Once you’ve decided on girl names that start with D, the real work begins! From ancient names to vintage beauties and modern choices, D names for girls are vast and impressive. Without categories, finding the best choice for the baby girl you’ll soon welcome into the world is impossible.
Look no further for female names that start with D because our name list here has it all. We cover variations and famous bearers of the name to pronunciation and meanings, all in a crystal clear manner. D-girls rule, so let’s dig in!
100 Popular Female Names That Start with D
It’s time for the cutest girl names that start with D ahead.
Daffodil
Daffodil is from the Dutch “daffodil,” based on “de affodil,” meaning “the asphodel.” It’s the scientific name for the yellow spring flowers known as Daffodils. They are said to grow in the Elysian Fields of paradise.
- Origin: Greek, Dutch
- Meaning: Daffodil flower
- Pronunciation: DAEF-ow-Dihl
- Variations: Daffodill, Dafodil, Dafodyll
- Popularity: Daffodil is very rare worldwide, mostly used in the Philippines, and ranked 987th in the British Virgin Islands in 2014.
Dagmar
Dagmar comes from the Old Norse Dagmær, composed of “dagr,” meaning “day,” and “mær,” meaning “daughter.” It’s used everywhere, from Germany to Poland and Switzerland, perfect for little girls who love the day.
- Origin: Norse
- Meaning: Day maiden
- Pronunciation: DAAGH-Maar
- Variations: Dagmarr, Dagomar
- Namesakes: Dagmar Salén, the first Swedish woman to win an Olympic medal in sailing. Dagmar Celeste, the first lady of Ohio from 1983 to 1991.
- Popularity: Dagmar is uncommon worldwide, mainly used in Germany, and ranked 56th in the Czech Republic in 2014.
Dahlia
Dahlia derives from the Swedish “dal,” which refers to “Dahl’s flower.” The Dahlia flower was named after Swedish botanist Anders Dahl. They represent union, which makes them a perfect part of girl names with D that grow with you.
- Origin: Swedish
- Meaning: Flower of the valley
- Pronunciation: DAHL-Yaa
- Variations: Dalia, Dahliah, Dahlya
- Namesakes: Dahlia Duhaney, a Jamaican sprinter who competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Dahlia Lithwick, a Canadian-American contributing editor at Newsweek.
- Popularity: Dahlia is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 329th in 2021.
Daisy
Daisy comes from the Old English “dægeseage,” meaning “day’s eye.” It’s also a nickname used for Margaret. Daisy is a common flower name, beautifully associated with summer and sunshine all the way through.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Day’s eye
- Pronunciation: DEY-Ziy
- Variations: Daisee, Daisie, Daisey
- Namesakes: Daisy de Peinder, a Dutch softball player with the Dutch national team. Daisy Cooper, a British Member of Parliament for St Albans since 2019.
- Popularity: Daisy is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 134th in 2021.
Dakira
Dakira is made up of the Hebrew Kira, with a “Da-” prefix. It may have been Yakira in Hebrew, but it’s also related to the Celtic Ciara, meaning “little dark-haired one.”
- Origin: Persian, Hebrew
- Meaning: Of light
- Pronunciation: Dey-KIY-rah
- Variations: Dakara
- Popularity: Dakira is extremely rare worldwide and mainly used in Indonesia.
Dakota
Dakota was originally the Sioux word for “friendly one.” It names North Dakota and South Dakota in the U.S., offering natural beauty to D names for girls.
- Origin: Native American
- Meaning: Friend, ally
- Pronunciation: Dah-KOW-taa
- Variations: Dakkota, Dakotah
- Namesakes: Dakota Fanning, an American actress and the youngest SAG nominee in 2001 for I Am Sam. Dakota Lane, an American author, named a Best Book for Young Adults winner for Johnny Voodoo.
- Popularity: Dakota is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 270th for girls in 2021.
Dalett
Beyond its meaning, a dalet refers to the fourth letter of ancient Hebrew. It’s more commonly spelled Dalet, but even then, your Dalett should be the only one for miles.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Door
- Pronunciation: Dah-LEHT
- Variations: Dalet
- Popularity: Dalett is extremely rare worldwide, mostly used in Brazil, and ranked 1,271st for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Daleyza
Daleyza is unique among female names that start with D since it was invented. Mexican-American singer Larry Hernandez and his wife coined the name, similar to Delizia and Delicio, meaning “delightful.”
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: Delightful
- Pronunciation: Dah-LEY-Zaa
- Variations: Delizia
- Popularity: Daleyza is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 411th for girls in 2021.
Dallas
Dallas, though sounding very American, was based on an English surname meaning “valley house.” It also means “from the meadow dwelling” in Scottish, which makes Dallas prettier than originally thought.
- Origin: Celtic
- Meaning: Skilled
- Pronunciation: DAEL-Lihs
- Variations: Dallis, Dallus
- Namesakes: Bryce Dallas Howard, an American actress appearing in The Village (2004).
- Popularity: Dallas is rare worldwide, primarily used in the U.S., and ranked 586th in New Zealand in 2014.
Damaris
Damaris is based on the Greek “damalis,” meaning “heifer.” It’s also associated with the Virgin Mary as “De Maris,” but refers to any strong, beautiful woman.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Calm, strong
- Pronunciation: Dae-MAH-rihs
- Variations: Demaris, Demeris
- Namesakes: Damaris Wienke, an American footballer who plays for the Netherlands national team. Damaris Porras, a Peruvian folk singer of Andean music.
- Popularity: Damaris is uncommon worldwide, primarily used in Kenya, and ranked 117th in Nicaragua in 2014.
Damiana
Damiana is the female equivalent of Damian, meaning “to tame” or “subdue.” It originally meant “domesticated” in Greek but offers a unique approach for girls in charge.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: One who tames
- Pronunciation: Dah-miy-AHN-ah
- Variations: Damianna, Damijana, Damyana
- Namesakes: Damiana Eugenio, a Filipino author, called the Mother of Philippine Folklore. Damiana Deiana, an Italian footballer with the Italy women’s national football team.
- Popularity: Damiana is rare worldwide, primarily used in Brazil, and ranked 398th in Bolivia in 2014.
Dana
In Arabic, Dana also means “the most perfectly sized, valuable, and beautiful pearl.” It means “a Dane” in Irish and is much more common among girl names that start with D than boy names.
