Top 100 Girl Names: Coolest, Classic, New

The Top 100 girl names mix evergreen classics, cool and original choices, and some just plain new ideas, along with reliable standards we’ve been naming our daughters for ages.

And yes, a name can be cool, even edgy – and still very popular.

After all, only the most appealing names make it to the top of the popularity charts.

In any given year, the most popular girl names include some rising stars and some falling favorites.

Because, yes, even in 2024, we’re still naming our daughters Samantha and Sarah, even though lots of us know moms with those names, too.

Some names you might guess chart in the US Top 100 fail to make an appearance. Long-time #1 Mary isn’t here. Former favorites like Jessica, Laura, Rebecca, Julia, Amanda, Melissa, Megan, and Christina are long gone.

Plenty of classics, from Katherine (and Kathryn and Catherine) to Margaret, and Teresa, appear in the US Top 1000 – but not in the 100 most popular names.

NAMES ON THE MOVE

While there’s always lots of movement within the US Top 100, it’s worth noting that very few names actually entered or left the rankings during calendar year 2021. Brielle fell, making space for Athena. 2022 was far more exciting. Allison, Eva, Madeline, Peyton, Piper, and Rylee exited the Top 100, making way for Ayla, Eloise, Iris, Liliana, Maria, and Raelynn.

For calendar year 2023, the following names left the US Top 100:

• Aubrey
• Ayla
• Bella
• Everleigh
• Nevaeh
• Raelynn
• Serenity
• Skylar

And these names entered the US Top 100:

• Allison
• Clara
• Eden
• Lainey
• Lyla
• Madeline
• Maeve
• Vivian

A NOTE ABOUT NUMBERS

It’s also worth noting that some names might be more popular than they initially appear. Isabella has been a long-time Top Ten favorite. But add in the girls named Isabelle, too, and it’s even more familiar a sound. 

Likewise, names like Ariel that don’t rank might if we tallied up Arielle and Ariella. A shared sound – like the many Elle names, from Elizabeth to Eloise to Eliza, can make a popular name feel even more common. And the opposite is true. Nothing really sounds like Willow, and it’s not easy to re-spell Quinn, making those names feel a little less popular.

Other clusters – like nature and flower names Daisy, Violet, Willow, and Iris, can make even a surprising floral fit in a little better – but also seem slightly less surprising.

Let’s take a look at the Top 100 girl names in the US.

TOP 100 GIRL NAMES

1. Olivia
2. Emma
3. Charlotte
4. Amelia
5. Sophia
6. Mia
7. Isabella
8. Ava
9. Evelyn
10. Luna
11. Harper
12. Sofia
13. Camila
14. Eleanor
15. Elizabeth
16. Violet
17. Scarlett
18. Emily
19. Hazel
20. Lily
21. Gianna
22. Aurora
23. Penelope
24. Aria
25. Nora
26. Chloe
27. Ellie
28. Mila
29. Avery
30. Layla
31. Abigail
32. Ella
33. Isla
34. Eliana
35. Nova
36. Madison
37. Zoe
38. Ivy
39. Grace
40. Lucy
41. Willow
42. Emilia
43. Riley
44. Naomi
45. Victoria
46. Stella
47. Elena
48. Hannah
49. Valentina
50. Maya
51. Zoey
52. Delilah
53. Leah
54. Lainey
55. Lillian
56. Paisley
57. Genesis
58. Madelyn
59. Sadie
60. Sophie
61. Leilani
62. Addison
63. Natalie
64. Josephine
65. Alice
66. Ruby
67. Claire
68. Kinsley
69. Everly
70. Emery
71. Adeline
72. Kennedy
73. Maeve
74. Audrey
75. Autumn
76. Athena
77. Eden
78. Iris
79. Anna
80. Eloise
81. Jade
82. Maria
83. Caroline
84. Brooklyn
85. Quinn
86. Aaliyah
87. Vivian
88. Liliana
89. Gabriella
90. Hailey
91. Sarah
92. Savannah
93. Cora
94. Madeline
95. Natalia
96. Ariana
97. Lydia
98. Lyla
99. Clara
100. Allison

