Best baby girl names with meaning

Popular Names

Choosing the perfect baby name for your little girl can be a daunting task. While there are dozens of popular names to choose from, it’s important to pick one that’s meaningful, like a name that reflects the values you want to instill in your daughter.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular baby girl names with meaning:

1. Sophia

The name Sophia has Greek origins and means “wisdom”. It has been immensely popular in recent decades, and is currently the 3rd most popular name for girls in the United States. The name is derived from Philosophia, a combination of two Greek words for love and wisdom. This strong yet graceful name symbolizes knowledge, virtue, and power.

Sophia originates from England and Hungary and it has been used since medieval times. It is one of the top 50 baby girl names of all time, having been included in several lists of timeless classics. In the religious context, Sophia was once used as a title for the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Famous Sophias throughout history include Queen Sophia of Greece, Elke Sommer (actress) as well as Sofia Vergara (actress).

The Greek pronunciation is “SO-FI-AH” while the English pronunciation is “SOFIE“. Nicknames such as Sofi, Sophie or Sophia make it easy to shorten this beautiful yet meaningful name without sacrificing tradition or culture.

2. Emma

Emma is a popular name throughout the English-speaking world. In recent years, it has been one of the top names for girls in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Scotland and England. The name’s roots are Latin and it is derived from ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”

It can also be spelled Ema or Emily depending on your preference. It has ranked among the top 10 most popular baby girl names since 1998 in the U.S., and it is an increasingly popular choice around the globe.

Celebrities who bear this name include actresses Emma Stone, Emma Thompson and Emma Watson; gymnast Emma Bolger; fashion model Emma Breschi; Lady Emmeline Pankhurst (who was an influential figurehead in women’s suffrage); and more recently singers like Emma Kwasniewski of German band Milky Chance. Well known historic figures such as authors Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte also use this timeless moniker.

3. Olivia

Olivia is a Latin name that originated from the word “olive”, which was meant to signify peace and harmony. It is very popular among young girls because of its unique sound and literary references. In the United States, Olivia ranked as the 4th most popular female name of 2019.

Olivia has been featured in books, movies and TV shows such as William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer, William Goldman’s The Princess Bride and American television series Grey’s Anatomy. Olivia is also a royal name: with Queens of England having borne the same name in 1727 when George II ascended the throne and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge in 2015.

Despite its poetic sound, Olivia can be shortened to nicknames such as Liv and Ollie to make it more endearing for those who have it or are considering using it for their own children.

As a result of this popularity, there have been numerous variations of the name created over time which include Alivia, Oliviah, Olivianne and Olivine – among many others!

Unique Names

Naming your child is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life, and it can be a difficult one to make. It’s important to pick a name that is unique and special to your family, but you also want something that your daughter will be proud of as she grows up.

This article will explore some unique and meaningful baby girl names that you might want to consider for your daughter:

1. Isla

Isla is a name of Spanish origin derived from the name Isabella. It is derived from the Hebrew Elisheba and means “God is my oath” or “God has sworn an oath”. It is also popularly used as a short form for Isabel, Isabella, and Isadora.

Isla can be found in records dating back to the first half of the 17th century in British records, where it is most commonly associated with Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, thanks to its recent surge in popularity it can be found all over the world. In 2015, it was one of the top ten names for girls born in Scotland.

The name has continued to grow in popularity due to its use in literary works and popular culture such as Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren, as well as film characters like Isla Fisher in Wedding Crashers (2005).

The name can also be found among celebrities including actresses Isla Fisher and Isla Blair, Scottish figure skater Isla Scott-Misner and English footballer Jack Wilshere’s daughter Isla Rose Wilshere, who was born in 2014.

2. Aurora

The name Aurora is derived from a Latin word for “dawn” and was popularized by the Disney-created princess, arising from “sleeping beauty“. The name has been growing in popularity since the 19th century, making it to top 20 baby names lists in several countries like United States, England, Ireland and Australia in recent times. It is also one of the popular choices among Hollywood celebrities.

The meaning of this unique name is often connected with “the beautiful sign of a new day“. Aurora has been made popular for girls across the world because of its musical sound, royal charm and gentle feel.

