The Great Long List of Excellent Name Ideas for Modern Girls [Part One]

Are you expecting a daughter? Surely you have pondered names, by now. Finding the right choice isn't as easy as one would hope. There are many factors at play, including how the name sounds and flows with your surname, potential nicknames, the name's popularity, ease of spelling and pronunciation, and the name's meaning.

All of these aspects are things that should be considered when choosing a name for a child. However, some people just need somewhere to start before delving deeper. If you're in need of a launch pad, consider this list a great beginning. Below is a list of girl names from A-M that would be beautiful on a modern girl. If you can't find something you like here, wait for the next article that covers N-Z.

Adele

Adeline
Agatha
Ainsley
Alexandra
Alice
Amelia
Antonia
Aria
Athena
Audrey
Augusta
Aurora
Aveline
Azalea
Bailey
Beatrice
Bellamy
Belle
Bethany
Bianca
Blair
Blythe
Briar
Brielle
Bronwyn
Brynn
Bryony
Caia
Calista
Calliope
Camila
Camille
Cara
Caroline
Cecily
Celeste
Charlotte
Claire
Clementine
Colette
Cora
Coralie
Cordelia
Corinne
Dahlia
Daisy
Daphne
Darcy
Delaney
Delphina
Diana
Dorothea
Dorothy
Eden
Elaine
Eleanor
Elise
Elizabeth
Elodie
Eloise
Elowen
Elsa
Emilia
Esme
Estella
Eulalia
Evelyn
Everly
Faith
Faye
Felicity
Fiona
Florence
Frances
Gabrielle
Gemma
Genevieve
Georgia
Giselle
Grace
Gwen
Hadley
Hannah
Harper
Harriet
Hazel
Helena
Imogen
Ingrid
Iris
Isabelle
Isla
Ivy
Jade
Jane
Johannah
Jolie
Josephine
Juliet
June
Juniper
Kaia
Kara
Kate
Katherine
Katrina
Keira
Kendall
Keturah
Laurel
Lena
Leonora
Lila
Lillian
Lily
Lola
Lorelei
Louise
Lucille
Lucy
Luella
Luna
Lysandra
Madeline
Maeve
Magnolia
Maisie
Maren
Margot
Marigold
Marjorie
Marlowe
Matilda
Mavis
Mia
Mila
Molly

What do you think of this list? Hopefully it gives you some inspiration and a place to start. Check out N-Z next week!

Baby Naming Consultation Services Help Expecting Parents Find (And Agree On) A Name for Their Baby for a Surprisingly Low Price!

Service Review: The Art of Naming – A Personalized Baby Naming Experience

by: Fiona Kerrington

September 2024

Naming a baby is one of the most significant decisions new parents face. From balancing family traditions to finding a name that feels right for the future, the process can feel overwhelming. 

Enter The Art of Naming, a baby-naming service that has been helping parents find the perfect name since 2013. As someone who recently experienced this service, I’m eager to share how this expert-driven approach can bring clarity and confidence to the baby-naming journey.

What is The Art of Naming?

The Art of Naming is designed to help parents who may be struggling to choose a baby name. Whether it’s finding a name that fits with your last name, needing a fresh perspective, or finding a balance between personal preferences and family influences, this service has you covered. With a detailed, thoughtful process, the expert behind the service offers personalized recommendations tailored to your needs.

Who is the Expert Naming Consultant? 

The expert behind The Art of Naming is Kara Jones, and she has been passionate about names for as long as she can remember. As a mother who has named three humans herself, she has personally experienced the joys and challenges of naming children. Since launching her blog and naming services in 2013, she has helped over 50 parents find the perfect name, earning glowing testimonials and even repeat clients. With professional writing experience on Nameberry.com and connections with some of the most renowned baby namers in the world, her expertise is highly sought after in the baby-naming community. 

Though she took a hiatus from the website for a few years after going through a divorce and losing access to her original site data, she’s bounced back stronger. Despite these challenges, her passion for names never waned, and she is fully equipped with fresh insights and qualifications to help others find the perfect name for their little ones.

