Choosing a baby name can be surprisingly difficult when you want something sweet, memorable, and easy to love at every age. This list of cute girl names brings together playful favorites, pretty classics, vintage gems, short and simple choices, and a few more unique options that still feel completely wearable.
You’ll also find the origin and meaning of each name, so you can choose based on more than sound alone. Whether you’re drawn to floral names, old-fashioned picks, modern baby girl names, or something with an adorable nickname built in, there are plenty of ideas here to help you find the right fit.
Jump to the type of name that you’re drawn to most:
- Short names
- Vintage names
- Floral and nature-inspired names
- Nickname-sounding names
- Cute but grown-up names
Cute Short Girl Names
April
- Origin: English, from Latin
- Meaning: From the month of April; to open or bud
April feels fresh and cheerful, with a sunny springtime quality that keeps the familiar name feeling youthful.
Belle
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Beautiful
Belle is short, feminine, and storybook-sweet without needing a longer formal name to make it feel complete.
Chloe
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Young greenery
Chloe has a bright, bouncy sound that feels playful on a little girl while still fitting easily into adulthood.
Delia
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Epithet of the goddess Artemis, goddess of the hunt, the moon, and the wild
Delia feels soft and vintage without sounding dated, making it an appealing alternative to more common D-names.
Eden
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Pleasure or delight
Eden combines a gentle sound with a slightly modern, unexpected edge that keeps it from feeling overly frilly.
Ella
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Other
Ella is simple and melodic, with an effortless sweetness that helps explain its lasting appeal.
Faye
- Origin: English and French
- Meaning: Fairy; magical or enchanted
Faye packs plenty of charm into one syllable and has a delicate, almost storybook-like quality.
Isla
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: From the island if Islay
Isla’s flowing vowel sounds give it a light, graceful feel that is both fashionable and sweet.
June
- Origin: English, from Latin
- Meaning: From the month June; the goddess Juno, goddess of women
June feels warm, sunny, and pleasantly old-fashioned, with an understated charm that never seems fussy.
Juno
- Origin: Roman
- Meaning: The goddess Juno; young
Juno is short and spirited, giving parents a cute choice that feels much bolder than many other two-syllable names.
Kyla
- Origin: English and Scottish
- Meaning: Strait or narrow
Kyla has a friendly, upbeat sound and feels familiar without being heard everywhere.
Lena
- Origin: European
- Meaning: Diminutive of names like Helena or Magdalena
Lena is soft and streamlined, with an international feel that works across a wide range of naming styles.
Lilia
- Origin: Slavic, from Latin
- Meaning: Lily flower
Lilia has the sweetness of Lily with an extra syllable that makes it feel a little more distinctive and romantic.
Lucy
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Light
Lucy has an inherently cheerful sound that manages to feel both adorably youthful and completely timeless.
Luna
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Moon
Luna feels whimsical without being difficult to wear, thanks to its simple pronunciation and dreamy celestial association.
Lyla
- Origin: English and Arabic
- Meaning: Night
Lyla is gentle and musical, with a soft sound that fits naturally among modern feminine favorites.
Mae
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From the month of May; growth; pearl
Mae is tiny but charming, making it especially appealing to parents who love simple vintage names.
Mia
- Origin: European
- Meaning: Diminutive of Maria; beloved
Mia is short, lively, and affectionate-sounding, which gives it an instantly approachable quality.
Mila
- Origin: Slavic
- Meaning: Dear, gracious, or beloved
Mila has a warm, graceful sound that feels sweet without leaning too heavily into traditional femininity.
Nina
- Origin: Many different cultures
- Meaning: Fire; favor or grace; pretty eyes
Nina is compact and friendly, with an easy international style that has kept it wearable for generations. It’s one of my names, and I was named after my grandmother!
Rayna
- Origin: Bulgarian
- Meaning: Queen
Rayna feels bright and feminine while offering a slightly less expected alternative to names like Reina or Raina.