COOLEST POPULAR BABY GIRL NAMES

AURORA (#22)

Nora, Cora, and Aurora are united by sound. But Aurora has something the others lack – a tie to ancient mythology and the night sky. The Roman goddess of the dawn, Aurora is familiar to many thanks to the Aurora Borealis. Also known as the Northern Lights, a natural phenomenon caused by particles from the sun. It’s also a song title, from fictional band Daisy Jones and the Six, and the very real Foo Fighters. Beyond the Top 100, Flora, Thora, and Zora await, too.

DELILAH (#52)

Ever since The Plain White Tees scored their 2007 hit with “Hey There Delilah,” this has name has slowly gone from Old Testament temptress to modern girl. Besides the song, our love of Lily, Lyla, and Layla explains a big part of Delilah’s appeal.

EDEN (#77)

This instantly-familiar Biblical place name suggests paradise, without feeling overly religious. Unisex and tailored, it’s a fast-rising favorite.

EMERY (#70)

Emma meets Avery, for a surname-style name that feels tailor-made for this generation. It’s less common than Madison or Harper, more popular than Murphy or Sloane.

ISLA (#33)

Can a name feel bohemian chic and still rank in the US Top 100? Isla can. It’s creative and shimmering, an unconventional name that just keeps catching on. Similar-sounding choices like Ayla are sure to follow.

IVY (#38)

A logical successor to Ava, mini name Ivy also benefits from its status as a nature name and a number name – at least in a round-about way. Factor in Beyonce’s daughter Blue Ivy and this name emerges as a vintage favorite right at home in 2022.

JADE (#81)

On paper, it’s too soon for Jade to make a comeback. It rocketed into the rankings following the 1971 birth of Mick and Bianca Jagger’s daughter, Jade Sheena Jezebel Jagger. The name seemed to peak around 2002. But twenty years later – and half a century after it first caught on – this colorful gemstone name feels like the kind of cool that endures.

JOSEPHINE (#64)

Can a name be classic and cool? Josephine makes it look easy. From Napoleon’s beloved to world-changing Josephine Baker to Little Women’s headstrong and capable Jo March, this name feels timeless and strong.

LAINEY (#54)

Lainey surged into the girls’ Top 100 in 2023. Credit to the name’s stylish sound and, of course, to Yellowstone. Lainey could be short for so many longer names, from Delaney to Elaine to Alaina that it’s possibly this confident, strong name for a daughter is even more popular than it appears.

LEILANI (#61)

Lately it’s the Hawaiian language that inspires some of the fastest-rising choices for our daughters. Leilani is among the coolest of the bunch. It has two potential meanings: heavenly flowers, or royal child. Both feel auspicious. And the sound? It’s exactly on trend for this generation.

LUNA (#10)

Night sky names carry a certain coolness – Luna’s not the only one on this list! But it also shines thanks to a Harry Potter heroine famous for her fearless individualism. Luna Lovegood proved herself heroic in battle, but also strong-willed in the ordinary everyday. Another positive: not only does the name mean moon in Latin, but there’s a minor Roman goddess by the name. Oh, and it’s the Spanish word for moon, too, making this name effortlessly cross-cultural. No wonder parents are moonstruck by lovely Luna.

MAEVE (#73)

Sharp, strong Maeve serves as an Irish heritage choice and a tailored successor to Ava and Claire.

NOVA (#35)

The Latin word for new, Nova ranks among the most popular baby names for boys and girls. However, it’s much more familiar for our daughters. Besides the appealing – and appropriate – meaning, Nova also refers to stars and the long-running PBS science program. That makes it a dazzling choice that sounds exciting and smart.

SOPHIE (#60)

For years, the story has been Sophia. And Sofia. But lately it’s Sophie – the French form of the name – that’s the coolest of them all. It shares Sophia’s meaning – wisdom – but with a cozy, casual vibe.