Here’s a snapshot of what they can help with:

- Finding names that pair well with your surname

- Narrowing down options to help parents reach an agreement

- Offering fresh suggestions if you’re stuck in a rut

- Advising on name regrets and offering new options if needed

The Process and What to Expect

When you sign up for The Art of Naming, you fill out a detailed questionnaire that dives deep into your naming preferences and challenges. The more information you provide, the better the name suggestions will be. Here’s a breakdown of the key questions:

- Gender preference: Are you looking for boy names, girl names, or both because the gender is unknown? Or do you prefer something unisex that could work for either gender?

- Surname considerations: What will the baby’s last name be, or how does it sound phonetically? This helps ensure the names flow well together.

- Naming challenges: What issues are you facing? Maybe you can’t agree on a name with your partner, or perhaps all the names you love don’t match the last name.

- Current considerations: Which names have you already thought about? Do you have some front-runners, or are they unusable for some reason? Knowing this helps the expert refine suggestions.

- Middle name ideas: Do you have a middle name in mind, or any family names you want to include? This helps create meaningful combinations.

- Specific requirements: Do you have any specific criteria? For example, “The name must start with ‘A’ or have three syllables” or “We’d like the name to not end in ‘N.’”

- Sibling names: If this isn’t your first child, do you want the name to match the style of their siblings or be distinct? How important is that to you?

- Style and origin: Are you drawn to vintage names, nature-inspired names, or something with cultural significance? Do name meanings matter to you? Do you and your partner come from different ethnicities and need help finding a name that works for both sides of the family?

- Popularity preferences: How popular do you want the name to be? Options range from “very popular” (Top 100) to “unusual/rare” (not in the Top 1000).

The questionnaire is designed to capture every aspect of your naming preferences, making sure the suggestions are truly tailored to your situation.

What You Get

Once you submit the form, The Art of Naming works on a personalized name list for you. Here’s what you’ll receive:

1. Name assessment: A review of the names you’re already considering, with thoughts on how they fit your criteria and flow with the last name.

2. Customized list: Additional names tailored to your preferences, with a mix of fresh ideas and hidden gems you might not have considered.

3. First and middle name combinations: Suggestions that flow well with your last name, giving you a comprehensive outlook.

4. Top 10 picks: The expert’s personal favorites for you, which are designed to match your style, requirements, and vision.

5. Unlimited email communication: The service doesn’t end after the first list—you can go back and forth via email until you’re confident with your choice.

My Experience

The questionnaire itself was incredibly thorough. After submitting it, I felt confident that the expert had all the information needed to provide tailored suggestions. They really took into account everything we shared—from our surname to our preference for uncommon names with a vintage touch. 

The name suggestions felt personal, thoughtful, and aligned with our style. We even received creative first and middle name pairings we hadn’t thought of. The expert also reassured us that we could take our time—having unlimited email communication meant we didn’t feel rushed to decide right away. The support was consistent throughout the process, and we felt genuinely heard.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed with baby names, The Art of Naming offers a well-organized, deeply personalized service. It’s reasonably priced at only $40, and you get expert-level attention and care in finding the perfect name for your baby. From thoughtful combinations to new ideas, this service takes the guesswork out of the process.

Verdict: Highly recommended!

The Art of Naming brings expertise, creativity, and a personal touch that transforms a stressful decision into an enjoyable experience. Whether you’re just starting the name search or need help refining your options, this service can help you find that perfect name with confidence.

Get started by filling out their questionnaire and discover the perfect name for your little one today!

What Should I Name Liam's Little Brother?

Liam has been the #1 name in America since 2017 and is well loved by many around the world. Did you choose it for your son?  Is it a name that you like?

If so, you may be considering his potential future siblings and what you'd name Liam's little brother. Future names are definitely something you should think about when naming your first kid.  Now's the time to ponder those options and I'm here to help!

First, as you probably know, Liam is the Irish shortened form of William. According to Behind The Name, it became popular in the United Kingdom in the 1980s, and elsewhere in Europe and the Americas after that. It has only become more popular here in the US.

William comes from the Germanic name Willahelm meaning "will helmet", composed of the elements wil "will, desire" and helm "helmet, protection".  I could launch into a history lesson on all the Williams of the past, but let's continue on.

In the American rankings (since 1880) William has never ranked outside of the top 20, making it one of the most consistently popular names (although it has never reached the top rank). William ranked at #3 in 2018, just shy of Liam's #1, and most recently ranks at #10.

