Names for girls range from the classic to the creative.
The most popular choices in the US are updated annually by the Social Security Administration. Olivia, the top baby girl’s name in 2024, was given to 14,718 girls. At the bottom of the list, the names Karter, ranked #999, and Raina, #1000, were given to 257 girls.
What drives the name choices we make for our daughters? Parents take baby name inspiration from everywhere, but let’s look at some of the biggest factors behind the most popular names for girls today.
Table of Contents
- LONG VINTAGE LOVELIES: OLIVIA to GEORGINA
- SWEET AND SPARKY: SADIE to ANDIE
- MINI NAMES: AVA to TRU
- GENDER-NEUTRAL NAMES: HARPER to DARCY
- MYTHOLOGY MAKES THE ANCIENT NEW: FREYA to PERSEPHONE
- NATURE NAMES: LILY to BRIAR
- COLORFUL CHOICES: SCARLETT to GOLDIE
- LALA: THE SOUND THAT DEFINES A GENERATION
- GO WEST: LAINEY to ELSA
- MEANINGFUL WORD NAMES: EDEN to SEVYN
- CLASSICS STILL COUNT: ELEANOR to LOUISA
- THE 1000 MOST POPULAR NAMES FOR GIRLS IN THE UNITED STATES: MAY 2025 UPDATE
- NEW NAMES FOR GIRLS OF 2013
LONG VINTAGE LOVELIES: OLIVIA to GEORGINA
Vintage is less of a status and more of a style. Names like Olivia, Charlotte, and Amelia all feel like feminine, vintage favorites – but they’re actually at peak popularity now, in the 21st century.
Other popular choices from a century ago, like Helen, Ruth, and Dorothy, are gaining in use now. But some – think Mildred and Doris – feel lost to time, failing to rank in the Top 1000 at all.
Up-and-coming names in this category include Georgina, Florence, Loretta, Luella, and Celeste.
SWEET AND SPARKY: SADIE to ANDIE
There are good reasons to skip the formal name. Names like Sadie and Millie stand on their own. So do lots of borrowed-from-the-boys options, like Charlie.
One of the challenges of this type of name? It can be more popular than you might expect. Ellie is a very popular choice, but so are at least a dozen girls’ names that regularly shorten to Ellie.
Names to watch in this category include the fast-rising Scottie, as well as Billie, Rosie, Romy, Lottie, and Annie.
MINI NAMES: AVA to TRU
For many families, the perfect name is compact. At just three letters long, both Ava and Mia rank in the current US Top Ten. Ivy, Zoe, and Eva aren’t far behind.
While the most popular names are two syllables, that’s not true for every choice in this category. Lots of shorter choices appeal, too. Sky, Mae, and Liv have all been favorites in recent years.
Names to watch in this category include virtue name Tru, as well as Noa, Joy, Gia, and Aya.
GENDER-NEUTRAL NAMES: HARPER to DARCY
When it comes to unisex names, we often have strong opinions. But it’s a complicated subject, and actually? It always has been. A name like Dana might sound obviously feminine, but it was consistently ranked in the Top 1000 baby boy names in the US. Then in the 1970s, Dana – along with Danielle – became a go-to for girls and all of that changed.
Family surnames, too, used to be given without regard to gender. During the 1980s, though, Taylor and Madison became among the most popular baby girl names, and ushered in a wave of surname-style favorites, like the literary Harper or Ava-meets-Emily Avery.
What’s next in this category? Marlowe, Drew, Ellis, and Darcy are all on the rise.
MYTHOLOGY MAKES THE ANCIENT NEW: FREYA to PERSEPHONE
Ancient names from Greek mythology, like Athena, have become mainstays in the US Top 1000. It’s not just Greek goddesses, either. The Norse Freya has been a favorite in recent years, as has the Roman Aurora.
Some names are under-the-radar. Iris is a flower, of course, but it’s also the name for the Roman goddess of the rainbow. It’s a powerful image that helped lift this name in the US Top 100.
Names like Chloe, Zoe, and Phoebe aren’t strongly associated with a single figure, but their Greek origin and that final E help lift them higher on the charts.
Still others, like Maeve, are more properly associated with legend and folklore. But it’s the same idea – strong, modern sounds; relatively unusued until recent years; history galore.
