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Alternatives to Claire or Clara

  1. Ada

    • Origin:

      German or Turkish

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility, or island"

    • Description:

      Ada is one of the classic baby names for girls that is suddenly super stylish again. A favorite at the end of the nineteenth century, Ada is an alternative to the over-popular Ava. Ada is also part of the trend toward simple, old-fashioned names beginning with a vowel, like Ivy and Ella.
  2. Aine

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "brightness, splendor"

    • Description:

      More commonly seen here as Anya, this traditional yet unique Irish name belonged to the queen of the Munster fairies and is sprinkled throughout Irish folklore as an early Celtic goddess of summer and prosperity. One of the most popular baby names in Ireland, Aine's spelling and pronunciation might seem simple but could prove confusing in the U.S.
  3. Alair

    • Origin:

      Variation of Hilary

    • Meaning:

      "happy, cheerful"

    • Description:

      Alair is a lighter, more unusual form of Hilary.
  4. Alara

    • Origin:

      Persian, Armenian, Turkish

    • Meaning:

      "water fairy"

    • Description:

      The name of a beautiful water fairy in Turkish mythology, who has the power to grant wishes and mend broken hearts. Alara is also a popular name in Armenia.
  5. Ansley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "clearing with a hermitage"

    • Description:

      Part Ashley, part Ainsley, part Annie, Ansley featured in the US Top 1000 from the late '90s until 2020. It peaked in 2011 when it nearly reached the Top 600, but has declined in recent years.
  6. Aria

    • Origin:

      Italian and Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "air; song or melody; lion"

    • Description:

      Aria is a multi-cultural name with two extremely popular versions: this more word-like one along with Arya, the spelling used for the feisty young heroine of Game of Thrones. There were about 6400 baby girls named Aria in the US last year alog with 2400 named Arya, which counted together places the name in the Top 10.
  7. Ariel

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "lion of God"

    • Description:

      Ariel is a male Biblical name, seen there as the messenger of Ezra, and also used as a symbolic name for the city of Jerusalem, while Shakespeare used it for a (male) sprite in The Tempest.
  8. Bella

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Isabella, Italian

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful"

    • Description:

      Everything ella, from Ella to Bella to Arabella, is red hot right now. Bella is one of the most, well, beautiful girl names starting with B. It carried a hint of a nice Old World grandmotherly veneer, until it became attached to Twilight's Bella Swan.
  9. Belle

    • Origin:

      Short form of Isabelle or French

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful"

    • Description:

      Belle has nothing but positive associations, from "belle of the ball" to "Southern belle" to the heroine of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. As if this weren't enough good things, Belle is also one of the most familiar and usable names that mean beautiful. Though it has been overshadowed by the Twilight-influenced Bella and longer forms like Isabella and Annabella, Belle has its own Southern charm and would make a pretty choice as a first or middle name.
  10. Blair

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "dweller on the plain"

    • Description:

      In the USA, Blair is gaining momentum, rising quickly for the last 10 years and likely to continue to climb. In England and Wales, where Blair has political connotations – calling to mind former prime minister Tony Blair – it is much less common, although it is in use for boys in its native Scotland.
  11. Blaire

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Blair, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "dweller on the plain"

    • Description:

      Blair with a little something extra, which some parents may feel feminizes the name. The Blaire spelling was given to a surprising number of baby girls, with about a third of baby girls with the name given this spelling. The final e also is reminiscent of Claire.
  12. Cami

    • Description:

      Cami is a feminine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a diminutive of names like Camille, Camila, or Cameron. With Latin roots, it relates to 'ceremonial attendant' through its connection to Camille/Camila. Cami gained popularity in the late 20th century as part of the trend toward shorter, more informal names. Its brevity makes it appealing to parents seeking modern simplicity, while its connection to longer traditional names provides historical depth. The name has a light, friendly quality with international appeal, recognized across multiple language backgrounds. While not typically among the top-ranked names, Cami maintains steady usage as both a nickname and independent name, appreciated for its unpretentious charm and contemporary feel.
  13. Camilla

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "young ceremonial attendant"

    • Description:

      The Spanish Camila, pronounced ka-MEE-la, is the fastest rising version of this ancient Roman name, but recent royal Camilla may have helped promote the British brand. In Roman myth, Camilla was a swift-footed huntress so fast she could run over a field without bending a blade of grass.
  14. Carla

