. And though Mariah now sounds modern, it was heard as far back as 1550 in Great Britain.
                  • Marilyn

                    • Origin:

                      English, combination of Mary and Lynn

                    • Meaning:

                      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + lake"

                    • Description:

                      For a name that was in the Top 20 for a whole decade – the 1930's – Marilyn has attained the status of almost a one-person name. Just say the name Marilyn, and most people will know who you mean. Yet strangely enough, though Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jean and renamed in tribute to earlier star Marilyn Miller) was the sex symbol of her generation, very little stardust adhered to her name. In fact, when Mariah Carey wished to honor the star in her daughter's name, she chose to call her Monroe rather than Marilyn.
                  • Marlowe

                    • Origin:

                      Variation of Marlow, English

                    • Meaning:

                      "driftwood"

                    • Description:

                      Is it Marlo, Marlow, or Marlowe? Suddenly they all seem very much in the air, in tune with rhyming cousins Harlow and Arlo. It all started when Margaret Julia Thomas began being known as Marlo (after being previously nicknamed Margie and Marlow). More recently, Jason Schwartzman used the e-ending version for his young daughter, Marlowe Rivers, as did Sienna Miller for her baby girl Marlowe Ottoline.
                  • Meredith

                    • Origin:

                      Welsh

                    • Meaning:

                      "great ruler"

                    • Description:

                      Meredith is a soft, gentle-sounding name with subtle Welsh roots. Although originally a boys’ name , Meredith is used mainly for girls now.
                  • Monroe

                    • Origin:

                      Scottish

                    • Meaning:

                      "mouth of the Roe river"

                    • Description:

                      Monroe is a presidential name which, thanks to the immortal beauty of Marilyn Monroe, is catching on fast for baby girls. Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon chose it for their twin daughter, honoring Marilyn Monroe. Their use of Monroe as a girls’ name did much to revive this Old Man name, a la Sydney, as a newly fashionable choice for girls.
                  • Nevaeh

                    • Origin:

                      Modern invented name

                    • Description:

                      Nevaeh: an already bold word name with the unusual twist of being spelled backwards; a nightmare for those who love traditional, classic names; a divisive option on name forums across the internet; and a spelling and pronunciation that aren’t quite intuitive at first glance.
                  • Nicolette

                    • Origin:

                      French, diminutive of Nicole, feminine variation of Nicholas, Greek

                    • Meaning:

                      "people of victory"

                    • Description:

                      Nicolette is the ultra-feminine name of an enchanting princess in the medieval French romance, Aucassin et Nicolette, a name that got stacks of publicity in the heyday of Desperate Housewives and its star Nicolette Sheridan. It was also the name of Chloe Sevigny's character in Big Love.
                  • Niina

                    • Description:

                      Niina is a beautiful Finnish variation of Nina, though it's also used in Estonia and other Baltic regions. The doubled 'i' creates a distinctive spelling while maintaining the same pronunciation as Nina in most cases. With roots in multiple languages, Niina carries various meanings including 'grace' from its Spanish connections and 'strong' or 'mighty' from its Slavic origins. In Nordic countries, the name has been consistently popular since the mid-20th century, appreciated for its simple elegance and international appeal. Niina strikes a perfect balance between familiarity and uniqueness, offering a slightly uncommon spelling of a recognized name. Though more prevalent in Finland and neighboring countries, Niina has gained modest recognition globally as parents seek names with cross-cultural significance and distinctive character.
                  • 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.
                  • Paige

                    • Origin:

                      English, occupational name

                    • Meaning:

                      "page to a lord"

                    • Description:

                      Paige is more name, and less word than the occupational Page. Paige is also sleek and sophisticated a la Brooke and Blair and reached as high as Number 47 in 2003, when there was a very popular television show, Trading Spaces, hosted by the energetic Paige Davis.
                  • Parker

                    • Origin:

                      English occupational name

                    • Meaning:

                      "park keeper"

                    • Description:

                      Indie actress Parker Posey put a female imprint on this sophisticated surname that's still about three times as common for boys but rising for both sexes. Parker has the advantage of its nature connection, relating it to such occupational names as Gardener and Forester.
                  • Penny