Daphne, Selene, and Lorelei are all names that could benefit from this ongoing trend.
NATURE NAMES: LILY to BRIAR
One of the most dominant trends in recent years? Names borrowed from the natural world. Some of these aren’t new at all. They’re ecovintage – favorites like Daisy and Clementine that blend antique appeal with nature.
Others are novel. Names like Willow were seldom heard until recent generations, but now feel as solidly established as favorites like Lily.
The night sky almost deserves a separate category, with favorites of Latin orign like Luna – meaning moon – and Stella – meaning star – both in the current US Top 100.
What’s next in this category? Briar, Marigold, Opal, Sunny, and Honey are all gaining in use.
Also noteworthy: Nature Plus names, like Wrenley and Lakelynn are among the hottest choices of our moment.
COLORFUL CHOICES: SCARLETT to GOLDIE
When it comes to color names, it’s sometimes not obvious what counts. Do parents choose Olive because they like the association with the olive tree as a symbol of peace? As a nature name? Or for the shade of green?
A few, like Scarlett and Navy, seem strongly linked to a color. It’s almost certainly a benefit that so many names blend an appealing shade along with other positive images.
The next rainbow-inspired picks? Goldie, Lavender, Ivory, and Indigo are all gaining in use.
LALA: THE SOUND THAT DEFINES A GENERATION
It’s not exactly a trend. Instead, the Lala sound cuts across trends.
Top 100 picks like Lyla and Layla define it. A strong L sounds lifts names like Isla and Mila, too.
Vintage names like Delilah and Tallulah succeed because they include it. Names like Eliana, Alaia, and Alaina benefit from it, too.
It’s not as if the letter L is new, but the liquid, flowing quality of names with a strong LA sound is especially current today.
Just look at names like Ailany (or Aylani or Ailani – choose your spelling!), Alanna, Elowyn, and Estella.
GO WEST: LAINEY to ELSA
A powerful influence in the most popular baby names now? Yellowstone, and the series’ many prequels and spin-offs.
Lainey – as in country music’s Lainey Wilson – is the most obvious winner in this category. Wilson’s turn on the hit television series sent her name soaring. But Elsa is another name from one of the prequels, and lately that’s on the rise again, too.
It’s a tough category to pin down, but names that feel country-inspired to watch include Haisley, Loretta, Magnolia, Georgia, June, and Tilly.
MEANINGFUL WORD NAMES: EDEN to SEVYN
We love a name with a great meaning. This is true for many families, and sometimes especially for ones who value a spiritual belief system. There’s an entire category of Christian names for girls that feel obvious once you know – but can be completely invisible, too.
Eden comes from a Hebrew word meaning delight, but the name’s Garden of Eden association might make it particularly significant. Sevyn seems like a modern English name, an invention based on the number. But if you know your creation story, you’ll think “on the seventh day, God rested.” That might make Sevyn a nod to Sunday.
Not all meaningful word names are religious or Western. The Latin origin Nova means new, which carries all sorts of connotations. Sage is a nature name, but also one that can mean wisdom. Journey has some of that modern virtue vibe, too.
Names like Shiloh, and Xyla or Zyla are fast-rising favorites.
CLASSICS STILL COUNT: ELEANOR to LOUISA
On the boys’ list, evergreen choices like James and William are steadily popular. The top baby girl names vary slightly more, but some classics always make the list. Eleanor and Charlotte are among the most common go-tos of the moment. Elizabeth is perpetually ranked near the top.
Others, though, cycle in and out of favor. The line between established classic and vintage revival is thin. But that means it’s possible to choose a name with plenty of antique charm, classic credibility, and still find something relatively uncommon.
Names like Louisa, Louise, Florence, Helena, and Frances all belong in this category.
