Picking a first name for your future bundle of joy is a whole lot of pressure, but when it comes to middle names the heat is off and you can have a little more fun. Indeed, a middle name is the perfect opportunity to explore monikers you weren’t entirely ready to go all in on (like Clementine, Peyton or Faye). And so with that in mind, here’s a list of middle names for girls, whether you want something traditional, trendy, with a special meaning or just plain cool-sounding.
90 Middle Names for Girls, Whether You Want Something Traditional or Unique
From Arcadia to Zoe
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Published Nov 1, 2023
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Classic Middle Names
1. Claire
This feminine name of French origin means “clear” and “bright.” It also has a delicate sound that’s downright precious.
2. Ruth
This name of Hebrew origin has vintage charm, a strong sound and a sweet meaning of “friend.”
3. Ellen
This timeless classic meaning “shining light” belongs to an impressive number of famous women (Ellen Pompeo, Ellen DeGeneres and Ellen Barkin, to name a few).
4. Faye
Old-fashioned in the best possible way, Faye is a beautiful name of French origin that means “belief” or “faith.”
5. Faith
“Trust and devotion” is the meaning of this feminine name of English origin, which first rose to popularity among Puritans in the 17th century.
6. Marie
Much like Marion, Marie can be interpreted as the French version of Mary (and all the religious significance that comes with it), but the name is actually derived from the Latin phrase stella maris, or “star of the sea.”
7. Emma
This sweet and pretty name has Germanic roots and a meaning of “universal one.”
8. Abigail
One of the more popular monikers on the list, this Hebrew name is perfect for daddy’s little girl; it means “my father’s joy.”
9. Ada
Another short and sweet name with Germanic origins—Ada is closely related to the names Adelaide and Adeline, and has noble connotations.
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10. Eve
Eve is an anglicized version of Latin and Hebrew names that mean “life.” (Needless to say, there’s biblical significance here.)
11. Grace
Here, a charming, feminine name of Latin origin for a beacon of goodness and purity.
12. Margaret
Sweet, pretty and sophisticated—this traditional name has Greek origins and a meaning of “pearl.”
13. Anne
An anglicized version of the Latin name Anna and Hebrew name Hannah, this short-but-sweet number means “grace.”
14. Hope
Another sweet, one-syllabic option—this one is of Puritan and Old English origin (and we probably don’t need to tell you what it means).
15. Marion
Marion is not only a feminine name with Christian (i.e., Virgin Mary) roots, it’s also a gender-neutral moniker of French and Latin origin that means “star of the sea.”
16. Phoebe
Phoebe is an energetic name of Greek origin that means “radiant, shining one.” It’s also pretty fun to say.
17. Scarlett
Elegant and pretty—Scarlett is a feminine name of French origin that refers to the color and was historically an occupational name for cloth merchants and fabric dyers in Medieval times.
18. Jane
Simple and sweet, this classic girl’s name of English origin means “God is gracious.”
19. Eloise
This name of French and English origin means “healthy” and “wide,” but we associate it more with the mischievous antics of the charming little girl from Kay Thompson’s classic book series.
20. Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a biblical name of Hebrew origin and a fine, traditional choice that means “God is my oath.”
21. Charlotte
The diminutive, feminine form of Charles, Charlotte is a name of French origin that means “petite.”
22. Amelia
Amelia is a cute and charming choice that’s derived from the Hebrew word amal, which means “work.” Give this one to a hard-working and determined little girl.
23. Sophia
A melodic name of Greek origin that means “wisdom,” Sophia ranked in the top 10 on the Social Security Administration’s list of most popular names.
Gender Neutral Middle Names
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24. Jean
This unique name of French origin means “God is Gracious.” If you’re looking for something fresh and cool, Jean is a good fit.
25. Rory
Here, a centuries-old, gender-neutral Irish moniker that’s gaining popularity as a name for girls. It means “red king.”
26. Kennedy
Originally a Gaelic surname meaning “helmeted chief,” this name has a dignified sound and clear presidential ties.
27. Scout
“To listen” and “to discover” are the meanings of this playful and energetic moniker.
28. Avalon
This name of Celtic origin has warrior-like vibes and a mythological meaning of “island of apples,” which refers to the island where the sword Excalibur was crafted, according to Arthurian lore.
29. Lennon
John Lennon might have made the name more popular but this gender-neutral moniker of Irish origin meaning “lover” was around way before The Beatles.
