Ancient girl names

From the German Adalhaidis, meaning "noble," this literary classic gained modern charm thanks to Alice in Wonderland and widespread use across Europe.

Greek in origin and meaning "pearl," Margaret has a royal history and many nicknames, from Maggie to Greta.

The French feminine form of Charles, meaning "free man," it’s a royal favorite and a global top pick with nicknames like Lottie.

With debated roots, possibly from alia Aenor or Germanic elements, Eleanor means “shining light” and came to England via Eleanor of Aquitaine.

This Hebrew name meaning "grace" links to Saint Anne and bridges cultures worldwide, from biblical roots to Disney’s Frozen.

An English name meaning "noble strength," it was revived by Audrey Hepburn and stems from the Anglo-Saxon Aethelthryth.

Greek for "pure," this timeless name has royal, saintly, and literary roots, and remains elegant in its softer C-spelling.

Derived from Persian for “star,” Esther is a biblical heroine whose story is central to the Jewish holiday of Purim.

Greek for “woman from Lydia,” this biblical and literary name has a rich past and a melodic sound.

Meaning "gift of God" in Greek, Dorothy soared in early 20th-century America and is tied to The Wizard of Oz and many creative icons.

Derived from the German Amalia meaning "work," Amelia rose globally in the 2000s.

English in origin and meaning "day's eye," Daisy is a bright floral name with strong literary and pop culture roots.

A Greek name meaning "pure," Agnes was once a medieval favorite, with Saint Agnes boosting its popularity.

Elaine is a French-Scottish form of Helen that means “bright light.” It has strong Arthurian associations, but could also fit mid-century style.

Of English and French origin, Warren means “park-keeper” and once honored a Revolutionary War hero.

Forest, Choice, Whole, Wood

Warrior, Virile, Protrude, Man

Female Version of Nicholas

Feminine of Alexander, To Defend, Protect and Man, Manly

Horn Coloured, Form of Cornelius, Yellow, Sun Burst

Victory of the People, Girl, Holly

Child of Light, The Pearl, Flower Name

German Origin and Means Noble

Adventurer, At the Ash Tree, Cliff

Vigorous, Strong, Man, Husband

This unisex English name means “from the southern homestead” and combines modern style with surname appeal.

Kleopatra, Boasting

Spear and Hard, Gravelly Place Gray House, Strong, Warlike

Brightness, Sweet, Honorable, Nobility

Harvester, The Hunteress, To Flow Down, Late Summer

Helmet, Offered to the Lord, Composition, Will

Pearl, Diminutive of Margaret

Will, Protection, Desire, Helmet

Burst of the Sun, Brightness, Mercy, Moon

Manly, A Man's Woman, Feminine Form of Andrew, Man Ones

Peace, The Word Éire with the Meaning Ireland, Beauty

Of the Woods, Woodsman, Forest, Lives in Wood

Horn, Champion, Torch, Moon

An old Scottish surname meaning “round hill,” brought into vogue by celebrity baby name trends.

Master, Ruler, Far Sighted, The Element Kyrios Which Means Lord

Farmstead Or Village of Wine, Pleasant Stone, Homestead, Friend

Honeyed Sweetness, All Honey, Palombe, New Leaves

The Chaste, The Pure

Good News

The Pure, Form of Katherine, Virginal

Golden, Golden-Haired, Gold Made

The Stone, The Rock

Vandals, Wend, Open Area, Look Healthy

Home Ruler, Mistress of the Household, House Owner, Homeland

Priest's Town

Arrow Maker, Arror Featherer

Oracle, Prophetess, Sibyl, Priestess of Apollo

Dedicated to Mars, Warlike, Female Version of Marcellus, Warring

Keeper of the Forest

Messenger of God Angel

Fame, Lime, Linden, Lime-Wood Shield

White Shoulder, The Word Nuall with the Meaning Famous Champion Chariot-Fighter

Surrender, Resurrection, Risen One

Most Beautiful, Variant of Cayley Lovely, Fortress, Lark

Ruler of Work, House and Powerful King

The Pearl, Variant of Margaret

Eithne, Joy, Rejuvenation, Pleasure, Bliss

A Pearl, Form of Margaret

Mavis, A Small Bird, Song Thrush, Songbird

A Small Fresh Water Stream, Breaking Forth, Bach, Modeled on An English Place Names

Noble, German, Joy, Sweet Angel

The Pure, Virginal, Form of Catherine

The Hunteress, Fourth Child, Harvester, Essence

An Aromatic, Symbol of Victory, Botanical Name, The Myrtle is a Dark Green Shrub with Pink or White Blossoms

Free Condition, Frankie is Occasionally Used for Girls, Of the Franks, French Man

Throws and Faithful, Spear Hunter, Power, Force

The Pearl

Cyneburga's Field, Ruler

Messenger of God, Angel

Green Shoot

From the Village Near a Bridge, Diminutive of Brigham

Son of Benedict

Epiphany, God and Luminous, Appear

To Protect, The Defender, Helper, Repel

Horn, Raven

The Dane, From Denmark, Mother of the Gods in Myths, Judge

Noble and Fight, Son of the Highborn, Alice

Helper and Defender of Mankind, He Who Wards Off (Other) Men

Protect, Desire, Will, Helmet

Highborn, My Ornament, Awe-inspiring, Of a Noble Kind

Fame, Friend, Girlfriend

Born In the Eighth Month, Modeled on a Roman Sex

The Pearl

Leafy Foliage, Green Leaves, Leaf, Phyllon

An English occupational name meaning “woodcutter,” now a trendy unisex option with literary flair.

