Girl Names A–Z: Meanings, Origins, Pronunciations and US Ranks
Choosing a girl name can feel exciting at first, but comparing hundreds of possibilities can quickly become overwhelming. This guide organizes girl names alphabetically so you can browse them easily and compare their meanings, origins, pronunciations, nickname ideas and latest US popularity ranks.
The list includes popular, classic, modern, international and less-common choices. Use the A–Z navigation to jump directly to the letter you want, then save the names that match your preferred style and popularity level.
Popularity note:
US ranks in this guide are based on Social Security Administration data for babies born in 2025. Each spelling is ranked separately, so names such as Sophia and Sofia have different positions. “Not in the top 1,000” means the spelling was not included in the published national top 1,000—it does not mean the name is unused.
Browse Girl Names by Letter
A • B • C • D • E • F • G • H • I • J • K • L • M • N • O • P • Q • R • S • T • U • V • W • X • Y • Z
This directory contains both familiar and less-common options. Parents looking for more distinctive choices can also explore our complete guides to unique girl names and rare girl names.
A Girl Names
A girl names range from short classics such as Ada and Ava to longer choices such as Adelaide, Amelia and Aurelia.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abigail | AB-ih-gayl | “My father is joy”; Hebrew | Abby, Gail | #41 |
| Ada | AY-duh | Noble; Germanic | Addie, Adi | #219 |
| Adalyn | AD-uh-lin | Modern form related to Adelaide; Germanic | Addie, Lyn | #260 |
| Adelaide | AD-uh-layd | Noble nature; Germanic | Addie, Della, Lady | #289 |
| Adeline | AD-uh-line or AD-uh-leen | Noble; French and Germanic | Addie, Lina | #59 |
| Aisha | EYE-shuh or AY-shuh | Living or alive; Arabic | Aish, Isha | #337 |
| Aitana | eye-TAH-nuh | Spanish place-name usage; meaning varies | Aita, Tana | #211 |
| Alaina | uh-LAY-nuh | Modern form related to Elena; often linked with light | Lainey, Laina | #224 |
| Alanna | uh-LAN-uh | Irish and modern English usage; meaning varies | Lana, Lani | #280 |
| Alayna | uh-LAY-nuh | Modern variant of Elena | Layna, Lanie | #332 |
| Alice | AL-iss | Noble; Old French and Germanic | Ali, Allie | #65 |
| Aliyah | uh-LEE-uh | Rising or exalted; Hebrew and Arabic usage | Ali, Lia | #263 |
| Amanda | uh-MAN-duh | Worthy of love; Latin | Mandy, Mandi | #493 |
| Amara | uh-MAR-uh | Meanings include grace, eternal or peaceful; multicultural | Mara, Amy | #98 |
| Amari | uh-MAR-ee | Modern multicultural name; meaning varies | Mari, Ari | #380 |
| Amelia | uh-MEEL-ee-uh | Work or industriousness; Germanic | Mia, Millie, Amy | #4 |
| Amina | uh-MEE-nuh | Trustworthy or faithful; Arabic | Mina, Ami | #315 |
| Amora | uh-MOR-uh | Associated with love; modern Romance-language usage | Mora, Ami | #247 |
| Ana | AH-nuh | Grace; Spanish and international form of Anna | Ani, Annie | #245 |
| Andrea | AN-dree-uh or ahn-DRAY-uh | Brave or strong; Greek through European languages | Andi, Drea | #235 |
| Angelina | an-juh-LEE-nuh | Messenger or angel; Greek and Latin | Angie, Lina | #347 |
| Arabella | air-uh-BELL-uh | Medieval European name; precise meaning uncertain | Ari, Bella, Belle | #213 |
| Arlette | ar-LET | French name; meaning uncertain | Ari, Lettie | #494 |
| Aspen | AS-pen | Aspen tree; English nature name | Asp, Penny | #266 |
| Astrid | AS-trid | Divinely beautiful; Old Norse | Asta, Asti | #376 |
| Aurelia | aw-REEL-ee-uh | Golden; Latin | Aura, Lia, Rellie | #290 |
| Aurora | uh-ROAR-uh | Dawn; Latin | Rory, Aura | #15 |
| Ava | AY-vuh | Meaning varies across several traditions | Av, Avie | #11 |
| Avery | AY-vuh-ree | Traditionally linked with elf counsel; English surname | Ave, Avie | #37 |
| Ayla | AY-luh or EYE-luh | Meanings include moonlight or oak tree; Turkish and Hebrew usage | Ay, Lala | #77 |
| Aylani | eye-LAH-nee | Modern multicultural name; meaning uncertain | Aya, Lani | #293 |
| Aylin | EYE-lin | Moon halo; Turkish | Ay, Lin | #345 |
| Ainsley | AYNZ-lee | Meadow or clearing; Scottish surname | Ains, Lee | #483 |
| Alexandra | al-ig-ZAN-druh | Defender of humanity; Greek | Alex, Lexi, Sasha | #237 |
B Girl Names
B girl names include soft traditional choices such as Bonnie and modern surname-style names such as Bailey and Brynlee.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bailey | BAY-lee | Bailiff or steward; English occupational surname | Bay, Bails | #209 |
| Bianca | bee-AHN-kuh | White or bright; Italian | Bia, Bee | #500 |