3. Luna

Luna is of Latin origin and it means “moon“. It is a very beautiful name that brings up the feelings of a magical night filled with stars shining in the sky. This would make a great choice for an imaginative, dreamy little girl.

Luna was popularized by various books, films and TV series, including the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Luna also has its very own variation – Lunette which is a French form of this popular name.

Notable personalities bearing this name include an actress known for her role as Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter films as well as musician Luna Lee from South Korea who covers western rock music with her gayageum.

Traditional Names

For parents looking to give their baby a traditional name, the list of options is almost endless. From classic to modern, there are plenty of names to choose from.

For example, for a traditional baby girl name, you could go with Elizabeth, which means “my God is an oath”, or you could go with a more modern classic like Emma, which means “universal”.

Whatever your preference, you’ll be able to find a traditional name that is perfect for your baby girl.

1. Elizabeth

Elizabeth has evolved from the Biblical name Elisheba, which means “God is my oath” or “God is perfection”. Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist, who was born in a miraculous way to an elderly priest and his wife. Elizabeth is an incredibly strong-willed woman and a nurturer in all ways – qualities which are commemorated through her namesake.

In addition to its association with royalty and Christianity, this strong diminutive has also inspired generations of parents across all faiths who wish to connect their daughters with powerful yet tender role models.

Perfect for a daughter, this classic name never goes out of style; because it carries so much meaning and tradition it will stay with your family for generations to come.

Variants of this classic name include Eliza, Lizbeth, Lizzie and Zabrina for those looking for something more modern-sounding yet still linked back to the original form.

2. Grace

Grace is a classic name of Latin origin that is gaining in popularity. It carries a beautiful meaning, “to show favor, honor and kindness”. This name has retained its timeless power and popularity over centuries.

A popular Christian reference for this name is Grace, the unmerited favor of God towards man. The biblical meaning was particularly attractive to early Christians but it continues to be a lovely choice today.

In modern culture, the name has notable connections to a range of inspiring women including Golda Meir, the first female Prime Minister of Israel; actress Grace Kelly; and United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor known as “Granma Grace” to her grandchildren.

It has consistently been among the top 100 names registered for baby girls in English-speaking countries since 2008 with no signs of falling out of favour any time soon.

Whether you’re looking for classic beauty or modern appeal, you can’t go wrong with this delightful choice that combines tradition with style!

3. Charlotte

Charlotte is a classic, timeless name that originates from the French word charlot which means ‘petite’. It was first popularized in the 1600s when many English Royals named their daughters after kings and queens. In modern times, it’s been used for characters in books, films and TV shows, making it even more popular over time.

The meaning of Charlotte ranges from an free woman to a pure one. It embodies a certain femininity in its sound as well as its history and many parents choose it for their daughters based on this charming quality.

Variations of this name include Charlene, Lotte and Charisse, with Charlotte remaining number five on the list of most popular baby girls names since 2019.

Biblical Names

If you are looking for a name with a special meaning or significance, biblical names are a great option. They can provide a connection to a spiritual heritage as well as serve as a reminder of faith. With so many baby girl names to choose from, biblical names are a great place to start.

Read on to find out some great biblical names for your baby girl, each with a unique meaning:

1. Abigail

The name Abigail appears three times in the Bible, most prominently as the beautiful, intelligent and kind-hearted wife of King David. In both 1 Samuel 25:1–42 and 2 Samuel 17:25–29 we learn that Abigail was the wife of Nabal.

Following the death of Nabal, Abigail became King David’s tenth wife. We are also told that she bore David a son named Chileab (otherwise known as Daniel), whose mother is also called Abigail elsewhere in scripture (2 Samuel 3:3).

Although her husband was described as “harsh and evil in his dealings” (1 Samuel 25:3), she never failed to act against injustice. When Nabal refused to grant assistance to King David’s men, Abigail intervened and provided generously from her own stores – humbling those who would do wrong.

Elsewhere we hear briefly of two other women of biblical times named Abigail – a daughter of Heli (1 Chronicles 2:16–17) and an ancestor of Jesus (Luke 3:35). Both were probably unrelated to King David’s wife but demonstrate how popular – and clearly laudable – the name was at that time!