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Carl

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      While Charlotte and Caroline are considered stylish and classic members of the Charles family, this Germanic form peaked in the US at Number 76 in 1965. It fell out of favor in the 2010s, but recent years have seen it re-enter the Top 1000.
  15. Caroline

    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Charles

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      Caroline is a perennial classic, one of the elite group of girls' names that's ALWAYS ranked among the Top 1000 and that's been in the Top 100 since 1994. Elegant yet strong, Caroline calls to mind the Kennedy Camelot years and Princess Caroline of Monaco.
  16. Ceara

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Irish Ciara

    • Description:

      Even though the pronunciation of Ceara and the more usual Ciara is KEER-a, most Americans would tend to mispronounce this spelling variation as Sierra.
  17. Chiara

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "light, clear"

    • Description:

      Chiara is a lovely and romantic Italian name that's familiar but not widely used here: a real winner. You might consider Chiara instead of Claire, Clara, Cara, or even Keira.
  18. Chloe

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "young green shoot"

    • Description:

      Chloe is a pretty springtime name symbolizing new growth. Though slightly off its peak in the Top 10 in 2010, Chloe still ranks in the Top 20 and is solidly a modern classic.
  19. Ciara

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "little dark one"

    • Description:

      Ciara is very popular in Ireland, more familiar here as the Anglicized Kiera or Keira. The uninitiated will tend to pronounce Ciara as the Italian Chiara, a form of Claire—kee-AHR-a or even see-AHR-a, like the American singer-songwriter Ciara. In the US, Ciara peaked in 2005, when it was the Number 150 name; it's since fallen down to Number 882.
  20. Claire

    • Origin:

      French form of Clara

    • Meaning:

      "bright, clear"

    • Description:

      Claire, luminous, simple, and strong, is one of those special names that is familiar yet distinctive, feminine but not frilly, combining historical depth with a modern edge. And though Claire is enjoying revived popularity, it will never be seen as trendy. Claire is also a great middle name choice.
  21. Clairette

    • Description:

      Clairette is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive of Claire (meaning 'clear' or 'bright' from Latin 'clarus'). The suffix '-ette' adds a touch of delicacy and charm, typical of French feminine diminutives. Beyond its use as a personal name, Clairette is also known as a variety of white wine grape grown primarily in southern France. The name evokes qualities of clarity, brightness, and refinement with its French styling. While never achieving widespread popularity outside of French-speaking regions, Clairette carries an elegant, sophisticated air that appeals to those drawn to names with French flair. The name suggests a personality that is illuminating, pure, and graceful, with the diminutive form adding a note of endearing sweetness.
  22. Clara

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bright, clear"

    • Description:

      Clara is a strong, lovely girls' name that's always ranked among the US Top 1000 girl names but has been climbing since the turn of this century. It now ranks right around Number 100, making it a modern classic that's neither too popular nor unfamiliar.
  23. Clarabella

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bright and beautiful"

    • Description:

      All names bella have been popular in recent years, and though Clarabella suffers from its association with Clarabelle clown and cow, it may rise as those negative images fade.
  24. Clarabeth

    • Origin:

      English, combination of Clara and Beth

    • Meaning:

      "clear + oath"

    • Description:

      An unusual combination name which feels fresher than most, thanks to the up-and-coming vintage star Clara.
  25. Clare

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bright, clear"

    • Description:

      This is the original, more prosaic spelling, but the airier Claire now dominates.
  26. Claribelle

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bright and beautiful"

    • Description:

      An improvement on Clarabelle.
  27. Clarice

    • Origin:

      Medieval form of Clarita, a derivative of Clara

    • Meaning:

      "bright, clear"

    • Description:

      If you’re a fan of the annual animated Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, you’ll recognize the name of Rudolph’s beautiful doe sweetheart, pronounced cla-REES—uncomfortably close to the Silence of the Lambs pronunciation. Clarice was the name of the wife of Lorenzo de' Medici, and Clarice Cliff was a famed British ceramics artist. Though a Top 300 name from 1906 to 1934, modern parents might prefer the more delicate Clarissa.
  28. Clarimond

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "Light of the World"