| Blake | BLAYK | English surname; historical meaning varies | Blakie, B | #295 |
| Blaire | BLAIR | Field or plain; Scottish surname | Bee, Blairie | #384 |
| Bonnie | BON-ee | Pretty or cheerful; Scottish | Bon, Bon-Bon | #396 |
| Briar | BRY-er | Thorny plant; English nature name | Bri, Bry | #400 |
| Brianna | bree-AN-uh | Noble or strong; Celtic-inspired form | Bri, Anna | #222 |
| Brooke | BRUUK | Small stream; English nature name | Brookie, B | #313 |
| Brooklynn | BRUUK-lin | Modern form of Brooklyn; place name | Brooke, Lynn | #488 |
| Brynn | BRIN | Hill; Welsh | Bry, Brynnie | #407 |
| Brynlee | BRIN-lee | Modern combination name | Brynn, Lee | #243 |
C Girl Names
C girl names include popular classics such as Charlotte and Chloe, along with uncommon choices such as Calliope and Clementine.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calliope | kuh-LYE-uh-pee | Beautiful voice; Greek | Callie, Poppy | #451 |
| Camila | kuh-MEE-luh | Ceremonial attendant; Latin and Spanish usage | Cami, Mila | #19 |
| Camille | kuh-MEEL | Ceremonial attendant; French from Latin | Cami, Millie | #240 |
| Camilla | kuh-MIL-uh | Ceremonial attendant; Latin | Cami, Millie | #361 |
| Cameron | KAM-uh-run | Scottish surname; traditional meaning varies | Cam, Cami | #487 |
| Carmen | KAR-men | Associated with Mount Carmel; Spanish | Carm, Carmie | #389 |
| Caroline | KAIR-uh-line | Free person; French and Germanic | Cara, Carrie, Callie | #96 |
| Carolina | kair-uh-LEE-nuh or kair-uh-LYE-nuh | Free person; Spanish, Italian and Portuguese | Cara, Lina | #405 |
| Carter | KAR-ter | Transporter of goods; English occupational surname | Cara, Cartie | #454 |
| Cataleya | kat-uh-LAY-uh | Inspired by the cattleya orchid | Cat, Leya | #238 |
| Catherine | KATH-uh-rin | Commonly associated with purity; Greek through French | Cate, Cathy, Kit | #314 |
| Celine | suh-LEEN | Commonly associated with heaven; French | Cece, Lina | #207 |
| Charlee | CHAR-lee | Feminine spelling of Charlie; free person | Char, Lee | #417 |
| Charlotte | SHAR-luht | Feminine form of Charles; French | Charlie, Lottie | #2 |
| Chloe | KLOH-ee | Young green shoot; Greek | Clo, Coco | #23 |
| Clara | KLAIR-uh | Bright or clear; Latin | Clare, Clary | #63 |
| Claire | KLAIR | Clear or bright; French from Latin | Claire-Bear, C | #68 |
| Clementine | KLEM-en-tyne or KLEM-en-teen | Merciful or gentle; French from Latin | Clem, Clemmie, Minnie | #456 |
| Colette | koh-LET | Victory of the people; French form related to Nicole | Coco, Lettie | #316 |
| Collins | KOL-inz | Descendant of Colin; English and Irish surname | Collie, Coco | #241 |
D Girl Names
D girl names include floral choices such as Dahlia and Daisy, biblical names such as Delilah and vintage classics such as Dorothy.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dahlia | DAHL-yuh or DAL-yuh | Flower named for botanist Anders Dahl | Dolly, Lia | #215 |
| Daisy | DAY-zee | “Day’s eye”; English flower name | Daze, Dais | #75 |
| Dakota | duh-KOH-tuh | Ally or friend; Dakota-language and place-name usage | Kota, Kody | #296 |
| Daniela | dan-YELL-uh | God is my judge; Hebrew through Spanish and Italian | Dani, Ella | #302 |
| Daniella | dan-ee-ELL-uh | Expanded form of Daniela | Dani, Ella | #468 |
| Danna | DAN-uh | Used in several languages; meaning varies | Dani, Dan | #394 |
| Daphne | DAF-nee | Laurel tree; Greek | Daph, Daffy | #178 |
| Delaney | duh-LAY-nee | Irish surname; traditional meaning varies | Laney, Della | #242 |
| Delilah | duh-LYE-luh | Commonly interpreted as delicate; Hebrew | Della, Lilah | #51 |
| Demi | DEM-ee | Half or short form of Demetria; Greek and French usage | Dem, Dee | #381 |
| Diana | dye-AN-uh | Divine or heavenly; Latin and Roman mythology | Di, Ana | #244 |
| Dorothy | DOR-uh-thee | Gift of God; Greek | Dot, Dottie, Thea | #421 |
| Dream | DREEM | Dream or aspiration; English word name | Dreamy, Dree | #432 |
E Girl Names
E girl names offer one of the widest selections, from short names such as Eden and Elle to longer classics such as Eleanor and Elizabeth.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eden | EE-den | Delight; Hebrew place name | Edie, Denny | #70 |
| Edith | EE-dith | Prosperous in war; Old English | Edie, Eddie | #499 |
| Elaine | ih-LAYN | Commonly associated with light; French form connected with Helen | Lainey, Ellie | #305 |
| Eleanor | EL-uh-nor | Old French and Provençal usage; meaning uncertain | Ellie, Nora, Nell | #12 |
| Elena | eh-LAY-nuh or uh-LEN-uh | Commonly linked with light; European form related to Helen | Ellie, Lena | #42 |