Rose
- Origin: English and French, from Latin
- Meaning: From the flower
Rose is elegant in its simplicity, but its floral imagery gives the classic name a naturally sweet side.
Ruby
- Origin: English from Latin
- Meaning: Red
Ruby feels lively and colorful, combining vintage charm with the sparkle of its gemstone association.
Sage
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From the plant; wise
Sage has a calm, modern feel that balances its soft sound with a little bit of cool, understated confidence.
Zoe
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Life
Zoe is energetic and cheerful, with a zippy two-syllable sound that makes the ancient name feel surprisingly modern.
Cute Vintage Girl Names
Betsy
- Origin: English and Hebrew
- Meaning: Diminutive of Elizabeth; my God is an Oath
Betsy has a friendly, homespun sweetness that makes it feel more playful and approachable than Elizabeth.
Bonnie
- Origin: Scottish and English
- Meaning: Pretty; good
Bonnie sounds warm and affectionate, giving it the kind of cheerful vintage charm that feels ready for a comeback.
Clementine
- Origin: French, from Latin
- Meaning: Merciful or gentle
Clementine is long and whimsical, but its jaunty rhythm and fruit association keep the elaborate name feeling playful.
Melody
- Origin: English and Greek
- Meaning: Song or singing
Melody has a naturally musical quality that makes the name feel gentle, upbeat, and unmistakably feminine.
Molly
- Origin: English and Hebrew
- Meaning: Diminutive of Mary; rebellious; beloved
Molly has a cozy, friendly sound that feels equally at home on a mischievous little girl or a grown woman.
Ottilie
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Wealth or fortune
Ottilie feels dainty and old-world, making it an appealing choice for parents who enjoy uncommon vintage names.
Tallulah
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Leaping water; princess of abundance
Tallulah is exuberant and playful, with enough personality to stand out without being difficult to pronounce.
Wendy
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Friend
Wendy has a sweet retro quality that feels much less expected today than it did a few generations ago.
Cute Floral and Nature Girl Names
Briar
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Thorny plant or shrub
Briar blends fairytale imagery with a slightly wild edge, making it less delicate than many traditional botanical names.
Clover
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Meadow flower
Clover feels cheerful and lucky, with a playful nature-inspired quality that makes it especially memorable.
Daisy
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From the flower; day’s eye
Daisy practically radiates happiness, thanks to its familiar flower association and bright, breezy sound.
Hazel
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From the tree or color
Hazel has an earthy warmth that feels cozy and vintage while still fitting comfortably among today’s popular names.
Heather
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Evergreen flowering plant
Heather has a gentle botanical association and a familiar sound that now carries a touch of retro charm.
Holly
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Spiky
Holly feels bright and friendly, with a festive botanical association that never overwhelms the name itself.
Iris
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Rainbow; from the flower
Iris is elegant but colorful, combining a floral connection with the beautiful imagery of a rainbow.
Lark
- Origin: English
- Meaning: The songbird
Lark is light, unexpected, and cheerful, with its songbird connection giving the one-syllable name plenty of personality.
Laurel
- Origin: English, from Latin
- Meaning: Victory
Laurel feels graceful and polished, offering a subtler botanical choice than many obvious flower names.
Lily
- Origin: English, from Latin
- Meaning: Innocence; beauty; from the flower
Lily is delicate and familiar, with a clean, pretty sound that has helped it remain a perennial favorite. It’s my daughter’s name!
Marigold
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From the flower; Mary’s gold
Marigold is sunny and elaborate, with the adorable nickname Goldie available for parents who want something more playful.
Olive
- Origin: English, from Latin
- Meaning: From the tree
Olive has a quirky vintage sweetness that feels more relaxed and unexpected than the similar Olivia.
Paisley
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: Place of worship
Paisley feels lively and modern, with its colorful pattern association adding to the name’s playful personality.
Pearl
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Precious gemstone
Pearl is compact and vintage, with its gemstone association giving the understated name a quiet touch of elegance.
