Are you looking for a girl’s name that sounds as lovely as it looks written down? This list gathers 100 beautiful girl names, each with its origin, meaning, pronunciation, and the place it holds in the latest U.S. birth records.
Beauty has plenty of definitions here. Some of these names are everywhere right now: Charlotte ranked #2 and Emma #3 among American girls born in 2025, and 33 names on this list sit inside the federal top 100 (1). Others, like Waverley and Sakura, are rare enough that your daughter may never meet another.
Every ranking below comes from Social Security Administration birth data, which counts United States births only. Browse for a style you like, mark the ones that make you smile, and say your favorites out loud before you decide.
Popularity at a Glance
The most popular names on this list in the United States, 1965 to 2025: Charlotte, Emma, Isabella, Eleanor and Violet.
100 Super Beautiful Names for Girls
Every name here comes with its origin, meaning, pronunciation, and where it stands in the newest U.S. birth data.
Addison
Addison began as a surname meaning son of Adam and has been in the U.S. data since 1980, though the real surge came in the last twenty years. Grey’s Anatomy fans will connect through Addison Montgomery, Derek Shepherd’s ex. Alternate meanings include earth, a soft fit for a little tree hugger. TikTok star Addison Rae keeps the sound familiar to a younger crowd. The two-syllable rhythm makes it an easy fit alongside a shorter middle name.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Adam
- Pronunciation: ADD-uh-suhn
- Variations: Addyson
- Namesakes: Addison Timlin, an American actress known for her role in Odd Thomas.
- Popularity: Addison hit #11 in 2007, its best U.S. showing, and still ranked #84 in 2025.
Adeline
Adeline grew out of Adele and has been in use since the Middle Ages, which is why it reads old and current at the same time. Adeline was once a popular name for royals, so it arrives with a little poise built in, and Addie or Della works well if the three-syllable version feels long for daily use. The rhythm sits easily against short middle names.
- Origin: German, French
- Meaning: Nobility
- Pronunciation: AD-uhl-eyen
- Variations: Adaline
- Namesakes: Adeline Canac, a French figure skater.
- Popularity: Adeline reached #58 in 2024 and sat at #59 in 2025, so it is sitting just off its all-time best.
Amanda
Amanda comes from Latin and means worthy of love, which is usually the whole reason a parent picks it. Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in American history, gave the name a fresh face for a new generation. Because it carried so many babies in the 1980s, it now reads warm and familiar rather than trendy. Mandy is the classic short form.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Worthy of love
- Pronunciation: uh-MAN-duh
- Namesakes: Amanda Borman, an American gymnast.
- Popularity: Amanda was the #2 girl name in U.S. births in 1980 and has eased back to #493 in 2025.
Amara
Amara carries grace and eternal across Italian, Greek, and several African naming traditions, which is part of why multicultural families shortlist it. In most places it is strictly feminine, though in Africa it is used for both. The sound is gentle without being fussy, and Mara works well as a shorter call name, though comic readers may already know Amara Aquilla, the Marvel character Magma.
- Origin: Italian, Greek, African
- Meaning: Grace, eternal
- Pronunciation: ah-MAR-uh
- Namesakes: Amara Karan, an English actress known for her role in Hope Street.
- Popularity: Amara is at its highest U.S. ranking to date, #98 in 2025, its first year inside the top 100.
Angelina
Angelina was at its most popular in the early 2000s, when longer, ornate names were in style. Angelina Jolie, the American actress and humanitarian, is still the first association for most people. Angelina can also mean angel, fitting for a little cherub. Parents with Italian, Greek, or Spanish roots often choose it as a nod to family. Angie and Lina both hold up day to day.
- Origin: Greek, Italian, Spanish
- Meaning: Messenger
- Pronunciation: ANJ-uh-lee-nuh
- Popularity: Angelina peaked at #43 in 2005 and ranked #347 in 2025.
Arabella
Arabella turns up in the 12th century as the name of an aristocrat’s daughter, and it has kept that formal air ever since. The meanings run from prayerful to beautiful, with eagle woman as another reading, so parents can pick the version they like. Bella and Bel are the everyday short forms.
- Origin: Latin, German, Spanish
- Meaning: Prayerful, beautiful
- Pronunciation: AIR-uh-bell-uh
- Namesakes: Arabella Mansfield, the first woman lawyer in the U.S.
- Popularity: Arabella did best at #156 in 2017 and held #213 in 2025.
Aria
Musical families are drawn to Aria, the word for a solo voice piece. Alternate meanings include lion, which suits a fierce little one. Aria is mostly a girls’ name here, though it is used for boys in Persia. In Greek myth, Aria is the mother of Apollo’s son Miletus. Short, vowel-heavy, and easy to say against a long surname.
- Origin: Indian, Italian, Persian
- Meaning: Melody, air
- Pronunciation: AR-ee-uh
- Namesakes: Aria Wallace, an American actress, and singer.
- Popularity: Aria climbed to #19 in 2018 and is still a U.S. top 30 name at #26 in 2025.
Audrey
Audrey has vintage polish without feeling dusty, helped along by Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face and Roman Holiday. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw chose it for their daughter, which kept it in circulation. The meaning, noble strength, gives the softness some backbone. Ree is a sweet short form for a small child.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Noble strength
- Pronunciation: AH-dree
- Variations: Audree
- Namesakes: Audrey Assad, an American Christian singer.
- Popularity: Audrey reached #33 in 2013 and ranked #86 in 2025.
Beatrice
Beatrice means one who brings joy, and it has been claimed by royals, including a former Duchess of Milan. Bea and Trixie pull the name in two directions, one calm and one playful. Shakespeare made it a household name with the sharp-tongued Beatrice of Much Ado About Nothing, and Voyager appears as an alternate meaning, a nod to a family with wandering feet.
- Origin: Latin, English, Italian
- Meaning: One who brings joy
- Pronunciation: BEE-uh-triss
- Namesakes: Beatrice (Bea) Arthur, an American actress known for her role in The Golden Girls.
- Popularity: Beatrice was a U.S. top 40 name at #37 in 1913 and sits at #508 in 2025.
Blair
Blair started as a Scottish surname for someone who lived near a field. In parts of Europe it is a boys’ name, while in the United States it reads female. Millennials will think of Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl, which gave it an Upper East Side gloss. Battlefield turns up as an alternate meaning, a quiet nod for military families.
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: Meadow, field
- Pronunciation: BLAIR
- Variations: Blaire
- Namesakes: Blair Butler, an American comedian and television host.
- Popularity: Blair is at its highest U.S. ranking on record, #169 in 2025.
