The Best Middle Names for Girls

Akiko. Depending on the characters (kanji) used, this Japanese girl’s name can mean “clear,” “crystal,” “bright,” “autumn,” or “child.” So, it’s up to you to choose which meaning is most appropriate for your little girl.

Anika. This Hindi and Bengali name is the feminine form of the male name Anik, which means “army” or “splendor” in Sanskrit. It would make a really cute middle name with a special meaning for a girl.

Cora. The Latin form for the Greek name Kore, which was an epithet for the Greek goddess Persephone, this name didn’t become a given name until it was used in 1826 for a character in James Fenimore Cooper's novel The Last of the Mohicans. A more recent fictional character is Downton Abbey's Cora Crawley, the Countess of Grantham.

Devika. This Hindi name means “little goddess” in Sanskrit. Could there be a more beautiful middle name for your little royal girl?

Dora. This is the short form for the name Dorothy, Theodora, or Isidora. But on its own, it’s a very sweet choice.

Elsa. This is a short form of the German and Dutch name Elisabeth, more commonly spelled with an S rather than a Z. Fans of a certain Disney animated film may really love this option!

Gina. This is the short version for the girls’ names Georgina, Regina, Luigina, Virginia, and Eugenia. You might like the short form best for a middle name, especially if you’ve chosen a longer first name.

Keri. This is the feminine form of the name Kerry, which is the name of an Irish county. The unique spelling might be appealing to you.

Lulu. This name is a diminutive for names that begin with Lu, such as Luisa. As a Middle Eastern name, Lulu means “pearls” in Arabic. It’s the best middle name for a baby girl who will be as precious as a pearl!

Macy. This name is based on an English surname given to people who came from a French town named Massy. The name itself sounds very pretty and feminine.

Molly. This name used to be a diminutive of Mary, but it’s now a common name in its own right. If you’re a fan of literature, think of Molly Bloom in James Joyce’s novel Ulysses.

Nina. This name is the short form for names that end in nina, such as Antonina or Giannina. The name also has Russian origins, and in Spanish, it means “little girl”—what a perfect middle name!

Poppy. This flowery name has Old English origins. It would make an adorable and playful middle name for your daughter.

Rina. This Japanese girl’s name has different meanings depending on the kanji. It can mean “white jasmine,” “village,” or “vegetables.”

Thea. Short for Dorothea or Theodora, Thea would make a unique middle name for a baby girl, as it stands out from the pack.

Zinnia. This flower name would make a pretty middle name for a little girl, especially if you’re a nature lover.

Afua. Following the African tradition of naming children after the day they were born, this girl’s name literally means “born on Friday” in the Akan language, typically used in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. It would make a unique middle name, especially if your girl happens to be born on Friday!

Alma. Derived from the Latin word for “nourishing,” the name Alma also means “soul” in Spanish or “young woman” in Hebrew. It would make a very pretty middle name for a baby girl.

Beverly. Originally a surname derived from an English city that means “beaver stream,” the name came into use as a male name in the nineteenth century before being used as a female name.

Blanca. This girl’s name is the Spanish and Catalan form of Blanche, which in French means “white or fair.” It’s a sweet middle name for your fair little maiden.

Bronwyn. This name is a variant of the Welsh name Bronwen, which means “breast” or “fair.” It’s a unique middle name that not many little girls will have.

Calla. The name of a popular lily, the name Calla is of both Latin and Greek origin. In Greek it means “beauty,” which makes it one of the best options for female middle names.

Chanda. In Hindi, this name means “fierce,” “hot,” and “passionate.” What a perfect middle name for a determined little girl! The name is often given to boys and girls, and it’s an epithet of the Hindu goddess Durga.

Damaris. In Greek, the name means “calf,” and also appears in the New Testament. Even if the meaning is not as interesting as other names, the melodic sound could make it a great choice.

Elaina. A variant of Elaine, the name is an Old French form of Helen. Elaine also appears in the King Arthur legend.

Felicia. It’s the feminine form of Felix and has Latin origins. Felicia may mean “lucky” or “successful” in Latin. Another option is the name Felicity.

Frida. Derived from a German word that means peace, this name also has Scandinavian origins and can also be spelled Freida. The renowned Mexican painter Frida Kahlo bore this name.

Georgia. As the feminine form of George, the name became popular after the formation of the state of Georgia, which was named after King George II. Another unique option if you like the sound of this name is Georgina.

Ivanna. The feminine form of Ivan, the name Ivanna is of Slavic origin and is derived from the Greek Ioannes, a form of John. Other options are Yvonna or Yvonne.

Sekai. For the Shona people from Zimbabwe, this girl’s name means “to be humorous.” Choose this joyful middle name for a little girl who’ll always be giggling!

Tokunbo. A name used by the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Tokunbo means “returned from abroad.” It’s a unisex name that is given to children who are born outside of their home nation, who then return home. It would make a unique middle name if that was the case with your little girl.

Yadira. This Latin American name became popular in Mexico in the 1940s, thanks to the Colombian actress Yadira Jiménez, who starred in many Mexican films. The meaning of the name is a mystery, but many believe it has Arabic roots.