VALENTINA (#49)

A classic-cool pick, Valentina brings to mind Valentine’s Day, but also the first female astronaut. It’s a successor to Isabella, a V name every bit as wearable as Victoria.

CLASSIC POPULAR GIRL NAMES

ALICE (#65)

Storybook Alice brings to mind Lewis Carroll’s heroine, but still feels just right for a twenty-first century girl.

AMELIA (#4)

Among the most popular baby girl names, Amelia benefits from a vintage sound. It comes with nicknames galore, but requires none. And legendary aviator Amelia Earhart makes the name feel ambitious and fearless. Nicknames, from Amy to Mia to Millie, make it even more wearable. Other ends with -lia names like Cecilia are set to follow.

ANNA (#79)

Currently the most popular form of this classic name, beating out Ann, Anne, and even Ana. She’s the younger sister in mega-blockbuster Frozen, and the kind of name that everyone knows.

CAROLINE (#83)

Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” makes this an instant sing-along for your daughter. A feminine form of Charlotte, Caroline has long taken a backseat to Charlotte. But it’s every bit as classic, a traditional alternative for parents crushed that Eleanor is so close to the Top Ten.

CHARLOTTE (#3)

Even before we heard that Will and Kate had named their daughter Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, this name jumped into the US Top Ten. It’s traditional, elaborate – and yet somehow brief, too. From Sex and the City’s Charlotte York to Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte, this name is polished and sophisticated without being too much. Names like Frances and Marie might be good substitutes.

CLAIRE (#67)

Spare and straightforward, classic Claire benefits from an optimistic, uplifting meaning: clear or bright. Looking for something equally tailored, but less popular? Ruth might be one to consider.

ELEANOR (#14)

After quietly climbing the popularity charts for years, Eleanor has surpassed its previous peak. Back in the 1910s, the name regularly appeared in the Top 30. Today it’s even more loved, helped by our strong preference for El- names.

ELIZABETH (#15)

Evergreen Elizabeth is the one girls’ name that never falls out of favor. With nicknames from the obvious Lizzie and Beth to rarities like Billie and Birdie, it’s infinitely versatile.

MADELINE (#94)

There’s something about Madeline. Even as modern spellings like Madelyn have outpaced the original, Madeline is still the name on the beloved Ludwig Bemelmans books. It feels sweetly vintage and undeniably classic.

SARAH (#91)

Sarah was the Nora of the 1980s – a classic name that felt oh-so-current, even as it climbed to the top of the popularity charts. Today, though, Sarah has returned to classic status, a name beloved across languages and generations, with a meaning sure to appeal to many: princess.

VICTORIA (#45)

Regal and of course victorious, Victoria is a larger-than-life name that still feels easy to wear. Maybe it’s all the easy nicknames, or maybe it’s the name’s long history of use.

NEW TRADITIONAL GIRL NAMES

ATHENA (#76)

New to the US Top 100, the Greek goddess of wisdom makes a fitting successor to Sophia.

CORA (#93)

Boosted by a fictional countess on long-running Downton Abbey, Cora feels traditional and new.

ELENA (#47)

The romance language version of Helen, Elena crosses multiple languages and cultures – including Disney’s Avalor. Similar names, like Alina, aren’t necessarily related, but share the same style.

ELOISE (#80)

A storybook character just like Alice, Eloise combines a distinctive sound with deep roots.

IRIS (#78)

Another goddess name and a staggeringly lovely flower.

KINSLEY (#68)

First there was Kelly. Then Kelsey. And Kaylee and Kylie and Mackenzie and Kenzie. So Kinsley is a logical progression, a surname name every bit as wearable as former chart-topping favorites like Shirley and Ashley.

MAYA (#50)

Beautifully international, Maya is a culture-crossing wonder. It’s Hebrew and Hindi, Greek and Basque. The name belongs to a Roman goddess and the mother of Buddha. No surprise it’s heard across countless nations.