    • Description:

      Clarimond is related to the Occitan name Esclarmonde, and is probably the more wearable of the two variations.
  29. Clarina

    • Description:

      Clarina is a feminine name with Latin origins, serving as an elaborate form of Clara, meaning 'clear, bright, or famous.' This melodic name combines the strength of its initial consonant blend with a delicate, flowing ending. Historically used in Italy and other Romance language regions, Clarina carries an air of classical elegance with its rhythmic four-syllable structure. While never reaching widespread popularity, the name has maintained consistent, if uncommon, usage throughout the centuries. Clarina offers the familiar nicknames Clara, Clare, or Rina. The name suggests qualities of clarity, brilliance, and luminosity from its Latin roots. For parents seeking a feminine name with historical depth that remains distinctive, Clarina provides a melodious option with cross-cultural appeal.

  30. Clarinda

    • Origin:

      Literary elaboration of Clara

    • Meaning:

      "bright, clear"

    • Description:

      A poetic name first used in Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" in 1596, it had a literary vogue in the 18th century, especially favored by Robert Burns. "inda" names--Melinda, Belinda, Linda" are not particularly in right now.
  31. Clarion

    • Origin:

      Music name

    • Description:

      Tuneful variation on the Claire names.
  32. Clarisa

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Claire or Clarissa

    • Meaning:

      "bright, clear"

    • Description:

      The pronunciation is different enough -- it's clar-EE-sa -- to make this feel like a distinct name. But an improvement on Claire or Clarissa? Not really.
  33. Clarissa

    • Origin:

      Elaboration of Clara

    • Meaning:

      "bright, clear"

    • Description:

      Clarissa, the daintier version of Claire, has a long literary history of its own, having been featured in the novels of Samuel Richardson, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf—Clarissa was the title character of Mrs. Dalloway—not to mention the 1990s teen sitcom, Clarissa Explains it All.
  34. Clarke

    • Origin:

      Variation of Clark

    • Description:

      A rising choice for girls that fits in with tailored surnames such as Sloane, Greer, and Blair.
  35. Clea

    • Origin:

      Literary name

    • Description:

      An attractive and unusual name that may be a variation of Cleo, Clea was possibly invented by Lawrence Durrell for a character in his Alexandria Quartet.
  36. Cleary

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "clark"

    • Description:

      An Irish surname, cognate of the English Clark, which would make a lovely literary option for girls, inspired by Beverly Cleary, author of the popular Ramona series.
  37. Clella

    • Description:

      Clella is a feminine name with possible Latin or Italian origins, potentially derived from names like Clelia or as a diminutive form of names containing 'cle' elements. This uncommon name carries a delicate, melodic quality with its double 'l' sound. Clella was most popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare, giving it a vintage charm. The name may be related to the Latin 'cluere' meaning 'famous' or 'renowned.' Clella possesses an elegant simplicity while remaining distinctive and uncommon, making it appealing for parents seeking a name with classical undertones but little mainstream usage in contemporary society.
  38. Cleo

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "glory"

    • Description:

      Cleo, one of the few girls' names to boast the cool-yet-lively o ending, is of course short for Cleopatra, the name of one of the most powerful women in history.
  39. Clio

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "glory"

    • Description:

      Clio is the name of the ancient Greek mythological muse of history and heroic poetry, one that is rich with modern charm and would make an intriguing choice, especially thanks to its dynamic o-ending.
  40. Cora

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "maiden"

    • Description:

      Cora is a lovely, old-fashioned girls' that has been recently rejuvenated by its contemporary-feeling simplicity. In fact, Cora seemed headed straight for the top of the popularity list when the coronavirus pandemic somewhat weakened its appeal.
  41. Coraline

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Coralie and Caroline, English

    • Meaning:

      "coral; man; army"

    • Description:

      Coraline may not be original to Neil Gaiman's wonderful book of the same name, but it might as well be. Gaiman's young heroine Coraline Jones is constantly called Caroline but as a name Coraline is more distinctive and has a more mysterious feel. The 2002 novel Coraline was made into a 2009 animated film voiced by Dakota Fanning and nominated for an Academy Award.
  42. Clark
    • Delia

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "born on the island of Delos"

      • Description:

        Delia is a somewhat neglected southern charmer that stands on its own but also might be short for Adelia or Cordelia.
    • Della

      • Origin:

        Diminutive of Adela, Adele or Adelaide

      • Meaning:

        "noble"

      • Description:

        Fresh, bright, and sunny, Della could be an alternative to Ella, Delilah, or Adeline. Familiar but not yet overused, it combines the elements of contemporary favorites with vintage charm.
    • Ella

      • Origin:

        German; English

      • Meaning:

        "all, completely; fairy maiden"

      • Description:

        Ella is a sweet, simple name that owes much of its current popularity to the popularity of other names, from Emma to Bella to Emily to Ellie.
    • Elle

      • Origin:

        French

      • Meaning:

        "she"

      • Description:

        Combine the charming heroine of the movie Legally Blonde with supermodel Elle Macpherson and the trend toward all names beginning with "el"—Ellie, Ella, Eleanor—and you have one hit name.
    • Esclarmonde

      • Origin:

        Occitan

      • Meaning:

        "Light of the World"

      • Description:

        Esclarmonde de Foix was an Occitan countess and an important figure in Catharism, a medieval Christian movement, which allowed women and men to both hold church offices. Her tale inspired an opera by the same name by Jules Massenet; the name is also featured in Kate Mosse's bestselling novel Labyrinth.
    • Estelle

      • Origin:

        French

      • Meaning:

        "star"

      • Description:

        Maybe it's because she shares that winning -elle sound with Isabel and Bella, but Estelle is no longer seen as a muumuu-wearing canasta player of a certain age (think George Costanza's mother on Seinfeld or Joey Tribbiani's talent agent in Friends). This could be in part thanks to the young Royal Couple of Sweden, who chose it for their firstborn daughter, or the single-named British R&B singer. It reentered the US Top 1000 in 2012 after a nearly fifty-year absence.
    • Farrah

      • Origin:

        Arabic

      • Meaning:

        "happiness"

      • Description:

        For a few seconds there in the late '70s, Farrah Fawcett's name was as frequently copied as her hairstyle; the name was Number 177 in 1977. Now, after many years off the charts and out of style, it's back, mostly thanks to a TV Teen Mom who bears the name.
    • Gwen

      • Origin:

        Diminutive of Gwendolen or Gwendolyn, Welsh

      • Meaning:

        "white circle"

      • Description:

        While Gwen may have originated as a short form of Gwendolen and Gwendolyn, these days it frequently stands on its own. Rocker Gwen Stefani has given it a shot of cool, and parents are choosing it as a standalone more and more often—Gwen hopped back onto the US Top 1000 in 2013 after an absence of over 30 years. Gwen could also be short for Guinevere.
    • Helen

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "torch; shining light"

      • Description:

        Helen is a name that has connoted beauty since ancient times – Helen of Troy was the the mythological "face that launched a thousand ships," over whom the ten-year Trojan War was fought.
    • Ilka

      • Origin:

        Hungarian, diminutive of Ilona; variation of Helen

      • Meaning:

        "bright, shining one"

      • Description:

        To some, may have the same warm feeling of Russian nicknames like Sasha and Misha.
    • Julia

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "youthful or sky father"

      • Description:

        Julia was an ancient Roman imperial name given to females in the house of a Julius, as in Caesar. Its origin is shrouded in history, but possible roots include Latin iuvenis, meaning "youthfu"; Greek ioulos, meaning "downy-bearded"; or Jovis, a form of Jupiter, which means "sky father".
    • Julie

      • Origin:

        French from Latin

      • Meaning:

        "youthful, sky father"

      • Description:

        Wildly popular in the 1960s and '70s, Julie is no longer anywhere near as stylish as the name's longer forms. Try Juliet, Juliana, or even the more grownup Julia.
    • Kia

      • Origin:

        African

      • Meaning:

        "season's beginning"

      • Description:

        Kia is a sweet, simple name that is now, unfortunately, associated with a Korean car label. Better today: Nia, Thea, or Keira.
    • Kiara

      • Origin:

        Variation of the Italian Chiara or the Irish Ciara or Aboriginal Australian, Korean

      • Meaning:

        "light, clear; little dark one; cockatoo; first ray of sun"

      • Description:

        Kiara can be considered a variation of both the Italian name Chiara and the Irish name Ciara. Chiara is the Italian form of Clara, meaning "bright" or "clear," while Ciara is the feminine form of male given name Ciar, derived from the old Irish cíar, meaning "dark."
    • Kiera

      • Origin:

        Irish

      • Meaning:

        "little dark one"

      • Description:

        Kiera entered the American popularity list in 1988, though it lags behind the alternate spelling Keira, largely due to the fame of actress Keira Knightley.
    • Kira

      • Origin:

        Russian feminine variation of Cyrus

      • Meaning:

        "throne"

      • Description:

        Though such cognates of Kira as Keira, Kyra, and Ciara are increasingly popular throughout Europe and in the U.S., this Cyrus relative has a different root. As with all the many variations of this appealing name, there is often confusion around spelling and pronunciation -- does the first syllable rhyme with ear or eye?
    • Kiri

      • Origin:

        Maori

      • Meaning:

        "tree bark"

      • Description:

        The name Kiri was made famous by New Zealand soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, whose original name was Claire. Cute but slight, Kiri is close to several other names from Kiriah to Keira to Kyra and its diminutive Kyrie.
    • Ligia

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "clear-voiced, whistling"

      • Description:

        Ligia, also spelled Ligeia, is the name of one of the Greek Sirens, who was half-bird, half-woman. It's also the title of an Edgar Allen Poe poem.
    • Lucy

      • Origin:

        English variation of Lucia, Latin

      • Meaning:

        "light"

      • Description:

        A versatile classic, Lucy is both sweet and solid, a saint's name, and the heroine of several great novels. First fashionable in England and Wales, Lucy is now a popular choice in the US, The Netherlands, and New Zealand.
    • Maria clara

      • Description:

        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.
    • Nell

      • Origin:

        English, diminutive of Helen, Eleanor, et al

      • Meaning:

        "bright, shining one"

      • Description:

        Nell, once a nickname for Helen, Ellen, or Eleanor, is a sweet old-fashioned charmer that is fashionably used today in its own right. While Nell is perfectly in tune with contemporary vintage name style, it hasn't taken off the way some of its sisters have and so maintains an air of distinction. Use Nell or Nellie as a short for any name from Eleanor to Penelope or just name her Nell.
    • Nella

      • Description:

        Nella is a feminine name with Italian and Germanic origins. It can be a standalone name or a diminutive of names like Petronella, Antonella, or Cornelia. In Italian, it literally means 'at the' or 'in the,' while as a short form, it often inherits meanings from its longer versions. Nella has historical usage dating back centuries but has experienced periods of renewed popularity in recent decades. The name has a vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking something classic yet not overused. With its brief two syllables and melodic sound, Nella strikes a balance between simplicity and distinctiveness. The name carries connotations of sweetness and strength, making it versatile for different personalities.

    • Nora

      • Origin:

        Diminutive of Honora or Eleonora, Latin

      • Meaning:

        "honor or meaning unknown"

      • Description:

        Nora is a lovely, refined name that conjures up images of Belle Epoch ladies in fur-trimmed coats skating in Central Park. Long seen as a quintessentially Irish name though its roots are not in Ireland, Nora is a quietly stylish favorite that's tiptoed to the top of the popularity ladder.
    • Olive

      • Origin:

        English, from Latin, nature name

      • Meaning:

        "olive tree"

      • Description:

        Though greatly overshadowed by the trendy Olivia, Olive has a quiet, subtle appeal of its own -- and is now enjoying a remarkable comeback. Olive is one of only four girl names starting with O on the US Top 1000. Cool couple Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen chose it for their daughter, reviving the name to stylishness, and now Drew Barrymore has a little Olive too, as has country singer Jake Owen.
    • Opal

      • Origin:

        Sanskrit

      • Meaning:

        "gem"

      • Description:

        Opal is on the verge of a repolishing, following other jewel names like Ruby and Pearl. A Top 100 name during the first two decades of the twentieth century, the opalescent Opal has a good chance of coming back as another O-initial option.
    • Perla

      • Origin:

        Spanish variation of Pearl

      • Description:

        Consistently popular Latina gem name; good choice for those who can't shake Pearl's grandmotherly vibe.
    • Quarry

      • Origin:

        Nature name

      • Description:

        Strong meaning, sweet but strong sound, fresh and earthy: a winner.
    • Riley

      • Origin:

        English, Irish

      • Meaning:

        "rye clearing; courageous"

      • Description:

        Riley—an upbeat, friendly surname name—is red hot for girls and still going strong for boys. If you haven't been spending much time around babies recently, you may be surprised to learn that Riley is the most popular girls' name starting with R and also the Number 1 Irish name for girls in the US.
    • Sinclair

      • Origin:

        Scottish

      • Meaning:

        "from the town of St. Clair"

      • Description:

        The most famous Sinclair was the (male) writer Lewis, but these days the name works at least as well for a girl.
    • Stella

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "star"

      • Description:

        Stella is a name with star quality and sparkle, that manages to sound both ethereal and earthy. Celestial but not otherworldly, it lands somewhere between the popular Ella and bold Seraphina.
    • Tarra

      • Description:

        Tarra is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant spelling of Tara, which has rich cross-cultural roots including the Irish hill of Tara (royal seat in ancient Ireland) and Sanskrit origins meaning 'star.' In Hindu tradition, Tara is a goddess of compassion. The doubled 'r' gives Tarra a distinctive edge while maintaining the melodic quality of the original. This spelling variation remains less common than Tara, allowing for uniqueness while preserving the name's essential sound and cultural connections. The name has occasionally appeared in popular culture but has never reached high popularity rankings in most Western countries. Tarra offers a subtle twist on a name with deep historical and cross-cultural significance.
    • Tarrah

      • Description:

        Tarrah is a feminine variation of the name Tara, with an added 'h' giving it a distinctive flair. The name Tara has Irish origins meaning 'hill' or 'tower,' referring to the Hill of Tara, an ancient sacred site in Ireland. Tarrah maintains these connections while offering a unique spelling. This alternative spelling emerged in the late 20th century when creative name variations became more popular. Though less common than the traditional Tara, Tarrah gives the classic name a modern twist while preserving its melodic quality and cultural heritage. The name carries connotations of strength and prominence, reflecting its association with elevated landscapes in Celtic tradition.
    • Vera

      • Origin:

        Russian

      • Meaning:

        "faith"

      • Description:

        Vera was the height of fashion in 1910, then was for a long time difficult to picture embroidered on a baby blanket. Now, though, it has come back into style along with other old-fashioned simple names such as Ada and Iris.
    • Willa

      • Origin:

        Feminine variation of William

      • Meaning:

        "resolute protection"

      • Description:

        Willa has become increasingly fashionable, with its combination of Willa (born Wilella) Cather-like pioneer strength and the graceful beauty of the willow tree.
    • Xyla

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "wood-dweller"

      • Description:

        X is undoubtedly one of the coolest initials to have, and more parents are agreeing — Xyla entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2022. Xyla comes from the Greek xylon, meaning "wood" — the same root that makes up the word xylophone (literally meaning "wood sound"). The subtle musical connection in this name may be an additional appeal.
    • Yara

      • Origin:

        Arabic, Persian, Brazilian, Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "friend, helper; strength; water nymph; honeycomb"

      • Description:

        The multicultural Yara is a sweet but substantial choice that could make a more unusual take on Sara and also work in multiple languages Popular in Portugal, The Netherlands, and Switzerland, familiar in the UK and France, it entered the US Top 1000 in 2017 and has been climbing the charts ever since.
    • Zara

      • Origin:

        Hebrew and Arabic

      • Meaning:

        "blooming flower; God remembers"

      • Description:

        Zara has multiple origins, but most notably is a variation of Zahrah, a name derived from the Arabic zahrah, meaning "blooming flower." Zara can also be a diminutive of the Bulgarian name Zaharina, a feminine form of the Hebrew Zechariah. Today, Zara is heavily associated with the Spanish fast-fashion empire of the same name.
    • Zyla

      • Origin:

        Modern invented name, English form of Xyla

      • Meaning:

        "wood"

      • Description:

        With its on trend Z initial and its similarity to Lyla, Myla, and Kaia, Zyla is a zesty, modern choice which sits just outside the US Top 1000. Given to around 250 girls in a recent count, its zippy, stylish feel may see it rise in coming years.

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