Thanks to everyone who voted in the Opening Round of this summers’ New Names Showdown!

From the names that debuted or returned to the girls’ US Top 1000 in May of this year, we’ve narrowed our list to just four candidates. These names will compete in the semifinals. But first, let’s recap the action so far.

GIRLS OPENING ROUND RESULTS

With 56% of the vote, sparky Romy breezed past elaborate Mariella. I’ve always expected Mariel/Marielle/Mariella to follow Ariel and Isabella into wider use, but they’ve been slow to trend. Then again, Romy feels like a perfect successor to Rowan and Remy, and maybe a more feminine choice, too. (Even if Romy Schneider isn’t a household name in 21st century America.) It’s Romy that continues on in the contest.

In the closest contest of the Openers, Arisbeth just barely snuck past Honey with not-quite-51% of the total. I suspect neither of these names was a true favorite for most readers. But they’re interesting, aren’t they? Elizabeth is a forever-evolving classic, with innovations like Elizabella and Lizbeth attracting attention in recent generations. And Honey is a nature name, but one that feels awfully sweet. It’s Arisbeth that advances – just barely.

Elsa showed strong against Lyanna, commanding over 69% of the tally. Lyanna feels like a new, and perhaps definitive, spelling for all those Lee + Ann names. Elsa is yet another take on evergreen Elizabeth. Frozen pushed it out of use, but will the Yellowstone universe bring it back into favor? This results says it’s a definite maybe.

Earning nearly 58% of the total, Tilly advances, leaving Campbell in the rearview mirror. Charmingly vintage Tilly fits in perfect with Sadie and Ellie. Then again, unisex Campbell is an obvious choice in our Rowan and Parker moment. But only one could continue, and your votes clearly give the nod to Tilly.

And now let’s vote once again!

GIRLS SEMIFINALS ROUND

ROMY versus TILLY

ARISBETH versus ELSA

Voting remains open for just a few days. As always, thank you for playing along with our summer contest and be sure to check back soon for the next – and final! – match.

blonde girl on beach wearing sunglasses with her hair in two buns, wrapped in blue and white striped towel; "new names showdown 2025 girls semifinals"
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About Abby Sandel

Whether you're naming a baby, or just all about names, you've come to the right place! Appellation Mountain is a haven for lovers of obscure gems and enduring classics alike.

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