- Origin: English, Celtic
- Meaning: Darling
- Pronunciation: DEY-Nah
- Variations: Daena, Danah, Daina
- Namesakes: Dana Tyler, an American news anchor at WCBS-TV in New York City. Dana Zátopková, a Czech javelin thrower and gold medalist at the 1952 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Dana ranked 1,187th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., ranking 1,078th for girls in 2021.
Danica
Danica also means Venus. In Slavic mythology, Danica represented the star worshiped at daybreak and the younger sister to the sun.
- Origin: Slavic
- Meaning: Morning star
- Pronunciation: DAEN-iy-Kaa
- Variations: Danika
- Namesakes: Danica Patrick, an American racing driver and the most successful woman in American open-wheel car racing. Danica Thrall, an English model who placed in the top 10 in the 2006 Miss England pageant.
- Popularity: Danica is rare worldwide, primarily used in Serbia, and ranked 4th in Montenegro in 2014.
Daniela
Daniela is a feminine form of Daniel, meaning “God is my judge.” It comes from the Hebrew “daniy’el.” Daniela uses a spelling common in Italian, Spanish, and Slavic countries or wherever your little girl calls home.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: God is my judge
- Pronunciation: Daan-YEH-Laa
- Variations: Daniellah, Daniella
- Namesakes: Daniela Bianchi, an Italian actress appearing as a Bond girl in the 1963 movie From Russia with Love. Daniela Nicolai, a Romanian gymnast and winner of nine medals at the European championships.
- Popularity: Daniela ranked 419th worldwide, is mainly used in Italy, and ranked 24th in Romania in 2014.
Danuta
Danuta is a unique version of the Biblical male name Daniel. It’s popular in Poland and Lithuania, but Danuta is a top exotic choice for the baby girl you’re expecting.
- Origin: Polish, Hebrew
- Meaning: God has judged
- Pronunciation: Dah-NUW-taa
- Variations: Donata
- Namesakes: Danuta Kordaczuk-Wagner, a Polish volleyball player with the Poland women’s national volleyball team.
- Popularity: Danuta is rare worldwide and mainly used in Poland, where it ranked 98th in 2014.
Daphne
Daphne refers to a “laurel tree,” also known as a “bay tree.” In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph loved by Apollo, but your Daphne should thrive wondrously as herself.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Laurel tree
- Pronunciation: DAEF-Niy
- Variations: Daphni, Daphney
- Namesakes: Daphne Zuniga, an American actress known for Rob Reiner’s The Sure Thing (1985). Daphne Arden, a British athlete and bronze medalist at the 1964 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Daphne is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Darby
Darby began as an English geographical surname. It’s made up of the Old Norse “djúr,” meaning “deer” and the suffix “-býr,” meaning “settlement.” Darby also means “free from envy,” ideal for the baby girl you love.
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Deer park
- Pronunciation: DAAR-Biy
- Variations: Darbey, Darbi, Darbie
- Namesakes: Darby Gould, an American vocalist with Jefferson Starship. Darby Dunn, an American journalist, and anchor of CNBC’s News Now.
- Popularity: Darby is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Darla
Darla is a nickname for Darlene, meaning “dearly beloved.” It first appeared in 1924 and works as both a first or middle name for your darling girl.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Little one, darling
- Pronunciation: DAAR-Laa
- Variations: Darlene
- Namesakes: Darla Anderson, an American film producer on the Producers Guild of America board of directors. Darla Hood, an American child actress in the Our Gang film series from 1935 to 1941.
- Popularity: Darla is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 1,244th in 2021.
Daryl
Daryl began as the English surname Darrell, meaning “beloved.” It’s also based on the French d’Airelle, given to anyone from Airelle, France. Daryl is a cool middle name for girls that acts as a term of endearment too.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Darling
- Pronunciation: DEY-Rahl
- Variations: Darrel, Darryl
- Namesakes: Daryl Hannah, an American actress known for Ron Howard’s romantic comedy Splash (1984).
- Popularity: Daryl is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Dasha
Dasha is a Russian diminutive of the Greek Daria, meaning “gift of God.” Saint Daria was a 3rd-century Greek martyr, but your Dasha will have a more modern feel.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Gift of God
- Pronunciation: DAH-Shaa
- Namesakes: Darya “Dasha” Zhukova, a Russian-American art collector and founder of Garage Magazine. Daria “Dasha” Astafieva, a Ukrainian singer with the pop duo NikitA.
- Popularity: Dasha is rare worldwide, mostly used in India, and ranked 1,248th in Estonia in 2014.
Dashawna
Dashawna is based on Shawn, the English version of the Hebrew John. By adding the “Da-” prefix to Shawna, it becomes a black Southern American name all on its own.
- Origin: Hebrew, American
- Meaning: God is merciful
- Pronunciation: Dae-SHAW-nah
- Popularity: Dashawna is extremely rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Dashiell
Dashiell is the English spelling of the French surname “de Chiel.” It may be associated with “ciel,” meaning “sky” and “heaven.”“Chiel” also means “young boy” or “page” in Scottish, for your anything-but-common little girl.
- Origin: French, Scottish
- Meaning: Heaven, sky
- Pronunciation: DAE-Shey-EHL
- Variations: Dashell
- Popularity: Dashiell is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Davina
Davina is the best female form of the Hebrew David. It also means “little dear” in Scottish, which makes it more meaningful among women’s names that start with D.
- Origin: Scottish, Hebrew
- Meaning: Beloved
- Pronunciation: Dah-VIY-naa
- Variations: Daveena, Davinah, Davyna
- Namesakes: Davina Ingrams, the 18th Baroness and a member of the House of Lords. Davina Oriakhi, an English-Nigerian singer and winner of the Choice Female Artist at the Nigerian Teen Choice Awards in 2016.
- Popularity: Davina is rare worldwide, mostly used in Brazil, and ranked 150th in the Congo in 2014.
Dayanara
Dayanara also means “stringer together of spoil.” It’s rooted in the Greek “dios,” meaning “of Zeus,” so it has plenty of strength to offer your young little goddess.
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: Forceful
- Pronunciation: DIE-ah-NAH-Raa
- Variations: Deyanara
- Namesakes: Dayanara Torres, a Puerto Rican beauty queen who won Miss Universe 1993.
- Popularity: Dayanara is rare worldwide, mainly used in the Philippines, and ranked 410th in Curaçao in 2014.
