8 Letter Girl Names
- Connelly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"love, friendship"Description:
Connelly is a rollicking and rare example of the popular surname genre that may work even better for girls. A huge update on Colleen.
- Marbella
Origin:
Spanish place nameMeaning:
"beautiful sea"Description:
The name of the resort city on Spain's Costa del Sol is pronounced mar-BAY-a, setting it apart from the bella-name competition -- though many English speakers won't realize that. And it probably doesn't matter unless you pointedly want to reference the place via your daughter's name. Marbella, with the Ls pronounced, is a pretty choice given to about 100 baby girls each year.
- Schuyler
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"scholar"Description:
Originally a Dutch surname, imported by the early Dutch colonists, has been all but overpowered by the phonetic spellings in the US -- Skyler for boys and Skylar for girls. With the surnames-as-first-names trend, however, and the popularity of the Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical Hamilton, which features the Schuyler sisters, perhaps Schuyler might receive some more interest in the coming years.
- Kalliope
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"beautiful voice"Description:
Original form of the more familiar Calliope, the muse of epic poetry. A calliope is a musical instrument sometimes called the steam organ, frequently found on carousels. With its rhythmic sound, this is one name that embodies its meaning.
- Orabella
Origin:
Latin variation of ArabellaMeaning:
"beautiful altar"Description:
Lacks the vintage charm of the original Arabella, but with the love for all names Bella, it might appeal to some.
- Berkeley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"where birches grow"Description:
Despite the strong association with the University of California, Berkeley, the more common version of this name omits the second E, Berkley.
- Amarissa
Origin:
Combination name, Ama + issaMeaning:
"little lover"Description:
Amarissa is kind of cobbled together from two traditional elements: Ama, which means "love" or "lover" and is found in such more established names as Amabel and Amariah, and -issa, which is a common feminine suffix that functions as a diminutive. While Amarissa is pretty and frilly, it may frequently be misunderstood as Marissa, Melissa, and may ultimately be more trouble than it's worth.
- Aquilina
Origin:
Feminine variation of Aquilo, LatinMeaning:
"eagle"Description:
A lot of parents claim to want a name that's different, but if you really do, Aquilina, modern-feeling but based on an ancient favorite, would be one good choice.
- Bonnibel
Origin:
English, invented nameMeaning:
"cheerful, beautiful"Description:
Bonnie meets Annabel (or Belle, or any other name ending in this sound) in this jaunty modern compound.
- Aberdeen
Origin:
Scottish place-nameDescription:
This undiscovered Scottish port city name has a nice, upbeat feel and lots of good nickname possibilities.
- Syntyche
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"common fate"Description:
Unique baby name featured in the New Testament.
- Oleander
Origin:
Botanical NameDescription:
The name of this pretty Mediterranean shrub is reminiscent of vintage Olive, and interestingly its etymology appears to overlap too: oleander most likely derives from Greek rhododendron "rose tree", with its form successively influenced by laurea "laurel" and olea "olive tree".
- Sylvaine
Description:
Sylvaine is a feminine French name derived from Latin "silva" meaning "forest" or "woodland." This elegant name carries connotations of natural beauty and has historical usage primarily in France and French-speaking regions. Related to the masculine Sylvain, Sylvaine represents a classic French feminine form that has never been extremely common but has maintained a steady presence. The name evokes images of wooded landscapes and carries a sophisticated, slightly ethereal quality. Sylvaine appeals to parents seeking a name with French cultural connections and nature associations. With its melodic sound and refined ending, Sylvaine offers a distinctive alternative to more common nature-inspired names while maintaining a timeless, elegant character.
- Evanthia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"blooming"Description:
A pretty and highly unusual relative of Evanthe, which would fit right in with the popular Ev- family of names while standing out for its rarity.
- Hezekiah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God gives strength"Description:
A fast-rising Old Testament prophet name for boys, which is occasionally given to girls too.
- Germaine
Origin:
French, feminine variation of GermainDescription:
Linked to the early days of feminism via Germaine Greer, this saint's name feels neither French nor German enough.
- Marzanna
Origin:
PolishDescription:
A Polish goddess of seasonal rites and rebirth. She is known to be the bringer of death and the symbol of winter, and is the counterpart of the spring goddess — either Lada or Vesna.
- Aquinnah
Origin:
Native American place-nameDescription:
The Native American name for Martha's Vineyard and for a town at the far end of that lovely island, this was used by Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan for one of their twin daughters.
- Maricela
Origin:
Spanish, combination of Maria and CeliaMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + heaven"Description:
A pretty and little-known Spanish smoosh name, combining Maria with Celia.
- Lovelace
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"outlaw"Description:
What better namesake for a baby girl than Ada Lovelace (or, to use her full title: Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace), the brilliant 19th-century writer, mathematician and early computer pioneer? Not to mention, her name has a lovely, delicate, vintagesque charm.