2. Hannah

One of the most popular girl names in the bible is Hannah, which is derived from the Hebrew name Channah and literally means ‘grace’. This name features in the Old Testament and is connected to various parts of biblical history.

The key figures with this name include:

• Hannah, one of the wives of Elkanah and the mother of Samuel.
• Hannah was a prophetess who was known for her faith and trust in God.
• Hannah gave birth to Samuel at a time when miraculous child birth was considered honourable.
• Hannah was one of the few people who were blessed by God for being generous to others.
• Princess Hannah, who was also known as Peninnah and served as Elkanah’s second wife. She challenged Hannah as she strongly desired children too.
• The Prophetess Anna, who recognized Jesus as messiah when He presented himself at the Temple.

3. Sarah

Sarah is a Hebrew feminine name whose origin can be traced to the Book of Genesis and grand matriarch Sarah found within it. The literal translation means ‘princess’, and is thought to lend power and femininity. Sarah symbolizes motherhood and can be seen as both strong and beautiful.

The name remains timeless, yet quite popular, with Sarah counting as one of the top ten most popular girl names in the United States over the last few decades.

Variants of Sarah include Sara, Sarai, Saree, Salome, Zarah and Zara.

Cultural Names

Naming your baby girl can be a fun but sometimes challenging process. One effective way to ensure your baby girl is given a strong and meaningful name is to choose a name that is based on your cultural and family heritage.

Here we will look into some of the most popular cultural baby girl names.

Whether you are looking for traditional or modern cultural names, this section will cover it all:

1. Amaya

Amaya is a girls name of Spanish origin, meaning “Night Rain“. It is commonly used as a given name for females all around the world and has won the admiration of many fans. The name consists of two parts: “Ama” which means beloved in Spanish and “ya” which mean night rain. This gives it a more unique touch than other cultural names and allows it to be associated with purity and kindness.

The variations to Amaya include Amy, Aimee, Aimi, and Amie. In Latin America, the variation Aimée is used but is differentiated with an accent on the e (é). This can stand out as unpretentious to give your daughter her own style. Several cultures have similar names comprising two meanings like “Ame” which means beloved in French or “Maya” meaning grace in Hebrew.

The popularity of Amaya has been on the higher end since 2000’s due to being featured in video games, TV shows and movies such as The L Word (2006), How I Met Your Mother (2011), Grey’s Anatomy (2014) as well as 2014 Disney musical Frozen II.

Its ripple effect has caused parents throughout the world to find interest in this unique cultural name for their little girl. Not only does Amaya possess beauty but carries a special meaning that reflects love, serenity, hope and beauty – all of these characteristics embody what any parent would want for their daughter.

2. Maya

Maya is a name of multiple cultures with a variety of meanings. In Hebrew, Maya means “water” or “wave“. In Japanese, Maya may mean “reality” or “truth” while in the Native American culture, it often refers to the spirit or goddess associated with fertility and growth.

This name is in prominence around the world as it pops up in music festivals and art exhibits, fashion events and yoga classes. It also has a place in literature from the famous French author Anatole France’s novel called “The Crime of Maya Barbaroux” to actor Jasmine Guy’s 1997 play named “Maya’s Eyes”.

Maya can work for most anyone as the common soundings such as Margeaux, Malamani and Mireya are rising in popularity along with more exotic forms such as Maaya and Marihamma. Whether you love music, culture or knowledge about different beliefs – Maya is for you!

3. Kaya

Kaya is one of the most profoundly meaningful names for a baby girl. It is an Indigenous American name and comes from the Hopi Tribe language, which means ‘my little one’. This is an important cultural title for Native Americans, as it represents their appreciation for nature and their reverence for Mother Earth.

Although Kaya can be used as a unisex name, its original meaning applies to traditional baby girl names, plus it has appealing sound qualities as well.

Other variations on this classic include Kaia, Keya, Kya or Kaye; if you’re looking for a gender neutral option, try combining the two together – Kaiki or Keyki are all lovely choices too!