Daylin
Daylin also means “tender touch” and is considered a gender-neutral, modern name. It once meant “angel of God” in Old English and is ready to offer grace to your gorgeous baby girl.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Beautiful day
- Pronunciation: DEY-Lihn
- Variations: Daelin, Daelyn, Daylen
- Popularity: Daylin is rare worldwide, primarily used in the Philippines, and ranked 1,184th in Cuba in 2014.
Dayra
Dayra may be associated with the Arabic Daria. It’s relatively rare these days, so you may be waiting for someone to notice its unusual beauty.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Circle
- Pronunciation: DEY-Rah
- Variations: Daira, Dairra
- Namesakes: Dayra Lambis, a Venezuelan actress known for La Virgen Negra (2008).
- Popularity: Dayra is rare worldwide and mostly used in Panama, ranking 192nd in 2014.
Deanna
Deanna means “divine” and “goddess like” in Latin and “chief of ten” in English. It may be a variation of the Roman moon goddess Diana, also perfectly associated with fertility.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Valley, church leader
- Pronunciation: Diy-AA-Naa
- Variations: Deana
- Namesakes: Deanna Lund, an American actress known for the TV series Land of the Giants. Deanna Nolan, an American-Russian basketball player.
- Popularity: Deanna is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Dearbhla
Dearbhla is the most Gaelic of names for girls that start with D. It’s the name of a medieval saint who plucked out her eyes, but Dearbhla sounds cuter than her origin story.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Daughter of the poet
- Pronunciation: DIHRB-Lah
- Variations: Dervla
- Namesakes: Dearbhla Walsh, an Irish director known for the British series EastEnders.
- Popularity: Dearbhla is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Ireland, ranking 920th in 2014.
Deborah
Deborah was a prophetess in the Bible who was both a poet and judge. She was responsible for freeing the Israelites, but if you want to keep your Deborah casual, call her Debbie instead.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Bee
- Pronunciation: DEHB-ah-Rah
- Variations: Debbora, Debborah, Deborrah
- Namesakes: Deborah Allan, a British judoka and gold medalist at the 1999 European Judo Championships. Debra Winger, an American actress first known for the film An Officer and a Gentleman (1982).
- Popularity: Deborah ranked 357th worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,100th in 2022.
December
December comes from the Latin “decem,” meaning “tenth month.” The Roman calendar had ten months, but December can be cool no matter when she was born.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Born in December
- Pronunciation: Diy-SEHM-ber
- Variations: Decembar, Decymber
- Popularity: December is rare worldwide.
Dede
Dede comes from the Welsh Dee, meaning “dark.” When based on the Irish Deidre, it means “sorrowful.” It’s also associated with the Latin Diana, the most “divine” form of Dede.
- Origin: Welsh, Irish
- Meaning: Dark
- Pronunciation: DEE-Dee
- Variations: DeeDee, Diddie
- Namesakes: Dorothea “Dede” Allen, an American film editor known for Dog Day Afternoon (1975). Dede Feldman, an American member of the New Mexico Senate from 1997 to 2013.
- Popularity: Dede ranked 1,721st worldwide, is primarily used in Indonesia, and ranked in the top 1,000 names in the U.S. between 1959 and 1971.
Defiance
Defiance is a strong word and the rarest of surnames, meaning “a challenge to fight.” It’s based on the Old French “desfiance,” meaning “declaration of war,” perfect for the little girl who loves a challenge.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Resistance, rebel
- Pronunciation: Dee-FIE-Uhns
- Popularity: Defiance is extremely rare worldwide and primarily used in Indonesia.
Deirdre
In Irish legend, Deidre was a tragic heroine who died of a broken heart. She was known as “Deirdre of the Sorrows,” but this classic name has more beauty than sadness.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Broken-hearted, sorrowful
- Pronunciation: DIYR-Drah
- Variations: Deidre, Deidrie, Dierdre
- Namesakes: Deirdre Hargey, an Irish former Lord Mayor of Belfast. Deirdre Sullivan, an Irish children’s writer and winner at the 28th CBI Book of the Year Awards.
- Popularity: Deidre is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Deja
Deja is one of those female names that start with D, which is a modern invention. It’s based on the French term “déjà vu,” meaning “something that’s already happened.” Deja also means “a stirred memory” for a very special baby girl.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Remembrance
- Pronunciation: DEY-Zjah
- Variations: Dejah
- Namesakes: Deja Kelly, an American college basketball player for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Deja Carter, an American backup dancer for Zendaya.
- Popularity: Deja is rare worldwide, primarily used in the U.S., and ranked 982nd in Slovenia in 2014.
Delancey
Delancey is more common as a surname given to anyone from the town of Lancey, France. It occurs more as a boy’s name spelled De Lancey, but this version is super cute and unique for girls.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: From the alder grove
- Pronunciation: Deh-LAHN-siy
- Variations: Delancie, Delancy
- Popularity: Delancey is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Delilah
In the Bible, Delilah was the love interest of Samson, known for cutting off locks from his powerful head of hair. It also means “amorous” and “temptress,” so Delilah has lots of meanings from which to choose for your little one.
- Origin: Hebrew, Arabic
- Meaning: Delicate
- Pronunciation: Dih-LIE-Lah
- Variations: Delyla, Delylah, Delila
- Namesakes: Delilah S. Dawson, an American fantasy and sci-fi author known for her Star Wars tie-in fiction. Delilah Pierce, an African-American artist with work in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian Museum of American Art.
- Popularity: Delilah is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 58th for girls in 2021.
Della
Della is a nickname for Delilah, based on the Hebrew “dal,” meaning “delicate.” It may also be associated with Delia, taken from the Greek goddess Artemis, who hailed from Delos.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Noble
- Pronunciation: DEHL-ah
- Variations: Delah
- Namesakes: Della Jones, a Welsh opera singer who joined the Royal Opera House in 1983. Della Woods, an American dragster driver, and the first female to make the semifinals at an NHRA event.
- Popularity: Della is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Delores
Delores comes from the Spanish “dolores,” based on “dolar,” meaning “sorrows.” It’s often used for the Virgin Mary as “Maria de los Dolores,” or “Mary of the Sorrows.” The Dolores spelling is more common, but this version is just as pretty and thoughtful.
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: Sorrows
- Pronunciation: Deh-LAOR-ehs
- Variations: Deloris, Dolores
- Namesakes: Delores Ziegler, an American mezzo-soprano opera singer with the Metropolitan Opera. Delores Taylor, an American actor, known for the Billy Jack films of the 1970s.