| Eliana | el-ee-AH-nuh | Commonly associated with “my God has answered”; Hebrew | Ellie, Lia, Ana | #10 |
| Elianna | el-ee-AH-nuh | Spelling variant of Eliana | Ellie, Lia, Anna | #218 |
| Elise | eh-LEES | God is my oath; French form related to Elizabeth | Ellie, Lis | #223 |
| Elizabeth | ih-LIZ-uh-beth | God is my oath; Hebrew through Greek and English | Eliza, Lizzie, Beth, Libby | #17 |
| Elle | EL | “She”; French word and short-form usage | Ellie, El | #461 |
| Ella | EL-uh | Germanic and English short-form usage; meaning varies | Ellie, El | #29 |
| Ellie | EL-ee | Short form of Eleanor, Elizabeth and related names | Elle, El | #24 |
| Elodie | EL-oh-dee | Commonly associated with foreign riches; French | Elle, Ellie, Lo | #310 |
| Eloise | EL-oh-eez | French and Germanic name; meaning debated | Ellie, Lou, Lulu | #49 |
| Elora | eh-LOR-uh | Modern literary and multicultural usage | Ellie, Lora | #354 |
| Elowyn | EL-oh-win | Modern spelling inspired by Cornish Elowen, meaning elm tree | Elle, Winnie | #299 |
| Emery | EM-uh-ree | Brave or powerful; Germanic surname | Em, Emmy | #74 |
| Emilia | eh-MEEL-ee-uh | Rival or eager; Latin and European usage | Emmy, Mia, Millie | #45 |
| Emily | EM-ih-lee | Rival or eager; English from Latin | Em, Emmy, Millie | #34 |
| Emma | EM-uh | Whole or universal; Germanic | Em, Emmy | #3 |
| Emmy | EM-ee | Short form of Emma and related names | Em | #445 |
| Emory | EM-uh-ree | Brave or powerful; English surname | Em, Emmy | #339 |
| Esme | EZ-may or EZ-mee | Esteemed, beloved or emerald; French and Persian usage | Ez, Es | #298 |
| Esmeralda | ez-meh-RAL-duh | Emerald; Spanish and Portuguese | Esme, Mera | #373 |
| Evelyn | EV-uh-lin or EEV-lin | English name with multiple historical origins | Evie, Eve, Lyn | #8 |
| Evelynn | EV-uh-lin | Modern spelling of Evelyn | Evie, Eve, Lynn | #301 |
| Evie | EE-vee | Short form of Eve, Eva or Evelyn | Eve, Vee | #270 |
F Girl Names
F girl names include virtue names, international favorites and traditional choices with friendly nicknames.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faith | FAYTH | Trust or belief; English virtue name | Faye, Fifi | #254 |
| Fatima | FAH-tih-mah or fat-EE-mah | One who abstains or weans; Arabic | Fati, Tima | #330 |
| Felicity | fuh-LISS-ih-tee | Happiness or good fortune; Latin | Fliss, Lissy | #473 |
| Finley | FIN-lee | Fair warrior or hero; Irish and Scottish surname | Finn, Finny | #415 |
| Fiona | fee-OH-nuh | Fair or white; Scottish literary name | Fi, Fifi | #470 |
| Florence | FLOR-ens | Flourishing or prosperous; Latin | Flo, Florrie, Flora | #391 |
| Frances | FRAN-siss | French person or free one; Latin through French | Fran, Frankie, Franny | #318 |
| Francesca | fran-CHESS-kuh | French person or free one; Italian | Frankie, Chessie, Cesca | #307 |
G Girl Names
G girl names range from biblical and international choices to short names such as Gia and Grace.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriela | gah-bree-ELL-uh | God is my strength; Hebrew through Spanish and Portuguese | Gabi, Brie, Ella | #317 |
| Genesis | JEN-uh-sis | Origin or beginning; Greek and biblical word name | Gen, Genny | #66 |
| Gia | JEE-uh | God is gracious; Italian short form of Gianna | Gigi, G | #287 |
| Gianna | jee-AH-nuh | God is gracious; Italian | Gia, Gigi, Anna | #33 |
| Giselle | jih-ZELL | Pledge; French from Germanic roots | Gigi, Elle | #382 |
| Georgia | JOR-juh | Farmer or earthworker; Greek | Georgie, Gia, Gigi | #99 |
| Grace | GRAYS | Grace or favor; English virtue name from Latin | Gracie, Gray | #38 |
| Gracie | GRAY-see | Affectionate form of Grace | Grace, Gray | #227 |
| Gracelyn | GRAYSS-lin | Modern combination of Grace and Lynn | Grace, Gracie, Lyn | #466 |
| Gracelynn | GRAYSS-lin | Modern spelling of Gracelyn | Grace, Gracie, Lynn | #442 |
| Gwendolyn | GWEN-duh-lin | Welsh name; meaning is debated | Gwen, Wendy, Lyn | #360 |
H Girl Names
H girl names include vintage revivals such as Hattie and Hazel, biblical Hannah and modern surname-style names.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haisley | HAYZ-lee | Modern surname-style name; meaning uncertain | Haze, Hais | #479 |
| Hannah | HAN-uh | Grace or favor; Hebrew | Han, Hanni | #56 |
| Harley | HAR-lee | Hare meadow; English surname | Har, Lee | #418 |
| Harmony | HAR-muh-nee | Agreement or musical harmony; Greek and English word name | Harm, Mona | #276 |
| Harper | HAR-per | Harp player; English occupational surname | Harp, Harpie | #16 |
| Harlow | HAR-loh | English surname and place name; meaning varies | Harley, Lo | #309 |