                    • Origin:

                      English, diminutive of Penelope

                    • Description:

                      Like Peggy and Patsy, the kind of zesty moniker young Judy Garland would sport in her early let's-put-on-a-show flicks. It fell out of favor (and the Top 1000) for a while, but has recently rebounded by reentering the charts in 2013. Expect it to continue gaining traction on the heels of Penelope.
                  • Pepper

                    • Origin:

                      English from Latin, Sanskrit, "the pepper plant; berry"

                    • Meaning:

                      "the pepper plant; berry"

                    • Description:

                      With its bubbly sounds and stylish feel, Pepper joins a small but distinctive group of names inspired by the spice rack: Saffron, Juniper, Cassia, Sage, Ginger, and Rosemary. Enough like Pippa, Piper and Penelope that it feels usable, Pepper has appeared every year in the US stats since the 60s.
                  • Pippa

                    • Origin:

                      English, diminutive of Philippa

                    • Meaning:

                      "lover of horses"

                    • Description:

                      Pippa, a peppy condensation of Philippa that turns it from serious to sprightly, has come into the public eye in a big way via the former Kate Middleton's sister.
                  • Priya

                    • Origin:

                      Sanskrit

                    • Meaning:

                      "beloved"

                    • Description:

                      Priya originated in India as a name derived from the Sanskrit word for "beloved." In India, where names are often given based on one’s birthday and horoscope, Priya is traditionally given to girls born in August. Priya is used in Hindu mythology as the name of a daughter of King Daksha—known for fathering 146 daughters.
                  • Quinn

                    • Origin:

                      Irish

                    • Meaning:

                      "descendant of Conn, chief leader, intelligence"

                    • Description:

                      Quinn is one of the first popular Irish unisex surnames, a strong and attractive choice on the rise for girls but still popular for boys. Quinn was used for about 3000 baby girls and 700 boys in the US last year.
                  • Ramona

                    • Origin:

                      Spanish, feminine variation of Ramon

                    • Meaning:

                      "wise protector"

                    • Description:

                      Ramona is a sweet spot name – neither too trendy nor too eccentric. Kids will associate it with the clever Ramona Quimby character in the series of books by Beverly Cleary, also seen on TV. It was chosen by starcouple Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard for their little girl, who would be joined by sister Gloria.
                  • Reece

                    • Origin:

                      Welsh

                    • Meaning:

                      "ardor"

                    • Description:

                      Reece is a less popular respelling of Reese, made famous by actress Witherspoon. Reese is the most popular spelling for girls and Rhys for boys, with Reece given to about four times as many boys as girls.
                  • Reed

                    • Origin:

                      English

                    • Meaning:

                      "red-haired"

                    • Description:

                      Sleek, unisex surname rarely heard for girls -- which could be seen as an asset.
                  • Reverie

                    • Origin:

                      Word name

                    • Description:

                      Reverie is a strong-sounding word for an ethereal, dreamlike state -- a perfect contrast and meaning for a word that intends to become a first name. Popular mommy blogger Rebecca Woolf of Girls Gone Child named one of her twin daughters Reverie, setting off a groundswell of interest.
                  • Rory

                    • Origin:

                      Irish

                    • Meaning:

                      "red king"

                    • Description:

                      Rory is a buoyant, spirited name for a redhead with Celtic roots. The name Rory is getting more popular overall, but for the past few years has been trending decidedly toward the boys' side -- however, it's been rising to new heights for girls in recent years.
                  • Rosemary

                    • Origin:

                      Latin or English

                    • Meaning:

                      "dew of the sea, or rosemary (herb)"

                    • Description:

                      Despite appearances, Rosemary is not a "smoosh" name, not even a traditional one. The name derives from two Latin terms "Ros" meaning ‘dew’ and "Marinus" "meaning "of the sea". The plant was termed ‘dew of the sea’ due to its salty texture and its ability to thrive in coastal climes. Only after the Middle Ages did the English names of Rose and Mary become interchanged with the name Rosmarinus and give us the modern name we use today.
                  • 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.
                  • Rudy