From the Alder Grove

Desire, Helmet, Resolute Protector, Protection

Life

Form of Cynthia, Little Ash-girl, From, Way

Good

Army, Husband, Vigorous, Strong

Rich, Powerful, Peaceful Ruler, Hardy

Of a Thousand Saints, Work Strength, English Cognate of Melisande, Industrious

Intelligent, Famous, Shining, Glorious

Merciful, Servant, Inventor of the Corn Mill, Soldier

Industrious Ruler, Brave, House and King, Mighty

Gift and God, Kind

Of the Woods, Guest, Stranger

This Irish place-name implies wisdom and nature, drawn from the legendary River Shannon.

Pure, Form of Catherine, Little Cat

The Pure, Girls

Hay Meadow, Scientific, Usually a Surname, Heroic

Feminine Variant of Charles, Joy, Little and Womanly, Manly

From the House of Tatius, King of the Sabines

Unfortunate, Army Counsellor, My Glory, Unhappy

Of Noble Descent, Well-Born, Sweet Spoken

Sweetly-Spoken Well-Spoken, Good, Well, To Talk, Eloquent

God is My Salvation, Old Welshman, Form of Elijah, Elliot

Derived from Old Norse, this unisex name means “from the willow estate” and carries a gentle, nature-based tone.

Rich, Profit, Wealthy, Succeed

Heath, Clearing, Heather Meadow, Wood

Loved One, Powerful, Strongly Beloved, Friend of Strength

A Queen, Form of Regina, The Element Rein Which Means Pure Clean, Council

Dove, Victory of the People, Young Pup, Victor

To Sing, Pure, Man, Very Holy Woman

An Olive, Form of Oliver, Elf, Warrior

Wealth

An Irish surname turned first name, Sloan means “warrior” and gives off a cool, modern edge.

Lure, Schistous Cliff, Melody,, Ambush

the Other, Variant of Helen, Shining Light, Wealth and Honor

Faith, Vine, The Blond, Hero

Descendant of Cathasaigh, Brave

Beauty, Dawn, Aurora, Whiteness

Form of Robert, Bright, Fame, Glorious Shining

Little Black One, Spear, Clear, Bright

Variant of Georgia, Farmer, Earth Worker, Earthworker

Lime-Wood Shield, Linden, Fame, Lime

Warrior, Constant Movement, Entire, Large

Boomerang

Friendly, The Word Eilun with the Meaning Likeness Image Idol, Gentle, Lin

Inspired By a Place Name, Wood, Glade, Poet

Pledge, Arrow, Hostage

Foreign

Queen, Dawn, Bright, Light

Essence, Hunter, Theresa, Harvester

Bird Strength Desired

Light Hearted, Great Talker, Pleasant and Bright, Measure of Land

Hay and Lēah = Clearing, Hero

Son of Gilbert, Happiness

High, Little Rock, Defender of Man, Noble and Shining

Child of Light, Daisy Flower, Pearl

A Place of Linden Trees, Wetland, Lincolns Wetl

Calf, Gentle, Wife, Companion

From the Tall Mans Town Or Estate

Elysium, Elysion, God is Fullness

Protect, Protection, Resolute Protector, Form of Wilhelmina

Son of Nicholas

Famous

Rohon Which Means to Roar Battle Cry, Little Rock, Short Tunic, Rest

The Pure, From Katherine and Lynn

Curly, Gruaig Which Means Hair

Life-giving, Hazelnut, Light, Form of Evelyn

Lord, 'Lord, Far-Sighted, Master

Blossom, Birth, Flowering

Lady, Mistress of the House, Might, Strong in War

Russet, Famous Wolf, Fame, Ginger

Victory and Liberator, Beautiful

The Elements Wit Meaning Wide, Small Fighter, Fight, War

Famous Northman, North and Brilliant, Illustrious, Renowned Northerner

Dedicated to Demeter, Follower of Demeter

Messenger of God, Angel

The Lord is My God, Form of Elijah

Wealthy Friend, Female Version of Edwin, Possession

Meaning “of high quality,” this Old English name also links to silver and British currency.

Village, Noble, Peacock Town, Royal

Place to Lay the Camp, Pool on an Island, Wetland

Earthworker, Variant of Georgia, Farmer

Council, An Office in the Army, Senior, Spear

The Black, Black Man

Victory of the People

True Image, Faith, Truth, Bringing Victory

Beloved, Friendly, Shining Star

Priests Meadow, Wood, Preost Which Means Priest, Clearing

Greek in origin and short for Stephanie or Stephen, this spunky name gained fans thanks to Stevie Nicks.

A Scottish name meaning “from St. Clair."