| Hattie | HAT-ee | Traditional short form of Harriet; home ruler | Hat, Hettie | #334 |
| Hayden | HAY-den | English surname and place name; meaning varies | Hay, Denny | #437 |
| Hazel | HAY-zuhl | Hazel tree and color; English | Haze, Hazy | #21 |
| Heidi | HY-dee | Noble nature; German short form of Adelaide | Heids, Dee | #340 |
| Helena | HEL-uh-nuh, huh-LAY-nuh or huh-LEE-nuh | Commonly associated with light; Greek through European usage | Lena, Nell, Helen | #363 |
| Holly | HOL-ee | Holly tree; English nature name | Hol, Holly-Bee | #416 |
| Hope | HOHP | Hope or expectation; English virtue name | Hopie, H | #352 |
I Girl Names
I girl names include botanical names, international favorites and several short options with strong meanings.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iris | EYE-riss | Rainbow and iris flower; Greek | Riss, Rissy | #61 |
| Isabella | iz-uh-BELL-uh | God is my oath; Hebrew through European forms | Bella, Izzy, Isa | #7 |
| Isla | EYE-luh | Island; Scottish place-name usage | Issy, Lala | #28 |
| Itzel | eet-SELL | Maya and modern Spanish-language usage; meaning debated | Itzy, Zellie | #359 |
| Ivory | EYE-vuh-ree | Ivory; English word and color name | Ivy, Vory | #378 |
| Ivy | EYE-vee | Ivy plant; English nature name | Ive, Vivi | #39 |
J Girl Names
J girl names include biblical classics, gemstone names and several formal names with friendly nicknames.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jade | JAYD | Jade gemstone; Spanish and English usage | J, Jadie | #95 |
| Jane | JAYN | God is gracious; English form of John | Janie, J | #221 |
| Jasmine | JAZ-min | Jasmine flower; Persian through English | Jazz, Jazzy, Minnie | #206 |
| Jaylani | jay-LAH-nee | Modern multicultural name; meaning varies | Jay, Lani | #471 |
| Joanna | joh-AN-uh | God is gracious; Hebrew through Greek and Latin | Jo, Jojo, Anna | #306 |
| Jocelyn | JOSS-uh-lin | French and Germanic name; meaning uncertain | Joss, Josie, Lyn | #393 |
| Josephine | JOH-suh-feen | God will add; Hebrew through French | Jo, Joey, Josie | #53 |
| Josie | JOH-zee | Short form of Josephine | Jo, Jojo | #82 |
| Journee | JUR-nee | A trip or life path; modern spelling of Journey | Jo, Nee | #258 |
| Journey | JUR-nee | A trip or life path; English word name | Jo, Journey-Bee | #411 |
| Joy | JOY | Happiness; English virtue name | Jo, Joycie | #419 |
| Juliana | joo-lee-AH-nuh | Youthful; Latin | Jules, Julie, Ana | #256 |
| Julianna | joo-lee-AN-uh | Expanded spelling of Juliana | Jules, Julie, Anna | #398 |
| Juliet | JOO-lee-et | Youthful; English and French form related to Julia | Jules, Julie, Jet | #274 |
| Julieta | hoo-lee-EH-tah or joo-lee-ET-uh | Youthful; Spanish form of Juliet | Juli, Etta | #285 |
K Girl Names
K girl names include Hawaiian choices, modern spellings and surname-style names.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kailani | kye-LAH-nee | Sea and sky; Hawaiian | Kai, Lani | #253 |
| Kalani | kuh-LAH-nee | Heavens or royal one; Hawaiian | Kal, Lani | #387 |
| Kali | KAH-lee or KAL-ee | Associated with the Hindu goddess Kali; Sanskrit | Kal, Kiki | #323 |
| Kaliyah | kuh-LEE-uh | Modern name with several influences | Kali, Lia | #392 |
| Kataleya | kat-uh-LAY-uh | Variant inspired by the cattleya orchid | Kat, Leya | #459 |
| Katalina | kat-uh-LEE-nuh | Variant of Catalina; often linked with purity | Kat, Lina | #430 |
| Kaylee | KAY-lee | Modern combination or variant name | Kay, Lee | #255 |
| Kendall | KEN-dahl | Valley of the River Kent; English surname | Ken, Keni | #328 |
| Kennedy | KEN-uh-dee | Irish surname; traditionally linked with a helmeted chief | Ken, Kenny, Kenzie | #85 |
| Khloe | KLOH-ee | Modern spelling of Chloe; young green shoot | Klo, Koko | #272 |
| Kiara | kee-AH-ruh | Meanings include bright or dark-haired; Italian and Irish usage | Kiki, Kira | #229 |
| Kimberly | KIM-ber-lee | English place and surname name | Kim, Kimmy | #303 |
| Kinsley | KINZ-lee | King’s meadow; English surname and place name | Kin, Kins | #93 |
| Kira | KEER-uh | Used in Russian, Irish and other traditions; meaning varies | Ki, Kiki | #385 |
| Kora | KOR-uh | Modern spelling of Cora; maiden | Kori, Koko | #491 |
| Kylie | KYE-lee | Australian and modern English usage; meaning varies | Ky, Kiki | #204 |
L Girl Names
L girl names include many popular choices, bilingual names and names connected with light, flowers and the moon.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lainey | LAY-nee | Short form of Elaine; commonly linked with light | Lane, Laine | #30 |
| Laila | LAY-luh or LYE-luh | Night; Arabic and Scandinavian usage | Lai, Lala | #413 |
