Baby Girl Names and Meanings 2017

Alice

• Origin:

  German

• Meaning:

  "noble"

• Description:

  Alice was derived from the Old French name Aalis, a diminutive of Adelais that itself came from the Germanic name Adalhaidis. Adalhaidis, from which the name Adelaide is also derived, is composed of the Proto-Germanic elements aþala, meaning "noble," and haidu, "kind, appearance, type." Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland popularized the name in modern times.

Iris

• Origin:

  Flower name; also Greek

• Meaning:

  "rainbow"

• Description:

  Iris is directly derived from the Greek word iris, meaning "rainbow." In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow, a messenger for Zeus and Hera who rode the rainbow as a multicolored bridge from heaven to earth. In ancient times, the Iris was considered a symbol of power and majesty, the three petal segments representing faith, wisdom and valor. This colorful image led to the naming of the flower and to the colored part of the eye.

Eleanor

• Origin:

  English variation of French Provencal Alienor, meaning unknown

• Description:

  While some think Eleanor is a variation of Helen via Ellen, it actually derives from the Provencal name Aliénor, of highly-debated meaning. It may come from the Germanic name Adenorde, meaning "ancient north" or "noble north". Another theory is that it derives from the Latin phrase alia Aenor, meaning "other Aenor," used to distinguish some original Eleanor, who was named after her mother Aenor. Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine brought it from France to England in the twelfth century. Other spellings include Elinor and Eleanore.

Charlotte

• Origin:

  French, feminine diminutive of Charles

• Meaning:

  "free man"

• Description:

  Charlotte is the feminine form of the male given name Charles. It derived from Charlot, a French diminutive of Charles meaning "little Charles," and the name of Charlemagne's son in French literature and legend. The name was popularized by England's Queen Charlotte Sophia, wife of King George III.

Amelia

• Origin:

  German

• Meaning:

  "work"

• Description:

  Amelia is derived from the German name Amalia, which in turn is a variation of Amalberga. The root, amal, is a Germanic word meaning "work," and in the context of female given names suggests themes of fertility as well as productivity. Aemilia, the name from which Emily is derived, is unrelated to Amelia.

Josephine

• Origin:

  French feminine variation of Joseph

• Meaning:

  "Jehovah increases"

• Description:

  Josephine is the feminine form of Joseph, a name ultimately derived from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning "Jehovah increases." In French it has an accent over the first E, which was omitted in the English, German, and Dutch translations of the name. Empress Joséphine du Beauharnais was born Marie-Josephe-Rose, but called Josephine by her husband, Napolean Bonaparte.

Cora

• Origin:

  Greek

• Meaning:

  "maiden"

• Description:

  In classical mythology, Cora—or Kore—was a euphemistic name of Persephone, goddess of fertility and the underworld. Kore was the name used when referencing her identity as the goddess of Spring, while Persephone referred to her role as queen of the Underworld. Cora gained popularity as a given name after James Fenimore Cooper used it as the name of his heroine, Cora Munro, in his 1826 novel The Last of the Mohicans.

Daphne

• Origin:

  Greek

• Meaning:

  "laurel tree, bay tree"

• Description:

  In Greek mythology, Daphne was the nymph daughter of Peneus, a river god. Peneus saved Daphne from Apollo's romantic obsessions by transforming her into a laurel tree. It is from this myth that the plant genus daphne, which contains the laurel species, gets its name.

Lucy

• Origin:

  English, variation of Lucia

• Meaning:

  "light"

• Description:

  Lucy is the English form of the Roman Lucia, which derives from the Latin word "lux" meaning "light." Lucy and Lucia were at one time given to girls born at dawn. Lucy can alternatively be spelled Luci or Lucie.

Beatrice

• Origin:

  Latin

• Meaning:

  "she who brings happiness; blessed"

• Description:

  Beatrice is derived from Beatrix, a Latin name meaning "she who brings happiness." In the earliest sources it is also recorded as Viatrix, meaning "voyager", so there is some weight in both meanings.

Penelope

• Origin:

  Greek

• Meaning:

  "weaver"

• Description:

  Penelope is a name from Greek mythology; she was the wife of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey. It has two possible origin stories—Penelope was either derived from the Greek pēnē, meaning "thread of a bobbin," or penelops, a type of duck. Mythological Penelope was cared for by a duck as an infant, and later was known for delaying her suiters by pretending to weave a garment while her husband was at sea.

Rose

• Origin:

  Latin

• Meaning:

  "rose, a flower"

• Description:

  Rose is derived from the Latin rosa, which referred to the flower. There is also evidence to suggest it was a Norman variation of the Germanic name Hrodohaidis, meaning "famous type," and also Hros</>, "horse". In Old English it was translated as Roese and Rohese.