Bonnie
In Scots, bonnie means pretty, so the name says the thing outright instead of hinting at it. Gone With the Wind fans will recognize Bonnie as Scarlett and Rhett’s daughter. Bonnie Parker of Bonnie and Clyde adds a streak of mischief to an otherwise sunny name, and it ages well besides, sounding as natural on a grandmother as on a baby.
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: Cheerful, beautiful
- Pronunciation: BAH-nee
- Variations: Bonny
- Namesakes: Bonnie Bernstein, an American journalist, and sportscaster.
- Popularity: Bonnie hit #33 in 1941 and has settled at #396 in 2025.
Brielle
Brielle is a trimmed-down Gabrielle that took off on its own in the 1990s. Brielle has Hebrew roots and is often read as heroine of God. Parents drawn to a spiritual name with a modern finish tend to land here. Ellie and Bri are the ready-made nicknames.
- Origin: French, Hebrew
- Meaning: Hunting grounds
- Pronunciation: BREE-ehl
- Namesakes: Brielle Davis, an Australian pop singer.
- Popularity: Brielle peaked at #99 in 2018 and ranked #143 in 2025.
Celeste
Celeste means heavenly, and it brings the whole night sky with it, moons and stars included. The soft opening and clipped ending keep it calm rather than grand. Families who love astronomy shortlist it often, and it is technically unisex but almost always given to girls here.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Heavenly
- Pronunciation: SUH-lest
- Namesakes: Celeste Headlee, an American journalist and radio show host.
- Popularity: Celeste is at its best U.S. rank on record, #188 in 2025.
Charlotte
Charlotte is the feminine form of Charles and means free woman. The royal connections run deep, from Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, to Prince William’s daughter. It manages to be one of the most-used names in the country and still feel dignified rather than trendy. Lottie and Charlie both come out of it if the full three syllables feel long for a toddler.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Free woman
- Pronunciation: CHAR-let
- Namesakes: Charlotte Brontë, an English novelist.
- Popularity: Charlotte is the highest-ranked name on this list, #2 among U.S. girls in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.
Chloe
In Greek mythology, Chloe was another name for Demeter, goddess of the harvest, which makes it a fitting pick for an autumn baby. The meaning, young green shoot, points at new growth. Chloe also appears in the Bible as one of the earliest Christians, a detail parents of faith tend to like, and it is two syllables, simple to spell aloud, working on an adult as easily as on a child.
- Origin: French, Greek
- Meaning: Young green shoot
- Pronunciation: KLOH-ee
- Variations: Khloe
- Namesakes: Chloe Grace Moretz, an American actress known for her role in Carrie.
- Popularity: Chloe reached #9 in 2009 and remains a top 25 name at #23 in 2025.
Claire
Claire means bright or clear, and the name has the same clean quality as its meaning. It was once given to men, but it has read as female for a long time now. Claire Danes and novelist Claire Cook keep it in view. It is a favorite middle name because it slides in neatly after almost anything.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Bright, clear
- Pronunciation: KLAIR
- Namesakes: Claire Danes, an American actress known for her role in Homeland.
- Popularity: Claire did best at #40 in 2016 and ranked #68 in 2025.
Daisy
Daisy comes from day’s eye, the old description of a flower that opens at sunrise. The bloom stands for innocence and new beginnings, which is why it turns up on so many new-baby cards. Disney’s Daisy Duck keeps it cheerful for small children, and the name itself is short, sunny, and needs no explaining.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Day’s eye
- Pronunciation: DAY-zee
- Namesakes: Daisy Fuentes, a Cuban American actress.
- Popularity: Daisy is at its best U.S. showing on record, #75 in 2025.
Daphne
Greek legend gives Daphne as a nymph who transformed into a laurel tree, which is where the meaning comes from. The name is tied to water too, to wells and brooks, a nice touch for a family near the coast. Bridgerton fans have their own reason to reach for it. Daph and Dee handle the short-form duties.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Laurel tree
- Pronunciation: DAF-nee
- Namesakes: Daphne Merkin, an American literary critic.
- Popularity: Daphne is at its highest U.S. rank to date, #178 in 2025.
Dawn
Dawn means daybreak, and in many Christian families it carries an association with resurrection morning. The name had its moment in the 1970s, when nature words were popular choices for girls. If you want a vintage entry among beautiful names for girls, this one is short, quiet, and unlikely to be duplicated in a classroom now, and it is a steady reminder besides that every day starts over.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Daybreak
- Pronunciation: DAWN
- Namesakes: Dawn Burrell, an American chef.
- Popularity: Dawn was a U.S. top 15 name at #14 in 1971 and has fallen to #2,174 in 2025.
Diana
In myth, Diana is the goddess of hunters, fertility, and the moon, a fitting pick for a night owl. Princess Diana of Wales, mother to Prince William and Prince Harry, is the association most readers reach for first. Universe appears as an alternate meaning, which is a lovely thing to call a daughter. Di works as a nickname, said either DEE or DYE.
- Origin: Greek, Latin
- Meaning: Heavenly, divine
- Pronunciation: DYE-an-uh, DEE-an-uh
- Variations: Deanna
- Namesakes: Diana Ross, an American singer, and member of The Supremes.
- Popularity: Diana reached #42 in 1946 and ranked #244 in 2025.
Eden
In the Bible, Eden is the garden where Adam and Eve lived, a place free of sorrow until the forbidden fruit ended it. Marcia Cross chose it for her daughter, and Hollywood has kept it in rotation since. The name suits parents who want meaning and a bit of glamor in the same four letters.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Place of delight
- Pronunciation: EE-den
- Namesakes: Eden Sher, an American actress known for her role on The Middle.
- Popularity: Eden is at its highest U.S. rank on record, #70 in 2025.
Eleanor
Eleanor means shining light, and it has been in the U.S. data since 1880. It faded for decades, then came back so strongly that it now outranks every year of its own history. Eleanor Roosevelt, the former first lady and activist, is the namesake most people know. Elle and Nellie are the short forms, one sleek and one cozy.
- Origin: Greek, English, French
- Meaning: Shining light
- Pronunciation: EL-uh-nor
- Namesakes: Eleanor Parker, an American actress known for her role in Caged.
- Popularity: Eleanor is at its best U.S. rank ever, #12 in 2025.
Emma
Emma has literary credibility that few names can match. Jane Austen built a whole novel around a heroine of that name, and Emma Watson gave the world Hermione. The meaning, whole, has universal as a second reading, which is a fair thing to say about a daughter. Four letters, no spelling questions, and it has sat near the top of the U.S. charts since the 2000s.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Whole
- Pronunciation: EH-muh
- Namesakes: Emma Goldman, a Russian activist, and writer.
