Girl Names I Love

A slow and sultry southern choice that's definitely cool for babies of either gender. While the word feels French and has its roots in 18th century French Louisiana, it derives from the Choctaw word bayuk, which means "small stream."

Corisande is a very unusual, haunting choice, with the aura of medieval romance--it is found in early Spanish romantic tales, arriving in the English-speaking world in the nineteenth century.

Tied to the bluesy southern city and to the world heritage cite in Egypt after which it was named, Memphis is a modern choice with ancient history. Currently significantly more popular for boys in the US, as a place name with sounds reminiscent of Paris, Meredith and Emma, it has plenty of potential as a unisex choice.

A rarely heard name that might appeal to parents looking for an unusual name starting with "Z".

This pretty, international feminization of Matthew was chosen by Mira Sorvino for her daughter, Mattea Angel. As the Spanish Mateo and the Italian Matteo become more popular for baby boys throughout Europe, the English-speaking world, and the Americas, Mattea is sure to get wider recognition. And as Theo and Thea have become fashionable names, Teo and Tea are rising too.

November is one of a growing list of month names that can work for a baby boy, and is also one of the ideal names for November babies.

This French name meaning goddess is a possible Gallic import in the Celine mode.

An unusual floral -wen name which was the name of an 1878 opera by Welsh composer Joseph Parry.

New Testament, Texas, and Kansas place-name more fitting for a girl.

Brighid is the original Gaelic form of the name of the mythological goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom. More commonly found these days in any number of different guises: Bridget, Brigid, Brigitte et al. Whatever form it takes, Brighid is one of the most classic and enduring Irish names for girls.

Antha is a rare feminine name with Greek origins, possibly derived from 'anthos' meaning 'flower.' It may also be considered a variant of the name Anthea, which refers to the Greek goddess of flowers and gardens. Antha carries a delicate, vintage quality that appeals to parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible. While never achieving widespread popularity in the United States or other English-speaking countries, it has maintained a quiet presence throughout the decades. The name conveys a sense of natural beauty and grace, with its soft sounds and floral associations making it an elegant choice for a daughter.

This fabric word name would be a one-of-a-kind.

This name of a supermodel from Ukraine is not one of those Eastern European choices that translate easily or attractively.

Much fresher and more energetic than Dominique.

The name of a sixth century Welsh saint who founded abbeys in Brittany, reconstituted for a modern girl.

This feminine form of the Hebrew unisex name Erel, possibly a form of Ariel, is used in modern Israel. Also found as Erella and Erelah.

Pretty and distinctive choice for poetry lovers.

A dramatic and adorable name with a lot of sweep and swoosh. Also spelled Anush.