wonderful girl names
- Prue
Origin:
Short form of Prudence, English virtue nameMeaning:
"caution"Description:
After a long time in limbo, Prudence is now so clunky it'a cool, and it's starting to make a comeback, along with other Puritan virtue names like Mercy, Patience, and Constance.
- Raphaela
Origin:
Hebrew, feminine variation of RaphaelMeaning:
"God has healed"Description:
A euphonious and lovely name with a dark-eyed, long-flowing-haired image, Raphaela is, like Gabriella and Isabella, beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream.
- Nelia
Origin:
Diminutive of CorneliaMeaning:
"horn"Description:
This lively and appealing name originated as a short form of Cornelia, but is well able to stand on its own. Nelia is also often in the Hispanic culture, where it can be a short form of Manuela. It did have some American usage in the late nineteenth century, and with Cornelia having a comeback, Nelia could follow.
- Luneth
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"moon"Description:
With Luna's Top 10 popularity, can Luneth and other variations be far behind?
- Frieda
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"peace"Description:
This traditional Germanic name hasn't been on the U.S. list since 1958, but perhaps due to the mythic power of painter Frida Kahlo, parents are beginning to show some interest in it.
- Galina
Origin:
Russian and Slavic feminine form of Galen, GreekMeaning:
"calm, healer"Description:
Commonly used in Russia, has an Old World Slavic feel. The original Galen can be used for girls as well as boys.
- Bryce
Origin:
Scottish surnameMeaning:
"speckled, freckled"Description:
Bryce is the preferred spelling over Brice for both genders, with nearly 70 girls named Bryce in one recent year vs. only five called Brice. But note that there were over 3000 boys named Bryce and 240 named Brice, making this a predominantly male name. Actress Bryce Dallas Howard, daughter of director Ron, is the most notable female bearer of this name.
- Calandra
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"lark"Description:
Calista Flockhart opened the door to a whole flock of graceful and unusual Greek names like this, including Calantha, Calla, Carissa, and Cassia. Calandra itself is the name of a species of lark, and has the versatile nickname options of Callie, Candy, Andra, Andie and Birdie.
- Ariadna
Origin:
Spanish, Catalan, Russian, Polish variation of Ariadne, GreekMeaning:
"most holy"Description:
Romantic and elegant but tough and sparky at the same time, Ariadna is a variation of the Greek Ariadne, predominantly used among Spanish speakers. In Greek mythology, Ariadne was the daughter of King Minos of Crete who oversaw the labyrinth, where she later helped Theseus defeat the Minotaur.
- Callaia
Origin:
English, GreekMeaning:
"beauty"Description:
A spin on Calia or Calla, with a lot of fashionable sounds.
- Eula
Origin:
Diminutive of EulaliaDescription:
Eula is a slightly sweeter and more compact version of Eulalia. Currently, neither name is given to more than a handful of girls each year. Eula was fairly popular in the US during the early twentieth century, and she last ranked in the Top 1000 in 1960.
- Nyah
Description:
Nyah is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, giving it rich multicultural significance. In Arabic, it's related to 'Nia' meaning 'purpose' or 'intention.' In Swahili traditions, it connects to similar meanings of 'purpose' or 'resolve.' Some associate it with Hebrew origins meaning 'beauty' or consider it a variation of the name 'Nya.' The name gained visibility in Western countries in the early 2000s, partly due to increased interest in distinctive multicultural names with concise, flowing sounds. Nyah features prominently in contemporary naming trends that favor short, vowel-rich names ending in 'ah.' Its international roots and melodic quality make it appealing to parents seeking a name that's both accessible and distinctive.
- Davida
Origin:
Feminine variation of DavidMeaning:
"beloved"Description:
An outdated feminine form of David sometimes heard in the UK, though Davina is more usual..
- Arianwen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"silver, white, fair, blessed"Description:
Rarely heard outside of Wales, Arianwen combines the pretty Welsh element gwen with the silvery arian, giving it a metallic and shining meaning. The name is sometimes listed as one of the daughters of the legendary fifth-century king and saint, Brychan Brycheiniog.
- Verna
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"springtime"Description:
Verna may mean "springtime," but May or Spring is fresher.
- Marcelle
Description:
Marcelle is the feminine form of Marcel, a name with Latin origins derived from 'Marcellus,' a diminutive of Marcus meaning 'dedicated to Mars,' the Roman god of war. Popular in France and other French-speaking regions, Marcelle carries an elegant, classic quality. The name has historical significance, having been borne by several saints and notable figures throughout European history. While more common in previous generations, Marcelle has the timeless sophistication that could appeal to parents seeking a name with French flair and historical depth. The name balances femininity with strength, and its familiar sound pattern makes it accessible despite being relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries today. Marcelle offers the appeal of vintage names while maintaining a distinctive international character.
- Kyrie
Origin:
Short form of Kyra or GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Margery
Origin:
Medieval variation of Margaret, GreekMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
An old royal name in England and Scotland that's also spelled Marjorie. Popular in the Middle Ages and Tudor period, it was revived at the end of the 19th century, peaked in 1921 and dropped off the list in 1958, enough time to be reconsidered as a Margaret alternative. The name Margery Daw is familiar via the seesaw nursery rhyme and Margery Williams wrote the children's classic The Velveteen Rabbit..
- Clemency
Origin:
English feminine variation of Clement, LatinMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
One of the rarest of virtue names, Clemency could come back along with the more familiar Puritan virtue names such as Hope and Faith. It has a rhythmic three-syllable sound, and offers a more virtuous alternative to the more popular Clementine.
- Allaire
Origin:
French surname, possibly meaning "cheerful"Meaning:
"cheerful"Description:
Allaire, a last name in France. could make a first, with its light and airy feel.
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