| Lana | LAH-nuh or LAN-uh | Short form used in several languages | Lan, Lani | #406 |
| Layla | LAY-luh | Night; Arabic | Lay, Lala | #36 |
| Leah | LEE-uh | Hebrew name; meaning traditionally linked with weary | Lee, Lia | #58 |
| Leia | LAY-uh | Modern and biblical-language usage; meaning varies | Lei, Lala | #297 |
| Leila | LAY-luh or LEE-luh | Night; Arabic and Persian | Lei, Lila | #259 |
| Leilani | lay-LAH-nee | Heavenly flowers or royal child; Hawaiian | Lei, Lani | #60 |
| Lena | LEE-nuh or LAY-nuh | Short form used across Europe | Lee, Leni | #279 |
| Lennon | LEN-un | Irish surname; descendant of Leannán | Len, Leni | #214 |
| Liana | lee-AH-nuh | Short-form and botanical usage; meaning varies | Lia, Ana | #386 |
| Lila | LYE-luh or LEE-luh | Meanings include night or play; Arabic and Sanskrit usage | Li, Lili | Verify before publishing |
| Lilith | LIL-ith | Ancient Semitic and biblical tradition | Lily, Lil | #277 |
| Liliana | lil-ee-AH-nuh | Associated with the lily flower; Latin and European usage | Lily, Lili, Ana | #78 |
| Lillian | LIL-ee-un | English form associated with Lily | Lily, Lili, Lil | #57 |
| Lilliana | lil-ee-AH-nuh | Expanded spelling of Liliana | Lily, Lili, Ana | #446 |
| Lilly | LIL-ee | Spelling variant of Lily | Lil, Lili | #252 |
| Lily | LIL-ee | Lily flower; English | Lil, Lili | #18 |
| Lola | LOH-luh | Spanish short form of Dolores | Lo, Lolo | #275 |
| London | LUN-dun | English place name | Lon, Londy | #431 |
| Londyn | LUN-dun | Modern spelling of London | Lon, Lyn | #388 |
| Logan | LOH-gun | Little hollow; Scottish surname | Lo, Logie | #402 |
| Lorelei | LOR-uh-lye | German legendary and place name | Lori, Rory, Lei | #441 |
| Lauren | LOR-en | From Laurentum; English form related to Laurence | Laurie, Ren | #401 |
| Lucia | loo-SEE-uh, loo-CHEE-uh or LOO-shuh | Light; Latin and international usage | Lucy, Lulu, Cia | #83 |
| Lucy | LOO-see | Light; Latin through English | Lu, Lulu | #25 |
| Luna | LOO-nuh | Moon; Latin | Lu, Lulu | #27 |
| Lydia | LID-ee-uh | Woman from Lydia; Greek place-name and biblical usage | Lyd, Liddy | #92 |
| Lyla | LYE-luh | Spelling related to Lila and Layla | Ly, Lala | #80 |
| Lyra | LYE-ruh | Lyre; Greek constellation and musical name | Ly, Lyrie | #435 |
M Girl Names
M girl names include many classic, modern and international choices, with several popular spelling variations.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mabel | MAY-buhl | Lovable; Latin through medieval English | Mae, Belle | #201 |
| Mackenzie | muh-KEN-zee | Scottish surname; child of Coinneach | Mack, Kenzie | #228 |
| Macie | MAY-see | Modern form related to Macy | Mace, Cici | #438 |
| Maddison | MAD-ih-sun | Spelling variant of Madison | Maddie, Mads | #439 |
| Madeleine | MAD-uh-lin or MAD-uh-layn | Woman from Magdala; French | Maddie, Lainey | #455 |
| Madeline | MAD-uh-line or MAD-uh-lin | Woman from Magdala; English and French | Maddie, Mads | #81 |
| Madelyn | MAD-uh-lin | Modern spelling of Madeline | Maddie, Mads | #71 |
| Madison | MAD-ih-sun | English surname; historical meaning varies | Maddie, Mads | #40 |
| Madisson | MAD-ih-sun | Spelling variant of Madison | Maddie, Mads | #319 |
| Maeve | MAYV | Associated with a legendary Irish queen | Mae, Mae-Mae | #76 |
| Maggie | MAG-ee | Pearl; short form of Margaret | Mags, Mag | #294 |
| Maia | MY-uh | Greek, Roman and other traditions; meaning varies | Mai, Mimi | #433 |
| Maisie | MAY-zee | Pearl; Scottish form related to Margaret | Mae, Mais | #233 |
| Malia | muh-LEE-uh | Hawaiian form of Maria | Mal, Lia | #349 |
| Malani | muh-LAH-nee | Modern and Hawaiian-influenced usage | Mal, Lani | #374 |
| Mallory | MAL-uh-ree | French surname; historical meaning “unfortunate” | Mal, Lori | #372 |
| Marley | MAR-lee | English surname and place name | Mar, Lee | #322 |
| Maren | MAIR-en or MAR-en | Scandinavian and German form related to Maria | Mare, Ren | #472 |
| Maria | muh-REE-uh | International form of Mary; meaning debated | Mari, Mia, Ria | #87 |
| Mariah | muh-RYE-uh | English biblical-name usage; meaning debated | Mari, Riah | #448 |
| Mariana | mair-ee-AH-nuh | Romance-language form related to Maria | Mari, Ana | #261 |
| Meadow | MED-oh | Grassy field; English nature name | Med, Mady | #286 |
| Melody | MEL-uh-dee | Song or melody; Greek through English | Mel, Lody | #79 |
| Melissa | muh-LISS-uh | Honeybee; Greek | Mel, Lissa, Missy | #420 |
| Meredith | MAIR-uh-dith | Welsh name; traditional meanings vary | Mere, Edie | #469 |
| Mia | MEE-uh | International short-form usage; meaning varies | Mimi, M | #6 |
