Picking out the perfect name for your baby girl can be really exciting, but you may feel a lot of pressure picking the right name for your child. There are many factors to consider when choosing a name, so you’ll want to explore all your options beforehand. What are the best girl names, and what should you consider beforehand?
Girl names include Emma, Mia, and Charlotte. There are plenty of factors you’ll want to consider when choosing a name for your new baby girl, such as to have a particular meaning, for starters. You may also want to think about what sounds best with their last name.
In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the best names for your baby girl, what names to avoid, and what you should think about before selecting her name. If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, keep on reading.
Top 100 Girl Names in the U.S 2020
There are so many options to choose from when deciding on baby names. Whether you decide to go more traditional, or you prefer something a little bit more unique, there are plenty of beautiful names to choose from.
Below, we’ll explore the top 100 girl names in the U.S, and hopefully, one of these names will catch your attention and inspire you.
- Olivia
- Emma
- Ava
- Charlotte
- Sophia
- Amelia
- Isabella
- Mia
- Evelyn
- Harper
- Camila
- Gianna
- Abigail
- Luna
- Ella
- Elizabeth
- Sofia
- Emily
- Avery
- Mila
- Scarlett
- Eleanor
- Madison
- Layla
- Penelope
- Aria
- Chloe
- Grace
- Ellie
- Nora
- Hazel
- Zoey
- Riley
- Victoria
- Lily
- Aurora
- Violet
- Nova
- Hannah
- Emilia
- Zoe
- Stella
- Everly
- Isla
- Leah
- Lillian
- Addison
- Willow
- Lucy
- Paisley
- Natalie
- Naomi
- Eliana
- Brooklyn
- Elena
- Aubrey
- Claire
- Ivy
- Kinsley
- Audrey
- Maya
- Genesis
- Skylar
- Bella
- Aaliyah
- Madelyn
- Savannah
- Anna
- Delilah
- Serenity
- Caroline
- Kennedy
- Valentina
- Ruby
- Sophie
- Alice
- Gabriella
- Sadie
- Ariana
- Allison
- Hailey
- Autumn
- Nevaeh
- Natalia
- Quinn
- Josephine
- Sarah
- Cora
- Emery
- Samantha
- Piper
- Leilani
- Eva
- Everleigh
- Madeline
- Lydia
- Jade
- Peyton
- Brielle
- Adeline
Read More: Popular Baby Names by State or try our Baby Name Generator
Girl Names To Avoid
Now that we’ve gone over some of the most popular girl names in the U.S, let’s explore some names that are best to avoid. These names are recommended for several different reasons, but below we’ll explore 50 of the top names you should leave out of your decision making when choosing a name for your baby girl.
- Bindy
- Chastity
- Dolores
- Nevaeh
- Bertha
- Apple
- Edith
- Gretel
- Lulu
- Minerva
- Olga
- Tinsley
- Poppy
- Jezebel
- Royal
- Mercedes
- Sia
- London
- Paris
- Crystal
- Faith
- Heidi
- June
- Sophia
- Reign
- Danger
- Khaleesi
- Fanny
- Lana
- Amethyst
- Bianca
- Spencer
- Karen
- Rachel
- Jennifer
- Camilla
- Everly
- Peyton
- Zuma
- Mattel
- Primrose
- Raven
- Wanda
- Moxie
- Beyonce
- Dusk
- Irma
- Dot
- Agnes
- Aphrodite
You may be wondering why you should avoid certain names, especially some of the names we mentioned above. Below, we’ll explore why it’s best to ditch the names we mentioned above and why certain names can make things more difficult for your child.
Read more: 38 Forbidden Names and Reasons
The Girl Name Is Too Common/Popular
You may want to avoid names that are too common for several reasons. For one, in the future, your child may not enjoy being one of many Rachels in their class’, so this is something to consider.
It can be difficult for your child to grow up in a world where their name is too common. Some studies show growing up with such a popular baby name can greatly affect your child’s self-esteem and how they view themselves in the world.
When they are one of the many Emmas’ and Sarahs’ in the world, it can be hard for them to feel a strong sense of individualism. While there are plenty of people with common baby names who have grown up to excel and make a name for themselves without difficulty, it’s still something to consider.
Read more: Popular Baby Names by State
The Girl Name Is Outdated
While there are plenty of names from the past that have made recent comebacks, some vintage baby names show no sign of resurfacing and regaining popularity.