Anne. As the French form of Anna, it became popular in the seventeenth century with Queen Anne. Variant spellings include Ann, if you’d like to make it even shorter. It’s one of the most common middle names for girls, as it pairs well with so many other titles.

Blaire. This name is a variant of Blair, which is from a Scottish surname that is derived from the Gaelic word for “field.”

Bree. This is the English form of the Irish name Brígh, which means “power.” Bree can also be the nickname for Brianna or Gabriella. If you hope your daughter grows up to be a powerful woman, consider going with Bree.

Brooke. A variant of the name Brook, which was used as an English surname by those who lived near a brook, Brooke with an E became popular in the 1950s.

Claire. Originating from the name Clara, which means “clear or bright,” Claire would make a nice middle name for a girl. The name was originally spelled Clare, so it’s up to you which spelling you choose.

Dawn. The name Dawn comes from an Old English word, and is a great middle name that marks the beginning of twilight, just before sunrise. Dawn connotes new beginnings and the possibility that the day ahead promises. What a lovely sentiment to add to your baby’s name!

Eve. From the Hebrew word that means either “to breathe” or “to live,” Eve was the name of the first woman mentioned in the Old Testament. Eva is also another variant of the name, which became popular in the nineteenth century. As you can imagine, this is also quite a common middle name for baby girls.

Faith. Literally meaning “to trust,” the name Faith became popular during Puritan times since this was considered one of the most important virtues of that period.

Grace. Literally meaning “grace,” from the Latin word gratia, the name was widely used in Puritan times. It’s a very common middle name for girls with religious or spiritual families.

Hope. Meaning “to hope,” the name became popular in Puritan times. It’s a beautiful middle name for a girl who will be filling your world with hope and joy!

Jun. Depending on the kanji, this Japanese girl’s name (with a pronunciation similar to June) can mean “pure,” “moist,” or “clean.” It would make a unique and very short middle name for your baby girl.

Lynn. Derived from an English surname that came from the Welsh word meaning “lake,” Lynn used to be primarily a boy’s name, but it’s now more common for girls. It can also be the nickname for Linda.

Luz. In Spanish, this girl’s name means “light.” It’s the perfect name for a baby girl who brings light into your life.

Paige. This name means “little boy” in Greek, but these days it’s often used for girls. It was an English surname meaning servant. The name itself is short, cute, and sweet.

Pearl. The term for the round object you’d find in an oyster, the name comes from the Latin word perla. It’s been used as a given name since the nineteenth century. It’s also interesting to know that pearl is the birthstone for June, in case that’s when your baby is due. Pearls supposedly impart health and wealth, so having it as part of your baby’s name can definitely be considered a plus!

Rose. Before this name became associated with the flower, it was a Norman and Germanic name that meant “famous type.” If you hope for your girl to be famous and smell as sweet and look as pretty as a rose, then choose this as a middle name.

Ruth. In Hebrew, this name means “friend,” and can also be found in the Old Testament. Ruth was an ancestor of King David. If you’re looking for a kind and friendly name with a biblical background, Ruth could be a good choice.

Sloane. Derived from an Irish surname, a form of the given name Sluaghadhan, which means “raid,” the name Sloane has a very classy ring to it despite its militant meaning.

Starr. A variation on the name Star, Starr connotes the beauty of the celestial bodies burning brightly in the sky. It’s a beautiful name just for its meaning. You could also choose the variant Starla or the Latin form Stella.

Zhen. Depending on the Chinese characters, this girl’s name can mean “precious,” “genuine,” or “virtuous”—all of which are great meanings for your little angel.

Abigail. From the Hebrew meaning “father of joy,” Abigail was popular during the Reformation, and then went out of fashion before being revived in the twentieth century.

Amelia. A variant of Amalia, this name was popular in the eighteenth century, and has returned to popularity again.

Aria. Opera fans, this one’s for you! In Italian, aria means “air,” but the word often refers to a song or melody performed in operas. This name only gained popularity as an English name in the twentieth century. The Iranian variant, spelled Arya, means “noble.”

Ava. In Persian, this name means “voice” or “sound.” As an English name, it’s a variant of Eve.

Avery. Originally a surname, Avery works well as a unisex name. It’s derived from the Norman French names Alberich or Alfred.

Camila. Camila spelled with one L is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Camilla, a name of Roman origin. It’s the name of a warrior maiden in Virgil’s Aeneid. With this middle name, you’ve got a warrior princess in the making!

Charlotte. The feminine form of Charles, this name became popular in the nineteenth century after the English author Charlotte Brontë. Certain royals also bear this name.

Elizabeth. Derived from the Greek form of the Hebrew name that means “my God is an oath,” both the Old and New Testaments feature Elizabeth. It spread throughout eastern Europe in the twelfth century before becoming prominent in western Europe in the sixteenth century after Elizabeth I. It continues to be a popular royal name and a very common one for girls, for both first or middle names.

Ella. Stemming from the German name Alia, which was derived from the German word alja, meaning “other,” Ella became popular in the fourteenth century, and again in the nineteenth century. Singer Ella Fitzgerald also helped popularize it.