Even though Liam is so popular now, it's still unique in the fact that it is literally the latter half of another name that also ranks just as highly. I cannot find any other names that do the same. The closest I can find is Elijah at #5 and Eli at #80.  Even if you aren't a fan of popular names, you have to admit that Liam is interesting.

So let's get down to business. You don't know what to name your second son.  Here's my Top 10 ideas for you:

1. Luke  If you are a fan of short, nicknamey names, and don't mind alliteration, Luke and Liam would be very cute together. 

2. Miles  These two names share the same "m" and "l" sounds but in opposite order. They are both short but not so similar in style, which means the boys can have their own kind of name while still complementing one another.

3. Aidan   If you are looking for the names to be similar in style, I would choose a popular Irish name. However, the Aidan trend is definitely on its way out the door, so it may actually be perceived as somewhat uncommon now after the fact. 

4. Connor  Again, a common but solid Irish name would pair nicely with Liam. Liam and Connor don't share any of the same sounds, but they work well for brothers. 

5. Ethan  Both of these names feel vowel-dominant and popular without being dated. Something about their vibe make them match without being too similar.

6. Cole  Cole comes from Nicholas. Not quite in the same way that Liam comes from William, but very close. Liam and Cole would work well for brothers on many levels. They are both four letter names, contain the letter "l" and come from longer more traditional names. Win-win!

7. Logan  Liam and Logan sound good together for their alliteration with that "L" sound, and also since "m" and "n" are so similar in sound, they have near-alliteration at the end too without it being exact. 

8. Noah  If Liam is the number one name in the country, Noah is his right-hand man at number two. If you already went popular, might as well do the same for your second son. Liam and Noah are vowel-dominant four-letter names at the top of the stack. They work perfectly.

9. Wyatt Another popular choice that just vibes well with Liam. They don't really share any sounds, but they work, ya know? Sometimes it is nice to have a clear distinction in sound.

10.  Levi  Last but not least, Liam and Levi also pair well for many reasons. For parents who do like similar sounds, they both start with the same "LEE" sound, but have very different ending sounds. This may be too much for some parents, but it may be perfect for others. But keep in mind:

The more different the first two childrens' names are, the easier it is to pick a third. Try to think ahead if you were to have a third son. I hope these suggestions help!

Grammy, Nana, Mimi: Names The Kids Can Call Grandma!

If you're expecting a baby soon, no doubt your mother has already decided what she wishes to be called. If not, this is a great list of ideas if she wants to pick one out. Just remember, kids are bound to create their own nicknames but this article should help inspire you how to introduce your mom to your baby.

Gigi
Mimi
Gran

Grams
Grandma
Gramma
Grammy
Granny
Gammie
Nana
Oma
Abuela
Welita
Abuelita
Nonie
Gam Gam
Nona

Ghee

Names Are Important To Us All: What Were The Top Names of 2022?

Names are a topic that all of us discuss, whether or not we realize it. Everyday you meet new people, and generally the first question asked is "what is your name?"  When we introduce ourselves, the name is the first thing we exchange. When someone has a new baby, other than asking the gender, people want to know what moniker you have chosen for your new child. 

Names are vital to the human existence. From that birth certificate, to the markings on our gravestone, our names follow us from start to finish. They are used daily by loved ones and strangers alike. Names define us and differentiate us. Whether your name is common or rare; long or short; masculine, feminine or unisex, it is the one thing that we will always carry along with us. In that case, it is important to make sure it is something we can wear well and enjoy using.

We are about to find out what 2023's top names were in the US according to the Social Security Administration. In the meantime, get a quick refresher on the top names of 2022 in the video below:

What are your guesses for 2023's top names?

The Power of Names: More Than Just a Label

Names hold immense significance, serving as the foundation of identity and the thread that connects individuals to their heritage, culture, and personal narrative. 

They are much more than mere labels or a series of letters—names carry the weight of familial history, traditions, values, and aspirations. A name is often the first gift a person receives from their parents, imbued with love, dreams, and hopes for the future. 

But why are names so important? The answer lies in their profound influence on our personal lives, social interactions, and how we navigate the world.

A Symbol of Connection and Heritage

A name anchors us in the rich tapestry of human experience, linking us to our ancestors and culture. Whether passed down through generations or chosen for its meaning, a name can reflect family history or cultural significance, often serving as a bridge between the past and the present. In many cultures, names are chosen with deep thought and purpose, conveying the hopes of parents for their child's future or honoring a beloved family member. 

