Finding the perfect baby girl name is a personal journey that reflects your parenting instincts, beliefs and sense of family identity. While some parents may choose to repeat a beloved family name, others want to select an original choice that stands out. For those looking for unique baby names with deep meaning, there are plenty of options to choose from, including names derived from nature, religion, culture and more.
One of the biggest naming trends this year, as spotted by BabyCenter, is a rise in girls’ names with strong and resilient meanings. Notable examples include Kamala (up 20%) and Ruth, inspired by trailblazers like the country’s first female Vice President and Supreme Court Justice, respectively. Other names with a resiliency theme making the list include Sophia, Faith and Serenity.
Names with a spiritual significance, such as Amelia and Alessia, are also climbing the charts. The Latin name Amelia means “blessed of God.” Similarly, the Welsh name Alessia is a translation of the Greek and Latin name Hebe, which means “bearer of good news.”
Other mystical picks include Cora, which is a diminutive form of Korah, or queen of heaven. It was a top 1,000 name for most of the early 20th century, but fell out of the ranks until Lucy Hale’s character in the TV show “Pretty Little Liars” brought it back into the spotlight. Similarly, the name Aria was a top 1,000 name in 2001 but has dropped out of the rankings since.