MILA (#28)

Short and sweet, Mila feels like it’s always been a name – and yet, with the exception of a brief appearance in 1881, Mila failed to crack the US Top 1000 until 2006.

NAOMI (#44)

A Biblical name with a distinctive, unforgettable sound, Naomi is timeless.

PENELOPE (#23)

There’s something quirky about Penelope, a name long used for accomplished fictional women and damsels in distress, too. No question that we favor the former image today. While most parents use Penelope in full, potential nicknames from Poppy to Nell expand this name’s range.

VIVIAN (#87)

Tailored and, well, vivacious, Vivian is a name that feels traditional and timeless, but not quite classic. In this case, that’s a strength, making this name feel a little fresher and less expected than, say, Elizabeth.

NAMES TO WATCH BEYOND THE TOP 100

ADA (#177)

A vintage mini name set to follow Ava into wider use.

CHARLIE (#125)

Charles is a classic favorite for boys; Charlotte has hit the girls’ Top Three! This sparky nickname shared across genders could be the next big thing, replacing former unisex favorites like Jamie,Reese, and Jordan.

DAISY (#110)

A floral name with a bright, energetic feel.

ELIZA (#116)

Charmingly vintage, Eliza freshens up Elizabeth just enough.

FREYA (#136)

A Norse goddess name, Freya is equal parts feminine and fierce.

GEORGIA (#128)

A name that everyone loves, timeless and yet always on-trend, Georgia is a classic, a place name, and a sparky pick, too.

JUNIPER (#113)

As Jennifer turns fifty, Juniper is the upbeat nature name poised to inherit.

LUCIA (#109)

An Italian name in the key of Gianna, Lucia means light, and is cousin to Top 100 favorite Lucy.

MAGNOLIA (#145)

Elaborately floral and slightly Southern, Magnolia combines the best of Isabella with a hint of Lily.

PARKER (#121)

Harper made the Top Ten. Piper isn’t that far behind. But it’s Parker, with a vaguely outdoorsy sensibility, that could follow them both.

REMI (#127)

Brief and modern, Remi is the newest unisex R name, following Riley, Rory, River, and Rowan.

SIENNA (#140)

A flowing, romantic choice, the inspiration for Sienna might be the Italian city of Siena – spelled with a single N. Actress Sienna Miller boosted the name’s profile, too.

VERA (#223)

Sharp and strong, vintage Vera benefits from two equally appealing meanings: faith and truth.

ALTERNATIVES TO THE TOP 100 NAMES

AMIRI (#848)

A unisex name, Amiri claims Japanese and Arabic roots. Could it succeed other pan-global names like Aaliyah?

DOROTHY (#467)

Traditional Dorothy feels like an adventurous name, thanks to the enduring image of Dorothy Gale. It could be the perfect replacement for popular classics like Caroline and Amelia,

FLORENCE (#521)

Sweetly vintage Florence could subsititute for Charlotte or Eleanor. 

FRANCESCA (#374)

Spirited Francesca shares the same Italian, dramatic vibe as Aurora or Valentina. 

GEORGINA (#770)

A possible replacement for Josephine.

GIA (#269)

Consider Gia instead of Mia, Ava, or maybe even Mila and Lyla. 

NANCY (#942)

Once a casual short form of Anne, and eventually everyone’s favorite girl detective, could Nancy eventually replace retro nicknames like Sadie?

OLIVE (#181)

A tailored alternative to Evelyn or even Olivia.

PERSEPHONE (#745)

Consider this mythological name instead of Penelope.

PHOEBE (#191)

An obvious swap for Chloe.

SIERRA (#566)

Modern-meets-traditional Sierra could appeal to parents considering everything from Sophia to Stella to Serenity. 

What are your favorite Top 100 girl names?

First published on April 2, 2018, this post was revised and re-published on April 10, 2021; February 18, 2022; May 6, 2022; March 29, 2023; May 12, 2023; April 14, 2024; and May 10, 2024.