| Mila | MEE-luh | Gracious or dear; Slavic short form | Mi, Mimi | #43 |
| Milani | mih-LAH-nee | Modern multicultural usage | Mila, Lani | #288 |
| Miley | MY-lee | Modern name and surname-style usage | Miles, Mi | #338 |
| Millie | MIL-ee | Short form of Amelia, Mildred and related names | Mills, Mil | #73 |
| Mira | MEER-uh or MY-ruh | Meanings include peace, wonderful or ocean; multicultural | Mimi, Mir | #335 |
| Miriam | MEER-ee-um | Hebrew and biblical name; meaning debated | Miri, Mimi | #246 |
| Miracle | MEER-uh-kuhl | Wonder or extraordinary event; English word name | Mira, Miri | #492 |
| Morgan | MOR-gun | Welsh name; traditionally linked with the sea | Mo, Morgie | #312 |
| Myla | MY-luh | Modern feminine form related to Milo | My, Lala | #210 |
| Mya | MY-uh | Modern spelling related to Maya or Mia | My, Mimi | #444 |
| Maxine | mak-SEEN | Greatest; French feminine form of Maximus | Max, Maxi | #497 |
N Girl Names
N girl names include biblical favorites, short international names and modern nature-inspired choices.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nalani | nuh-LAH-nee | Commonly linked with calm skies or the heavens; Hawaiian | Nala, Lani | #414 |
| Naomi | nay-OH-mee | Pleasantness; Hebrew | Nomi, Mimi | #47 |
| Natalie | NAT-uh-lee | Connected with birth or Christmas Day; Latin and French | Nat, Tali | #89 |
| Navy | NAY-vee | Dark blue or naval association; English word name | N, Vee | #327 |
| Nayeli | nye-ELL-ee | Zapotec-associated modern usage; meaning should be culturally verified | Naya, Yeli | #271 |
| Nicole | nih-KOHL | Victory of the people; French from Greek | Nicky, Cole | #383 |
| Nina | NEE-nuh | Used across many languages; meaning varies | Nin, Nini | #324 |
| Noa | NOH-uh | Movement; Hebrew | No, Noni | #226 |
| Noelle | noh-ELL | Christmas; French | Noe, Ellie | #202 |
| Nora | NOR-uh | Short form of Eleanor or Honora | Nor, Nori | #20 |
| Norah | NOR-uh | Spelling variant of Nora | Nor, Nori | #262 |
| Nova | NOH-vuh | New or a brightening star; Latin and astronomical usage | Nov, Novi | #46 |
| Nyla | NYE-luh | Modern name with several possible origins | Ny, Lala | #236 |
O Girl Names
O girl names include the current number-one US name, several vintage choices and distinctive literary options.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octavia | ok-TAY-vee-uh | Eighth; Latin | Tavia, Via, O | #308 |
| Olivia | oh-LIV-ee-uh | Olive tree; Latin | Liv, Livvy, Ollie | #1 |
| Opal | OH-puhl | Opal gemstone; Sanskrit through English usage | Opie, O | #423 |
| Ophelia | oh-FEEL-ee-uh | Help or benefit; Greek | Fifi, Lia, Ophie | #264 |
P Girl Names
P girl names include flower names, surname-style choices and long classics with several nicknames.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paige | PAYJ | Young servant or page; English occupational surname | Paigey, P | #346 |
| Paisley | PAYZ-lee | Scottish place and textile-pattern name | Pais, Lee | #67 |
| Palmer | PAHL-mer | Pilgrim; English occupational surname | Pal, Pally | #232 |
| Payton | PAY-tun | English surname and place name | Pay, Toni | #440 |
| Penelope | puh-NEL-uh-pee | Greek name; traditional meaning debated | Penny, Nell, Poppy | #22 |
| Poppy | POP-ee | Poppy flower; English | Pop, Pops | #292 |
| Presley | PREZ-lee | Priest’s meadow; English surname and place name | Pres, Lee | #225 |
Q Girl Names
Q girl names are less common, making them especially useful for parents who want a distinctive initial.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quincy | KWIN-see | Estate of the fifth son; French and Latin surname | Quin, Quinn | #815 |
| Quinn | KWIN | Irish surname traditionally linked with chief or intelligence | Quinny, Q | #97 |
R Girl Names
R girl names include gemstone, botanical, biblical and surname-style choices.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rachel | RAY-chuhl | Ewe; Hebrew | Rach, Rachie | #250 |
| Raven | RAY-vun | Raven bird; English nature name | Rae, Ravy | #404 |
| Raya | RYE-uh or RAY-uh | Hebrew, Arabic and Slavic usage; meaning varies | Ray, Rara | #369 |
| Reagan | RAY-gun | Irish surname; descendant of Riagán | Rae, Rea | #248 |
| Rebecca | ruh-BEK-uh | Commonly interpreted as to bind or captivate; Hebrew | Becca, Becky, Bex | #350 |
| Regina | ruh-JEE-nuh or ruh-JYE-nuh | Queen; Latin | Gina, Reggie | #395 |
| Reign | RAYN | Royal rule; English word name | Rae, Rainy | #452 |
| Renata | reh-NAH-tuh | Reborn; Latin | Ren, Rena, Nata | #481 |
| Riley | RYE-lee | Irish and English surname; meaning varies | Ry, Riri | #48 |