If you choose to name your child Dolores, Bertha, or Edith in 2021, they may likely face some difficulty once they start school. It’s crucial to research what kind of names are making a comeback and what names seem to be staying in the past.
While you may choose to avoid overly popular names, you may want to steer clear of names that have aged too much and show no sign of making a comeback.
The Girl Name Is Not Traditional
Names such as Danger, Reign, and Amethyst are definitely not basic or traditional, but they are definitely unique. Giving your child a name that is non-traditional, or maybe not even considered a name at all, can cause problems for your baby girl down the line.
While we aren’t discouraging you from giving your child a unique and different name, names that are too non-traditional may be something you want to steer clear of.
What To Think About When Selecting Girl Names
Now that we’ve discussed some of the top girl names, as well as names you should try to avoid, below, we’ll explore more in-depth about what factors you should consider before choosing a girl name.
Spelling
Some names have numerous different spellings, so it’s important to be mindful of this when naming your child. For example, names like Hailey and Kaylee have numerous different spellings, so it’s important to consider which one you prefer.
It’s also important to ensure that you have the correct spelling to save yourself from any error or confusion down the line. While some names have plenty of variations parents can choose from, some types of spellings are more popular than others, so it’s important to be mindful of this as well.
Gender-Neutral Names
Gender-neutral names have really gained popularity in recent years, so that’s something to consider if you’re interested in more androgynous names. Names like Charlie, Skyler, and Riley are not only beautiful names, but they work for boys and girls as well.
There are plenty of gender-neutral names that are popular today, and you’ll be sure to find one that piques your interest and suits your beautiful baby girl.
Read More: Unisex Baby Names
Is It a Family Name?
Many parents like to pay homage to family members by naming their child after an elder in their family. You may also want to consider continuing a family tradition and using the same name that’s been passed down within your family.
Traditions such as these are a great way to help your child understand the importance of family and where they come from in the future. If you’re in-between baby names right now, you may want to consider whether honoring a certain family member or continuing a tradition sounds right to you.
Name Meaning
Before you commit to a name that you feel is right for your baby girl, it’s worth looking into the meaning of your child’s chosen name. No matter what name you’re interested in, there’s plenty of information available that you can easily find.
Ranging from a country of origin, how popular the name is, to the meaning of your desired name, there’s so much you can find out from a simple online search. It’s also important to research the meaning of your baby girl’s future name to ensure the meaning aligns with your values.
Pop Culture References
Pop culture definitely has a long history of influencing baby names. From singers to actors to video game characters, future parents are easily influenced and inspired by the entertainment they are a fan of.
For example, the name Aaliyah was at an all-time high for baby girl names in 2003, while Zelda rose to popularity in 2015. If you’re unsure of what to name your baby girl, you may want to consider what kind of pop culture you’re interested in.
It’s important to note that what’s popular today may not stand the test of time, so this is another factor to consider.
Religious Names
If your faith is an important part of your life, you may want to consider giving your child a faith-based name. Names such as Grace, Eve, Mary, and Faith are popular names that have religious connotations.
If you’d like to encourage your child to have a healthy and happy relationship with their faith as they grow older, giving them a beautiful name will hopefully remind them to do so.
Location
A certain location may also inspire your baby’s name, or perhaps a name that’s popular within a certain part of the world has inspired you. For example, names such as Brooklyn or Paris are beautiful and popular names based on popular locations.
Certain names are more well known within certain geographical locations that you could explore and look into. Once again, it’s important to do your research when you’ve narrowed down your baby name search.
While a name can mean one thing elsewhere, in your location, that name could mean something entirely different. It’s best to explore all your options and to be mindful of what name you choose, be it a location or a popular name within a foreign location.
Names That Are References to Other Things
Above, we discussed how many parents are inspired by pop culture when deciding on their baby girl’s name. There are also plenty of other things parents can make references to if they so choose.
For example, an array of different colors and elements within history and mythology can make great baby names for those who have those kinds of interests. If you’re interested in giving your baby girl a rich and unique name, you may want to explore some of the topics we mentioned above.
Sibling Names
Another factor that may help you choose your baby’s name is their siblings’ names if they have any. Many parents choose to give all their children names with the same first initials, so for example, if you already have a child with a first name that starts with A, you may want to begin exploring different A names.
You may also want to consider if your children’s names sound good together side by side. While this isn’t an essential component when choosing what to name your children, you may be thankful you did later down the line.