THE 1000 MOST POPULAR NAMES FOR GIRLS IN THE UNITED STATES: MAY 2025 UPDATE
- Olivia
- Emma
- Amelia
- Charlotte
- Mia
- Sophia
- Isabella
- Evelyn
- Ava
- Sofia
- Camila
- Harper
- Luna
- Eleanor
- Violet
- Aurora
- Elizabeth
- Eliana
- Hazel
- Chloe
- Ellie
- Nora
- Gianna
- Lily
- Emily
- Aria
- Scarlett
- Penelope
- Zoe
- Ella
- Avery
- Abigail
- Mila
- Lucy
- Isla
- Ivy
- Layla
- Lainey
- Nova
- Grace
- Willow
- Riley
- Emilia
- Naomi
- Elena
- Madison
- Valentina
- Victoria
- Stella
- Delilah
- Maya
- Hannah
- Leah
- Lillian
- Genesis
- Josephine
- Sadie
- Adeline
- Zoey
- Sophie
- Paisley
- Alice
- Ruby
- Eloise
- Madelyn
- Leilani
- Claire
- Addison
- Ayla
- Emery
- Iris
- Eden
- Natalie
- Maria
- Maeve
- Daisy
- Vivian
- Clara
- Autumn
- Liliana
- Everly
- Audrey
- Lyla
- Jade
- Kinsley
- Millie
- Madeline
- Josie
- Kennedy
- Athena
- Melody
- Caroline
- Aaliyah
- Anna
- Sarah
- Quinn
- Lydia
- Lucia
- Allison
- Hailey
- Ailany
- Cora
- Ariana
- Parker
- Natalia
- Gabriella
- Savannah
- Brooklyn
- Bella
- Georgia
- Juniper
- Alaia
- Raelynn
- Hadley
- Rose
- Julia
- Serenity
- Eliza
- Margaret
- Eva
- Amara
- Melanie
- Cecilia
- Ashley
- Rylee
- Margot
- Samantha
- Catalina
- Juliette
- Aubrey
- Esther
- Mary
- Nevaeh
- Skylar
- Alina
- Amira
- Ember
- Magnolia
- Sienna
- Charlie
- Elliana
- Summer
- Alana
- Brielle
- Remi
- Sage
- Valerie
- Hallie
- Wrenley
- Kehlani
- Emerson
- June
- Sloane
- Emersyn
- Elsie
- Oaklynn
- Oakley
- Blakely
- Freya
- Piper
- Valeria
- Arya
- Adalynn
- Everleigh
- Genevieve
- Anastasia
- Isabel
- Peyton
- Amaya
- Isabelle
- Olive
- Ruth
- Ximena
- Evangeline
- Katherine
- Callie
- Rosalie
- Alani
- Lilah
- Kaia
- Brianna
- Bailey
- Phoebe
- Vivienne
- Andrea
- Myla
- Lia
- Sara
- Kylie
- Reese
- Annie
- Daphne
- Ada
- Adaline
- Arianna
- Ariella
- Sutton
- Celeste
- Jasmine
- Mackenzie
- Haven
- Scottie
- Gemma
- Ana
- Tatum
- Arabella
- Lila
- Molly
- Stevie
- Blake
- Aitana
- Alaina
- Wren
- River
- Noelle
- Delaney
- Journee
- Blair
- Adalyn
- Kaylee
- Alexandra
- Mabel
- Norah
- Presley
- Alora
- Vera
- Celine
- Amy
- Brynlee
- Nyla
- Saylor
- Khloe
- Antonella
- Zara
- Aliyah
- Cataleya
- Lennon
- Kiara
- Camille
- Dahlia
- Kaylani
- Mariana
- Diana
- Reagan
- Selena
- Kimberly
- Rachel
- Gracie
- Faith
- Juliana
- Miriam
- Elise
- Noa
- Elaina
- Maisie
- Lilith
- Collins
- Palmer
- Lilly
- Shiloh
- Ophelia
- Elianna
- Lena
- Harmony
- Aspen
- Rowan
- Gia
- Leila
- Jane
- Talia
- Adelaide
- Dakota
- Lola
- Lucille
- Kailani
- Morgan
- Zuri
- Milani
- Daniela
- Selah
- Alessia
- Angela
- Juliet
- Evie
- Amora
- Rory
- Marley
- Sydney
- Alanna
- Leia
- Luciana
- Kamila
- Harlow
- Kali
- Octavia
- Amari
- Sawyer
- Gabriela
- Ariel
- Maggie
- Rosemary
- Ryleigh
- Tessa
- Evelynn
- Londyn
- Danna