| River | RIV-er | Flowing body of water; English nature name | Riv, Rivi | #220 |
| Rory | ROR-ee | Red king; Irish and Scottish | Ro, Rora | #230 |
| Rosemary | ROHZ-mair-ee | Rose plus Mary or the rosemary herb | Rose, Rosie, Romy | #251 |
| Rosie | ROH-zee | Affectionate form of Rose | Rose, Ro | #283 |
| Rowan | ROH-un | Little red one or rowan tree; Irish and nature usage | Ro, Row | #249 |
| Ruby | ROO-bee | Red gemstone; Latin through English | Rue, Rube | #64 |
| Ryleigh | RYE-lee | Modern spelling of Riley | Ry, Leigh | #344 |
| Rylie | RYE-lee | Modern spelling of Riley | Ry, Lie | #478 |
S Girl Names
S girl names include several top-ranked choices, biblical names, nature names and elegant international options.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sabrina | suh-BREE-nuh | Celtic legendary and literary name; meaning uncertain | Bri, Brina | #321 |
| Sadie | SAY-dee | Princess; traditional short form of Sarah | Sade, Didi | #50 |
| Saige | SAYJ | Wise one or herb name; modern spelling of Sage | Sai, Gigi | #480 |
| Salem | SAY-lum | Peace; Hebrew and place-name usage | Sal, Lemmie | #436 |
| Samara | suh-MAR-uh | Hebrew, Arabic and botanical usage; meaning varies | Sam, Mara | #320 |
| Sarai | suh-RYE | Princess; Hebrew | Sara, Rai | #425 |
| Sarah | SAIR-uh | Princess; Hebrew | Sar, Sadie, Sally | #90 |
| Sawyer | SOY-er | Woodcutter; English occupational surname | Soy, Saw | #291 |
| Saylor | SAY-ler | Sailor; modern spelling | Say, Lorie | #217 |
| Scarlett | SKAR-let | Scarlet red; English surname and color name | Scar, Lettie | #32 |
| Selah | SEE-luh or SAY-luh | Hebrew biblical term; meaning uncertain | Sel, Lala | #216 |
| Selena | suh-LEE-nuh | Moon; Greek and Latinized usage | Sel, Lena | #268 |
| Serena | suh-REE-nuh | Serene or calm; Latin | Rena, Seri | #325 |
| Shiloh | SHYE-loh | Hebrew place and biblical name; meaning debated | Shy, Lo | #281 |
| Sienna | see-EN-uh | Italian place and reddish-brown color name | Sisi, Enna | #94 |
| Solana | soh-LAH-nuh | Associated with sunshine; Spanish-influenced usage | Sol, Lana | #495 |
| Sofia | soh-FEE-uh | Wisdom; Greek and international usage | Sofi, Fia | #9 |
| Sophia | soh-FEE-uh | Wisdom; Greek | Sophie, Soph, Fia | #5 |
| Sophie | SOH-fee | Wisdom; French form of Sophia | Soph, Fifi | #55 |
| Stella | STEL-uh | Star; Latin | Stell, Ella | #52 |
| Sunny | SUN-ee | Sunny or cheerful; English word name | Sun, Suni | #390 |
| Sydney | SID-nee | English surname and place name; meaning varies | Syd, Sydie | #348 |
| Sylvia | SIL-vee-uh | Forest or woodland; Latin | Sylvie, Via | #300 |
| Sylvie | SIL-vee | Forest; French form of Sylvia | Syl, Vivi | #282 |
T Girl Names
T girl names include short international options, surname-style choices and vintage formal names.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talia | TAH-lee-uh or tuh-LEE-uh | “Dew from God” in Hebrew usage | Tali, Lia | #265 |
| Taylor | TAY-ler | Tailor; English occupational surname | Tay, T | #403 |
| Teagan | TEE-gun | Irish and Welsh surname usage; meaning varies | Tea, Tegan | #341 |
| Tessa | TESS-uh | Short form of Theresa; meaning uncertain | Tess, Tessie | #311 |
| Thea | THEE-uh | Goddess or divine; Greek short form | Thee, Teddy | #353 |
| Trinity | TRIN-ih-tee | Group of three; Latin and Christian concept name | Trin, Trini | #428 |
U Girl Names
U girl names are uncommon in the United States, which makes them distinctive options for parents seeking a rare initial.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uma | OO-muh | Meanings include light, peace or nation; Sanskrit and Hebrew usage | Umi, Uma-Bee | Not in top 1,000 |
| Una | OO-nuh or YOO-nuh | Meanings include lamb or one; Irish and Latin usage | Uni, U | #942 |
| Ursula | UR-suh-luh | Little female bear; Latin | Ursa, Sula | #989 |
V Girl Names
V girl names often have strong sounds and meanings connected with life, victory and strength.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valentina | val-en-TEE-nuh | Strong or healthy; Latin | Val, Tia, Tina | #35 |
| Vanessa | vuh-NESS-uh | Literary name created by Jonathan Swift | Van, Nessa, Vee | #377 |
| Vera | VEER-uh or VAIR-uh | Faith or true; Slavic and Latin usage | Vee, Vivi | #205 |
| Veronica | vuh-RON-ih-kuh | Meaning debated; Greek and Latin tradition | Ronnie, Vera, Nica | #427 |
| Victoria | vik-TOR-ee-uh | Victory; Latin | Vicky, Tori, Ria | #54 |
| Vienna | vee-EN-uh | European place name | Vee, Enna | #434 |
| Violet | VY-uh-let | Violet flower; English from Latin | Vi, Vivi, Lettie | #13 |
| Vivian | VIV-ee-un | Alive; Latin | Viv, Vivi | #72 |