- Popularity: Delores is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Delphine
Delphine originally meant “from Delphi” in Greek. Delphi was an ancient Greek sanctuary dedicated to the sun god Apollo, but its alternative meaning, “dolphin” is even cuter.
- Origin: French, Greek
- Meaning: Dolphin
- Pronunciation: Dehl-FIYN
- Variations: Delphina, Delfine
- Namesakes: Delphine Blanc, a French footballer for Paris Saint-Germain. Delphine Horvilleur, France’s third female rabbi and co-leader of the Liberal Jewish Movement of France.
- Popularity: Delphine is uncommon worldwide and mainly used in France, where it ranked 84th in 2014.
Delta
Delta is the name of the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet. It also means “estuary” and “positive change,” which gives it a cool, offbeat approach to D names for girls like yours.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: River mouth
- Pronunciation: DEHL-Taa
- Variations: Delltah, Dellta
- Namesakes: Delta Burke, an American actress best known for the CBS sitcom Designing Women. Delta Goodrem, an Australian singer whose 2003 album Innocent Eyes topped the ARIA Albums Chart.
- Popularity: Delta is rare worldwide, primarily used in DR Congo, and ranked 1,872nd for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Delwen
Delwen is a modern Welsh name made up of “del,” meaning “pretty,” and “wen,” meaning “white.” It’s extremely rare nowadays, even in Wales, but it can be reinvented by your little beauty.
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Pretty, fair
- Pronunciation: DEHL-Wehn
- Variations: Delwin, Delwyn
- Popularity: Delwen is extremely rare worldwide and mostly used in the Philippines.
Demelza
Demelza also means “hill fort of Maeldaf” in Welsh. It first became known through the Poldark novels by British novelist Winston Graham. The Cornish heroine’s name is Demelza, after a town in Cornwall, so it’s certainly got room to grow.
- Origin: Cornish
- Meaning: Fort on a hill
- Pronunciation: Deh-MEHL-zaa
- Variations: Demelzah
- Namesakes: Demelza McCloud, an Australian netball player on the Australian national team. Demelza Reveley, an Australian model and winner of the fourth season of Australia’s Next Top Model.
- Popularity: Demelza is rare worldwide and mainly used in England.
Demeter
Demeter is the name of the Greek goddess of corn, grain, and the harvest. It was once given to people who were cloth merchants, but your earthy goddess can shine as Demeter.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Earth-lover
- Pronunciation: Dih-MIYT-ahr
- Popularity: Demeter is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Slovakia, ranking 378th in 2014.
Demi
Though Demi has French origins, it was originally a nickname for the Greek Demetria. It refers to the earth goddess Demeter, while also offering a more approachable style among girl names with D.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Half, small
- Pronunciation: Deh-MIY
- Variations: Demie, Demmi, Demmy
- Namesakes: Demi Moore, an American actress and member of the Hollywood Brat Pack in the 1980s. Demi Vance, a Northern Irish footballer with the Northern Ireland women’s national team.
- Popularity: Demi is rare worldwide, mainly used in Indonesia, and ranked 366th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Denise
Denise is a French form of the Latin Dionysia, based on the Greek Dionysus, god of wine and good times. It also means “to be devoted to Bacchus,” the Roman equivalent of this good-time god.
- Origin: Latin, French
- Meaning: Follower of Dionysus
- Pronunciation: Dah-NIYS
- Variations: Denese, Dennise, Denyse
- Namesakes: Denise Quiñones, a Puerto Rican beauty queen, crowned Miss Universe 2001. Denise Crosby, an American actress, appearing in season one of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
- Popularity: Denise ranked 416th worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., ranking 1,069th for girls in 2018.
Denisha
Denisha also refers to the Greek god of wine, Dionysus. It’s a French variation of Denise and means “god of wine” – a unique approach to this ancient name.
- Origin: French, Greek
- Meaning: Devotee of Dionysus
- Pronunciation: Deh-NIY-shaa
- Variations: Daneisha, Danesha
- Popularity: Denisha is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Dervla
Dervla is an Anglo version of the Gaelic Dearbhla. It was originally Deirbhile, made up of “der,” meaning “daughter,” and “file,” meaning “poet.” Dervla also means “true desire” and brings a Celtic flair to names for girls that start with D.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Daughter of the poet
- Pronunciation: DERV-Lah
- Variations: Dearbhla, Deirbhile
- Namesakes: Dervla Murphy, an Irish author known for the 1965 book Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle. Dervla Kirwan, an Irish actress, appearing in the TV series Ballykissangel.
- Popularity: Dervla is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Ireland, where it ranked 1,488th in 2014.
Derwa
Derwa is based on the Cornish “derw,” meaning “oak.” It’s the name of a Cornish saint known as Merther Derwa. Derwa is a shorter form of Derowyn, but is more casual for little girls who climb trees.
- Origin: Cornish
- Meaning: Oak
- Pronunciation: DEHR-waa
- Popularity: Derwa is extremely rare worldwide and primarily used in Indonesia.
Desdemona
Desdemona is most famously the tragic heroine in Shakespeare’s Othello. She was also in older pieces of writing as Disdemona. Desdemona also means “wretchedness” and “ill-fated,” but its beauty makes up for its dark side.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Misery
- Pronunciation: Dehz-dah-MOWN-ah
- Variations: Desdamona, Dezdemona
- Popularity: Desdemona is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Italy.
Desideria
Desideria is the female form of Desiderio and was most famously the name of a 19th-century queen of Sweden. It’s made up of “desiderium,” meaning “longing” and “desire” for a vivacious baby girl.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Desirable
- Pronunciation: Deh-siy-DEH-riy-Ah
- Namesakes: Desideria Quintanar de Yáñez, the first woman baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico. Desideria Ocampo, the First Lady of Guatemala from 1898 to 1920.
- Popularity: Desideria is rare worldwide, mainly used in the Philippines, and ranked 1,1,03rd in Argentina in 2014.
Desirée
Though very French, Desirée was first used as a name for girls by the early American Puritans. It’s equivalent to the Italian Desiderio but is one of the most modern girl names that start with D.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Desired
- Pronunciation: Dehz-ih-REY
- Variations: Desirae, Desire, Desirey
- Namesakes: Desiree Heslop (known as Princess), a British singer known for her 1985 Top 10 UK single “Say I’m Your Number One.” Désirée van der Walt, a member of the National Assembly of South Africa since 2014.
