Favorite Girl Names

I never was one for those plain-Jane names (my name is Sabriyah, so it makes sense.) I like names with a story behind them, a culture, something interesting. These names are ones that I found charming to one day name a little girl :)
  1. Alandra
    • Description:

      Alandra is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a feminine form of Alexander, meaning 'defender of mankind,' a variation of the Greek name Leandra, meaning 'lion woman,' or a modified form of Alanna or Alanda. The name has a romantic, flowing quality with its melodic three-syllable structure. Alandra carries a slightly exotic flair while remaining accessible in pronunciation and spelling. Though not among the most common names, it has maintained steady if modest usage across Spanish-speaking countries and in the United States since the mid-20th century. The name blends traditional elements with a contemporary feel, appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet familiar-sounding. Its musical quality and positive potential meanings contribute to its enduring appeal despite its relative rarity.

  2. Alexandrine
    • Origin:

      French and German variation of Alexandra
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      Alexandra is a name with many international variations, elaborations and short forms, and Alexandrine is one of the more unusual. Another, Alexandrina, was the first name of Queen Victoria.
  3. Amaliya
    • Description:

      Amaliya is a feminine name with Slavic origins, representing a variant spelling of Amalia or Amelia. These names derive from the Germanic word 'amal,' meaning 'work' or 'labor,' suggesting industriousness and diligence. The spelling Amaliya is particularly common in Russian, Ukrainian, and other Eastern European cultures. The name carries a graceful quality with its flowing syllables and melodic pronunciation. While not among the most popular names in Western countries, Amaliya has maintained consistent use throughout Eastern Europe and has gained some international recognition. The name's cross-cultural appeal lies in its familiar sound pattern while offering a distinctive spelling. Amaliya conveys both strength and elegance, making it attractive to parents seeking a name with traditional roots but a slightly unconventional presentation.

  4. Andrina
    • Origin:

      Greek, feminine form of Andrew
    • Description:

      Andrina is best-known as an older sister of The Little Mermaid.
  5. Angelina
    • Origin:

      Greek, Italian, Spanish, Russian diminutive of Angela
    • Meaning:

      "angel"
    • Description:

      The gorgeous Angelina Jolie has promoted the star power of her name and changed Angelina's image from delicate to intense, from older Italian mama to stylish multi-cultural child. Kids might relate to the dancing mouse in the series of charming children's books, Angelina Ballerina, or to the Harry Potter character, Angelina Johnson Weasley, a member of Dumbledore's army.
  6. Aria
    • Origin:

      Italian and Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "air; song or melody; lion"
    • Description:

      Aria is a multi-cultural name with two extremely popular versions: this more word-like one along with Arya, the spelling used for the feisty young heroine of Game of Thrones. There were about 6400 baby girls named Aria in the US last year alog with 2400 named Arya, which counted together places the name in the Top 10.
  7. Arielle
    • Origin:

      French variation of Ariel
    • Meaning:

      "lion of God"
    • Description:

      While not as popular as the Ariel spelling of Little Mermaid fame, this rendition has achieved popularity in its own right.
  8. Aubree
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Aubrey
    • Meaning:

      "elf ruler"
    • Description:

      Aubree and its big sister name Aubrey are both very widely used names, and if taken together would be among the most popular girl names. The Aubree spelling came into the limelight on the show Teen Mom 2.
  9. Audriana
    • Origin:

      English compound name, Audrey + Ana
    • Meaning:

      "noble strength + grace"
    • Description:

      Variation of Adriana, with a dash of Audrey thrown in. While fewer than 100 baby girls are named Audriana in the US each year, it's part of a constellation of names including Aubrey, Aubriana, and Ariana that are used for thousands of girls and will make the name feel far more popular than the numbers indicate.
  10. Aurora
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "dawn"
    • Description:

      The goddess name Aurora has consistently been on the US popularity list since the nineteenth century, but has really taken off in the past 30 years. Aurora also enjoys remarkable international popularity, ranking in the Top 100 throughout the English-speaking world as well as in Italy, Spain, Norway, Switzerland, and several other European and Latin American countries.
  11. Ashlinn
    • Bijou
      • Origin:

        French
      • Meaning:

        "jewel"
      • Description:

        Bijou is a name that lives up to its definition -- a real jewel. Warning: not unheard of on poodles' dog collars. Actress Bijou Phillips is its best known bearer. It can also be spelled Bijoux.
    • Brielle
      • Origin:

        Short form of Gabrielle, French, Cajun, Hebrew, Celtic
      • Meaning:

        "god is my strength; hunting grounds"
      • Description:

        Though it sounds modern, Brielle is, among other things, a traditional Cajun contraction of Gabrielle, and the name of a historic seaport in the Western Netherlands, also known as Brill. Today, it is used more widely as a nickname for Gabrielle and as a stand-alone name that fits in easily with Isabelle, Briana, and Brinley. In a recent year, it appeared in the US Top 200, ranking above the longer form and used nearly four times as often.
    • Brynna
      • Origin:

        Welsh
      • Meaning:

        "hill"
      • Description:

        You say Bryn, he says Bryana -- here's a name you might agree on.
    • Cassia
      • Origin:

        Feminine form of Cassius or Greek
      • Meaning:

        "cinnamon"
      • Description:

        Cassia is related to the cassia tree, which has yellow flowers and produces a spice that can be a substitute for cinnamon. Keziah, the name of Job’s daughter in the Old Testament, derives from the name of the plant as well. Cassia also has ties to the Ancient Roman name Cassius, an Ancient Roman family name meaning "hollow."
    • Cerise
      • Origin:

        French
      • Meaning:

        "cherry"
      • Description:

        Infinitely preferable to the tease-inspiring English version of the word.
    • Charlaina
      • Description:

        Charlaina is a feminine elaboration of Charlotte, ultimately derived from the masculine name Charles, meaning 'free man.' This ornate variant combines the classic root with a melodic ending that gives it a romantic, elaborate quality. Similar to names like Elaina or Alaina, the '-aina' suffix adds a contemporary flourish to the traditional name. Charlaina began appearing occasionally in the United States during the mid-20th century but remains quite rare. The name offers the popular nickname Charlie/Charli, which has become increasingly fashionable for girls. Charlaina appeals to parents who appreciate Charlotte's classic heritage but desire something more distinctive. Its uncommon status makes it stand out while still maintaining connections to a well-established naming tradition.
    • Clara
      • Origin:

        Latin
      • Meaning:

        "bright, clear"
      • Description:

        Clara is a strong, lovely girls' name that's always ranked among the US Top 1000 girl names but has been climbing since the turn of this century. It now ranks right around Number 100, making it a modern classic that's neither too popular nor unfamiliar.
    • Clarissa
      • Origin:

        Elaboration of Clara
      • Meaning:

        "bright, clear"
      • Description:

        Clarissa, the daintier version of Claire, has a long literary history of its own, having been featured in the novels of Samuel Richardson, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf—Clarissa was the title character of Mrs. Dalloway—not to mention the 1990s teen sitcom, Clarissa Explains it All.
    • Elena
      • Origin:

        Spanish, Italian, German, Greek variation of Helen
      • Meaning:

        "bright, shining light"
      • Description:

        Elena is at its most popular point ever in the US, thanks to its cross-cultural appeal and the overall popularity of El- names. It's more international than Ellen or Eleanor, but still accessible.