- Popularity: Emma was the #1 U.S. girl name in 2008 and still ranks #3 in 2025.
Esther
Esther is one of the Bible’s bravest women, a queen who risked her life to save her people, and the story carries enough weight that an entire book is named for her. Essie works as a soft nickname for a small child. The meaning, star, gives the name a gentler second layer all its own.
- Origin: Persian
- Meaning: Star
- Pronunciation: ESS-ter
- Namesakes: Esther Hicks, an American author and motivational speaker.
- Popularity: Esther reached #32 in 1913 and ranked #119 in 2025.
Faith
Faith arrived with the Puritans, who liked naming daughters after the qualities they hoped to see. It was often used as a twin name, with the other sister called Hope. The idea matters to Muslim and Christian families alike, which gives it unusually wide reach. One syllable, no nickname required.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Trust
- Pronunciation: FAYTH
- Namesakes: Faith Hill, an American country singer.
- Popularity: Faith peaked at #48 in 2002 and ranked #254 in 2025.
Felicity
Felicity comes from Felicitas, a 2nd-century name meaning blessed, and it still sounds like good news. Saint Felicity, the patron of healing and martyrs, is the namesake behind its place among the virtue names. The full version is formal enough for a resume, and Liss keeps it light at home.
- Origin: Latin, Roman
- Meaning: Happy, good fortune
- Pronunciation: fuh-LIS-uh-tee
- Namesakes: Felicity Huffman, an American actress known for her role on Desperate Housewives.
- Popularity: Felicity did best at #345 in 2017 and ranked #473 in 2025.
Finley
Finley was a boys’ name first and only became common for girls in the mid-2000s. Alternate meanings include fair-haired warrior, which is a fun fit for a blonde. There is also a rock band by the name, so it carries a little edge, and the gender-neutral spelling can stay as is or soften into Finleigh.
- Origin: Scottish, Gaelic
- Meaning: Fair warrior
- Pronunciation: FIN-lee
- Variations: Finleigh, Finlee
- Namesakes: Finley Dunne, an American humorist, and writer.
- Popularity: Finley’s best U.S. showing was #159 in 2017; by 2025 it sat at #415.
Gabrielle
Gabrielle is the feminine form of Gabriel, the angel who appears in both the Bible and the Quran, which gives it reach across faiths. Gabrielle Union brought it to television, and Desperate Housewives kept it there. The meaning, God is my strength, is the sort of thing a girl can grow into. Even with its recent slide down the charts, Gabrielle still carries the polish that kept it in the top 50 for a decade.
- Origin: French, Hebrew
- Meaning: God is my strength
- Pronunciation: GAB-ree-ell
- Namesakes: Gabrielle Union, an American actress, and member of Destiny’s Child.
- Popularity: Gabrielle peaked at #46 in 1999 and ranked #633 in 2025, the steepest drop of any name on this list, down about 70% on the previous ten years of births.
Gemma
Gemma means precious stone, which is about as direct as a compliment gets. It was a European staple long before it caught on in the United States around 2008. Gemma Donati was the wife of the Italian poet Dante, and more recently the name has turned up on Reign and Neighbours if television is where you collect names.
- Origin: Latin, Italian
- Meaning: Precious stone
- Pronunciation: JEM-uh
- Variations: Jemma
- Namesakes: Gemma Ward, an Australian supermodel.
- Popularity: Gemma is at its best U.S. rank on record, #170 in 2025.
Genevieve
Genevieve is an elegant name with real backbone behind it. Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of France, is the best-known bearer. White wave shows up as an alternate meaning, which is a gift for a family that lives near the surf. The full four syllables carry real formality, the kind of name that ages well from nursery to boardroom.
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Tribe woman
- Pronunciation: JEN-uh-veev
- Namesakes: Genevieve Gorder, an American television host.
- Popularity: In 1914, Genevieve climbed to #76; it now ranks #148 in 2025.
Gianna
Gianna is the Italian route to God is gracious, and it is the pick for families who want their heritage in their daughter’s name. Gia and Gigi are the nicknames, both a little glamorous. It was traditionally given to Catholic girls as a blessing, and American parents found it in the late 1980s and never let go.
- Origin: Italian
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Pronunciation: JEE-ah-nuh
- Namesakes: Gianna Canale, an Italian actress known for her role in The Vampires.
- Popularity: Gianna hit #13 in 2020 and ranked #33 in 2025.
Grace
Grace is one of the most-used words in the Bible, depending on the translation you keep on the shelf. It comes from Gracia, a medieval word for a spiritual blessing, and eloquence turns up as a second meaning. Grace O’Malley, the Irish pirate, is proof the name does not have to be demure. It stays popular without ever feeling overexposed.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Favor, blessing
- Pronunciation: GRAYS
- Namesakes: Grace O’Malley, an Irish pirate.
- Popularity: Grace reached #13 in 2003 and still ranks #38 among U.S. girls in 2025.
Hadley
Hadley means heather meadow, and it brings the picture with it. Hadley Richardson, the first wife of Ernest Hemingway, is the namesake most often cited. The name reached the U.S. data in 1964 and has stayed modern-sounding since. It has held inside the top 150 since it first charted, a steadier climb than most vintage revivals.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Heather meadow
- Pronunciation: HAD-lee
- Variations: Hadlee, Hadleigh
- Namesakes: Hadley Freeman, an English journalist who wrote for The Guardian.
- Popularity: Hadley touched #100 in 2014 and has settled at #121 in 2025.
Harmoni
Harmoni is a respelling of Harmony, the musical term for notes that agree with each other. Behind it stands Harmonia, the Greek goddess of unity. This spelling has been in the U.S. data since 1977, and the more traditional versions go back further. It is a fair choice for the girl you hope will keep the peace.
- Origin: English, Latin, Greek
- Meaning: Unity
- Pronunciation: HAR-muh-nee
- Variations: Harmony, Harmonie
- Popularity: Harmoni did best at #702 in 2020 and sat at #1,000 in 2025.
Harriet
Harriet means home ruler, which is a reasonable description of most small daughters. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and Harriet the Spy gave the name its stubborn, notebook-carrying side. Ettie or Hattie modernizes it in one step, and either way it is rare enough now to feel like a discovery rather than a trend.
- Origin: English, German, French
- Meaning: Home ruler
- Pronunciation: HAIR-ee-eht
- Namesakes: Harriet Beecher Stowe, an American novelist known for Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
- Popularity: Harriet peaked at #104 in 1917 and ranked #1,073 in 2025.