- Popularity: Desirée is rare worldwide, primarily used in the U.S., and ranked 291st in the Netherlands in 2014.
Destiny
Destiny comes from the French “destine,” and Latin “destinare,” meaning “to determine.” It only began as a girl’s name in the later 20th-century. Destiny remained in the top 50 names for girls in the U.S. between 1997 and 2009.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Fate
- Pronunciation: DEH-tih-Niy
- Variations: Destinee, Destiney, Destini
- Namesakes: Destiny Vélez, a Puerto Rican beauty pageant titleholder crowned Miss Puerto Rico 2015. Destiny Williams, an American basketball player for the Baylor Lady Bears.
- Popularity: Destiny is rare worldwide and peaked in the U.S. when it ranked in the top 50 in 2009.
Devika
Devika is a diminutive of Devi, the head goddess of Hindu mythology. She is also known as the mother of Lord Krishna, but this little goddess has the perfect name for yours.
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning: Little goddess
- Pronunciation: Dey-VIY-kaa
- Variations: Devica, Devicka, Devyka
- Namesakes: Devika Bhagat, an Indian screenwriter for the 2007 film Manorama Six Feet Under. Devika Vaidya, an Indian cricketer for Maharashtra.
- Popularity: Devika is rare worldwide, mostly used in India, and ranked 75th in Mauritius in 2014.
Devony
Devony could also be based on the Irish Devon, meaning “bard,” “poet,” and “little deer.” It’s the name of a county in England, but Devony is far more special as a cool name for a baby girl.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Dark-haired
- Pronunciation: DEH-voh-Niy
- Variations: Devany
- Popularity: Devony is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Devora
Though Hebrew for “bee,” Devora is also a much-used surname in Mexico. It originally meant “from a bee storm,” but this interesting name is waiting for your baby girl to arrive.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Bee
- Pronunciation: DEHV-aor-Ah
- Variations: Devorah, Dvorah
- Namesakes: Devora Nadworney, an American opera singer associated with the Chicago Civic Opera from 1925 until 1934.
- Popularity: Devora is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Dhara
Dhara also means “support” in Sanskrit. In Hindu mythology, Dharā is one of the Vasus gods that symbolizes the earth as an element. It also refers to the “flow of a waterfall,” so Dhara has plenty of spiritual meaning.
- Origin: Hindi
- Meaning: Earth
- Pronunciation: DAA-Raa
- Variations: Dhaaraa, Dharaa
- Popularity: Dhara is rare worldwide and mostly used in India.
Dharma
In Buddhism, Dharma refers to the personal duty we fulfill by observing law. It’s composed of “dham,” meaning “uphold” or “support.” The TV show Dharma and Greg is a popular cultural reference to this deepest of female names that start with D.
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning: Divine law
- Pronunciation: DAAR-Maa
- Variations: Darma, Darmah
- Popularity: Dharma is rare worldwide, mainly used in India, and ranked 504th in Mauritius in 2014.
Dhruvit
Dhruvit is a derivative of Dhruv, meaning “pole star.” It’s used more as a boy’s name but is unisex. Dhruvit also means “faith” and “one which is constant” for the trail-blazing baby girl you’re expecting.
- Origin: Hindi
- Meaning: Happy
- Pronunciation: DREW-Veet
- Variations: Dhruvita
- Popularity: Dhruvit is very rare worldwide and primarily used in India.
Diana
Diana is based on the Greek moon goddess, also associated with hunting and the forest. It’s made up of the Greek “dyeus,” meaning “to shine,” and “deus,” meaning “deity.” It remains super popular globally for girls who cherish strength.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Divine
- Pronunciation: Day-AEN-ah
- Variations: Dyannah, Dianna
- Namesakes: Diana Rigg, an English actress famous for The Avengers (1965 to 1968). Diana Chelaru, a Romanian artistic gymnast who competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Diana ranked 118th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 297th for girls in 2022.
Dido
Dido is the heroine of Virgil’s Aeneid and the opera “Dido and Aeneas.” Dido was also the founder of Carthage, so she’s famous in the world of women’s names that start with D.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Wanderer, queen
- Pronunciation: DIY-Doh
- Variations: Didoh, Dydo
- Namesakes: Florian Armstrong (known as Dido), an English singer/songwriter and winner of Brit Awards in 2002 and 2004. Dido Belle, a former slave turned British heiress and member of the Lindsay family of Evelix.
- Popularity: Dido is rare worldwide and mainly used in DR Congo, ranking 1,111th in 2014.
Dilara
Dilara is another version of the Spanish and French Lara. It’s based on the Persian “del,” meaning “heart.” Dilara unforgettably means “she who is pleasing” or “what makes the heart beautiful.”
- Origin: Turkish, Persian
- Meaning: She who delights the heart
- Pronunciation: Diy-LAA-Rah
- Variations: Delara
- Namesakes: Dilara Aksüyek, a Turkish actress appearing in the 2013 drama series Merhamet. Dilara Narin, a Turkish weightlifter and gold medalist at the 2021 Islamic Solidarity Games.
- Popularity: Dilara is rare worldwide, primarily used in Turkey, and ranked 581st in Russia in 2014.
Dilly
Dilly is a welcoming nickname for the Welsh Dylan. It’s composed of “dy,” meaning “great” and “llanw,” meaning “sea.” Dilly could also be a short version of Dilys, Dilwen, or Daffodil for your little flower girl.
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Great flood
- Pronunciation: DIH-Liy
- Variations: Dilys
- Namesakes: Dilly Court (Pseudonym Lily Baxter), an English author whose book The Button Box appeared on The Sunday Times Bestseller List.
- Popularity: Dilly is rare worldwide, mostly used in Indonesia, and ranked 1,316th in Puerto Rico in 2014.
Dina
Dina was originally Dinah and Adinah in the Hebrew Bible. It also means “vindicated” and “avenged” in Hebrew, which may be why it stays popular with D names for girls.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Judgment
- Pronunciation: DIY-Nah
- Variations: Dinah, Dena, Deena
- Namesakes: Dina Garipova, a Russian singer and 2012 winner of the Russian version of the reality TV series The Voice. Dina Miftakhutdinova, a Ukrainian rower and silver medalist at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Dina ranked 446th worldwide and is mainly used in Egypt, ranking 24th in 2014.
