Animal Names for Girls

A rarely used play on Amber, making it more feminine and both more modern and old-fashioned at the same time.

Cassiane, also spelled Kassiani or Kasiani, is an ancient Greek name best known as the name of a saint famous as a hymnographer. The Hymn of Cassiane, traditionally sung on Tuesday of Easter Week in the Greek Orthodox Church, is associated with fallen women. The 9th century saint Cassiane was supposed to be in love with the Emperor Theophilos, who rejected her when she proved to be more intelligent than he.

An obscure name from Greek mythology — Drosera was a nymph — with a quirky, ethereal meaning.

Feminine spin on Arnold that received a brief flurry of use in the early 1990s.

Spelling variation of Amalia, rising in popularity throughout Europe.

Desired and chosen by many, despite (or because of) its blatantly sensual image.

Anglicized form of the Irish name Aoibheann, which is also in use in Ireland itself. Eavie/Evie would make an adorable short form.

A slow and sultry southern choice that's definitely cool for babies of either gender. While the word feels French and has its roots in 18th century French Louisiana, it derives from the Choctaw word bayuk, which means "small stream."

The strong and unusual name of a medieval (male) saint and a contemporary (female) novelist, Benilde Little.

Atari debuted for girls in 1980, a year after it appeared on the charts for boys. It's not a Japanese given name, instead, the name was influenced by the video game company. Atari named themselves after a Japanese phrase, atari, used in the ancient Chinese game Go. It means, roughly, "I am about to win," and is said in a similar context to which one would say "checkmate" in chess.

An even more unusual alternative to the fashionable Adeline and Adelaide, Adalind comes from the same Ancient Germanic root adal, meaning "noble". Adalind Schade is a character on the popular NBC show Grimm.

Ethereal combination of Arden and Edith, with a sweet naturey meaning. Variant of Ardith.

Has an evocative African beat.