In this way, names are a form of legacy, passed from one generation to the next, creating a sense of continuity and belonging. They are also a point of pride, celebrating one's cultural identity and personal story. 

The Impact on Self-Perception and Social Identity

From the moment we're introduced to the world, our name shapes how others perceive and interact with us. It can influence our relationships, career paths, and even our self-esteem. Studies show that a person’s name can affect how they are treated in social and professional settings, and in some cases, even their level of confidence. 

Names have a psychological influence. They mold our identity, helping to frame our sense of self. Some people grow into their names and feel it resonates deeply with who they are. Others might feel that their name doesn’t quite fit their personality, leading them to choose a nickname or alter it in some way. Regardless, a name holds power, not just in how we see ourselves, but in how the world interacts with us.

A Critical Part of Communication

Names are integral to communication. They allow us to address, refer to, and recognize each other. In a world of billions, where many people share common first names or surnames, a name offers individuality in the crowd. A name, spoken with intention, shows respect and acknowledges a person's uniqueness. This is especially true in cultures where the pronunciation or structure of a name holds significant meaning—getting a name right becomes more than a formality, but a sign of care and respect.

The Challenges and Joys of Naming

When it comes to naming children, the task can feel monumental. After all, parents are responsible for choosing a name that their child will carry throughout their lifetime—a name that will be central to their identity and that may even influence how others perceive them.

For some, this decision is easy. The perfect name has already been chosen, perhaps passed down through the family or inspired by someone special. For others, it requires more careful consideration. Some parents might gravitate toward names that hold personal significance or those with meanings tied to attributes they hope their child will embody, such as "strength" or "wisdom."

On the other hand, many parents face an interesting dilemma: What if their last name is extremely common? Would they opt to give their children more unusual first names to set them apart from the crowd? Or does the popularity of a name even matter in a world where individuality is about so much more than just a name?

This decision—whether to choose a common or unique name—can be surprisingly challenging. Some parents may love the idea of an uncommon name that feels special or stands out. They might want their child to be the only one in their class or social circle with that name, helping to make them feel unique from a young age. Others might prefer a classic or popular name that evokes familiarity and comfort.

Balancing Uniqueness with Tradition

Many parents aim to balance tradition with a sense of individuality when naming their children. A family may honor their heritage by choosing a traditional name but with a modern twist. Alternatively, some parents delve deep into the history of a name, exploring its origins, meanings, and variations across cultures before making a decision.

Of course, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to naming. Some choose a name that "feels right" and resonates with their heart. Others might spend hours researching, comparing, and testing names before settling on the perfect one. Either way, it’s a deeply personal decision, and one that is made with the hope that the name will be cherished and embraced by the person who wears it.

The Weight of a Name

Ultimately, whether a name is traditional or unique, its significance is undeniable. It’s a fundamental part of who we are, shaping our sense of belonging and identity. Whether you bear a name that has been passed down for generations or one that was chosen just for you, it connects you to the larger human experience, weaving your story into the rich and complex tapestry of life.

So, the next time you hear someone’s name, take a moment to appreciate the history, meaning, and love behind it. Names carry weight—they are powerful, personal, and lasting.

I Have A Common Surname, What Baby Names Should I Pick?

Jones, Smith, Miller, Davis, Johnson, Williams, Brown, Moore, Taylor, Anderson... At least in America, these are some of the most common surnames.  There's no right or wrong in naming, but you definitely have a variety of options. In fact, you could choose anywhere from an incredibly popular name, to something nobody's ever heard of.  That's up to you!

But here are some ideas for each of the surnames I listed above.  I am basing this on the presumption that we are naming a baby in 2020 and want to follow modern styles and popularity.

Popular Names:

Your surname is super popular, might as well go the whole nine yards and choose a super popular first name, too. There's nothing wrong with that. It happens often. There's something about the anonymity of being one of many if you value your privacy.  Here's some ideas for the ten surnames I listed.

Mason Jones
Liam Smith
Noah Miller
Oliver Davis
Ethan Johnson
Aiden Williams
Sebastian Brown
Lucas Moore
Owen Taylor
Carter Anderson

Emma Jones
Olivia Smith
Ava Miller
Isabella Davis
Sophia Johnson
Mia Williams
Camila Brown
Grace Moore
Chloe Taylor
Layla Anderson

Modern Choices:

These names are at the top of the charts. They're sort of a new wave of popular, not including traditional names or biblical names. They are rising fast and people seem to love them. These names are newly popular enough to be considered unique in the sense that it's mostly the younger generations will have these names. These weren't used as often in the past.

