the ultimate list of girl names

Léna is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In French usage, it often serves as a shortened form of Helena or Magdalena, carrying the accent mark to indicate pronunciation. The name also appears independently in various European languages and has Arabic roots where it means 'tender' or 'soft.' The accent gives the name a distinctively French flair while maintaining its international appeal. Léna has gained popularity across Europe, particularly in France, Germany, and Scandinavian countries, appreciated for its simple elegance and gentle sound. The name combines brevity with a feminine quality that transcends cultural boundaries. Léna's cross-cultural nature makes it accessible in multiple languages while retaining a touch of sophistication.

In Lithuania, Lėja is one of the most common names among baby girls. It peaked in 2018 when it briefly held the top spot but has been in the Top 10 since 2013.

What parent wouldn't love this meaning?

Capturing some of the playful elegance of Madeleine, while avoiding any confusion over end sound, Madelyn is now an established spelling variation of the French classic. Sweet but strong, Madelyn is a versatile choice that lends itself to the almost inevitable nickname Maddy.

Since we wrote a book called Beyond Jennifer & Jason, Madison & Montana, encouraging parents to move beyond overused names, it's no secret what we think of this trendy surname name, inspired by a mermaid named Madison in the 1980s movie Splash.

Madrigal might be a pretty and highly distinctive choice for a child of a musical family--or for the parent looking for a less conventional path to the nickname Maddie than Madeline or Madison . Definitely more striking than Cadence or even the increasingly popular Aria.

Cross-cultural winner.

A top ten choice in Chile and a popular name throughout the Spanish-speaking world, Maite is a mighty-sounding name with a soft and sweet meaning. It is also found as a contracted form of María Teresa or María Esther.

Whether you pronounce it my-a, ma-zha or ma-ha, Maja is an intriguing choice. Sometimes associated with Goya's famous painting "The Naked Maja." As a cognate of Maya, it's a Top 10 name in Slovenia and Sweden and is also popular in Germany and Norway.

Seems unfamiliar, till you realize everyone will just hear it as Molly. In Wales, Mali is a Top 100 name.

Like many Japanese names, Manami has several possible meanings. This sea-themed one is very appealing.

This Portuguese version of Marguerite, Margherita, or Margaret has a distinctive yet familiar sound and could get you to nicknames Maggie, Daisy, Margo, Ida, and Edie.

As a highly popular girls’ name in all Spanish-speaking countries, this saintly Latin variation of Mary retains a timeless beauty. Through the centuries, Maria remains one of the most widely-used girl names starting with M.

Maria Alice combines two classic feminine names with deep historical roots. Maria, derived from the Hebrew Miriam, has been one of the most enduring names across Christian cultures for centuries, associated with the mother of Jesus. Alice, of Germanic origin meaning 'noble' or 'of noble kind,' has maintained popularity throughout Western nations. As a compound name, Maria Alice has been particularly popular in Portuguese and Brazilian naming traditions. In Brazil, compound names using Maria as the first element have been a strong tradition. Recently, Maria Alice saw a significant popularity surge in Brazil after singer Zé Felipe and influencer Virginia Fonseca chose it for their daughter in 2021, demonstrating how celebrity influence can revitalize traditional naming patterns.

Maria Cecilia combines two classic feminine names with rich historical significance. Maria, derived from the Hebrew Miriam, has been one of the most enduring female names throughout Christian history, associated with the mother of Jesus. Cecilia comes from the Roman family name Caecilius and carries associations with the patron saint of music. This elegant double name is particularly popular in Catholic and Hispanic cultures, where compound names are traditional. Maria Cecilia offers parents a name with religious significance, classical beauty, and musical connections. The combination creates a timeless, graceful identity with international recognition while allowing for friendly nicknames like Mari, Ria, Ceci, or Celia.

Maria Clara is a feminine compound name blending two classic elements with profound religious and cultural significance. The name combines Maria, from Hebrew origins meaning "bitter" or "beloved," with Clara, derived from Latin meaning "bright" or "clear." This combination is especially beloved in Portuguese, Spanish, and Filipino cultures, where it evokes literary connections—notably in José Rizal's novel "Noli Me Tangere," where Maria Clara represents feminine virtue and national identity in the Philippines. The name carries an elegant, timeless quality while honoring Catholic traditions through its connection to the Virgin Mary. Maria Clara projects refinement and classical beauty, remaining consistently popular across generations in Latin American countries, Portugal, Spain, and the Philippines.

The ubiquitous French version of Mary came into the English-speaking world in the nineteenth century. In the United States, Marie was a huge hit at the turn of the last century and for the ensuing fifty years, becoming the seventh most popular name in the country for three years, from 1901 to 1904.

Sharper and steelier than Martha, but with the same underused vintage appeal.

A feminine form of Martin, this strong and zestful sounding name is popular in Argentina, Chile, Spain, and Italy, where it ranks in the Top 30. Also familiar in Czechia, the UK, Slovakia, and Switzerland, it has never made it big in the US, and fell out of the charts back in the 2000s.

Ultimately associated with Mars, the Roman god of war and with the 3rd century patron saint of Rome, it has also been borne by two notable tennis players, Martina Navratilova and Martina Hingis.