Dinara
Dinara is also Russian but is a very common name in Kazakhstan. In ancient Rome, the “dinar” was the common currency and remained the dinar in Croatia in the 1990s. Dinara also means “treasure” for your precious daughter.
- Origin: Russian, Arabic
- Meaning: Expensive
- Pronunciation: Diy-NAA-raa
- Namesakes: Dinara Safina, a Russian world No. 1 tennis player and runner-up at the 2009 French Open. Dinara Saduakassova, a Kazakhstani chess player, International Master, and Woman Grandmaster.
- Popularity: Dinara is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in Kazakhstan, ranking 21st in 2014.
Dior
Dior is connected to the French surname D’Or, meaning “golden.” Fashion designer Christian Dior is likely the inspiration for this resurgence of fashion-forward names for girls that start with D.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Golden
- Pronunciation: Diy-AOR
- Variations: Diore, Diorr
- Namesakes: Dior Angus, an English footballer for EFL League Two club Harrogate Town.
- Popularity: Dior is rare worldwide, mainly used in Senegal, and ranked 499th for girls in the U.S. in 2020.
Divina
Divina is a Spanish word meaning “divine providence.” It represents all the angelic and heavenly forces that have traveled long and far to visit your baby girl.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Divine, heavenly
- Pronunciation: Dih-VIY-Nah
- Variations: Divinah, Dyvina
- Namesakes: Divina Galica, a British sportswoman who captained the British Women’s Olympic Ski Team in 1968 and 1972.
- Popularity: Divina is rare worldwide and mostly used in the Philippines, ranking 337th in 2014.
Dixie
Dixie originated as the French “dix,” meaning “tenth.” You don’t need ten kids to use Dixie, because it’s equally known as a nickname for the Old American South. Dixie means “I have spoken” in Latin, making it perfectly eclectic for baby girls.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Tenth
- Pronunciation: DIK-See
- Variations: Dixee, Dixey, Dixi, Dixy
- Namesakes: Dixie Carter, an American actress known for the TV series Designing Women (1986 to 1993). Dixie Willis, an Australian runner and gold medalist at the 1962 Commonwealth Games.
- Popularity: Dixie is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 1,055th for girls in 2021.
Diya
Diya derives from the Sanskrit “diya,” meaning “deserving of gifts.” It’s very popular among Indian Americans, so say welcome to your little gift with this pretty name.
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning: Love, heavenly
- Pronunciation: DIY-Yaa
- Variations: Dia, Diah
- Namesakes: Diya, an Indian actress known for the film Dreams (2004). Diya Kumari, an Indian politician and member of the Indian Parliament.
- Popularity: Diya is rare worldwide, primarily used in India, and ranked 1,478th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Djuna
Djuna is one of the only invented girl names with a D on our list. American Novelist Djuna Barnes’s father created Djuna from “nuna” (how her brother pronounced “moon”) and the literary character Prince Djalma.
- Origin: American
- Meaning: Light of the moon
- Pronunciation: JHUW-Naa
- Variations: Juna
- Namesakes: Djuna Barnes, an American writer known for her novel Nightwood (1936). Djuna, a South Korean science fiction writer and the second President of the Science Fiction Writers Union of the Republic of Korea from 2020 to 2021.
- Popularity: Djuna is rare worldwide and mainly used in DR Congo.
Dobrawa
Dobrawa comprises the Polish “dąb,” meaning “oak grove.” It also means “meadow” and “glade” while remaining elusive to much of the world with its exotic Polish feel.
- Origin: Polish, Slavic
- Meaning: Oak grove, good glory
- Pronunciation: Doh-BRAH-wah
- Variations: Doubravka
- Namesakes: Dobrawa Czocher, a Polish cellist known for combining classical and contemporary music.
- Popularity: Dobrawa is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Poland, ranking 1,651st in 2014.
Doe
Doe is a nickname for the Greek Dorothy, meaning “gift of God.” It’s used as a surname for unidentifiable persons, but Doe remains one of the cutest girl names that start with D.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Female deer
- Pronunciation: DOW
- Popularity: Doe is very rare worldwide, mostly used in Ghana, and ranked 551st in Liberia in 2014.
Dolce
Dolce comes from the Latin “dulcis,” meaning “pleasant.” It was a medieval Italian name for anything “sweet.” Dolce & Gabbana might keep this name famous, but your Dolce is sweet all by herself.
- Origin: Latin, Italian
- Meaning: Sweet
- Pronunciation: DOHL-che
- Variations: Dulce
- Namesakes: Dolce Cabot, the first woman in New Zealand employed by a newspaper for The Canterbury Times in 1894.
- Popularity: Dolce is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Dolly
Dolly is a lovable nickname for Dolores and Dorothy, which means “gift of God” in Greek. Dolly Parton is the most famous of Dollys, with the “doll” connotation being another great reason to use it.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Gift of God
- Pronunciation: DAAL-iy
- Variations: Dolli, Dollie, Doly
- Namesakes: Dolly Jacobs, an American circus aerialist with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Dolly Martin, an English actress famous for the film Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.
- Popularity: Dolly is rare worldwide, primarily used in India, and ranked 438th in Colombia in 2014.
Dominique
Dominique is the feminine form of Dominic. It’s derived from the Latin Dominicus, meaning “belonging to the Lord.” St. Dominic was the patron saint of astronomers, so your baby girl can reach for the stars with this adorable name.
- Origin: French, Latin
- Meaning: Of the lord
- Pronunciation: Daam-ah-NIYK
- Variations: Dominika
- Namesakes: Dominique Faure, a French politician elected to the National Assembly in 2022. Dominique Crenn, the only French female chef in the U.S. with three Michelin stars.
- Popularity: Dominique ranked 583rd worldwide and is mostly used in France, ranking 5th in 2014.
Domna
Domna means “lord of the home” in Latin. It comes from the Latin “dŏmĭna,” meaning “madam.” Domina was used in Rome as the lady of the house, and Domna brings her home for your little girl.
- Origin: Polish, Slavic
- Meaning: Master
- Pronunciation: DAAM-naa
- Variations: Domina
- Namesakes: Domna Michailidou, the Greek Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs. Domna Anisimova, a blind and illiterate 19th-century Russian poet.
- Popularity: Domna is rare worldwide, mainly used in Ukraine, and ranked 315th in Greece in 2014.