30. Rumi
This Japanese girl’s name has a mysterious vibe and a lovely meaning of “beauty,” “current” and “flow.”
31. Greer
Greer is an uncommon Scottish name with an intriguing meaning of “alert, watchful and quick.”
32. Rio
Rio is a place name (i.e., Rio de Janeiro) and a gender-neutral moniker of Spanish origin that means “river.” (And if you’re a fan of Duran Duran, it could also mean “beautiful woman who dances on the sand.”)
33. James
James has Hebrew origins, strong biblical ties and a meaning of “supplanter”—and though it’s typically as masculine name, it has been catching on as a cute moniker for girls, too.
34. Shea
This soft-sounding Gaelic name is derived from the well-known Irish surname, O’Shea, and has a meaning of “hawk-like” and “admirable.”
35. Reign
Reign is a gender-neutral name of American origin with the same meaning as the word. It’s also the name Kourtney Kardshian and Scott Disick gave to their son.
36. Lou
A shortened version of either Louis or Louise—Lou has French roots and a fierce meaning of “famous warrior.”
37. Emery
This strong, gender-neutral name of British origin means “powerful” and “industrious.”
38. Paris
This city-inspired girl’s name also has ties to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and Greek mythology’s Trojan prince. We think it’s très chic.
39. Harper
This peppy girl’s name dates back to Medieval times, when it was used to describe someone who played (you guessed it) the harp.
40. Parker
“Park keeper” is the meaning of this occupational surname of Old English origin, which has seen growing popularity as both a first and middle name for both sexes.
41. Kay
Although often used as a short form of the name Katherine, Kay is also a gender-neutral name of Greek origin that means “pure.”
42. Peyton
This dignified gender-neutral name of English origin has Medieval roots and a meaning of “fighting man’s estate.”
43. Leigh
Although traditionally an English surname, Leigh (pronunced Lee) is also a unisex given name that means “meadow” and “delicate.”
44. Madison
Traditionally a surname of British origin meaning “son of Matthew,” Madison can also be used as a gender-neutral given or middle name.
45. Everly
Although this one might bring to mind the Everly Brothers, it’s actually a gender-neutral name of British origin and an Old English meaning of “boar” and “woodland clearing.”
Nature-Inspired Middle Names
46. Willow
Soft, graceful and elegant just like the namesake tree, Willow is a timeless feminine name with Old English origins. (Fun fact: It’s also the name of Will Smith’s daughter.)
47. Brooke
We get sporty vibes from this name of Old English and German origin, which means “small stream.”
48. Briar
This unisex name of British origin refers to a thorny bush of wild roses. If you’re looking for a flower-inspired name that isn’t too precious, Briar fits the bill.
49. Maple
Maple is a British name meaning “one who lives near maple trees,” and we think it’s as sweet as the sap that the tree is famous for.
50. Honey
Here, a term of endearment with all the sweetness of maple and a hint of Southern charm.
51. Fern
This topographic name derived from the Old English word “fearn” means (you guessed it) “someone who lives among ferns,” but we just think of the sweet little girl from E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web.
52. Olivia
This Latin name meaning “olive tree” was the most popular baby girl name last year, according to the Social Security Administration. It’s also every bit as lovely as a middle name, with the added benefit that your baby won’t be mistaken for five other Olivias in her class when the school years roll around.
53. Rose
If you’re looking for a supremely feminine, one-syllable middle name, Rose, which quite obviously refers to the flower, is a timeless choice.
54. Flora
This name of Latin and Scottish origin boasts vintage charm and a meaning of “flower.”
55. Lily
A melodic choice that’s loaded with symbolism and religious significance—Lily is a flower found throughout the bible as a symbol of innocence and a feminine name of Latin origin that means “pure.”
56. Clementine
Not to be confused with the citrus fruit—though just as sweet—this lilting three-syllable name is of French origin and means “mild and merciful.”
57. River
We probably don’t need to tell you what this one means…or that the late River Phoenix made it seriously cool.
58. Rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic herb and a feminine name of Latin origin that means “dew of the sea.”
59. Ivy
This feminine name, picked straight from the English dictionary, refers to climbing vines and can be found throughout history. (Think: World War I veteran Ivy Campany and Ivy Cavendish-Bentnick, the former Duchess of Portland.)
60. Fiora
This name of Latin origin has a sweet, gentle meaning of “little flower” (and a decidedly fiercer sound).