Piper
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Flute player
Piper has a jaunty, energetic sound that feels more spunky than frilly.
Poppy
- Origin: English
- Meaning: The red flower
Poppy is bright, bouncy, and unmistakably playful, making it one of the most naturally cheerful flower names.
Posie
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Small bouquet of flowers
Posie feels especially dainty and affectionate, bringing to mind a tiny bouquet of colorful flowers.
Primrose
- Origin: English
- Meaning: First rose
Primrose combines a formal, storybook quality with the sweet nickname options Prim and Rosie.
Sunny
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Cheerful
Sunny is almost impossible to hear without picturing a cheerful personality, making its appeal wonderfully straightforward.
Sylvie
- Origin: French, from Latin
- Meaning: Forest
Sylvie has a soft French elegance while still sounding lighthearted and approachable.
Violet
- Origin: English and French, from Latin
- Meaning: Purple or blue-colored flower
Violet balances delicate floral imagery with a strong, established sound that keeps it from feeling overly sugary.
Willow
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From the tree
Willow feels gentle and flowing, with the graceful tree association adding to its calm, whimsical style.
Cute Nickname-Style Girl Names
Annie
- Origin: English and Hebrew
- Meaning: Diminutive of Anne; grace or favor
Annie has a warm, friendly sweetness that makes the traditional nickname feel perfectly comfortable as a standalone name.
Bella
- Origin: English and Italian
- Meaning: Beautiful
Bella is unmistakably feminine and affectionate-sounding, with an easy familiarity that gives it broad appeal.
Betty
- Origin: English and Hebrew
- Meaning: Diminutive of Elizabeth; my God is an oath
Betty has a peppy mid-century charm that now feels quirky and fresh after decades outside the spotlight.
Billie
- Origin: English and German
- Meaning: Desire for protection
Billie has a playful tomboyish streak that makes it an especially cute choice for parents who want something less traditionally frilly.
Edie
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning: Diminutive of Edith; battle for wealth or fortune
Edie is brisk, vintage, and charming, packing plenty of personality into just four letters.
Effie
- Origin: English and Greek
- Meaning: Diminutive of Euphemia; speaks well
Effie has an old-fashioned sweetness that feels distinctive today without being difficult to say or spell.
Ellie
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Common diminutive; torch or bright one
Ellie feels warm and affectionate, which is one reason it works so naturally both as a nickname and on its own.
Elsie
- Origin: English and Hebrew
- Meaning: Diminutive of Elizabeth; my God is an oath
Elsie has a gentle cottage-like charm that makes it feel sweet, vintage, and increasingly wearable again.
Emmy
- Origin: European
- Meaning: Universal; rival
Emmy sounds affectionate and upbeat, with a softer, more casual feel than many of the longer names it can come from.
Evie
- Origin: English and Hebrew
- Meaning: Life or living
Evie has a lively, lovable sound that gives virtually any longer Eve- or Ev- name an instantly cuter nickname.
Goldie
- Origin: English and Yiddish
- Meaning: Gold
Goldie feels sunny and exuberant, with enough vintage personality to make the unusual color-inspired name feel charming rather than strange.
Hattie
- Origin: English and German
- Meaning: Diminutive of Harriet; home ruler
Hattie is jaunty and old-fashioned in the best way, offering considerably more personality than many conventional nickname choices.
Indie
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Independent
Indie has a carefree, modern vibe that feels creative and spirited rather than traditionally feminine.
Josie
- Origin: English and Hebrew
- Meaning: Diminutive of Josephine; God will add
Josie is friendly and energetic, with a little bit of country-vintage charm built into its sound.
Lainey
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Ray of light or sunbeam
Lainey feels sunny and approachable, with the familiar long-A sound giving it an especially upbeat quality.
Lottie
- Origin: English and German
- Meaning: Diminutive of Charlotte; free person
Lottie has a playful vintage sweetness that feels lighter and more whimsical than the elegant Charlotte.