Olivia

• Origin:

  Latin

• Meaning:

  "olive tree"

• Description:

  Olivia is one of the top US baby names as well as one of the top girl names in English-speaking and European countries around the world.

Florence

• Origin:

  Latin

• Meaning:

  "flourishing, prosperous"

• Description:

  Florence is back, returning to the US Top 1000 girl names in 2017 after a nearly 40 year absence. Other English-speaking countries have been quicker to welcome Florence back into fashion.

Ada

• Origin:

  German

• Meaning:

  "noble, nobility"

• Description:

  Ada is derived from the German name Adelaide, which came from the ancient name Adalheidis. The root, adal, is a Germanic word meaning "noble." Ada can also be considered a variation of the biblical name Adah, pronounced AH-da, one of the first girls' names mentioned in the Book of Genesis.

Athena

• Origin:

  Greek mythology name

• Meaning:

  "from Athens"

• Description:

  The given name Athena was derived from the city name Athens, which is of uncertain origins. In Greek mythology, Athena is the name of the daughter of Zeus who was the goddess of wisdom, warfare, handicrafts, mathematics, and courage, among others. She was the great patroness-goddess of the city of Athens. In the Odyssey, Homer describes her as 'sparkling-eyed Athena.'

Grace

• Origin:

  English, virtue name

• Description:

  Grace is derived from gratia, the Latin word for "grace." It existed as Gracia in the Middle Ages but was not in common use until the Puritans adopted it along with other Christian attribute names in the sixteenth century. It was used as a virtue name, in reference to divine grace — the love and kindness of God.

Eliza

• Origin:

  Diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew

• Meaning:

  "pledged to God"

• Description:

  Eliza originated as a diminutive of Elizabeth and eventually became used as a name in its own right. Despite its similarity to the Hebrew name Aliza, meaning "joyful," the two are unrelated. Eliza Schuyler Hamilton was the wife of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, recognizable today as one of the lead characters in the musical "Hamilton."

Lydia

• Origin:

  Greek

• Meaning:

  "woman from Lydia"

• Description:

  Lydia is a very early place name, that of an area of Asia Minor whose inhabitants are credited with the invention of coinage and of having strong musical talent—as well as great wealth.

Edith

• Origin:

  English

• Meaning:

  "prosperous in war"

• Description:

  Edith was a hugely popular name a hundred years ago that's being revived among stylish parents in Stockholm and London. It's currently beginning to gain traction in the US among those with a taste for old-fashioned names with a soft but strong image.

Audrey

• Origin:

  English

• Meaning:

  "noble strength"

• Description:

  Audrey is derived from the Anglo-Saxon Aethelthryth, the name that later evolved into Etheldred or Etheldreda. St. Audrey was a seventh century saint who was particularly revered in the Middle Ages. Her name led to the term tawdry, as cheap lace necklaces were sold at the St. Audrey fair. Shakespeare bestowed her name on a character in As You Like It.

Chloe

• Origin:

  Greek

• Meaning:

  "young green shoot"

• Description:

  Chloe appeared in Greek mythology as an alternative name for the goddess of agriculture and fertility, Demeter. She was referred to as Chloe in the spring months, due to the name's relation to sprouts and growth. Chloe is also mentioned in the New Testament as the name of a Greek Christian woman.

Alexandra

• Origin:

  Greek, feminine form of Alexander

• Meaning:

  "defending men"

• Description:

  Alexandra is the feminine form of Alexander, which ultimately derived from the Greek components alexein, meaning "to defend," and anēr, "man." In Greek mythology, Alexandra was an epithet of the goddess Hera. International variations include Alessandra and Alejandra.

Claire

• Origin:

  French form of Clara

• Meaning:

  "bright, clear"

• Description:

  Claire is the French form of Clara, a feminine derivation of the Latin masculine name Clarus. The French word for "clear," Claire's meaning, is clair, and was traditionally a male name. Now the spelling is used mainly for girls, along with Clare, and occasionally Klaire or Klare.

Elizabeth

• Origin:

  Hebrew

• Meaning:

  "pledged to God"

• Description:

  Elizabeth is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva, formed by the components 'el, meaning "God," and shava', "oath." In the Bible, Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist, and two of England's most notable queens have been Elizabeth I and II. Another memorable bearer was Elizabeth Taylor—who hated to be called Liz.

Esther

• Origin:

  Persian

• Meaning:

  "star"

• Description:

  Esther was derived from the Old Persian word stāra, meaning "star." In the Old Testament, Esther, originally named Hadassah, was the captured Jewish wife of the King of Persia who risked her life to save her exiled people from annihilation. This story is celebrated by Jews on the holiday of Purim, so that it has traditionally been given to girls around that time.