Hazel
Botanical names are in favor and Hazel leads that pack. It points at the hazelnut tree, long credited in folklore with magical powers. Bob Dylan wrote a song by the name, which is a nice bonus for music-minded parents. It also works as a color, so a hazel-eyed baby gets a small private joke.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Hazelnut tree
- Pronunciation: HAY-zill
- Namesakes: Hazel Blears, a former member of the English Parliament.
- Popularity: Hazel rose as high as #18 in 2023, with a 2025 rank of #21.
Holly
Holly is the plant with red winter berries, which makes it a natural for a December baby. The evergreen leaves stand for eternal life in Christian tradition, so the cheer has some depth behind it. Buddy Holly carried it as a surname, and the name is quieter now than it was in the seventies, which is exactly the appeal.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Plant with red berries
- Pronunciation: HOL-ee
- Variations: Holli, Hollie
- Namesakes: Holly Hunter, an American actress known for her role in Incredibles 2.
- Popularity: Holly hit its high point at #48 in 1979, and sits at #416 in 2025.
Hope
Hope belongs to the virtue-name family, though it is often passed over for Faith. Whatever a family believes, the word does its own work. One syllable, four letters, and nothing about it needs explaining at the school gate.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Positive anticipation
- Pronunciation: HOHP
- Namesakes: Hope Holiday, an American actress known for her role in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
- Popularity: Hope did best at #143 in 1999 and ranked #352 in 2025.
Imogene
Imogene is the vintage American spelling of Imogen, and it has been quiet since the late 1950s. The meanings run to maiden and innocent, with daughter as another reading. A name this rare gives a girl an unusual amount of room to define it herself. Gene or Immy shortens it.
- Origin: Celtic, Latin
- Meaning: Maiden, innocent
- Pronunciation: IH-muh-jeen, ih-MOH-gehn
- Variations: Imogen
- Popularity: Imogene reached #157 in 1927 and now sits at #2,521 in 2025, still in the data but genuinely rare.
Iris
In Greek mythology, Iris is the rainbow itself and the messenger who travels along it. Halo of the moon appears as an alternate meaning, which suits a baby who arrives after dark. Shakespeare put Iris in The Tempest, and the Goo Goo Dolls wrote the song most people hum when they hear it, four letters and one flower with a color for every one of them.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Rainbow
- Pronunciation: EYE-riss
- Namesakes: Iris Murdoch, an Irish novelist, and philosopher.
- Popularity: Iris is at its best U.S. rank on record, #61 in 2025.
Isabella
Isabella is a name fit for a queen, and one wore it: the former Queen of Castile. It is the softer stretch of Isabel, itself a branch off Elizabeth. Twilight sent it to the very top of the U.S. charts, where it has stayed within reach ever since. Four flowing syllables that pair easily with a short, one-syllable middle name.
- Origin: Spanish, Italian, Hebrew
- Meaning: Devoted to God
- Pronunciation: ISS-uh-bell-ah
- Namesakes: Isabella Boylston, an American ballerina.
- Popularity: Isabella was the #1 U.S. girl name in 2009 and still ranks #7 in 2025.
Isla
Isla was around in the early 1900s, disappeared for decades, and came back in 2008 sounding brand new. It is the Spanish word for island, which makes the school register feel like a holiday. Isla Fisher is the best-known bearer. Two syllables, a silent s, and one spelling conversation per introduction.
- Origin: Scottish, Spanish
- Meaning: Island
- Pronunciation: EYE-lah
- Namesakes: Isla Fisher, an Australian actress known for her role in Wedding Crashers.
- Popularity: Isla is at its highest U.S. rank on record, #28 in 2025.
Jane
Jane is plain in the best sense: four letters, no ornament, nothing to explain. Jane Austen is the namesake that matters most, and Lady Jane Grey ruled England for nine days. Jimmy Kimmel chose it for his daughter, and Disney fans have Tarzan and Mary Poppins to draw on, with Jane remaining the most reliable middle name in English.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Pronunciation: JAYN
- Variations: Jayne
- Namesakes: Lady Jane Grey, the former Queen of England who ruled for nine days.
- Popularity: By 1946 Jane had climbed to #35; the 2025 U.S. rank is #221.
Jolie
Jolie is the French word for pretty, used as a name almost entirely in the United States. Angelina Jolie is the reason most American parents have heard it. Alternate meanings include joy and agreeable one. It is rare enough now that a girl will likely be the only one in her grade.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Pretty
- Pronunciation: JOH-lee
- Namesakes: Jolie Rickman, an American singer, humanitarian, and activist.
- Popularity: Jolie did best at #564 in 2008 and ranked #1,030 in 2025.
Josephine
Josephine is the feminine form of Joseph, which makes it an easy way to honor a grandfather. It was everywhere in the early 1900s, then went quiet. It picked up again around 2010. Jo is the literary nickname, and Josie the sunnier one. Josephine March, the tomboy sister in Little Women, is the fictional namesake most readers claim.
- Origin: Hebrew, French
- Meaning: Jehovah increases
- Pronunciation: JOH-seh-feen, HOH-seh-feen
- Namesakes: Josephine Foster, an American folk singer, and songwriter.
- Popularity: Josephine reached #21 in 1916 and is back at #53 in 2025.
Juliet
Juliet belongs to Shakespeare and always will, which is either the appeal or the problem. The play’s Juliet is young, headstrong, and willing to risk everything, so the name carries more nerve than sweetness. The meaning is youthful. Keep the single-t spelling or go French with Juliette.
- Origin: Latin, English, Roman
- Meaning: Youthful
- Pronunciation: JOO-lee-eht
- Variations: Juliette
- Popularity: Juliet topped out at #228 in 2016; the 2025 rank is #274.
Kaylee
Kaylee became popular in the 1980s and grew into a defining sound of the 2000s nursery. The meaning is laurel. Crown works as a second reading, a nod to the victor’s wreath. American Horror Story put a Kaylee on screen. Spellings multiply here, so decide early whether you want Kayleigh on the birth certificate.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Laurel
- Pronunciation: KAY-lee
- Variations: Kayleigh
- Namesakes: Kaylee Bryant, an American actress known for her role on Legacies.
- Popularity: Kaylee’s strongest year was 2009, at #26; 2025 places it #255.
Kendall
Kendall means valley on the river Kent, an actual green corner of England. The Kardashians made it a household word through Kendall Jenner, though the soap All My Children got there first. It is unisex on paper and mostly female in practice. Ken and Kenny keep it casual.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Valley on the river Kent
- Pronunciation: KEN-duhl
- Popularity: 2012 brought Kendall to #116; 2025 puts it at #328.