Your Child’s Initials/Middle Name
Once you have your child’s name picked out, it’s important to write out their initials to ensure it doesn’t accidentally spell out anything crude. You should definitely take the time to do this, especially if your baby girl has a middle name.
You’ll also want to ensure that if your child does have a middle name, that the entirety of their given name flows nicely and has a nice ring to it. Keeping all these factors in mind will help you choose a name that you and your baby girl will love until the end of time.
Read more: 229 Unique Girl Names
Popular Girl Names and Their Meanings
We’ve gone over a lot of information in this article, and we’ve briefly discussed the importance of knowing the meaning of your baby’s name. Below, we’ll go back to the top 10 most popular baby girl names in the U.S that we mentioned above, and we’ll explore their meanings.
Emma
The name Emma was number one on our list, as it’s listed as the second most popular baby name according to the SSA or Social Security Administration. This name literally means ‘universal,’ and this is definitely no surprise, seeing how popular this name continues to be within many different locations.
This name derives from Latin origins, and it’s clear to see this universal name will make the perfect fit if you’re still deciding on a name for your baby girl.
Mia
Mia literally means ‘of the sea or bitter,’ which means a child of a rebellious and gifted nature. This name derives from Hebrew origin, so the definition of the words ‘bitterness’ may be misunderstood by some.
All in all, Mia is a beautiful name to give your baby girl, who will be lucky to have a name that encourages a little rebellion and independence in their future.
Charlotte
The name Charlotte is of French origin and literally means ‘free.’ If you’re looking for a name that invokes a sense of independence and freedom into your child’s life, this is the perfect name for them.
Charlotte is another popular name that can be found within well-known children’s books and even within the royal family members.
Ivy
Ivy simply means ‘climbing vine plant’ and is a popular name amongst those expecting baby girls. Ivy is of English origin and makes its mark at #68 on the list of most popular baby girl names according to the SSA.
If you’re a plant lover or love the sound of this popular name, Ivy is a beautiful choice when deciding on a unique and vibrant baby name for your new addition.
Ella
The name Ella is of both Spanish and Hebrew origin. When referring to the name Ella under the Spanish origin, this name means ‘young girl.’ In Hebrew, Ella actually means ‘goddess.’
It’s clear to see that not only is Ella a gorgeous name, but the meaning behind this popular name makes it even more divine.
Lucy
The name Lucy means ‘light,’ and it’s of English origins.
Lucy is perfect for them if you’re looking to add a little extra love and light to your daughter’s chosen name. It’s easy to see why this name continues to be popular, with it currently ranking at #48 on the most popular baby names in the U.S.
Hannah
Hannah literally means ‘grace’ and derives from Hebrew origins. The name Hannah grew to become very popular in the early ’70s and has continued to increase in popularity ever since.
In the early 2000s, the number of Hannahs’ born remained constant as opposed to increasing, but the name continues to be one of the most popular baby girls names in the U.S. If you’re looking to add a touch of grace to your future child’s name, Hannah may be the way to go.
Chloe
The name Chloe means ‘victory of the people’ and has origins beginning in America. This name and its meaning are definitely very powerful, so if you’re looking for a strong and meaningful girl power name, Chloe is a great name to consider.
Julie
The meaning of the name Julie is ‘youthful and downy’ and has French origins. If you’re looking to give your baby girl a name that has a soft and ever-lasting youthfulness to it, this may be the perfect name for your daughter.
Grace
The name Grace derives from Latin and literally means ‘charm.’ The word Grace is also another way to speak about God’s graciousness. If you’re looking for a charming name that will definitely stand the test of time, Grace is a beautiful name for your baby girl.
Read More: The Most Popular Baby Names In the U.S. 1920-2019
Girl Names Throughout History and Their Meanings
Now that we’ve gone over some of the most current and popular baby girl names and their meanings, below, we’ll explore some of the most popular names from the past and their meanings.
These names may even inspire you to break away from the status quo and bring back a name that may have been stuck in the past.
Betty
According to the SSA, Betty was the most popular baby girl name from 1928-1934. This name is also of English origins and literally means ‘God is my oath.’ While this name is not currently ranked within the most popular baby names, it’s a beautiful name that can easily make a comeback.
Helen
The name Helen was the 3rd most popular baby girl name from 1920-1924. This name is of Greek origin, and it means ‘light.’ While this name is not currently listed as a popular baby name, it’s a name that has continued to be meaningful to many parents for over 100 years.
