Girl Names

Girl Names

Naming a daughter is a chance to give her something beautiful to carry for life. The good news is that girl names are the most varied corner of the naming world — you can go timeless (Eleanor, Charlotte), botanical (Magnolia, Juniper), vintage (Hazel, Mabel), global (Aoife, Noor, Sakura) or fiercely original.

Below are 90+ of our favorite girl names across every major style, each with a real meaning and origin, followed by links to all of our themed lists. Popular picks live in popular girl names; if you want something rarer, go to unique girl names. Expecting a boy instead, or not finding out? Try our boy names and gender-neutral names.

Our top picks: Olivia, Charlotte, Eleanor, Hazel, Aurora, Violet, Isla, Clara, Juniper, Ivy, Margot, Freya

Girl Names: browse all lists

Badass Girl Names100+ namesClassic Girl Names100+ namesCountry Girl Names100+ namesFancy Girl Names100+ namesFemale Warrior Names100+ namesFlower Names for Girls100+ namesGrandma Names100+ namesMiddle Names for Girls100+ namesNames to Call your Girlfriend120+ namesNature Names for Girls100+ namesPretty Girl Names100+ namesSouthern Girl Names100+ namesGirl Names That Start With A100+ namesGirl Names That Start With B100+ namesGirl Names That Start With C100+ namesGirl Names That Start With D100+ namesGirl Names That Start With E100+ namesGirl Names That Start With G100+ namesGirl Names That Start With H100+ namesGirl Names That Start With I90+ namesGirl Names That Start With J100+ namesGirl Names That Start With K100+ namesGirl Names That Start With L100+ namesGirl Names That Start With M90+ namesGirl Names That Start With N90+ namesGirl Names That Start With P90+ namesGirl Names That Start With R90+ namesGirl Names That Start With S90+ namesGirl Names That Start With T90+ namesGirl Names That Start With W90+ namesGirl Names That Start With Z90+ namesUnique Girl Names100+ namesGirl Names That Start With F100+ namesGirl Names That Start With O90+ namesGirl Names That Start With U90+ namesGirl Names That Start With V90+ namesGirl Names That Start With Y90+ namesPopular Girl Names120+ namesShort Girl Names100+ namesStrong Girl Names100+ namesCool Girl Names100+ namesCute Girl Names100+ namesOne Syllable Girl Names100+ namesPrincess Names90+ namesVintage Girl Names110+ namesHippie Girl Names100+ namesBoho Girl Names100+ namesElegant Girl Names100+ namesMythology Girl Names120+ namesCowgirl Names100+ namesPreppy Girl Names100+ names

These names have been consistently near the top of US charts in recent years (SSA data). They’re popular because they’re pretty, easy to spell and work at every age.

NameMeaningOrigin
OliviaOlive treeLatin
EmmaWhole, universalGermanic
CharlotteFree woman (from Charles)French
AmeliaWork, industriousGermanic
SophiaWisdomGreek
MiaMine; beloved (short for Maria)Scandinavian / Italian
IsabellaPledged to God (form of Elizabeth)Hebrew via Italian
AvaPossibly “life” or “bird”Latin / Germanic
EvelynPossibly “hazelnut” or “desired”English (from Aveline)
LunaMoonLatin
HarperHarp playerEnglish
EleanorPossibly “the other Aenor”; linked to lightOld French
AuroraDawnLatin
VioletThe purple flowerEnglish
NoraHonor; light (short for Eleanor/Honora)Irish / English
EllaAll; fairy maiden (varied roots)Germanic / English

Classic girl names that never date

Names that have been used steadily for centuries. More in our classic girl names and elegant girl names.

NameMeaningOrigin
ElizabethGod is my oathHebrew
CatherinePure (popular association)Greek
MargaretPearlGreek
AnneGrace, favorHebrew
VictoriaVictoryLatin
CarolineFree womanFrench
GraceGrace, goodnessLatin
AliceNobleGermanic
JuliaYouthfulLatin
RoseThe rose flowerLatin
ClaireClear, brightFrench
LucyLightLatin
JosephineGod will increaseHebrew via French
MadelineWoman from MagdalaHebrew

Vintage girl names making a comeback

Grandma-chic names that are back in style. See vintage girl names and grandma names for dozens more.