Emma

• Origin:

  German

• Meaning:

  "universal"

• Description:

  Emma originated as a diminutive for Germanic names beginning with the ermen root. A very old royal name well used throughout the centuries—Queen Emma married King Ethelred the Unready in 1002—Emma is also historically associated with Lady Hamilton, the mistress of Lord Nelson and muse of painter George Romney.

Flora

• Origin:

  Latin

• Meaning:

  "flower"

• Description:

  Flora, the name of the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, who enjoyed eternal youth, is one of the gently old-fashioned girls' flower names we think is due for a comeback--alongside cousins Cora and Dora. Also the name of a saint, Flora has long been a favorite in Scotland where it was the name of the young heroine who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie make his way to France. Florence, Fiorella, Fleur, and Flower are translations, but we like Flora best of all.

Jane

• Origin:

  English

• Meaning:

  "God is gracious"

• Description:

  No, we don't consider Jane too plain. In fact, for a venerable and short one-syllable name, we think it packs a surprising amount of punch, as compared to the related Jean and Joan.

Emily

• Origin:

  Feminine variation of Emil, Latin

• Meaning:

  "rival"

• Description:

  Emily was derived from the Roman name Aemilia, which may have evolved from the Latin word aemulus, meaning "hardworking" or "rival." Amelia, although similar, has separate origins — it was derived from the Germanic name Amalia. Emilia, however, has the same Latin root as Emily.

Delilah

• Origin:

  Hebrew or Arabic

• Meaning:

  "delicate"

• Description:

  Delilah has shed the stigma of its Biblical image, and is now appreciated for its haunting, melodic, feminine qualities. Checking out Delilah's popularity graph shows that Delilah's use is heading straight for the top. Right now, Delilah is among the most popular Hebrew names for girls in the US as well as the Number 1 girls' name starting with D.

Cecilia

• Origin:

  Feminine form of Cecil, Latin

• Meaning:

  "blind"

• Description:

  Cecilia is a feminine form of Cecil, which was derived from a Roman clan name related to the Latin caecus, meaning "blind." The martyred Saint Cecilia was designated the patron of musicians, either because she supposedly sang directly to God while the musicians played at her wedding, or because she sang to God as she was dying. The name was popularized in the Middle Ages as an homage to the Saint.

Margaret

• Origin:

  Greek

• Meaning:

  "pearl"

• Description:

  Margaret is derived from the French Marguerite, which in turn came from Margarita, the Latin form of the Greek Margarites. Margarites was based on the Old Persian word margārīta, meaning "pearl."

Anna

• Origin:

  Variation of Hannah, Hebrew

• Meaning:

  "grace"

• Description:

  Anna is the Latin form of Hannah, a Hebrew name that derived from root chanan, meaning "grace." European Christians embraced the name for its associations with the Virgin Mary's mother, Saint Anna — known in English as Saint Anne. While Hannah and Anna are the most common forms of the name, variations including Annie, Annalise, Anya, Anika, Nancy, and Anais also rank in the US Top 1000.

Rebecca

• Origin:

  Hebrew

• Meaning:

  "to tie, bind"

• Description:

  Rebecca is a name representing beauty in the Bible, an Old Testament classic that reached the heights of revived popularity in the seventies but is still a well-used choice. It derives from the Hebrew name Rivkah, from the verb ribbqah, meaning "noose." The biblical Rebecca was the wife of Isaac and the mother of Esau and Jacob. Rebekah was a common spelling of the name in the Bible.

Juliet

• Origin:

  English from Latin

• Meaning:

  "youthful or sky father"

• Description:

  One of the most romantic names, the lovely and stylish Juliet seems finally to have shaken off her limiting link to Romeo. In Shakespeare's play, it was Juliet who said "What's in a name?"

Madeline

• Origin:

  English variation of Magdalen

• Meaning:

  "high tower or woman from Magdala"

• Description:

  This lovely name with a soft and delicate image is an old-fashioned favorite that returned to favor in the 1990's, combining a classic pedigree with a cute nickname option: Maddy.

Sophie

• Origin:

  French variation of Sophia

• Meaning:

  "wisdom"

• Description:

  Sophie is the French form of the Greek Sophia, for which it is also commonly used as a nickname. Sophies are scattered throughout European royal history, including Sophie of Thuringia, Duchess of Brabant, Princess Sophie of Sweden, and in modern times, Sophie, Duchess of Wessex, the wife of Britain's Prince Edward. German-born Catherine the Great was born Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst, but changed her name to Catherine upon her conversion to Russian Orthodoxy.

