Favorite Girl Names

Associated with a vivid red-orange-colored lacquer, would make a more than distinctive color-related choice.

Blu is a new (nu?) spin on an increasingly popular color name, also spelled Blue and Bleu by celebrity parents. Blu is the spelling used for one of the (male) Waldrop quintuplets, but the name is gender neutral.

A traditionally masculine surname, denoting the head of a monastery, a priest, or someone who worked for a church official, Abbott may appeal as a fresh spin on Biblical Abigail. Quietly used for boys, it has seen very occasional use for girls since the 2000s.

North's image and gender status was irrevocably changed when Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announced it as the name of their newborn daughter. But why not? West is firmly established as a name, Easton is coming up strong, and North has a nice solid sound as well -- certainly as appropriate for either gender. South, though, not so much.

Pleasant-sounding word that could morph into a unique Sunday-picnic-type name.

Orleanna was the young heroine of Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible.

A rich brown hue, but can be misheard as Amber, said with a pretentious accent.

Affable and creative and perfectly able to stand alone; nothing Scroogish about it.

Eliot is the sleekest spelling of the original, very occasionally used for girls, perhaps to honor novelist George Eliot.

Pronounced Beshette, this unfamiliar French appellation sounds fresh and feminine.

Junot is an uncommon feminine name with French origins, possibly derived as a diminutive of 'June' or from the French surname Junot (notable from one of Napoleon's generals, Jean-Andoche Junot). The name has a delicate, sophisticated sound while maintaining brevity. As a first name, Junot remains quite rare, giving it a distinctive quality. It features a modern, international feel with its crisp ending and elegant pronunciation. The name may appeal to parents seeking something uncommon with French flair. While not widely used, Junot's simplicity and subtle sophistication make it accessible despite its uniqueness.