                    • Origin:

                      German, short form of Rudolph

                    • Meaning:

                      "famous wolf"

                    • Description:

                      Rudy hasn't yet enjoyed the comeback of cousin name Ruby, despite having been chosen by hip couple Sadie Frost and Jude Law, but it still could happen.
                  • Rue

                    • Origin:

                      Botanical names or word name

                    • Meaning:

                      "herb; regret"

                    • Description:

                      Rue has gone from Golden Girls actress to Hunger Games heroine to a fresh alternative to beloved middle name Rose. This botanical name is also a coincidental double word name, meaning "regret" in English and "street" in French. Despite these unfortunate secondary meanings, Rue has real potential to be one of the most popular new middle names for girls.
                  • 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.
                  • Saige

                    • Origin:

                      Spelling variation of Sage

                    • Description:

                      What works for Paige just doesn’t work for Sage. The added i will likely create a lifetime of spelling mistakes.
                  • Savannah

                    • Origin:

                      Spanish

                    • Meaning:

                      "flat tropical grassland"

                    • Description:

                      A place name with a deep Southern accent, the once-obscure Savannah shot to fame, with others of its genre, on the heels of the best seller Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which was set in the mossy Georgia city of Savannah. Originally a substitute for the overused Samantha, Savannah is now popular itself, long among the top girls' names starting with S.
                  • Sawyer

                    • Origin:

                      English occupational name

                    • Meaning:

                      "woodcutter"

                    • Description:

                      Sawyer is one of the top unisex names, used for their daughters by such parents as Sara Gilbert, co-host of The Talk and former actress on Roseanne, currently on The Conners.
                  • Scout

                    • Origin:

                      Word name

                    • Meaning:

                      "one who gathers information covertly"

                    • Description:

                      Scout, a character nickname from To Kill a Mockingbird (her real name was Jean Louise), became a real-life possibility when Bruce Willis and Demi Moore used it for their now-grown middle daughter, followed by Tom Berenger a few years later.
                  • Seraphina

                    • Origin:

                      Hebrew

                    • Meaning:

                      "ardent; fiery"

                    • Description:

                      Seraphina is one of the most-searched name on Nameberry, destined for even greater popularity. The highest-ranking angels, the six-winged seraphim, inspired the lovely name Seraphina.
                  • Sienna

                    • Origin:

                      Italian color name

                    • Meaning:

                      "orange red"

                    • Description:

                      Sienna has been a Top 100 choice in England & Wales since 2005, the year after Sienna Miller's acting breakthrough in the hit movies Alfie and Layer Cake. In the US, it also got a big boost in the early noughties, before dropping slightly then rebounding to reach an all-time high in 2022.
                  • Simone

                    • Origin:

                      French, feminine variation of Hebrew Simon

                    • Meaning:

                      "listening, hearkening"

                    • Description:

                      Simone, the elegant French feminization of Simon, strikes that all-important balance between unusual and familiar, and it's oozing with Gallic sophistication. A dated choice in its native France, gymnast Simone Biles brings new bounce and spark to name.
                  • Skyler

                    • Origin:

                      Spelling variation of Skylar or Schuyler

                    • Description:

                      While Skylar is currently the most popular spelling choice for girls, the Skyler option is more (statistically) unisex. Given to boy and girls in nearly equal numbers each year, it ranks around the middle of the US Top 1000.
                  • Sloane

                    • Origin:

                      Irish

                    • Meaning:

                      "raider"

                    • Description:

                      Sloane is a sleek, sophisticated surname name that has gradually morphed over to the girls' side. With its distinctive and intriguing sound, Sloane has been in the US Top 1000 since 2009, and in 2022, it made its first appearance in the UK charts, jumping more than 400 places in a single year.
                  • Summer

                    • Origin:

                      Word name

                    • Description:

                      The temperature is definitely rising for this popular seasonal name, which began being used in the seventies, and has been heard consistently ever since.
                  • Sutton

