​
​
Advanced Search

Storybook Girls

  1. Arianna

    • Origin:

      Italian form of Ariadne, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "most holy"

    • Description:

      A smooth, attractive choice, Arianna's on the rise with both single and double 'r's and 'n's. Single 'r' double 'n' Arianna — the second most popular version of the name — is these days associated with Greek-born blog queen Arianna Huffington.
  2. Trixie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Beatrix, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "she who brings happiness"

    • Description:

      A sassy, spunky name for the bold parent who doesn't remember Mrs. Ed Norton on The Honeymooners or who's into the nicknames-as-given-names trend sweeping the UK and returning to the US.
  3. Beth

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      The sweetest and most sensitive of the pet names for Elizabeth, now also one of the most dated.
  4. Maureen

    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Mary, Hebrew or Egyptian

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"

    • Description:

      Almost as popular in the 1950s among the Irish in Boston as it was with those back in Bray, Maureen was once among the most prominent Irish names for girls in the US but has fallen from favor along with most of her een-ending sisters such as Eileen and Colleen.
  5. Jill

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Gillian or Juliana

    • Meaning:

      "youthful"

    • Description:

      Probably due to its nursery rhyme association, Jill has the perpetual air of a rosy-cheeked tot -- even though it is one of the oldest names on the roster, a medieval variation on the Roman Julia. The pairing of Jack and Jill to connote a generic boy and girl goes back at least to the fifteenth century. But can knowing Jill's history keep it from sounding like a cute mid-twentieth century invention? There may be some possibility of Jill making it back up the hill.
  6. Arya

    • Origin:

      Sanskrit; Modern variation of Aria

    • Meaning:

      "noble; air/song"

    • Description:

      Arya was derived from an Indo-Iranian word meaning "Aryan" or "noble." It is a masculine given name in Iran, Indonesia, Bali, and Sanskrit-speaking regions of India. In Hindu- and English-speaking parts of the world, Arya is more often a feminine name, the latter influenced by the similar Italian name Aria, meaning "air" or "song."
  7. Mariel

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Latin American, English, and Filipino diminutive of Mary, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

    • Description:

      Actress and author Mariel Hemingway popularized this attractive and unusual variation of Mary, which first emerged in the 20th century. Also the name of a Cuban town — which provided the source of the actress's name — Mariel is popular in Mexico, and recently saw a spike in interest in the US, tripling in use since 2020.
  8. Jessie

    • Origin:

      Anglicized form of Teasagh or diminutive of Jessica, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "behold or wealthy"

    • Description:

      Jessie has never been used as much as Jennie/Jenny, partly because it's a boys’ name as well (spelled Jesse), but it does have a friendly and unpretentious pioneer feel. In Scotland, it's found as an Anglicized form of Teasagh, itself a form of Jean, and is used as a full name. And in the rest of the world, Jessie may be short for Jessica or used on its own.
  9. Anthea

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "flowery"

    • Description:

      This unjustly neglected floral name has a BBC accent and a Greek mythological heritage: Anthea is an epithet of Hera, the Greek queen of the gods, and her name has been used as poetic symbol of spring.
  10. Ronia

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God's joyful song"

    • Description:

      Hebrew name related to Ronit and Roni, also used in different cultures as Ronya, Ronja, and Roniya. Virtually unknown in the English-speaking world though certainly an easily-translatable choice.
  11. Georgina

    • Origin:

      English, feminine variation of George

    • Meaning:

      "farmer"

    • Description:

      Now more popular than Georgiana in Britain, this elegant Dickens. Jane Austen name deserves attention. Most American parents prefer Georgia to Georgina or any other feminization of George.
  12. Aerin

    • Origin:

      Tolkien Middle Earth invention, or variation of Erin

    • Description:

      In Tolkien's world, the derivation of this airy name is Elvish. Regular folks might consider it an artsier form of Erin, borne by cosmetics heiress and socialite Aerin Lauder.
  13. Maja

    • Origin:

      German, Slovene, and Scandinavian form of Maya; also, Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "splendid"

    • Description:

      Whether you pronounce it my-a, ma-zha or ma-ha, Maja is an intriguing choice. Sometimes associated with Goya's famous painting "The Naked Maja." As a cognate of Maya, it's a Top 10 name in Slovenia and Sweden and is also popular in Germany and Norway.
  14. Pauline

    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Paul

    • Meaning:

      "small"

    • Description:

      Pauline had its moment of glory almost a century ago, when movie audiences were thrilling to the silent serial The Perils of Pauline; it's a sweet and gentle name that just might be due for reconsideration. Off the list since the late 1990s, Pauline was a Top 50 name from around 1908 to 1930.
  15. Arrietty

    • Origin:

      Literary name, variation of Harriet

    • Description:

      A pretty, dainty name for one of the little characters in the children's book series The Borrowers. It was the basis for a later Studio Ghible animated film, The Secret World of Arrietty. While the connection to Harriet is tenuous, you might want to consider Arrietty as an honorific for an ancestral Harriet, Harry, or even Henry or Henrietta.
  16. Roberta

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Robert, English from German

    • Meaning:

      "bright fame"

    • Description:

      Roberta has been one of the most successful feminization names, up at #64 in 1936. It's a name that's found all over children's lit, often nicknamed Bobbie or Robbie, though Bertie is another possibility. Notable bearers have included singers Roberta Flack and Roberta Peters--plus it's the birth name of Joni Mitchell.
  17. Junie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of June

    • Description:

      A cute nickname, but June is a much better bet for the birth certificate.
  18. Imogene

    • Description:

      Imogene is a feminine name of Celtic origin, believed to be derived from the Gaelic word 'imogen,' meaning 'maiden' or 'daughter.' Some scholars suggest it may also have connections to the Latin phrase 'Iphigenia,' from Greek mythology. The name gained literary significance through Shakespeare's play 'Cymbeline,' where the virtuous protagonist bears this name. Imogene enjoyed moderate popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries before declining, though it has seen renewed interest in recent years as part of the revival of vintage names. With its combination of classical literary associations and a distinctive, melodic sound, Imogene appeals to parents seeking names with historical depth, intellectual connections, and a touch of antiquated elegance.

  19. Pippi

    • Origin:

      Norse variation of Philippa

    • Meaning:

      "lover of horses"

    • Description:

      Pippi may be cute but isn't very practical. In addition to being forever Pippi Longstocking, there is that variant pee-pee spelling to consider. Try Pippa instead.
  20. Jo

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Joanna or Josephine, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"

    • Description:

      The name Jo still evokes the spunky image of the character in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. Its literary status makes Jo one of the OG boyish nicknames for girls, ala Frankie, Billie, and Stevie. If you like that form, you can lengthen it to Joey.