- Amina
- Brooke
- Samara
- Kendall
- Rosie
- Alayna
- Angelina
- Francesca
- Adelyn
- Fatima
- Hope
- Nicole
- Nayeli
- Catherine
- Nina
- Journey
- Adriana
- Camilla
- Ailani
- Malia
- Meadow
- Jordyn
- Joanna
- Emory
- Malani
- Serena
- Teagan
- Aurelia
- Vanessa
- Kayla
- Navy
- Poppy
- Kalani
- Regina
- Adelina
- Rebecca
- Ariyah
- Esme
- Heidi
- Aisha
- Julieta
- Thea
- Annabelle
- Esmeralda
- Lauren
- Julianna
- Taylor
- Wrenlee
- London
- Giselle
- Sabrina
- Azalea
- Laura
- Sylvie
- Sylvia
- Alaya
- Raya
- Elora
- Finley
- Mya
- Dream
- Viviana
- Elaine
- Elodie
- Laila
- Sunny
- Briella
- Lana
- Paige
- Itzel
- Mckenna
- Melissa
- Frances
- Mira
- Payton
- Hattie
- Astrid
- Brynn
- Winter
- Aylin
- Miley
- Raven
- Jocelyn
- Maryam
- Logan
- Veronica
- Gwendolyn
- Anya
- Leighton
- Alivia
- Harley
- Charlee
- Alyssa
- Colette
- Hayden
- Lorelai
- Jayla
- Ivory
- Anaya
- Fiona
- Trinity
- Aubree
- Michelle
- Matilda
- Lilliana
- Mallory
- Mariah
- Helena
- Wynter
- Carmen
- Alayah
- Liana
- Holly
- Madilyn
- Phoenix
- Raelyn
- Willa
- Helen
- Emely
- Alessandra
- Gracelynn
- Carolina
- Arleth
- Salem
- Dorothy
- Xiomara
- Elisa
- Reign
- Florence
- Alicia
- Madeleine
- Melany
- Katalina
- Zariah
- Bonnie
- Joy
- Kaliyah
- Haisley
- Sarai
- Blaire
- Elowyn
- Saige
- Adelynn
- Opal
- Demi
- Nylah
- Emmy
- Camryn
- Kira
- Lorelei
- Daleyza
- Raegan
- Maia
- Bianca
- Aniyah
- Annalise
- Alexandria
- Amirah
- Alison
- Anahi
- Gracelyn
- Brooklynn
- Miracle
- Everlee
- Adhara
- Alma
- Macie
- Murphy
- Romina
- Cassidy
- Clementine
- Heaven
- Elle
- Skye
- Destiny
- Lyra
- Rylie
- Paris
- Cameron
- Felicity
- Maddison
- Leona
- Scarlet
- Kora
- Mariam
- Meredith
- Mckenzie
- Dayana
- Cali
- Amanda
- Arielle
- Angel
- Calliope
- Fernanda
- Estella
- April
- Izabella
- Hanna
- Marceline
- Alexis
- Carter
- Daniella
- Marlee
- Virginia
- Kataleya
- Halo
- Nadia
- Amiyah
- Madelynn
- Emerie
- Renata
- Oaklee
- Remington
- Maxine
- Nellie
- Briar
- Danielle
- Charli
- Makenna
- Imani
- Armani
- Edith
- Nalani
- Mae
- Vienna
- Hadassah
- Stephanie
- Ari
- Kate
- Jimena
- Briana
- Faye
- Jordan
- Louise
- Amber
- Makayla
- Zahra
- Lylah
- Margo
- Amoura
- Jennifer
- Kyla
- Mylah
- Winnie
- Alisson
- Amalia
- Reina
- Avianna
- Allie
- Ivanna
- Ariya
- Lilian
- Alia
- Aylani
- Noah
- Reyna
- Lexi
- Brinley
- Iyla
- Mavis
- Lina
- Cecelia
- Eve
- Maren
- Monroe
- Capri
- Emelia
- Jessica
- Halle
- Alejandra
- Gabrielle
- Yara
- Beatrice
- Della
- Kamryn
- Katie
- Ariah
- Arlette
- Noemi
- Alondra
- Maliyah
- Mara
- Jacqueline
- Jazlyn
- Frankie
- Angie
- Eileen
- Lyric
- Aliana
- Sierra
- Rosalia
- Oaklyn
- Chaya
- Amaia
- Leyla
- Holland
- Cleo
- Jream
- Leslie
- Sevyn
- Jolene
- Mina
- Keira
- Legacy
- Tiana
- Elliott
- Cassandra
- Jaylani
- Priscilla