Kinsley
Kinsley was a quiet surname until about 2005, when American parents found it all at once. It traces back to Cynesige, an Old English name read as royal victory. That gives the meadow imagery a crown behind it. Kins shortens it without losing the sound. It reads gender-neutral on paper but lands on girls almost every time.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: King’s meadow
- Pronunciation: KINZ-lee
- Variations: Kinslee, Kinsleigh
- Popularity: Kinsley hit #57 in 2021 and ranked #93 in 2025.
Kylie
Kylie came out of Australia, where the word describes a boomerang, and American parents took to it quickly. Kylie Minogue carried it first, and Kylie Jenner carried it to a second generation. Because it is a modern name, its references are all pop culture, right down to a supporting character in C.C. Hunter’s Shadow Falls books. Ky is the short form.
- Origin: Australian, Scottish
- Meaning: Boomerang
- Pronunciation: KYE-lee
- Variations: Kiley, Kyeli
- Namesakes: Kylie Jenner, an American model, and entrepreneur.
- Popularity: Kylie has never ranked higher than #49 (2004); it is #204 in 2025.
Leilani
Leilani is Hawaiian for heavenly lei, and it brings warm air and flowers with it. Bing Crosby recorded a song by the name, and that recording raised its profile in the U.S. Royal child of heaven turns up as an alternate reading. It has held inside the top 60 for several years running, a sign the sound has staying power beyond a single trend.
- Origin: Hawaiian
- Meaning: Heavenly lei
- Pronunciation: lay-LAH-nee
- Namesakes: Leilani Munter, an American race car driver.
- Popularity: Leilani reached #59 in 2022 and held #60 in 2025.
Lily
Lily was a religious image long before it was a name, standing for purity. In Christian art it also represents the Virgin Mary. The Sermon on the Mount mentions lilies, which is why some families read it as a biblical choice. It also happens to be an Easter flower, handy for a spring baby. Between Lily, Lilly, and Lillie, pick your spelling and hold the line.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: LIH-lee
- Variations: Lille, Lillee
- Namesakes: Lily Tomlin, an American actress, and comedian.
- Popularity: Lily reached #15 in 2011 and is still a U.S. top 20 name at #18 in 2025.
Lorelei
Lorelei belongs to German legend as a scorned woman who threw herself from the cliffs and became a siren luring sailors onto the rocks. Visit Germany and you can stand at the Lorelei rock named for her. Gilmore Girls gave the name its warm modern face. It is dramatic, musical, and almost never duplicated.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Alluring
- Pronunciation: LAWR-lye
- Popularity: 2025 is the strongest year on record for Lorelei, at #441.
Lotus
Lotus names the flower that rises out of muddy water, which is why it stands for rebirth and spiritual growth. Anyone who practices yoga knows the pose. Like most nature words it is technically unisex, though celebrities have been choosing it for daughters.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Lotus flower
- Pronunciation: LOH-tus, LOH-tiss
- Popularity: Lotus did best at #1,390 in 1916 and ranked #1,826 in 2025, rare in every U.S. year on record.
Lucia
Lucia comes from lux, the Latin word meaning light, and it suits a winter baby especially well. Saint Lucia, the patron saint of the blind, is the namesake behind the candle-lit festivals. Lucy is the ready-made short form.
- Origin: Italian, Roman, Spanish
- Meaning: Light
- Pronunciation: loo-SEE-uh
- Namesakes: Lucia Maria Raniera, the former Princess of Bourbon.
- Popularity: Lucia has never ranked this high before: #83 in 2025.
Luna
Luna is the moon, straight out of Latin. Roman myth made her its personification, often pictured beside the sun god. Harry Potter readers will hear Luna Lovegood first, which is no bad thing. The name also carries an association with Monday, the moon’s day. Four letters, two syllables, and it works in almost every language a family might speak at home.
- Origin: Latin, Roman, Italian
- Meaning: Moon
- Pronunciation: LOO-nuh
- Namesakes: Luna Blaise, an American actress known for her role on Manifest.
- Popularity: Luna hit #10 in 2022 and ranked #27 in 2025.
Mabel
Mabel is a clipped form of Amabel, and the meaning, lovable, survived the trim. It was everywhere in the early 1900s and has come back around as one of those grandmother names that now sounds fresh. Russell Brand and Bruce Willis both chose it for daughters. Russell Brand and Bruce Willis both put the full name on a birth certificate, not a shortened version.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Lovable
- Pronunciation: MAY-behl, MAY-buhl
- Variations: Maybel, Mabell
- Namesakes: Mabel King, an American actress known for her role in The Wiz.
- Popularity: Mabel’s high point was #56, set in 1913; it now stands at #201.
Magnolia
Magnolia is southern to the bone, named for the flowering tree southerners plant and photograph. Chip and Joanna Gaines attached it to a whole design brand. That is a large part of why the name is rising. Maggie and Lia are the nicknames waiting inside it. Hart of Dixie put one on television too.
- Origin: French, Latin
- Meaning: Magnolia’s flower
- Pronunciation: mag-NOH-lee-uh
- Popularity: Magnolia is at its highest U.S. rank on record, #124 in 2025.
Malaya
Malaya is Filipino for free, and independent turns up as a second reading. Beautiful names have no borders, and this is one worth knowing outside the community that named it. It is easy to say, easy to spell, and still uncommon on an American class list.
- Origin: Filipino
- Meaning: Free
- Pronunciation: mah-LAY-uh, mah-LYE-uh
- Popularity: Malaya’s best year, 2013, brought #633; 2025 shows #775.
Marigold
Marigold is the golden flower that stands for inner light, and Catholics have long linked it to the Virgin Mary. Botanical names are common now, but this one is still a unique name on an American playground. Actress Marigold Semple is among its few well-known bearers. Goldie and Mari are the nicknames, both cheerful.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Golden flower
- Pronunciation: MAIR-ih-gohld
- Namesakes: Marigold Semple, an American actress known for her role in The Taming of the Shrew.
- Popularity: Marigold is the fastest riser on this list: its U.S. births over the last 10 years run about 1,298% above the 10 years before, and it reached #590 in 2025, its best year yet.
Nicole
Nicole is the feminine form of Nicholas and a relative of Nike, so victory sits underneath the softness. It entered the U.S. data in 1937 and defined the eighties. Many families now use it as a girl’s middle name rather than a first. Nicki is the nickname that stuck.
