When trying to choose a baby girl name, coming up with one that sounds good with the baby's last name, her siblings' names, and has a good meaning that won't get her teased as she grows up, is a large ask. There are so many different avenues that can be taken and there really isn't a wrong answer (OK, there are some names that are pretty bad).
But if parents are looking for a particular feel for a baby name, perhaps a meaning that speaks to them more than the name itself is a way to get inspiration. Words have power and the meaning behind baby names hold some of that, too. Check out these girl names that pack a whole lotta punch behind their awesome meanings.
LILITH
The name sounds really sweet and it's not too common, so on those levels, it sounds like a great name. But when one looks deeper and learns out the name's meaning, it gets even better. Yes, Lilith means "monster," and that's an awesome baby name for a girl who's going to grow up to take on the world.
AELLA
There's something special about the name Aella. It's not common, so there will be no competing with other kids in the class when the name is called. Aella is also a sweet-sounding name that ends in a vowel, making it ideal for a girl. Oh, and the name means "whirlwind," and how cool is that?
AIDEN
When we hear the name Aiden, typically we think of this for a little boy. But it's a wonderful gender neutral name that works for a boy or a girl. The fact that it means "little and fiery" is fitting for getting the feeling wanted out of choosing a name with a powerful message behind it.
ADRIANE
Adriane is one of those baby girl names that land in the middle of unusual and common. We hear it enough that it doesn't make us do a double take, but there are so many ways to spell it, we have to look it up. Adriane is a powerful name choice because of its root in Greek mythology as King Minos' daughter. The name can also mean "dark."
RAVEN
Raven is a name that's been around for a while for little girls, and there are so many cute nicknames to go along with it. But don't forget that this is a really awesome name for a girl who is not going to sit down and take being treated badly by anyone, which makes it fierce.
BANDIT
If finding a quirky name that we don't hear often for people, let alone girls, is what parents are striving to find, Bandit is one of those names. Yes, it's unusual. Yes, it's also totally fierce. The name means thief and it's a gender neutral name that would make a little girl stand out in the best way.
TEQUILA
We're sure there are many of us who have our own memories with tequila. Perhaps in college or our wedding night, there are many fun stories with this drink. It's also an unusual, off-the-wall name for a baby girl and if that's the vibe parents are going for, this is a great option.
REBEL
Now if finding a name that really has a "don't mess with me" vibe to it is important to the parents, Rebel says it better than any other name. We know the name from Australian actress Rebel Wilson, and she's unapologetically herself, so who's to doubt another baby will be just as fierce?
ROGUE
Rogue is one of the coolest characters from X-Men, the young girl who joins the superhero clan and makes a name for herself. The name doesn't have to be a fun nickname for a fictional character though. It's a great name choice for a little girl who isn't afraid to be herself.
EVREN
Another unusual name on the list, Evren isn't on any top baby name list that we've ever seen. Chances are it won't ever become that popular, but don't write it off. The name, which means "universe," is a fitting choice for a little girl that we would love to hear used more often.
FREYA
As BabyNameWizard notes, Freya is the name of a Norse mythology goddess, and she was also the goddess of fertility. It's one of those names that sound pretty to the ear and there's an understanding that Freya means business in the best way possible. Can't walk over this girl, nope!
HERMIONE
We all know the name Hermione from the amazing wizard girl from the Harry Potter series. She's one of those incredible characters to look up to because she stood her ground and didn't care what others thought. The name itself means "pillar queen" which sounds a lot like a queen who stands her ground. How perfect is that for name inspiration?
KATANA
When we hear the name Katana, it's a beautiful name that has a gorgeous ring to it. But don't let it's sweet sound fool you, the name's meaning is "for a sword" in Japanese, and if that's not a powerful baby girl name, we're not sure where the bar is to meet that standard.
LIVIA
We're sure everyone knows someone or has heard of someone just outside their circle with the name Olivia. It's been on the top 100 baby girl name list forever, and that's why this slight flip is so much better. Dropping the "O" and going with Livia is a quirky change, plus the name means "envious," which is super fierce.
SLONE
We love names that go beyond the typical top 50 baby names list and Slone is one of those we love. The name sounds more like a last name and can be used as a first name for any gender. It means "warrior" so it's got all those points working in its favor!