Unique Middle Names
61. Arcadia
This feminine name of Greek origin has mythological ties and a tender meaning of “place of peace and contentment.”
62. India
India is a geographical moniker with British roots and a meaning that refers to the Indus river of South and Central Asia. It also has some starpower, thanks to British actress India Fisher and the American singer, India Arie.
63. Maeve
Maeve (pronounced Mayve) is a name of Irish origin with mythological roots—she was a queen in more than one context—and a meaning of “she who intoxicates.”
64. Arden
Arden is an unusual name that’s derived from the Hebrew word for the Garden of Eden; the (fictional) Forest of Arden is also the setting for Shakespeare’s play, As You Like It.
65. Malia
Here, a Hawaiian name that means “calm and peaceful” (and you can only hope that’s true of your newborn baby girl).
66. Juliana
Long and melodic—Juliana, the feminine form of Julius, is a name of Latin origin that means “youthful.”
67. Alessia
One of the most popular girl names in Italy, Alessia is the feminine version of the Italian name Alessio and means “defending warrior.”
68. Luna
This cute and feminine-sounding middle name is the word for moon in Latin and several Latin-based languages, and the name of the moon goddess in Roman mythology.
69. Inez
This soft and melodic name has Portuguese roots and a meaning of “pure” and “chaste.” It’s also the moniker that Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds chose for their second child.
70. Camila
This cute and spunky name has Portuguese origins and a religious meaning of “priest’s helper.”
71. Cosmo
Cosmo is a unique and powerful name of Greek origin that means “order, organization and beauty.” We think it’s pretty badass.
72. Naomi
This name of Hebrew origin has a meaning of “pleasantness” and some serious starpower behind it (Naomi Watts, Naomi Campbell and Naomi Judd, to name a few).
73. Zendaya
Made famous by actress Zendaya (of Euphoria), this name has Zimbabwean and Zambian origins and a meaning of “to give thanks to God.”
74. Nova
Nova—a Latin feminine name that means “new”—is an old-world choice that feels totally fresh.
Short Middle Names
75. Chloe
A popular name of Greek origin with an upbeat feel—Chloe means “fertility” and “blooming.”
76. Mila
Mila is a fairly popular feminine name with Spanish and Russian and a meaning of “miracles” and “gracious,” respectively.
77. Layla
Layla is a name of Arabic origin that truly rolls off the tongue and has a meaning of “night.”
78. Elle
This one-syllable winner is a feminine name of Greek and Hebrew origin that means “sun ray.”
79. Zoe
This spunky and energetic name is of Greek origin and, like Eve, it means “life.”
80. Lynn
Sometimes spelled Lin—this clean and simple feminine name of French origin has a meaning to match its sound: “living near a lake, waterfall or pool.”
81. Mia
Mia has Italian and Slavic roots, a meaning of “mine” and “darling, respectively, and a diminutive sound we adore.
82. Jo
A shortened form of the names Joanna, Jody and Josephine—this short but sweet moniker has spunky, Tomboy vibes and ties to a certain sister in the much-loved, classic novel Little Women.
83. Mae
Mae is an alternate spelling of the name May that has a shared meaning related to the calendar month: “Goddess of Spring Growth.”
84. Rue
This short but sweet moniker of Greek and English origin has personality to spare, as evidenced by both the Golden Girls actress Rue McClanahan and the fictional heroine of the book series and blockbuster film Hunger Games. It can mean either “herb” or “regret,” but we’re going with the former.
85. Kai
This gender-neutral Welsh name has a presence in countries around the world and a corresponding meaning of “keeper of the keys; earth.”
86. Kit
Here, a cute, peppy moniker that’s derived from the names Christopher and Katherine and has a religious meaning of “bearing Christ.”
87. Joy
This one has Latin origins, ties to the modern French word joie and a self-explanatory meaning that’s oh-so fitting for a newborn bundle of joy.
88. Tess
This punchy, one-syllable name of Greek origin means “late summer,” but it’s all energy and attitude as far as we’re concerned.
89. Kate
There are as many reasons to choose this friendly name of Greek and English origin meaning “pure” as there are famous Kates in the world (i.e., Middleton, Hudson, Winslet, Beckinsale, and the list goes on…)
90. Love
This one means…just kidding! We don’t have to tell you why you might consider this middle name, since your heart is already bursting with the feeling whenever you think of your baby.