- Origin: French, Greek
- Meaning: People of victory
- Pronunciation: nih-KOHL
- Variations: Nikole
- Namesakes: Nicole Kidman, an Australian actress known for her role in Big Little Lies.
- Popularity: Nicole moved up to #6 in 1982 before settling at #383 in 2025.
Odette
Odette is French, means wealthy, and sounds like a name that arrives by carriage. Ballet gave it a second life. It turns up in The Handmaid’s Tale and The Swan Princess as well. Odie, said OH-dee, keeps it playful. It is rare here but no longer disappearing.
- Origin: French, German
- Meaning: Wealthy
- Pronunciation: OH-deht
- Namesakes: Odette Myrtil, a French American violinist and actress.
- Popularity: Odette ranked #883 in 2025, its best U.S. showing on record, though it has been in the data since 1894.
Olive
Olive is the tree and the branch, the oldest symbol of peace we have. The olive branch appears in the story of Noah’s ark, which puts it among the out-of-the-box biblical names. It sat almost unused for a generation and has come roaring back. Livvy is the nickname if the full name feels serious.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Olive tree
- Pronunciation: AH-lihv, OH-lihv
- Namesakes: Olive Borden, an American actress known for her role in Joy Girl.
- Popularity: Olive is the biggest revival on this list: from a 1915 peak it fell to about 3 girls per million births in 1988 and is back near 994 per million in 2025, ranking #197 per the latest federal birth data.
Ophelia
Ophelia belongs to the arts. Shakespeare gave her to Hamlet, and Harriet Beecher Stowe borrowed the name for Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The meaning is aid, which is gentler than the tragedy suggests. After a long absence it came back to the U.S. charts in 2015 and now sounds new again. Opie, said OH-pee, is a nonbinary nickname.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Aid
- Pronunciation: oh-FEEL-ee-uh
- Popularity: Ophelia’s best U.S. showing was #259 in 2024; by 2025 it sat at #264.
Paisley
Paisley is a Scottish town and a fabric pattern before it is a name. That gives it both roots and a seventies swirl. It took over American nurseries around 2006 and has not left. Athlete Jennie Finch chose it for her daughter in 2013. Technically unisex, it is almost always a girl here.
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: Church
- Pronunciation: PAYS-lee
- Variations: Paisleigh, Paislee
- Popularity: In 2015, Paisley climbed to #45; it now ranks #67 in 2025.
Penelope
Penelope is the cleverest woman in Greek myth. While Odysseus was at war she promised to choose a new husband once her weaving was done, then unpicked her work every night so the day never came. The meaning is weaver, and the story is really about patience and nerve. Penelope Cruz keeps it glamorous. Penny and Nell both live inside it.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Weaver
- Pronunciation: puh-NELL-uh-pee
- Namesakes: Penélope Cruz, a Spanish actress known for her role in the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
- Popularity: Penelope reached its best mark, #21, in 2022, edging to #22 by 2025.
Phoebe
Phoebe means radiant shining one, and Greek legend makes her the grandmother of Apollo, Artemis, and Hecate. Her link to the Oracle of Delphi gave her prophetic powers. Phoebe also appears in the Bible as one of the earliest women leading a church. Friends fans, of course, hear Phoebe Buffay first.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Radiant shining one
- Pronunciation: FEE-bee
- Namesakes: Phoebe Cates, an American actress known for her role in the Gremlins series.
- Popularity: No prior year beats Phoebe’s current #157, set in 2025.
Priya
Priya means beloved, which is a simple and complete thing to call a daughter. It is a familiar name across India. It counts authors and actresses among its bearers there. Two syllables, and you will hear both PREE-yah and PRYE-uh depending on the family. Rare enough here that it will be hers alone in most rooms.
- Origin: Indian
- Meaning: Beloved
- Pronunciation: PREE-yah, PRYE-uh
- Popularity: Priya did best at #1,107 in 2001 and ranked #1,956 in 2025.
Reese
Reese is Welsh, means enthusiasm, and moves easily between boys and girls. Reese Witherspoon is the reason most Americans picture a girl when they hear it. Andrea Roth and J.P. Rosenbaum both chose it for daughters. Alternate meanings include fire, which fits a child with a spark to her.
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Enthusiasm
- Pronunciation: REES
- Popularity: The best year for Reese was 2012 at #128, with #192 the 2025 mark.
Regan
Regan started as an Irish surname and became a first name for girls in the seventies. Shakespeare used it in King Lear, and The Exorcist gave it a spookier association a few centuries later. It takes two pronunciations, RAY-gehn or REE-gehn, so you get to pick. The meaning, sovereign, outlasts both.
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic
- Meaning: Sovereign
- Pronunciation: RAY-gehn, REE-gehn
- Variations: Reagan
- Namesakes: Regan Lamble, an Australian Olympic runner.
- Popularity: Regan did best at #391 in 2001 and ranked #2,295 in 2025.
Robin
Robin began as a pet form of Robert and was mostly given to boys. Once people started hearing the bird instead of the nickname, it crossed over to girls. Robins arrive with spring. That makes it a cute name for a March or April baby. Robyn is the alternate spelling if you want the bird to be unmistakable.
- Origin: German, English
- Meaning: Bright, shining
- Pronunciation: RAA-bihn
- Variations: Robyn
- Popularity: Robin touched #25 in 1962 and has settled at #704 in 2025.
Rowan
Rowan is the tree with red berries, tough and flexible, and mythology says the rowan tree saved Thor from being swept to the Underworld. Little redhead turns up as an alternate meaning, a nice tribute to a ginger baby. It is gender-neutral and still leans male, so a daughter with this name tends to stand out.
- Origin: Scottish, Irish
- Meaning: Rowan tree
- Pronunciation: ROH-wehn
- Variations: Rowen
- Popularity: Rowan is currently at its highest recorded U.S. rank, #59.
Ruby
Ruby is the red stone, July’s birthstone, and one of the best-known gem names in English. Ruby Bridges, the first African American girl to attend an all-white school, gave it real courage. It peaked in the early 1900s and is climbing again. Short, warm, and it never needs spelling twice.
- Origin: Latin, English
- Meaning: Red precious stone
- Pronunciation: ROO-bee
- Variations: Rubie
- Namesakes: Ruby Ferguson, an English author who specialized in middle-grade fiction.
- Popularity: Ruby reached #23 in 1913 and is back at #64 in 2025.
Sadie
Sadie started as a nickname for Sarah and long ago went out on its own. The meaning, princess, is a promise most parents are happy to make. Sadie Robertson Huff carries it publicly now. It is friendly, a little old-fashioned, and sits comfortably near the top of the U.S. charts.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Princess
- Pronunciation: SAY-dee
- Variations: Sadi
- Namesakes: Sadie Frost, an English actress known for her role in Final Cut.
