Animal Names for Girls

A playful and whimsical choice for a child that works as a given name or a nickname (perhaps for Beatrix).

Variant of Kathleen

See DOLORES.

Arliss is most famous as the name of a few high-profile male characters, though it can just as easily work for a baby girl.

In the US, Anessa reads as Vanessa with the V lobbed off. But it's actually missing a G — that from Agnessa, the Russian variation of Agnes.

Aniko has the feel and rhythm of a Japanese name but in fact it's an Eastern European spin on Anna.

A shimmery ancient Roman name that could still shine today. VARIATION: ARGENTA

Pronounced 'breed', this is among the common Irish names for girls in the Emerald Isle, but would have major pronunciation problems in the US. Better to stick with Bridget.

This charming West African mini name fits in with the other similarly short names that are all the rage right now. Ayo is enjoying new visibility thanks to actress Ayo Edebiri, star of TV's The Bear.

One of the rarer tree names, Birch evokes imagery of the beautiful paper-white bark tree.

Although a unisex name, the most notable people named Birch are men, such as Indiana senator Birch Evans Bayh Jr.

Birch trees are very symbolic in many cultures. In Russia, birch trees are emblematic of grace, beauty, and strength. In Celtic culture, birch trees represent growth, stability, and adaptability.

Anice and Annis are variations of Agnes that have fallen from use, perhaps because of pronunciation issues. Neither spelling was used for any baby girls in the US in the most recent year counted, though a century ago about 100 girls were called Annis or Anice. Potential pronunciation issues ay keep parents away.

Allium is the genus of all onion-y plants, including garlic, leeks, shallots, scallions, and chives. It makes an intriguing nouveau nature name or update to Allison.

Part Ava, part Lynn, and part cousin of the stylish Evelyn and Adeline, Avalynn is a recent 2014 entrant to the US Top 1000. But sometimes when a name is trying hard to have everything, it doesn't really impress. Avalyn is one spelling variation.