| Viviana | viv-ee-AH-nuh | Alive; Latin and Romance-language usage | Vivi, Ana | #331 |
W Girl Names
W girl names include gentle nature names, vintage nicknames and modern seasonal choices.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willa | WIL-uh | Resolute protector; feminine form related to William | Will, Willie | #422 |
| Willow | WIL-oh | Willow tree; English nature name | Will, Lolo | #44 |
| Winnie | WIN-ee | Short form of Winifred and related names | Win, Wynn | #475 |
| Winter | WIN-ter | Winter season; English word name | Win, Winnie | #426 |
| Wren | REN | Wren bird; English nature name | Wrenny, Ren | #231 |
| Wrenlee | REN-lee | Modern combination of Wren and Lee | Wren, Lee | #358 |
| Wynter | WIN-ter | Modern spelling of Winter | Wyn, Winnie | #457 |
X Girl Names
X girl names are relatively uncommon and often have Spanish-language or international origins.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ximena | hee-MEH-nuh or khee-MEH-nuh | Spanish form with Basque roots; meaning debated | Xime, Mena | #183 |
| Xiomara | see-oh-MAR-uh or zee-oh-MAR-uh | Commonly interpreted as famous in battle; Spanish and Portuguese usage | Xio, Mara | #463 |
Y Girl Names
Y girl names include international options with Arabic, Persian and Indigenous American associations.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yara | YAR-uh | Meanings include friend, strength or water lady; multicultural | Yar, Yari | #507 |
| Yaretzi | yah-RET-see | Modern Nahuatl-associated usage; meaning should be culturally verified | Yari, Retzi | #672 |
Z Girl Names
Z girl names have bold opening sounds and include Greek, Arabic, African and European choices.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning and origin | Nickname ideas | 2025 US rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zainab | ZAY-nab or ZYE-nab | Arabic name; traditional meaning is debated | Zai, Z | #810 |
| Zara | ZAR-uh | Meanings include blooming, princess or radiance; multicultural | Zar, Zari | #212 |
| Zariah | zuh-RYE-uh | Modern name with Hebrew and Arabic influences | Zari, Riah | #450 |
| Zelda | ZEL-duh | Germanic and Yiddish short-form usage | Zel, Zellie | #832 |
| Zoe | ZOH-ee | Life; Greek | Zo, Zozo | #31 |
| Zoey | ZOH-ee | Modern spelling of Zoe; life | Zo, Zozo | #69 |
| Zuri | ZOO-ree | Beautiful or good; Swahili | Zu, Zuzu | #329 |
How to Create a Five-Name Shortlist
After browsing the tables, save five names that match your preferred style. Then compare them using the following questions:
- Does the name sound natural with the surname?
- Is it easy for most people to pronounce?
- Are you comfortable correcting its spelling?
- Do you like its most obvious nicknames?
- Is its popularity level right for your family?
- Does the complete first, middle and last name flow well?
- Can you imagine the name belonging to both a child and an adult?
Say every complete name aloud several times. It can also help to ask someone unfamiliar with your list to read each name. This reveals likely pronunciation or spelling problems.
Remember to consider similar spellings. Sophia and Sofia, Zoe and Zoey, or Lily and Lilly have separate official ranks but may feel like the same name in everyday use.
Once you have selected your favorite first names, use our guide to middle names for girls to test complete combinations.
Continue Your Name Search
Looking for a more specific naming style? These focused guides can help:
- Discover cute girl names with sweet sounds and friendly nicknames.
- See beautiful girl names for elegant and melodic choices.
- Compare official rankings in our guide to popular girl names.
- Explore classic girl names for established choices with lasting appeal.
- Find balanced combinations in our guide to middle names for girls.
Methodology and Sources
Popularity ranks in this guide are based on Social Security Administration records for babies born in the United States in 2025. The SSA ranks each spelling separately, so similar forms may have different positions.
Name meanings and origins are presented as short, readable summaries. Some names have more than one linguistic history or interpretation. Where a meaning is uncertain or debated, the description uses cautious wording rather than presenting one interpretation as definitive.
Pronunciations reflect common American English usage unless another widely used pronunciation is included. Families choosing a name from a particular language or culture should also confirm its native pronunciation and cultural context.
Primary data source: US Social Security Administration Popular Baby Names database.