- Popularity: Sadie crested at #46 in 2014 and now holds #50 in 2025.
Sakura
Sakura is the cherry blossom, the flower Japan watches for every spring, and it stands for vitality and optimism. Japanese names shift meaning with the characters used to write them, so good and bloom are among the other readings. It is soft, three neat syllables, and almost unheard on an American roster.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: Cherry blossom
- Pronunciation: sah-KOO-rah
- Popularity: Sakura did best at #2,186 in 2012 and ranked #2,925 in 2025, one of the rarest names on this list.
Samantha
Samantha is the feminine answer to Samuel, and the Hebrew meaning, God has heard, comes along with it. It was one of the defining names of the nineties nursery. Sam and Sammi are the nicknames, both easy to grow into. Girls who grew up then will think of the Victorian American Girl doll first. The full name still reads a shade more formal than either nickname.
- Origin: Hebrew, Greek
- Meaning: God has heard
- Pronunciation: suh-MAN-thuh
- Namesakes: Samantha Womack, an English singer, and actress.
- Popularity: Samantha rose as high as #3 in 1998, with a 2025 rank of #151.
Sarah
Sarah is Abraham’s wife in the Bible and the mother of a child she was told she would never have, which is why her story is read as a lesson in believing the impossible. The meaning, princess, has been claimed by several royals since, including Sarah, Duchess of York. Sarah Michelle Gellar gave it a nineties television face. It has been in the U.S. data since 1880, which is about as steady as a name gets.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Princess
- Pronunciation: SAIR-uh
- Variations: Sara
- Namesakes: Sarah Michelle Gellar, an American actress known for her role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
- Popularity: Sarah reached #3 in 1993 and still ranks #90 in 2025.
Savannah
Savannah is a Georgia city, a Spanish word for a treeless plain, and a name that manages to sound both southern and wide open. Nicholas Sparks used it in Dear John, and Savannah Guthrie reads it out on the Today Show most mornings. It peaked at #30 in 2006 and now ranks #135, a name that has cooled but stayed familiar. The three flowing syllables read as equally at home in the Deep South or far outside it.
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: Treeless plain
- Pronunciation: suh-VAN-uh
- Variations: Savanna
- Namesakes: Savannah Guthrie, an Australian-American news anchor who hosts the Today Show.
- Popularity: By 2006 Savannah had climbed to #30; the 2025 U.S. rank is #135.
Scarlett
Scarlett owes its swagger to Gone With the Wind and Scarlett O’Hara. Before that it was an occupational surname for someone who worked in red wool. The color itself stands for passion and nerve, which is a fair description of both famous bearers. Scarlett Johansson keeps it current. One t or two is the only decision left.
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Red
- Pronunciation: SKAR-leht
- Variations: Scarlette
- Namesakes: Scarlett Johansson, an American actress known for her role in He’s Just Not That Into You.
- Popularity: Scarlett was #14 in 2022 and stands at #32 in 2025.
Serena
Serena means peaceful, and it sounds like what it means. Edmund Spenser used it in The Faerie Queen long before Gossip Girl gave it a Manhattan address. Serena Williams turned the same three syllables into a byword for winning. Rena and Sera are the short forms.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Peaceful, serene
- Pronunciation: sir-EE-nuh
- Namesakes: Serena Wiliams, an American pro tennis player.
- Popularity: 2000 was Serena’s peak year at #209; #325 is where it lands in 2025.
Stevie
Stevie is a nickname that grew up, borrowed from names like Stephanie and used on its own for decades now. Poet Stevie Smith got there first. Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac later gave it a permanent rock-and-roll streak. Schitt’s Creek added a deadpan modern one. It carries a little masculine edge, which is exactly why parents pick it for daughters.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Crown
- Pronunciation: STEE-vee
- Namesakes: Stevie Smith, an English poet, and novelist.
- Popularity: #203 in 2025 is the best Stevie has ever ranked.
Tatum
Tatum was a surname for a homesteader, which gives it a settled, hands-in-the-dirt feel. It is unisex and lands on girls more often than not, helped along by actress Tatum McCann. Channing Tatum is the reason most people can say it without hesitating. Tate is the nickname.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Tata’s homestead
- Pronunciation: TAY-tuhm
- Namesakes: Tatum McCann, an American actress known for her role in Click.
- Popularity: Tatum’s 2025 rank of #189 is its best showing on record.
Taylor
Taylor was the job before it was the name, an occupational surname for someone who sewed clothes. It defined the nineties for both boys and girls. It found a second life through Taylor Swift. Taylor Momsen brought it to Gossip Girl. It has slipped a long way from its peak, which may be exactly what makes it usable again.
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Tailor
- Pronunciation: TAY-ler
- Namesakes: Taylor Momsen, an American actress, and singer known for her role in Gossip Girl.
- Popularity: 1994 brought Taylor to #6; 2025 puts it at #403.
Tessa
Tessa picked up steam in the 1960s, when short nicknames started arriving on birth certificates in their own right. The meaning is to reap, with fourth child as an alternate reading that some parents enjoy using ironically. Tessa Thompson carries it in the Creed films, and poet Tessa Rumsey on the page. Tess trims it by one syllable.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: To reap
- Pronunciation: TEH-sah
- Namesakes: Tessa Thompson, an American actress known for her role in the Creed films.
- Popularity: #190 in 2007 was as high as Tessa climbed; it is #311 in 2025.
Thea
Thea is a short form of Theia, the Greek goddess of light. Divine appears as an alternate meaning, which keeps the goddess theme going. It also works as a nickname for longer names like Althea. That gives a family two ways to reach the same name. Four letters, and it sounds far bigger than it looks.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Goddess
- Pronunciation: THEE-uh, THAY-uh
- Namesakes: Thea Vidale, an American actress and comedian.
- Popularity: Thea’s high point was #268, set in 2017; it now stands at #353.
Tinsley
Tinsley was a geographical surname long before it was a first name, and it has been in the U.S. data since 1982. Socialite Tinsley Mortimer and a character on Degrassi account for most of the recognition it has. The meaning is Tynni’s meadow. It is one of the more modern-sounding names here and still genuinely rare.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Tynni’s meadow
- Pronunciation: TINS-lee
- Variations: Tinslee, Tinsleigh
- Popularity: Tinsley did best at #721 in 2020 and ranked #1,112 in 2025.
