Animal Names for Girls

  1. Alzira
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "ornament"
    • Description:

      Alzira found its highest degree of popularity in the mid-nineteenth century after Giuseppe Verdi created an opera of the name Alzira, after its romantic heroine. Despite Verdi using the name for a Peruvian princess, Alzira is an arabic name Verdi's opera, despite the name's arabic roots, the name was given to a Peruvian princess. Alzira is also the name of a Spanish city in Valencia.
  2. Alyx
    • Alyson
      • Origin:

        Spelling variation of Alison
      • Description:

        Alison by any spelling is now considered more of a mom name than a baby name. It's been trending downward for more than a decade, though it still makes the Top 1000.
    • Abril
      • Origin:

        Spanish and Catalan variation of April
      • Description:

        This Spanish month name has been quietly used for several years now in the US.
    • Brienne
      • Origin:

        Modern invented name
      • Description:

        There aren't many characters in the notoriously amoral world of Game of Thrones with a spotless record of moral righteousness -- but Brienne of Tarth comes close. She's one of the most accomplished, ferocious fighters in the entire series -- she was one of the few people ever to best The Hound in one and one combat. And yet she always tries to use her power for good.
    • Alda
      • Origin:

        Feminine variation of Aldo, German, or Old Norse
      • Meaning:

        "old or wave"
      • Description:

        Alda's brother name Aldo has been a mainstay of the U.S. popularity chart for decades now, and the related Alden is soaring up as well. This version has never really caught on. (Maybe it's the association with Alan Alda: great actor, unlikely namesake for a little girl.) However, there is possible hope now that Alba and Alma are on the rise. Aida and Arden are more familiar alternatives.
    • Betsan
      • Origin:

        Welsh pet form of Elizabeth
      • Description:

        Betsan is little-known outside of the U.K. but it could provide an intriguing alternative to Liz, Beth, Betsy, Betty, and Libby.
    • Eluney
      • Origin:

        Mapuche, Native American
      • Meaning:

        "give"
      • Description:

        This stunning name feels like a rare and distinct successor to the popular Eleanor, Eloise, and similar names. It also shares elements with the fast-rising Luna.
    • Easter
      • Origin:

        English, from German
      • Description:

        Easter has been used as a name for several hundred years, as part of the day-naming tradition; now, this rarely heard holiday celebration name would make a novel choice for a springtime baby. Background:The early Anglo-Saxon monk and scholar Bede took the name of a goddess--Eostre-- whose feast was celebrated at the vernal equinox and gave it to the Christian festival of the resurrection of Christ.
    • Dariela
      • Origin:

        Feminine variation of Darrell, French
      • Meaning:

        "dear one, beloved"
      • Description:

        Dariela may have a not-quite-authentic provenance, but it's a pretty name and an unusual choice in the girly Isabella-Gabriella group.
    • Easton
      • Origin:

        English
      • Meaning:

        "eastern town"
      • Description:

        Easton is a stylish Waspy-sounding surname that's climbing up the popularity charts. TV actress Elisabeth Rohm named her daughter Easton August Anthony, which seemed like a real gender bender, and now Rachel Leigh Cook has made it the middle name of her baby Charlotte. Note that Easton is now in the Top 100 for boys--for whom directional names are a real trend-- but we won't be surprised to see more and more little lady Eastons arriving.
    • Aglaea
      • Origin:

        Greek mythology name
      • Meaning:

        "radiance"
      • Description:

        Aglaea, sometimes spelled Aglaia, is one of the Three Graces or Charities. She represented beauty and splendor: ironic, given that the main barrier to her name making a comeback is that it sounds like ugly.
    • Aría
      • Clotho
        • Origin:

          Greek
        • Meaning:

          "spinner"
        • Description:

          Clotho is one of the three Fates of Greek Mythology. She and her sisters determined life from birth to death—Clotho spun the thread of life. Her Roman name is Nona because she was active during the ninth month of pregnancy.
      • Aloysia
        • Amorah
          • Origin:

            Variation of Amora, Spanish
          • Meaning:

            "love"
          • Description:

            Amora and co. have seen a rapid rise over the past few years. Amorah, with the additional H, is one of the simpler variations.
        • Cinnabar
          • Origin:

            Word name
          • Description:

            Associated with a vivid red-orange-colored lacquer, would make a more than distinctive color-related choice.
        • Elidy
          • Channel
            • Origin:

              Word name or variation of Chanel
            • Description:

              Did you really mean to name your child Channel, as in the body of water? Like, you know, the English Channel? Or were you going for the last name of the French designer Chanel, with a soft "sh" sound at the beginning and the emphasis on the last syllable? If so, we recommend sticking with the Chanel spelling.
          • Amrita
            • Origin:

              Sanskrit
            • Meaning:

              "immortal"
            • Description:

              Amrita may be considered the feminine version of the names Amrit and Amar. In Sanskrit 'a' means 'not' and 'mrita' means dead, giving this name it's powerful meaning. Amrita may also refer to a potion that bestows immortality upon those who drink it (similar to the Greek ambrosia).