Jaxon Jones
Grayson Smith
Jayden Miller
Hunter Davis
Arlo Johnson
Finn Williams
Hudson Brown
Beckett Moore
Atticus Taylor
Wyatt Anderson

Mila Jones
Harper Smith
Aria Miller
Madison Davis
Luna Johnson
Avery Williams
Kinsley Brown
Genesis Moore
Nova Taylor
Zoey Anderson

Traditional Names:

These are names that have stood the test of time. Everyone knows someone with these names. They're everywhere and cross all generations, they even have many international variants and work well in other languages. Even with a common surname, you can't go wrong with these solid firsts.

William Jones
Alexander Smith
James Miller
Michael Davis
Samuel Johnson
David Williams
John Brown
Henry Moore
Daniel Taylor
Joseph Anderson

Elizabeth Jones
Charlotte Smith
Evelyn Miller
Amelia Davis
Emily Johnson
Victoria Williams
Gabriella Brown
Lillian Moore
Eleanor Taylor
Caroline Anderson

Biblical Names:

This is a whole genre of its own. The names below are common and familiar, and translate well in other languages. These are all handsome, solid picks.

Gabriel Jones
Elijah Smith
Levi Miller
Isaiah Davis
Ezra Johnson
Zachariah Williams
Josiah Brown
Ezekiel Moore
Micah Taylor
Jonah Anderson

Hannah Jones
Abigail Smith
Ruth Miller
Naomi Davis
Anna Johnson
Sarah Williams
Esther Brown
Keturah Moore
Miriam Taylor
Tabitha Anderson

Trendy, Bold Names:

This is a bit subjective, but based on what is currently stylish and somewhat on the unexpected side, here are some names that are hot and interesting, and speeding up the charts:

Milo Jones
Kai Smith
Declan Miller
Hugo Davis
Silas Johnson
Maverick Williams
Atlas Brown
Asher Moore
Rowan Taylor
Bodhi Anderson

Iris Jones
Amara Smith
Elodie Miller
Freya Davis
Penelope Johnson
Imogen Williams
Astrid Brown
Thea Moore
Seraphina Taylor
Esme Anderson

Uncommon Choices:

These names are ranked within #800 - #1000 in popularity in the US, making them familiar but uncommon enough that you won't run into too many of them, even with a common surname.

Toby Jones
Decker Smith
Creed Miller
Boden Davis
Vance Johnson
Heath Williams
Landry Brown
Keagan Moore
Gerard Taylor
Dayton Anderson

Zora Jones
Whitley Smith
Janessa Miller
Scout Davis
Bellamy Johnson
Tinley Williams
Ellison Brown
Luella Moore
India Taylor
Mavis Anderson

Nature Names:

A little outside of the box, nature names are a great way to contrast against a common surname. If you want something different, try one of the names below:

Reed Jones
Huckleberry Smith
Fox Miller
Robin Davis
Stone Johnson
River Williams
Aspen Brown
Peregrine Moore
Wolf Taylor
Frost Anderson

Azalea Jones
Magnolia Smith
Primrose Miller
Juniper Davis
Dahlia Johnson
Flora Williams
Venus Brown
Clementine Moore
Pearl Taylor
Willow Anderson

Obscure and Unique:

These names all rank outside of the US Top 1000 names in 2018, meaning there were fewer than 250 births per name total throughout the country. Coming across another person with this first name is rare; coming across someone else with the same first and [common] surname as you is even more rare. These are great options if you want your kid to really stand out in contrast to the common surname.

Leif Jones
Callahan Smith
Channing Miller
Evander Davis
Legacy Johnson
Osiris Williams
Ulysses Brown
Dashiell Moore
Finnick Taylor
Montgomery Anderson

Winnie Jones
Lenora Smith
Emerald Miller
Magdalena Davis
Ireland Johnson
Fallon Williams
Persephone Brown
Kensington Moore
Darcy Taylor
Harriet Anderson

There are plenty of other options, but the most important thing is to choose something you love, no matter how common or unusual it is.