Cynthia

• Origin:

  Greek

• Meaning:

  "moon goddess or, woman from Kynthos"

• Description:

  Cynthia is an attractive name -- in classical mythology an epithet for Artemis or Diana -- that was so overexposed in the middle of the twentieth century, along with its nickname Cindy, that it fell into a period of benign neglect, but now is ripe for reconsideration in its full form.

Frances

• Origin:

  English from Latin

• Meaning:

  "from France; free man"

• Description:

  Frances is the feminine form of Francis, the English variation of the Latin name Franciscus. Franciscus, meaning "Frenchman," was taken from the Germanic tribe the Franks, which got its name from the francisca, the axe they used in battle. Until the seventeenth century, the spellings Frances and Francis were used interchangeably for both sexes.

Julia

• Origin:

  Latin

• Meaning:

  "youthful or sky father"

• Description:

  Julia was an ancient Roman imperial name given to females in the house of a Julius, as in Caesar. Its origin is shrouded in history, but possible roots include Latin iuvenis, meaning "youthfu"; Greek ioulos, meaning "downy-bearded"; or Jovis, a form of Jupiter, which means "sky father".

Catherine

• Origin:

  Greek

• Meaning:

  "pure"

• Description:

  Catherine is one of the oldest and most consistently well-used girls' names, with endless variations and nicknames. The Catherine form feels more gently old-fashioned and feminine than the more popular K versions. Most stylish nickname for Catherine right now: Kate...or Cate, a la Blanchett.

Sophia

• Origin:

  Greek

• Meaning:

  "wisdom"

• Description:

  Sophia was derived from sophia, the Greek word for wisdom. The name was first famous via St. Sophia, venerated in the Greek Orthodox church—St. Sophia was the mother of three daughters named Faith, Hope and Love. It was first used in England in the seventeenth century and was the name of George I's both mother and wife.

Naomi

• Origin:

  Hebrew

• Meaning:

  "pleasantness"

• Description:

  Naomi was once a primarily Jewish name from the Old Testament that referenced the mother-in-law of Ruth. Because of this, it is a symbolic name given to girls on Shavuot when the story of Ruth is read in the synagogue. The French version is Noemie, in Italian Noemi. Naomi also has separate Japanese origins as a unisex name meaning "straight and beautiful."

Caroline

• Origin:

  French, feminine variation of Charles

• Meaning:

  "free man"

• Description:

  Caroline is a perennial classic, in the Top 100 since 1994. Caroline is elegant, calling to mind the Kennedy Camelot years and Princess Caroline of Monaco.

Theodora

• Origin:

  Feminine variation of Theodore

• Meaning:

  "gift of God"

• Description:

  Theodora is one of the most revival-worthy of the charmingly old-fashioned Victorian valentine names, softly evocative but still substantial, as is the reversed-syllable Dorothea. It was borne by several saints and by the beautiful ninth wife of the Emperor Justinian, who became the power behind his throne. A later royal was Princess Theodora of Greece and Denmark, the older sister of the present Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Hannah

• Origin:

  Hebrew

• Meaning:

  "grace"

• Description:

  Hannah originated as a variation of the Hebrew name Channah, derived from the word channan, meaning "grace." In the Old Testament, Hannah is the mother of Samuel. Names including Anne, Anna, Nancy, Anya, Annika, and Annabel are all related to Hannah. Alternate spellings such as Hana, Hanna, and Chana are also used.

Faye

• Origin:

  English

• Meaning:

  "fairy"

• Description:

  Does Fay really need that e at the end? We vote no, but modern parents disagree: The Faye spelling was used for nearly 300 girls in 2014, vaulting the name back onto the Top 1000 after a 35-year absence, nearly ten times as many babies as received the Fay spelling.

Isabel

• Origin:

  Spanish variation of Elizabeth

• Meaning:

  "pledged to God"

• Description:

  Isabel derived from Elizabeth in southwest Europe during the Middle Ages. It was originally written as Elisabel, but the first syllable was dropped as it spread across the continent. In Spain and Portugal, Isabel and Elizabeth are considered to be variations of the same name, but they are treated as separate names in other European countries and the US.

Felicity

• Origin:

  Latin

• Meaning:

  "good fortune, happy"

• Description:

  Felicity is as accessible a virtue name as Hope and Faith, but much more feminine -- and dare we say, happier. The hit TV show did a lot to soften and modernize the once buttoned-up image of Felicity, and it got further notice as the red-haired Colonial doll, Felicity Merriman, in the American Girl series. A current bearer is actress Felicity Huffman.

Baby Girl Names and Meanings 2017

Source: https://nameberry.com/list/322/Classic-Baby-Names-for-Girls

Share this post