Barbara
Barbara was the second most popular baby girl name from 1938-1944. The name Barbara has Greek origins and means ’stranger.’ Barbara is another beautiful and vibrant name that could easily make a comeback.
Margaret
The name Margaret was the 4th most popular baby girl name from 1920-1923. The name is also of English origins and literally means ‘pearl.’ This could be the perfect name for a June baby, as the pearl is their recognized birthstone.
If you’re expecting a little one in June, Margaret may be the perfect name for your daughter.
Shirley
Shirley was known to be the 2nd most popular baby girl name in both 1935 and 1936. This name has English origins and literally means ‘bright meadow.’ If you’re looking for a fresh and bright name to give your child, any name that means bright meadow may be the perfect choice for you.
While Shirley isn’t currently ranked as one of the most popular names, it could make a comeback without a problem.
Patricia
The name Patricia was known to be the 3rd most popular baby girl name from 1937-1943.
This name has English origins and means ’noble.’ While not currently listed as one of the more popular baby names, this is clearly a very upright and righteous name that could easily become well-known again.
Judith
The name Judith was the 4th most popular baby girl name in 1940. The name is Hebrew and literally means ‘of Judea,’ which refers to the modern-day southern region of Israel.
While the name Judith and its popularity may have been short-lived, this name is clearly rich in history and has a lot of meaning behind it.
Carol
Carol was known as the 5th most popular baby girl name from 1942-1946. This is also the first and only name on this list that is gender-neutral. Carol literally means ‘free person or song’ and has English origins.
While not currently ranked, Carol is a beautiful name with a strong and unique meaning that will be sure to make a great fit for your free-spirited baby girl.
Jennifer
Jennifer carried the number one spot of most popular baby girl names from 1970 through 1984. This name has English origins and literally means ‘white wave.’ White wave, meaning an affectionate and caring child.
While no longer number one, this name continues to be popular and impact my parents today.
Ashley
The name Ashely ranked 2nd as the most popular baby girl name from 1985-1990. This name derives from English origins and literally means ‘from the ash tree field.’ Ashley continues to be a popular name to this day and has definitely impacted decades and will most likely continue to do so.
It’s clear to see that there are plenty of names from both the past and present that will make great options for your baby girl on the way.
Related articles:
- Baby Names (Complete Guide)
- Swedish Baby Names : 200 Girl and Boy Names
- Popular Baby Names by State
- Norwegian Baby Names for Girls and Boys
- 65 Mermaid Names for Your Baby Girl
Popular Middle Names in the U.S and Their Meanings
In this article, we’ve explored a lot of different names and their meaning. For many parents who choose to give their child a middle name, you may be wondering what some of the most popular middle names are.
Below, we’ll explore some of the most common middle names you’ll find today, as well the meaning of these names.
Marie
Marie is the most popular middle name in the U.S and has definitely kept that standing for quite some time. The name Marie is of French origins and literally means ‘of the sea or bitter.’
If you’re looking to give your baby girl a classic middle name that flows nicely with their first, you may want to consider making your child’s middle name Marie.
Lynn
Lynn is another classic middle name that flows nicely no matter what your child’s first name is. The name Lynn is of Irish origins and means ‘from the lake.’ If your family is Irish or comes from Irish descendants, a middle name like Lynn is a great way to honor your family’s history.
Nicole
The name Nicole is of French origins and means ’victory of the people.’ This is another go-to middle name that has definitely stood the test of time. If you have an older family member named Nicole, making your baby girl’s middle name after them is a great way to commemorate them.
Ann
Ann is another classic middle name that continues to be popular in the U.S.
This name is of Hebrew origin and means ’gracious.’ If you’re looking for a simple but elegant name to give your child, a gracious name like Ann is perfect.
Renee
Renne is another classic middle name that you’ll find very common in the U.S. The name Renee is of French origins and literally means ‘reborn.’ This is another beautiful middle name that will fit nicely in between your child’s first and last name, no matter what they are.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed many different girl names and different factors you should consider before choosing a name. We also took a deep dive and discussed some of the more popular baby girl names and some of the most popular names from the past.
Keeping all these factors in mind will ensure that you choose the perfect name for your baby girl when the time comes. Hopefully, one of the many names we listed above inspires you and gets you even more excited to meet your new addition.