Animal Names for Girls

In keeping with other short names like PO/POE and BO, Coe is a surname that could easily move into first place. It has a sports hero factor as well, in Olympic runner Sebastian Coe--who later became a Member of Parliament.

The Biblical name of a great prophet and judge who helped organize an army and effect a major victory over the Canaanites. Sounds much fresher than the Anglicized Deborah.

Dolce is the Italian word for "sweet," derived from the Latin word dulcis of the same meaning. It's a rare feminine first name in Italy, more often seen as a surname, as in that of Domenico Dolce, co-founder of fashion house Dolce & Gabbana. The luxury fashion brand has inspired a number of baby girls to be given the name since D&G's launch in 1985.

Softer version of hot Harley or Marley.

Chic and lively Afrikaans variant of Elizabeth.

Dimity is fairly common in Australia, but unheard of outside of it, which is surprising given its similarity to names like Amity, Verity, and Cassidy.

Feminine form of Amadeus popular now in Italy and ripe for export. Might also be spelled Amadea. The preferred pronunciation is AHM-a-DAY-a but it may also be pronounced ah-MED-ee-a.

Elixyvette is part Elizabeth, part Alexis, part Yvette -- and a total mess. Few people go to such lengths to make a name different. Aren't you glad?

Long forgotten Old Testament name with modern potential.

This Arabic name, which can be used for either boys or girls, can also mean "wide-eyed" in the sense of someone who is studious and perceptive. Ayaan is most familiar to people in the West from its connection to Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali women's right activist.

Edris was used occasionally for baby girl 100 years ago, but one can't help but wonder whether those girls might really have been named Edie but with bad handwriting. Edrie is cute, though, and unusual.

Belisama is a goddess in Celtic mythology often associated as the equivalent to the Roman Minerva and Greek Athena.

An important name in Irish myth, belonging to a beautiful giantess who was both mother and wife of Brian Boru. It is usually Anglicized as the phonetic Bevin, but also as Vivian.

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