Uma
Uma is an alternate U name for the Hindu goddess Parvati, who rules power, love, and motherhood. Uma Thurman is the bearer most Americans know. Alternate meanings include nation, night, and fame. Three letters, two syllables, and no chance of a duplicate in her class.
- Origin: Hebrew, Indian
- Meaning: Light, peace
- Pronunciation: OO-muh
- Namesakes: Uma Anand, an Indian journalist, actress, and broadcaster.
- Popularity: Uma did best at #2,349 in 2006 and ranked #3,025 in 2025, among the rarest names on this list.
Valencia
Valencia is a Spanish city full of art and music, and the name means strong or healthy. Val is the easy nickname. It is quiet enough now to feel vintage rather than dated. Place names come back around all the time. This one has the sound to do it.
- Origin: Spanish, Latin, Roman
- Meaning: Strong, healthy
- Pronunciation: vuh-LEHN-see-uh
- Popularity: Valencia’s peak was #633 back in 1969; it has drifted to #1,731 by 2025.
Vanessa
An Irish writer invented Vanessa by combining Esther with Vanhomrigh. The meaning that stuck is butterfly. Vanessa Carlton and Vanessa Hudgens carried it through two different decades of pop, and before either of them it served as a nickname for Esther. Vanessa Carlton and Vanessa Hudgens both wore the full name through their biggest years, no shortening required.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Butterfly
- Pronunciation: vuh-NESS-uh
- Namesakes: Vanessa Carlton, an American singer, and songwriter.
- Popularity: Vanessa’s top rank, #41, came in 1988; today it is #377.
Vera
Vera is Russian for faith, four letters that carry a lot. Designer Vera Wang is the namesake most people picture. It was an early-1900s favorite. It has been climbing back for years since. Two pronunciations, VEER-ah and VAIR-ah, and both sound right.
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Faith
- Pronunciation: VEER-ah, VAIR-ah
- Popularity: Vera moved up to #65 in 1915 before settling at #205 in 2025.
Violet
Violet is the flower and the color, and purple has meant royalty for as long as anyone has been dyeing cloth. The bloom is also edible, used to flavor food. Pokemon fans will know Violet as a famed trainer in that world. Vi is the nickname, and the full version has climbed to the highest rank in its long history.
- Origin: Latin, French
- Meaning: Purple
- Pronunciation: VYE-oh-leht
- Variations: Violette
- Popularity: Every earlier year ranks lower than Violet’s current #13.
Waverley
Waverley means meadow of quivering aspens, which paints an entire view in a single word. Literature fans will know Waverley as the title of a novel published in the 1800s, and actor Zachary Scott chose it for his daughter. Beyond that there is almost nothing attached to it, which is the appeal. Wave is the obvious trim.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Meadow of quivering aspens
- Pronunciation: WAY-ver-lee
- Popularity: Waverley is the rarest name on this list, #7,864 in 2025, roughly one girl in 111,111 U.S. births.
Winnie
Thanks to Winnie the Pooh, Winnie will always be a Disney name, which is no small charm. Friend of peace turns up as an alternate meaning. It stands on its own or works as a short form of Winifred. Warm, a little vintage, and impossible to say unkindly.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Gentle friend
- Pronunciation: WIH-nee
- Variations: Winni, Winny
- Namesakes: Winnie Holzman, an American poet, and screenwriter.
- Popularity: Winnie’s best U.S. showing was #255 in 1913; by 2025 it sat at #475.
Wren
Wren is the small brown songbird that folklore credits with prophetic powers and outsized nerve. The name has been in the U.S. data since 1888 and only became a common choice in the last decade. It is one syllable, spelled the way nobody expects, and it suits a small baby with a big voice.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Songbird
- Pronunciation: REHN
- Popularity: In 2022, Wren climbed to #184; it now ranks #231 in 2025.
Xena
Xena has been in the U.S. data since 1992 and got its one real surge from Xena: Warrior Princess, though it has stayed rare ever since. The meaning, guest, is far gentler than the sword-carrying association. It is proof a name can be pretty and formidable at once.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Guest
- Pronunciation: ZEE-nuh
- Popularity: Xena climbed to #758 in 1996 but has since fallen to #1,270 in 2025.
Yvette
Yvette points to the yew, an evergreen that can live for thousands of years. Yews stand for longevity and are planted in churchyards, where they were said to protect the dead. Comedian Yvette Wilson carried the name on television. It is unmistakably French and rare enough now to feel rediscovered.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Yew tree
- Pronunciation: ih-VEHT
- Namesakes: Yvette Wilson, an American actress, and comedian.
- Popularity: Yvette reached #125 in 1967 and ranked #1,630 in 2025.
Zara
Zara is the sharper alternative to Sara, with God remembers as its meaning and radiant as a second reading. The clothing label gives it a certain gloss whether you want it or not. Parents looking for beautiful girl names with Arabic roots land here often. Four letters, one z, and plenty of presence.
- Origin: Hebrew, Arabic
- Meaning: God remembers
- Pronunciation: ZAIR-uh, ZAR-uh
- Popularity: Zara touched #201 in 2022 and has settled at #212 in 2025.
Zelda
Zelda has two very different sets of fans: gamers who grew up with the Legend of Zelda, and readers who know Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of F. Scott. Alternate meanings include strong woman. It is unusual without being difficult, and it has an edge most vintage names lack.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Grey fighting maid
- Pronunciation: ZELL-duh
- Popularity: Zelda rose as high as #389 in 1916, with a 2025 rank of #832.
Zoe
Zoe is Greek for life, which is a lot of meaning for three letters. It has a link to Eve, the first woman in the Bible, whose name carries the same idea. In myth, Zoe is the daughter of King Midas. Zoe Saldana keeps it visible. Zoey and Zooey are the alternate spellings, and you will spend her childhood clarifying which one you chose.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Life
- Pronunciation: ZOH-ee
- Variations: Zoey, Zooey
- Namesakes: Zoe Saldana, an American actress known for her role in the Avatar movies.
- Popularity: By 2024 Zoe had climbed to #29; the 2025 U.S. rank is #31.
Zora
Zora means light in both Arabic and Slavic naming traditions. Zora Neale Hurston, the American novelist and filmmaker, is the reason the name carries literary weight. It was an early-1900s name that has stayed uncommon since, which suits parents who want something nobody else is using. Sonny With a Chance gave it a modern nod.
- Origin: Arabic, Slavic
- Meaning: Light
- Pronunciation: ZOR-ah
- Namesakes: Zora Hurston, an American novelist, and filmmaker.
- Popularity: 1915 brought Zora to #475; 2025 puts it at #969.
