Animal Names for Girls

Extremely simple and extremely distinctive -- a winning combination. Sound-alike Calla is a Greek (and botanical) name that means beautiful.

Eastern European girl name related to the Slavic word Bóg, meaning "God."

Time was, even C-starting Catherines who called themselves Kate spelled it with a K, but Cate Blanchett changed all. Cate is now as acceptable as (but not as well used as) Kate. Cait might be short for Caitlin.

When pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable, Emari is considered a variation of Emery, a stylish unisex name common among baby girls. But in most cases, Emari is used as an alternate spelling of Amari, which emphasizes the second syllable. Both Amari and Emari are pretty evenly matched between the sexes, each with a slight edge for boys.

Baylor is a possible occupational alternative to the tired Taylor, especially for a horse lover.

The rise of trendy Arianna has led to unisex Ari gaining speed for girls in recent years as well. Now as Avianna climbs the charts, it may be time to start considering Hebrew Avi for a girl as well.

A widely used name in medieval Europe that's been almost completely forgotten. Blanche still reads as old lady-ish, and the frilly "-fleur" doesn't make it feel younger. But it could be a striking, not to say iconic, choice for a bold parent, especially if they had some sort of connection to white flowers or the Middle Ages.

The usage of this Arabic name has been increasing in the US, joining the Top 1000 for the first time in 2015. Aminah bint Wahb was the mother of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

There's still only one.

Eleftheria is derived from the male saint's name Eleutherios/Eleftherios. The national motto of Greece is Eleftheria i thanatos, "freedom or death".

As Elodie filters into the mainstream, parents may turn to the rarer Spanish form Elodia as an alternative.

A pretty plant with pink or lilac flowers.

This name is a great option for people looking for a name that is unique (literally), imbued with history and international. Closely connected to Pakistan's first female Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, Benazir is used in Pakistan, Bangladesh and some parts of India, as well as by migrant communities in America and Europe. Miss Netherlands, Benazir Charles, is another notable bearer of this lovely name.

A celestial choice that's used both in Mexico and by Latinx Americans.

Technically a pet form of Brigid and very commonly heard in Ireland, but pronunciation problems complicate Bride as a name choice in America.

With both the Dillon and Dylan spellings, usage of this gender-neutral names runs about ten to one boys to girls. But Dylan is used about 20 times as often as Dillon for both genders. Which might be a vote in favor of Dillon, though for better or worse, this spellings distances the name from singer Bob and poet Thomas.