Emily. This is the feminine form of Emil, which rose to prominence in the eighteenth century and then again in the twentieth century. Famous bearers include author Emily Brontë and poet Emily Dickinson.

Emma. Originally a German-derived name, Emma became popular in England after the Normans. Jane Austen used the name for the central character in her novel Emma. Today, both Emma and Emily are common middle names for girls.

Evelyn. Originally a boy’s name, Evelyn became an accepted choice for girls after the publication of Fanny Burney’s eighteenth-century novel Evelina. It’s derived from the name Aveline, which is another unique option for you.

Harper. Another unisex name, Harper stems from an English surname that refers to a harpist, either a player or maker of harps. To Kill a Mockingbird author Harper Lee was a famous bearer of the name.

Isabella. As the Latin version of Isabel, this name has been used by many royals. It didn’t become prominent until the 1990s, but is quite a common name for girls, whether first or middle, including its variants of Isabelle and Bella.

Luna. In Latin, the word luna means “moon.” Luna was also the Roman goddess of the moon, often depicted with a chariot in the sky. It’s a pretty cool celestial name!

Mia. In Scandinavian, Dutch, and German languages, this name is a diminutive of the name Maria. In Italian the word mia happens to mean “mine,” which is quite adorable for a little girl you never want to let go of.

Mila. Mila is a diminutive form of the Slavic names that contain the word milu, which means “gracious,” a really sweet meaning for a little girl.

Olivia. Used for a character in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, the name Olivia has two origin stories and is either based on the female name Oliva or the male name Oliver. No matter the origin, it became very popular in the twentieth century and is used commonly for girl first and middle names.

Sophia. In Greek, this name means “wisdom.” It was a very common name among royals during the Middle Ages, and eventually became widely used in the in the 1990s. It can also be spelled Sofia.

Alexandria. This is the feminine form of Alexander. The first Alexander was Alexander the Great, who renamed cities after himself, including Alexandria in Egypt. Maybe you’d like a middle name that exemplifies power for your daughter.

Beatrice. As the Italian form of Beatrix, this name appears in Dante’s Divine Comedy and also Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. The short form Bea also makes a very cute middle name if you’re looking for a shorter one syllable version.

Brigitte. This is the German and French form of Bridget, which means “exalted one” in Irish. If you like mythological names, you’ll love to know that Bridget was the goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom in Irish mythology.

Carmen. As the Spanish form of the name Carmel, this female name became popular after Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen about a lively Roma girl.

Caroline. This French feminine name has a long history. It comes from the Latin name Carolus, which comes from the English name Charles, which comes from the German name Karl. Phew! In German, Karl means “man,” but some have theorized it comes from the word hari, which means “warrior.” Now that’s ideal for your warrior princess!

Catherine. This name is the French version of Katherine, a Greek name meaning “each of two” or “torture.” Luckily, in Christian times, the name was believed to mean “pure.”

Diana. Meaning “heavenly or divine,” Diana was the name of a Roman goddess of the moon, hunting, forests, and childbirth—a very apt middle name option for your baby girl.

Florence. The name of a city in Italy, this name derives from florens, which means “prosperous or flourishing.” The most famous woman with this name is probably the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale. It’s definitely a lovely name with a great history.

Gloria. From the word glory, this name has Spanish and Portuguese origins. The name is shared with famous actresses, feminists, and singers, so why not add your baby girl to that list by making Gloria her middle name?

Inés. This is the Spanish form of the name Agnes, a Greek name that means “chaste.” St. Agnes was persecuted and martyred during Roman times. She’s often depicted with a lamb by her side, symbolizing her innocence.

Julia. The feminine form of the Roman name Julius, the name has appeared in the New Testament as well as Shakespeare’s Two Gentleman of Verona. A variant is the classic name Julie.

Louisa. The feminine form of Louis, which was the name of many French kings and saints, Louisa definitely has a noble ring to it.

Lydia. In Greek, the name Lydia means “someone from Lydia,” which was a region in present-day Turkey named after King Lydos. Lydia is also the name of a woman in the New Testament who converts to Christianity.

Maria. This name has both Greek and Hebrew origins and is often interchangeable with the female name Mary, which comes from the New Testament. The name was often given to royalty, including Empress Maria Theresa.

Madeline. The English form of Magdalene, derived from the village Magdala, which means “tower” in Hebrew. The name Madeline was popularized by the series of children’s books.

Rebecca. A Hebrew name that means “to join,” Rebecca appears in the Old Testament and was frequently used among the Puritans. And no wonder, because the name connotes purity.

Victoria. Meaning “victory” in Latin, the name is also the feminine form of Victor. It gained prominence in England with Queen Victoria, who was of German descent. Many areas in the world were named after her and the name continues to be widely used.

Vivian. Of Latin origin, this name derives from the word for “alive.” It began as a masculine name and then expanded to being one of the best female names in modern times, so it can certainly be a contender for your little one’s middle name. It has a very elegant ring to it, and its meaning is perfect if you hope your daughter lives by the motto carpe diem.

Yesenia. This girl’s name is based on a variety of palm tree found in South America. It became popular after a character in a Mexican telenovela.