Animal Names for Girls

The color red was considered to have magical properties in early Japanese culture, with the power to cure blood and other illnesses. Pronounced ah-kah-ko.

Needlessly confusing; stick with Bailey.

A modern version of the dated Betty. You might want to consider varying Elizabeth, too, to the Italian Elisabetta.

Among the more masculine of the short unisex B names, Brice is less popular than Bryce for both sexes. There were 240 boys named Brice in the US in one recent year, versus only five girls -- and more than ten times that many of both genders named Bryce.

Deren is a name that could easily cross borders — and who wouldn't love it, with that whimsical meaning?

Also spelled Beltane and Beltain, this festival on May 1 marks the beginning of summer. It was described in old Irish and Scottish texts, and has been revived as a cultural festival, and by neopagans. It is often celebrated with bonfires and greenery, and would be an inventive name for a baby born at this time of year. The name is thought to derive from an old Celtic word meaning "bright fire".

With Arley, Remington, Kensigton, Arlo, and Arla on the rise, Arlington might just be heard a little more often in coming years. The surname style name could make a patriotic choice for those in the US, with its connections to Arlington National Cemetery. Given to 14 girls and 24 boys in 2023, it is making moves up the charts, albeit small ones.

A unisex surname familiarized by male actor Dabney Coleman, but with potential to carry over to the girl's side as well. Dabney feels in line with the Irish Darcy and Darby.