- Rhea
- Kinley
- Clover
- Estrella
- Zariyah
- Journi
- Miranda
- Angelica
- Marlowe
- Jovie
- Abby
- Sariyah
- Kenzie
- Oakleigh
- Aya
- Siena
- Emberly
- Melina
- Amani
- Bristol
- Estelle
- Galilea
- Irene
- Marie
- Marina
- Makenzie
- Sasha
- Paislee
- Isabela
- Goldie
- Myra
- Davina
- Flora
- Anne
- Azariah
- Indie
- Kaitlyn
- Jazmin
- Gloria
- Georgina
- Shelby
- Dallas
- Thalia
- Aliza
- Averie
- Skyler
- Macy
- Rosa
- Dulce
- Khaleesi
- Marilyn
- Martha
- Adley
- Belen
- Ellianna
- Kelsey
- Nia
- Chana
- Lakelynn
- Selene
- Lottie
- Loretta
- Aleena
- Ila
- Dani
- Remy
- Whitley
- Jenna
- Lillie
- Kennedi
- Violeta
- Kendra
- Lennox
- Laney
- Aviana
- Solana
- Veda
- Marigold
- Billie
- Drew
- Dylan
- Ellis
- Gwen
- Amayah
- Milan
- Leilany
- Ryan
- Bridget
- Christina
- Ezra
- Ainsley
- Emerald
- Hana
- Noor
- Rivka
- Amelie
- Jenesis
- Royalty
- Lenora
- Taytum
- Jamie
- Kathryn
- Aileen
- Arlet
- Coraline
- Kiana
- Kyra
- Araceli
- Azaria
- Kenna
- Monica
- Bethany
- Laurel
- Charley
- Karla
- Kayleigh
- Rayna
- Louisa
- Celia
- Emmie
- Fallon
- Persephone
- Winona
- Marisol
- Lara
- Kensley
- Mckinley
- Michaela
- Novalee
- Elyse
- Lacey
- Penny
- Zelda
- Alena
- Luz
- Keilani
- Nala
- Paula
- Birdie
- Karsyn
- Lakelyn
- Miller
- Jemma
- Aleah
- Inaya
- Megan
- Sloan
- Charleigh
- Rosalina
- Andi
- Nola
- Julie
- Adrianna
- Kaeli
- Addilyn
- Freyja
- Ramona
- Samira
- Karina
- Denver
- Janelle
- Mikayla
- Seraphina
- Haley
- Indy
- Paulina
- Rowyn
- Milana
- Chelsea
- Elina
- Milena
- Valery
- Ivey
- Maci
- Stormi
- Brittany
- Madilynn
- Aila
- Yareli
- Yaretzi
- Zaylee
- Erin
- Adele
- Robin
- Jaliyah
- Maisy
- Pearl
- Adalee
- Brynleigh
- Keyla
- Alexa
- Baylor
- Jessie
- Cielo
- Braelynn
- Alianna
- Theodora
- Malaya
- Meilani
- Tallulah
- Analia
- Nyomi
- Promise
- Sol
- Xyla
- Kylee
- Marjorie
- Treasure
- Soleil
- Zaria
- Cynthia
- Luella
- Sky
- Ayleen
- Neriah
- Iliana
- Judith
- Ocean
- Lea
- Linda
- Livia
- Maddie
- Magdalena
- Elia
- Kahlani
- Micah
- Tiffany
- Wrenleigh
- Zaniyah
- Kallie
- Love
- Andie
- Johanna
- Mercy
- Skyla
- Aliya
- Deborah
- Zainab
- Anais
- Greta
- Kaiya
- Malaysia
- Marianna
- Amaris
- Barbara
- Bellamy
- Dalia
- Anika
- Giana
- Keziah
- Nataly
- Cheyenne
- Kelly
- Luisa
- Salma
- Teresa
- Aura
- Carly
- Liv
- Azari
- Dafne
- Rebekah
- Amiri
- Berkley
- Emberlynn
- Hunter
- Jaycee
- Alexia
- Reya
- Ruthie
- Eleanora
- Janiyah
- Rosalyn
- Giuliana
- Emiliana
- Novah
- Tru
- Kori
- Aspyn
- Chandler
- Kailany
- Lilyana
- Elowen
- Khalani
- Naya
- Zyla
- Jolie
- Leanna
- Yamileth
- Cattleya
- Elisabeth
- Ensley
- Ashlyn
- Allyson
- August
- Kimber
- Marleigh
- Soraya
- Anaiah
- Analeia
- Waverly
- Yasmin
- Zora
- Joelle
- Lilia
- Nancy
- Icelynn
- Indigo
- Arely
- Laylani
- Romy
- Scout