SCARLETT
When we think of a color that comes with power and awesomeness, and Scarlett is one of those names. Of course, the name is an honor to the color red and that color comes with both danger and power and beauty with it. Kind of like how we would think of a girl who is born to take on the world.
VADA
There are many who believe the shorter names are the most feminine, but feminine doesn't mean a name isn't kick butt or intimidating. The name Vada sounds sweet, especially when paired with the meaning — "famous ruler" — it's a name that will have everyone take the little one seriously.
ZARA
The name Zara just sounds like a warrior, and add in the meaning, "princess," and it's one of those names that is too often overlooked. Don't let the short and sweet sound of the name blind you to the fact that this name is fit for a little girl who is not going to take anything from anyone.
GENEVIEVE
This incredibly beautiful name, often shortened to just “Gen” or “Jen,” translates to “tribe woman.” It dates back to the medieval times when Saint Genevieve, known to be an incredibly devoted and courageous woman, helped save the people of Paris during a particularly chaotic time in history.
BELLATRIX
It takes a lot of strength to go through this world as a woman. One might even say you’d need the strength of a warrior. Which is why the name Bellatrix, which means “female warrior,” is a perfect (and super uncommon) choice for a little girl. And to soften it, shortening it to Bella or Trixie as nicknames could also be super sweet for a young girl who hasn't yet grown into her name.
BLAZE
This. Girl. Is. On. Fire. (No, literally.) The name Blaze directly translates to “fire,” and right off the bat, no matter who your little girl turns out to be, you can bet she’ll be a force to be reckoned with by name alone. Whether she’s a little spitfire who's full of personality or she quietly lights up a room, she’s sure to leave the world ablaze. (Pardon the pun.)
STORM
Powerful, dominant, and all-encompassing, there’s nothing quite like a natural storm. And your Storm could be a force of her own — a force of nature, even — with a name this cool. Known for being the name of a popular Marvel superhero (and the first Black female comic book superhero at that), this name is packed with special meaning.
GERALDINE
The name Geraldine may sound sweet and innocent, but its actual meaning? Ruler with a spear. (Yep — that's not a kid you want to mess with.) Plus, it has the unusual distinction of being the first name of none other than Geri Hallowell — aka Ginger Spice, a member of one of the Spice Girls, the most iconic girl-power band of the ‘90s. She may not appreciate the fierceness of that just yet, but you sure will.
JINX
No bad luck here! While this unique baby name choice isn't super common (at least not yet), it does have a really cool sound and spelling we can’t help but love. The name literally means “a charm” and can also be spelled as Jynx. With a name that fierce, you just know your little one will be the coolest kid on the playground.
PHOENIX
This popular gender neutral name conjures up so many powerful images. While it was originally a Greek name translating to “dark red,” it has come to be symbolic of rebirth and immortality. After all, the phoenix bird of Greek mythology is said to rise from the ashes of its predecessor upon death (an image Harry Potter fans everywhere will remember well).
DIVA
For far too long, the word “Diva” got a bad rap — and we think it’s way past time that women reclaimed the word! Diva, which means “goddess,” is usually associated with over-the-top prima donna behavior. But in actuality, every true “diva” is incredibly talented, sure of herself, and totally fierce. (What's not to love about that?)
IMELDA
This interesting name is originally Italian and means “all-consuming fight.” While it may not bode well for you when you have to navigate those trying toddler and teen years, it's important for girls to know when not to give up in life. Plus, there's just something about the name Imelda that exudes resilience.
GUINEVERE
Guinevere is a Welsh name meaning “white shadow” or “white wave.” But the most iconic Guinevere of all time was, of course, the wife of King Arthur, legendary ruler of Britain. Her story has been told and retold countless times over since the 12th century, but one thing is for sure — she was an absolutely fierce and unforgettable woman.
WILHELMINA
This stately, elegant name is of German origin and translates to "resolute protection." So whether she's an only child, a big sister, or a little sister, hopefully, her name will inspire this little lady to be strong and hold her own. After all, there’s nothing more fierce than protecting the ones that mean the most to you.
FIERCE
This may be a bit on-the-nose, but what name is more fierce than — well, Fierce?! Not only does it bring to mind the great Sasha Fierce (Beyoncé’s on-stage alter ego), but it also packs a lot of personality into just six letters. Plus, we kind of love the sweet nickname option of “Fi” (pronounced “fee”). But be warned: With a name that means “untamed,” you may be in for a wild parenting ride.
