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 2025, we’re still naming our daughters Caroline 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.

TOP 100 GIRL NAMES ON THE MOVE

While there’s always lots of movement within the US Top 100, it’s worth noting that it’s a fairly stable group. In general, it takes a few years for a name to gain enough popularity to crack the US Top 100. Declines tend to take time, too.

Let’s look at the data updated in May of 2025, which reflects births between January 1st and December 31st of 2024.

For calendar year 2024, the following six names left the girls’ US Top 100:

• Ariana
• Brooklyn
• Cora
• Gabriella
• Natalia
• Savannah

And these names entered the US Top 100 as of the May 2025 update:

• Ayla
• Daisy
• Josie
• Lucia
• Melody
• Millie

A NOTE ABOUT NUMBERS

It’s also worth noting that some names might be more popular than they initially appear. Sophia has been a long-time Top Ten favorite. But add in the girls named Sofia, too, and it’s even more familiar a sound – especially now that Sofia also appears in the Top Ten. Factor in fellow Top 100 name Sophie and it’s even more familiar.

Likewise, names like Juliette that don’t rank might if we added in Juliet. 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. Amelia
4. Charlotte
5. Mia
6. Sophia
7. Isabella
8. Evelyn
9. Ava
10. Sofia
11. Camila
12. Harper
13. Luna
14. Eleanor
15. Violet
16. Aurora
17. Elizabeth
18. Eliana
19. Hazel
20. Chloe
21. Ellie
22. Nora
23. Gianna
24. Lily
25. Emily
26. Aria
27. Scarlett
28. Penelope
29. Zoe
30. Ella
31. Avery
32. Abigail
33. Mila
34. Lucy
35. Isla
36. Ivy
37. Layla
38. Lainey
39. Nova
40. Grace
41. Willow
42. Riley
43. Emilia
44. Naomi
45. Elena
46. Madison
47. Valentina
48. Victoria
49. Stella
50. Delilah
51. Maya
52. Hannah
53. Leah
54. Lillian
55. Genesis
56. Josephine
57. Sadie
58. Adeline
59. Zoey
60. Sophie
61. Paisley
62. Alice
63. Ruby
64. Eloise
65. Madelyn
66. Leilani
67. Claire
68. Addison
69. Ayla
70. Emery
71. Iris
72. Eden
73. Natalie
74. Maria
75. Maeve
76. Daisy
77. Vivian
78. Clara
79. Autumn
80. Liliana
81. Everly
82. Audrey
83. Lyla
84. Jade
85. Kinsley
86. Millie
87. Madeline
88. Josie
89. Kennedy
90. Athena
91. Melody
92. Caroline
93. Aaliyah
94. Anna
95. Sarah
96. Quinn
97. Lydia
98. Lucia
99. Allison
100. Hailey

COOLEST POPULAR BABY GIRL NAMES

AURORA (#16)

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 (#50)

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 (#72)

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 (#35)

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. Last year, I noted that “Similar-sounding choices like Ayla are sure to follow.” Sure enough, Ayla now ranks in the Top 100, too.

IVY (#36)

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 2025.

JADE (#84)

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 (#56)

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 (#38)

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.

LUCIA (#98)

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

LUNA (#13)

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 (#75)

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

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 (#47)

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 (#62)

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

AMELIA (#3)

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 (#94)

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 (#92)

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 (#17)

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 (#87)

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 (#95)

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 (#48)

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 (#90)

The Greek goddess of wisdom’s name makes a fitting successor to Sophia.

CAMILA (#11)

With impeccable Roman roots, Camila is the new English-Spanish crossover name, as appealing as Isabella or Sofia.

CHLOE (#20)

A Greek name suggesting a fresh start, Chloe is associated with a Greek goddess and the New Testament.

ELENA (#45)

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 (#64)

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

IRIS (#71)

Another goddess name and a staggeringly lovely flower.

KINSLEY (#85)

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 (#51)

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 (#33)

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 (#28)

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.

SCARLETT (#27)

Vibrant, colorful Scarlett has become a well-established mainstay for 21st century parents, bringing an entire generation of color names along.

VIVIAN (#77)

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

ALAIA (#112)

It’s tempting to look at a name like Ailany, rocketing up the popularity charts. But it’s more interesting to consider Alaia. The Basque name meaning joy also soared in popularity a few years ago, and how has quietly entered the mainstream. The same parents who considered Isla and Layla last year are likely to look at Alaia in the next.

CECILIA (#123)

Pretty, traditional Cecilia is strongly associated with music, from an early saint to a Simon and Garfunkel song. The obvious substitute for Top Ten Amelia.

ELIZA (#118)

Charmingly vintage, Eliza freshens up Elizabeth just enough.

EMBER (#137)

Fiery nature name with a modern sensibility.

GEORGIA (#110)

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

HALLIE (#148)

Millie followed Ellie and Molly. Hallie seems like the next obvious LL pick.

JUNIPER (#111)

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

MAGNOLIA (#138)

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

PARKER (#104)

Harper briefly made the Top Ten. Piper spent a few years in the Top 100. Now it’s Parker, with a vaguely outdoorsy sensibility, that’s set to follow them both.

ROSE (#115)

Elegant and traditional, Rose benefits from our love of nature names. It’s spare, but lively nickname Rosie makes it flexible.

SIENNA (#139)

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 (#226)

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

WRENLEY (#149)

The standard-bearer for Nature Plus names, a very 2020s phenomenon.

ALTERNATIVES TO THE TOP 100 NAMES

AMORA (#285)

Based on the Latin amor, meaning love, Amora is a modern-meets-ancient option that sounds very right in the 2020s.

DOROTHY (#431)

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 (#435)

Sweetly vintage Florence could substitute for Charlotte or Eleanor. 

FRANCESCA (#314)

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

GEORGINA (#655)

A possible replacement for Josephine.

LIA (#187)

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

MARLOWE (#624)

More modern than Margot, less expected than Harlow, Marlowe has potential.

NANCY (#921)

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

OLIVE (#171)

A tailored alternative to Evelyn or even Olivia.

PERSEPHONE (#737)

Consider this mythological name instead of Penelope.

PHOEBE (#183)

An obvious swap for Chloe.

SOLEIL (#824)

The French word for sun has an appealing sound: so LAY. It fits with Stella and Luna and so many nature-adjacent favorites that have been popular in recent years.

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; May 10, 2024; and May 14, 2025.