                    • Origin:

                      English

                    • Meaning:

                      "from the southern homestead"

                    • Description:

                      Sutton is a habitational surname propelled to popularity by Tony-winning Broadway actress Sutton Foster, who's also the star of Hulu's Younger -- based on a novel written by Nameberry co-creator Pamela Redmond.
                  • Tatum

                    • Origin:

                      English

                    • Meaning:

                      "Tate's homestead"

                    • Description:

                      Tatum is strong, distinctive, energetic, and recommended, especially if your last name is as congenial as O'Neal. The name is now used for both genders, with the balance running about two to one in favor of the girls.
                  • Teegan

                    • Description:

                      Teegan is a contemporary feminine name with Irish and Welsh origins. It likely derives from the Irish surname Ó Tadhgáin (descendant of Tadhgán) or possibly from the Welsh 'teg' meaning 'fair' or 'beautiful.' The name emerged in popularity primarily in the late 20th century in North America and Australia. Teegan carries a modern, energetic quality with its crisp sounds and rhythmic flow. For girls, it represents a balance between strength and approachability, appealing to parents seeking a name that's distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell. Though still relatively uncommon, Teegan has established itself as a recognizable contemporary choice that fits with trends favoring two-syllable names with strong consonant sounds.

                  • Veda

                    • Origin:

                      Sanskrit

                    • Meaning:

                      "knowledge"

                    • Description:

                      A name with religious resonance, as the Vedas are the most sacred texts of Hinduism. Outside of that religious context, Veda has the makings of a modern popular name, with its sharp V initial, two syllables, and feminine a ending. This is evidenced by it reentry into the US Top 1000 in 2015, after fifty-five years off the list. Similar names on the rise are Vera and Vada.
                  • Violet

                    • Origin:

                      English from Latin

                    • Meaning:

                      "purple"

                    • Description:

                      Violet is soft and sweet, yet with a vivacious edge. Today, Violet is the top flower name for girls, outranking Lily and Iris in the Top 100, and the second most popular color name for girls after Scarlett.
                  • Vivienne

                    • Origin:

                      French variation of Vivian

                    • Meaning:

                      "life"

                    • Description:

                      Vivienne is an elaborated Gallic version of the name Vivian, chosen first by Rosie O'Donnell for her daughter and then catapulted to superstardom when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie used it for their twin daughter. An adult namesake is the British designer Vivienne Westwood. Rosie O'Donnell also has a daughter named Vivienne, known as Vivi.
                  • Wade

                    • Origin:

                      English

                    • Meaning:

                      "at the river crossing"

                    • Description:

                      An established male name that might cross over to the girls' side -- though if it's a water name you're after, there are so many prettier choices.
                  • Waverly

                    • Origin:

                      English

                    • Meaning:

                      "meadow of quivering aspens"

                    • Description:

                      Waverly, with its literary resonance and lilting three-syllable sound, could well become the next generation's successor to Kimberly. Its upper-crusty surname feel places it among the new stylish English names for girls, successors to Ashley and Whitney.
                  • Winslet

                    • Origin:

                      English surname and place-name

                    • Meaning:

                      "Wynn's channel or stream"

                    • Description:

                      Winslet is one of a legion of surnames newly considered fair game as first names. The inspiration may be British star Kate, but she's not the only reason parents are attracted to Winslet, one of those British girl names that sounds at once classy and winning. Yet be warned that if you choose this, people will forever assume you are major fans of the actress. Other Win- beginning names up for new consideration: Winslow, Winston, Wynton, Winifred and Winnie, along with just plain Win or Wyn or Wynn.
                  • Wren

                    • Origin:

                      English

                    • Meaning:

                      "small bird"

                    • Description:

                      Wren, a lilting songbird name, could be the next Robin. Wren entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2012 and is among the new wave of popular English names for girls.
                  • eisley
                    • ellory
                      • ellowyn
                        • henslee
                          • mackinley
                            • mayley
                              • mearah
                                • miller
                                  • quinleigh
                                    • rehna
                                      • rhylie
                                        • tennison