NameMeaningOrigin
HazelThe hazel treeEnglish
MabelLovableLatin
ClaraBright, famousLatin
IrisRainbow; the flowerGreek
BeatriceShe who brings happinessLatin
FlorenceFlourishingLatin
PearlThe gemstoneEnglish
EdithRich in warOld English
MaeForm of May or MaryEnglish
RuthFriend, companionHebrew
OpalThe gemstoneSanskrit via Greek
WinifredBlessed peaceWelsh
AdaNobleGermanic
FrancesFrenchwoman, freeLatin

Nature and flower names for girls

Botanical names are one of the biggest trends of the last decade. Browse flower names for girls and nature names for girls.

NameWhat it isFeel
IvyClimbing evergreen vineFresh, short
WillowGraceful treeSoft, bohemian
JuniperAromatic evergreenSpirited
MagnoliaSouthern flowering treeLush, romantic
DaisyDay’s eye flowerSunny
PoppyRed wildflowerCheerful
WrenTiny songbirdDelicate
LaurelVictory wreath treeClassic
DahliaShowy garden flowerDramatic
BriarWild roseRomantic
MarigoldGolden flowerVintage, warm
SageSilvery herb; wiseCalm

Short and sweet girl names

One- and two-syllable names that feel crisp and confident. Our short girl names and one-syllable girl names have many more.

NameMeaningOrigin
IslaIsland; the Scottish river IslayScottish
ZoeLifeGreek
EvaLifeHebrew
LilaNight; play (Sanskrit)Arabic / Sanskrit
MayaIllusion (Sanskrit); water (Hebrew)Various
JuneThe month; JunoLatin
TessHarvester (short for Theresa)Greek
NellLight; short for EleanorEnglish
JadeThe green gemstoneSpanish
FayeFairy; loyaltyEnglish

Unique girl names

Uncommon but wearable names with real history. Want more? See rare girl names.

NameMeaningOrigin
MargotPearl (French form of Margaret)French
FreyaLady; Norse goddess of loveOld Norse
SeraphinaFiery one (seraphim)Hebrew
OttilieProsperityGermanic
ImogenMaiden (possibly)Celtic via Shakespeare
TheaGoddessGreek
LinneaTwinflower, named for LinnaeusSwedish
CosimaOrder, beautyGreek via Italian
DelphineFrom Delphi; dolphinGreek via French
OndineWater spiritLatin via French
EsméEsteemed, lovedFrench
PhilippaLover of horsesGreek

Girl names from around the world

A few favorites from different cultures, easy to love in English. Our Irish girl names, Italian girl names and Japanese girl names have many more.

NameOriginMeaning
AoifeIrishBeauty, radiance (EE-fa)
SaoirseIrishFreedom (SEER-sha)
ChiaraItalianBright, clear
GiuliaItalianYouthful
SakuraJapaneseCherry blossom
HanaJapanese / ArabicFlower (Japanese); bliss (Arabic)
NoorArabicLight
AmaraIgboGrace
PriyaSanskritBeloved
IngridNorseIng’s beauty
ElenaGreek / SpanishTorch, bright light
AnyaRussianGrace (form of Anna)
MeiChineseBeautiful, plum (depending on character)
LeilaniHawaiianHeavenly flowers

How to choose the perfect girl name

  • Start with a style. Decide whether you’re drawn to classic, vintage, nature or modern names, then browse that list first — it narrows the field fast.
  • Say the full name aloud. First, middle and last name together should flow; watch for repeated sounds and awkward initials.
  • Check popularity. Some parents love a top-ten name; others don’t want three in one class. SSA data will tell you how common it is.
  • Think about nicknames. Elizabeth gives Eliza, Libby, Beth or Betsy; Margaret gives Maggie, Greta or Daisy. Make sure you like the likely ones.
  • Honor family gently. A grandmother’s name can work beautifully as a middle name, or in a modern variant (Margaret → Margot).

Frequently asked questions

What is the most popular girl name in the US?

Olivia has been at or near the top of US girl name charts for several years according to Social Security Administration data, with Emma, Charlotte, Amelia and Sophia close behind.

What are timeless girl names?

Elizabeth, Catherine, Margaret, Anne, Caroline, Grace, Julia and Rose have been used steadily for centuries and still sound fresh today.

What are the prettiest girl names?

Taste varies, but names like Aurora, Seraphina, Violet, Eleanor, Isla and Juniper are often described as beautiful. Browse pretty girl names for more.

What are strong girl names?

Names with powerful meanings include Matilda (mighty in battle), Valentina (strong), Audrey (noble strength) and Alexandra (defender). See strong girl names.

How do I find a girl name by first letter?

Use our A–Z lists, like girl names that start with A, linked in the grid below.