Donata
Donata is based on the Latin “donatus,” meaning “to give” and “the giving one.” Donata is a typically Polish form popular in Italy or wherever your baby girl gives you everything.
- Origin: Polish, Latin
- Meaning: Given
- Pronunciation: Dow-NAA-taa
- Variations: Donatella
- Namesakes: Donata Karalienė, a Lithuanian rower and bronze medalist at the Rio 2016 Games. Donata Badoer, the Italian wife of the explorer Marco Polo.
- Popularity: Donata is rare worldwide and is primarily used in Italy, where it ranked 376th in 2014.
Donatella
Donatella means “given by God” in Latin. It comes from the Latin “donare,” meaning “to give.” Donatella is a pet name for Donata and is also famous in the fashion world with Donatella Versace.
- Origin: Italian
- Meaning: Gift
- Pronunciation: Dow-naa-TEY-Laa
- Variations: Donna, Donata
- Namesakes: Donatella Finocchiaro, an Italian actress known for the film The Wedding Director (2006). Donatella Arpaia, an American TV personality on The Food Network.
- Popularity: Donatella is rare worldwide and mostly used in Italy, ranking 168th in 2014.
Dora
Dora may be associated with the German Dore, but is based on the Greek Dorothea. It’s also used as a nickname for Isadora or Theodora, meaning “gift.” The popular children’s TV series Dora the Explorer adds the most relevant success to this cute name.
- Origin: Latin, German
- Meaning: Gift
- Pronunciation: DOWR-ah
- Variations: Dorah
- Namesakes: Dora Russell, a British author who led the “Women’s Peace Caravan” across Europe during the Cold War. Theodora “Dora” Kyriakou, a Cypriot sprinter and silver medalist at the 1997 Mediterranean Games.
- Popularity: Dora ranked 940th worldwide, is mainly used in Mexico and ranked 33rd in El Salvador in 2014.
Doretta
Doretta is a diminutive for Dora, also short for Theodora, meaning “gift from God” in Greek. It may simply mean “gift,” but it’s one of the more offbeat female names that start with D.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Little gift
- Pronunciation: Daoer-EH-taa
- Variations: Doretha
- Namesakes: Doretta Morrow, an American actress best known for the film The King and I (1951).
- Popularity: Doretta is rare worldwide, primarily used in the U.S., and ranked 1,236th in Cyprus in 2014.
Dorian
The Dorians were an ancient Greek tribe. Dorian meant “of Doros,” referring to this clan. It may also be associated with the Hebrew “doron,” meaning “gift,” for your special young one on the way.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Of Doris
- Pronunciation: DOWR-iy-Ahn
- Variations: Doriane, Dorrian
- Namesakes: Dorian Leigh, an American fashion model and one of the first supermodels.
- Popularity: Dorian is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it’s rare for girls yet ranked 567th for boys in 2021.
Dorina
Dorina is a variation on the Greek Dora, meaning “gift.” Today, it’s prevalent in Eastern and Central Europe, but Dorina might be the prettiest version of the “gift” D names.
- Origin: Latin, Greek
- Meaning: Gift of God
- Pronunciation: Daoer-IY-naa
- Variations: Dorine
- Namesakes: Dorina Mihai, a Romanian saber fencer, and the 2003 world champion. Dorina Zele, a Hungarian basketball player for the Hungarian national team.
- Popularity: Dorina is rare worldwide, mainly used in Romania, and ranked 114th in Albania in 2014.
Dorit
Dorit is a Hebrew version of Doris. It originally came from the Greek Dorothea, meaning “gift of God.” Dorit also means “a generation” for the newest group of baby girls to arrive.
- Origin: Greek, Hebrew
- Meaning: Gift of God
- Pronunciation: Dow-RIYT
- Variations: Doritt, Dorritt
- Namesakes: Dorit Beinisch, the 9th president of the Supreme Court of Israel. Dorit Bar Or, an Israeli actress, named Israel’s best-dressed woman in Pnai Plus magazine.
- Popularity: Dorit is rare worldwide, primarily used in Germany, and ranked 523rd in Denmark in 2014.
Dorothea
Dorothea is mostly a Dutch and German version of Dorothy. St. Dorothea was the 14th-century patron saint of Prussia. Dorothea was quite popular in the early 20th-century but hasn’t charted in the U.S. since 1970.
- Origin: German, Greek
- Meaning: Gift from God
- Pronunciation: Dow-row-THEE-Ah
- Variations: Dorotea, Dorothia, Dorothya
- Namesakes: Dorothea Lange, an American photojournalist known for her photos of the Great Depression. Dorothea Lösch, the first female in Sweden given the rank of Captain in the Swedish Navy.
- Popularity: Dorothea is rare worldwide and mostly used in Germany, where it ranked 207th in 2014.
Dovizia
Dovizia is a very rare name based in medieval Italy. Italian artist Donatello’s famous work called Dovizia is a sculpture of a woman balancing fruit on her head. Most recently, Dovizia was only given as a name four times in Italy in 2014.
- Origin: Italian
- Meaning: Wealth
- Pronunciation: Dow-VIZH-iy-Ah
- Popularity: Dovizia is extremely rare worldwide and mainly used in Italy.
Drasna
Drasna is based on the Latin botanical “dracaena,” from the Greek “drakōn,” meaning “dragon.” It’s unique because Drasna was invented for a modern-day Pokémon character.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Dragon
- Pronunciation: DRAEZ-Nah
- Popularity: Drasna is rare worldwide and primarily used in India.
Drea
Drea is a nickname for Andrea, which originated in Greek, meaning “virile” and “manly.” Don’t let that scare off your baby girl, who can rock the name Drea like no other.
- Origin: Latin, Greek
- Meaning: Courageous
- Pronunciation: DREY-Ah
- Namesakes: Drea de Matteo, an American actress known for the HBO series The Sopranos (1999 to 2006). Andrea Kelly (known as Drea), an American choreographer and ex-wife of singer-songwriter R. Kelly.
- Popularity: Drea is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Dream
Dream is the literal English word for the images and sensations we experience at night while asleep. It also means “joyous music” and might be best as a quirky middle name for the baby girl you expect.
- Origin: English, American
- Meaning: Joyous
- Pronunciation: DRIYM
- Namesakes: Ami Nakashima (known as Dream Ami), a Japanese singer and former member of the Japanese girl groups Dream and E-girls.