- Ayra
- Giovanna
- Siya
- Katelyn
- Madalyn
- Natasha
- Alaiya
- Honey
- Lettie
- Sarahi
- Elsa
- Emmeline
- Hadlee
- Lilianna
- Zendaya
- Ainhoa
- Elliot
- Jazmine
- Aadhya
- Guinevere
- Rayne
- Clare
- Saanvi
- Campbell
- Salome
- Tilly
- Yusra
- Akira
- Henley
- Lyanna
- Quincy
- Rosalee
- Vada
- Ainara
- Annika
- Ayah
- Violette
- Aleia
- Kaya
- Mazie
- Amyra
- Celina
- Mikaela
- Paloma
- Elouise
- Etta
- Julietta
- Kamiyah
- Zoya
- Jayleen
- Kassidy
- Keily
- Harlee
- Kiera
- Liberty
- Darcy
- Dior
- Lisa
- Malka
- Arisbeth
- Kara
- Bailee
- Elani
- Harmoni
- Mariella
- Zayla
- Emi
- Jianna
- Maelynn
- Avani
- Lavender
- Karter
- Raina
NEW NAMES FOR GIRLS OF 2013
The original version of this post included a list of 51 names for girls that debuted in or returned to the US Top 1000 for calendar year 2013. Here’s the original list. Plus, if there’s an asterik next to the name, that means it also appears in the current US Top 1000, as updated May 2025.
Some of these aren’t surprising. After all, names like Sutton and Margot are favorites right about now. Others are familiar in specific communities. Zainab, a name of Arabic origin, has become a Top 1000 staple since its debut.
Others, like Kori and Tegan, required a closer look.
- Amalia*
- Amia
- Ariya*
- Ariyah*
- Astrid*
- Avalyn
- Belinda
- Carter*
- Daleyza*
- Elliott*
- Ellison
- Emerie*
- Everleigh*
- Freya*
- Giavanna
- Gwen*
- Gwyneth
- Hadlee*
- Henley*
- Hunter*
- India
- Ireland
- Ivory*
- Jurnee
- Kaidence
- Kailani*
- Karly
- Katalina*
- Kori*
- Lennon*
- Liv*
- Mabel*
- Magnolia*
- Margot*
- Marjorie*
- Marleigh*
- Neriah*
- Oakley*
- Penny*
- Princess
- Remi*
- Rivka*
- Rory*
- Rosie*
- Roxanne
- Saylor*
- Sutton*
- Tegan
- Wren*
- Wynter*
- Zainab*
What are your favorite names for girls?
First published on April 10, 2015, this post was substantially revised on June 1, 2025 and June 2, 2025.
You list Tegan under the “variant spellings” — what is it a variant of? That’s the spelling I’d think of as ‘canonical’.
I love Wren and Remi (although, I prefer the Remy spelling, even on a girl). I’m pretty partial to R sounds, I think. I really like nature names in general, and the imports. Gwen and Astrid are loves of mine.
Rory has popped in and out of the girl’s Top 1,000 over the past several years (the first year it ranked was 2003). The gender ratio is veering back toward the boys though, as there are now about twice as many boys given the name than girls (the closest was in 2008 when Rory’s numbers were almost tied, but the girls never had the majority).
Thanks, Abby! I love the way you’ve categorized some of these names and explained the appeal of them. I just shared this post and also your post on the new boys’ names in 2013 on Facebook. Very interesting posts. Well done!