- Popularity: Dream is rare worldwide and mainly used in Egypt, ranking 442nd in 2014.
Drew
Drew originated as the Greek “andreios,” meaning “brave” or “courageous.” As a “D” surname, it came to the British Isles via William the Conqueror as Dru. It’s more common for boys but has a modern whimsy feel for girls too.
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Wise
- Pronunciation: DRUW
- Variations: Dru, Drue
- Namesakes: Drew Barrymore, an American actress with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame since 2004. Drew Gilpin Faust, the 28th president of Harvard University.
- Popularity: Drew is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 814th for girls in 2021.
Drifa
Drifa derives from the Old Norse “drífa,” meaning “fall of snow.” It also means “snowdrift” and is an Icelandic name for young ladies who love to play with snowflakes.
- Origin: Norse
- Meaning: Snow
- Pronunciation: DRIY-Faa
- Namesakes: Drífa Viðar, an Icelandic writer of literary criticism, in the publication Melkorka during the 1960s.
- Popularity: Drifa is rare worldwide and mostly used in Algeria, ranking 455th in 2014.
Druella
Druella could be a combination of Druscilla and Ella. It also means “fast” and “level-headed” in Latin, so your little one can be the quickest elf girl ever.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Elfin vision
- Pronunciation: Druw-EHL-ah
- Variations: Drusilla
- Popularity: Druella is extremely rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Druscilla
Druscilla was an ancient Roman name possibly connected to Queen Cleopatra. It has an evil princess quality, but you can sweeten up your Druscilla with the nickname Dru.
- Origin: Latin, Italian
- Meaning: Dew, fruitful
- Pronunciation: Druw-SILL-Ah
- Variations: Drusilla, Drucilla
- Popularity: Druscilla is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Dulcia
Dulcia is a more traditionally feminine version of Dulcie. It’s based on the Latin “dulce,” which is used in Italian as “dolci,” for delicious sweets your little girl may crave.
- Origin: Latin, Italian
- Meaning: Sweet
- Pronunciation: Duwl-SIY-ah
- Variations: Dulce, Dulcie
- Popularity: Dulcia is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Brazil.
Dumiah
Very little is known about Dumiah besides its Hebrew meaning of “silent.” It’s similar to the Arabic Dunia but exists on its own terms among women’s names that start with D.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Silent
- Pronunciation: Duw-MIY-aa
- Variations: Dumea, Dumiya
- Popularity: Dumiah is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Indonesia.
Dune
Dune is the literal word for an area of sand on the beach. As a surname, it appears as Dun, for a place name in Scotland. The film Dune is full of fantastical characters to inspire you toward this cool unisex name for your baby girl.
- Origin: Gaelic, Scottish
- Meaning: Brown soldier
- Pronunciation: DUWN
- Variations: Deune
- Popularity: Dune is very rare worldwide and primarily used in India.
Dunja
Dunja is a Serbo-Croatian name derived from a Russian nickname for the Greek Evdokia. It’s most popular in former Yugoslav countries and has traveled long and far to reach your baby girl.
- Origin: Serbo-Croatian
- Meaning: Quince
- Pronunciation: DOON-Yah
- Variations: Dunia, Duniya
- Namesakes: Dunja Kreiser, a German politician and Member of the Bundestag since 2021. Dunja Hayali, a German TV presenter for public broadcaster ZDF.
- Popularity: Dunja is rare worldwide, mostly used in Germany, and ranked 262nd in Croatia in 2014.
Duscha
Duscha comes from the Slavic “duša,” meaning “soul.” It also means “happy” in Russian, which makes Duscha a vibrant choice for your little gal.
- Origin: Slavic
- Meaning: Divine spirit
- Pronunciation: DUW-Shaa
- Variations: Dusa, Dusha
- Popularity: Duscha is extremely rare worldwide and mainly used in Switzerland.
Dusty
Dusty is unisex but based on the male Dustin. It originated from the Old Norse “steinn,” meaning “stone.” It also means “light dirt” in English, but your Dusty can be as strong as stone.
- Origin: German, Norse
- Meaning: Brave warrior
- Pronunciation: DUHST-iy
- Variations: Dustey, Dustie, Dusti
- Namesakes: Mary O’Brien (known as Dusty Springfield), an English singer most famous for the song “Son of a Preacher Man.” Ruth “Dusty” Anderson, an American World War II pin-up model in the 1940s.
- Popularity: Dusty is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Dvorah
Dvorah is a variation of Deborah in Hebrew. In the Bible, Dvorah was a prophet and judge who raised an army that was victorious over the Canaanites.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Bee
- Pronunciation: Dih-VOH-raa
- Variations: Dvora
- Popularity: Dvorah is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Dylan
Dylan also means “born from the ocean” in Welsh. Dylan ail Don was a famous character in Welsh mythology. It was the #1 name for Welsh boys in 2010 but is catching on for today’s “daughters of the sea.”
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Son of the sea
- Pronunciation: DIHL-ahn
- Variations: Dillan, Dillen, Dylann
- Namesakes: Dylan Dreyer, an American meteorologist for NBC News’s Today Show. Dylan Gelula, an American actress, appearing in the TV series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
- Popularity: Dylan is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 682nd for girls in 2022.
Dymphna
Dymphna originated as the Irish Damhnait, meaning “fit” or “eligible.” St. Dymphna was a Celtic princess and a 7th-century Irish martyr. Dymphna also means “young deer” for the newborn baby girl you can’t wait to meet.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Fawn
- Pronunciation: DIHMF-Naa
- Variations: Dympna
- Namesakes: Dymphna Cusack, an Australian writer whose novel Come In Spinner, was made as a TV series in Australia in 1989. Dymphna Byrne, an Irish travel writer, specializing in archaeological locales.
- Popularity: Dymphna is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Ireland, ranking 833rd in 2014.
D Names for Girls FAQs
What Are Some Unique D Names for Girls?
Unique D names for girls tend to be a play on more common, popular names. They include Daiya, Delcy, and Deena. You could also go cute and unique with Daisy, Dakota, and Daria. Some lesser-known choices include Dashiell, Dorothea, and Delphi.
What Is the Most Popular Girl Name That Starts with D?
Diana is the most popular of girls’ names that start with D. It’s ranked 118th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., ranked 227th in 2022. Diana was initially inspired by the Roman moon goddess but became extra-popular through the late Princess Diana of the British royal family.