Lula
- Origin: English and German
- Meaning: Famous in battle
Lula is soft, quirky, and distinctly old-fashioned, making it an appealing option for parents drawn to forgotten nickname names.
Lulu
- Origin: English and German
- Meaning: Diminutive of Louise
Lulu is unabashedly cute, with its repeated sounds giving the name an affectionate, almost musical quality.
Maggie
- Origin: English and Greek
- Meaning: Diminutive of Margaret; pearl
Maggie feels warm and down-to-earth, making the traditional nickname seem friendly rather than formal.
Maisie
- Origin: Scottish and Greek
- Meaning: Diminutive of Mairead; pearl
Maisie has a bright, bouncy rhythm that makes it sound cheerful without seeming overly childish.
Millie
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Gentle strength; strong in work
Millie is soft and sweet with just enough vintage charm to feel more substantial than a purely modern nickname.
Mimi
- Origin: English and French
- Meaning: Beloved
Mimi is tiny, lively, and affectionate, with a playful repeated sound that makes the name especially memorable.
Nellie
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Shining light; horn
Nellie has a gentle old-fashioned charm that feels sweeter and more casual than longer related names.
Pippa
- Origin: English and Greek
- Meaning: Diminutive of Phillippa; lover of horses
Pippa feels energetic and mischievous, giving the traditional nickname a distinctly playful personality.
Polly
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Star of the sea; humble
Polly is cheerful and delightfully retro, with a storybook quality that makes it stand out among today’s nickname names.
Rosie
- Origin: English, from Latin
- Meaning: From the rose flower
Rosie feels warmer and more playful than Rose while keeping all of the classic flower name’s familiar charm.
Ruthie
- Origin: English and Hebrew
- Meaning: Friend or companion
Ruthie softens the serious, traditional Ruth into something that sounds immediately warm and affectionate.
Sadie
- Origin: English and Hebrew
- Meaning: Diminutive of Sarah; princess or noblewoman
Sadie has a spirited vintage quality that makes the longtime nickname feel completely natural as a full name today.
Trixie
- Origin: English, from Latin
- Meaning: Diminutive of Beatrix; voyager; blessed
Trixie is energetic and mischievous, making it one of the boldest choices for parents who genuinely want a name that sounds cute.
Winnie
- Origin: English and Welsh
- Meaning: Blessed; peace
Winnie has a cozy, cheerful quality that feels equally suited to a storybook character and a modern little girl.
Cute Girl Names That Still Feel Grown-Up
Annabel
- Origin: Scottish and English, from Latin
- Meaning: Lovable
Annabel feels romantic and feminine, but its long history keeps the sweet-sounding name from seeming insubstantial.
Claire
- Origin: French, from Latin
- Meaning: Clear; bright; famous
Claire is crisp and elegant, with a gentle sound that gives the sophisticated classic a softer side.
Clara
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Clear; bright; famous
Clara combines old-fashioned sweetness with enough polish to feel equally natural at every age.
Eloise
- Origin: Old French and German
- Meaning: Healthy or whole
Eloise is lively and sophisticated, with its playful rhythm keeping the traditional name from ever feeling stuffy.
Emilia
- Origin: Latin and Roman
- Meaning: Rival
Emilia has a graceful, romantic sound while offering familiar nickname possibilities like Emmy, Emmie, or Millie.
Evelina
- Origin: European
- Meaning: Desired; life
Evelina feels elaborate and romantic, but familiar sounds like Eve and Lina make it approachable rather than cumbersome.
Felicity
- Origin: English, from Latin
- Meaning: Happiness; good fortune
Felicity is cheerful by both sound and association, with a spirited rhythm that keeps the longer name feeling light.
Frances
- Origin: English, from Latin
- Meaning: Free one
Frances is sturdy and traditional, but nicknames like Frankie, Franny, and Francie can bring out its much cuter side.
Gemma
- Origin: Italian
- Meaning: Jewel
Gemma feels polished yet warm, with a sparkling sound that suits its jewel-related meaning especially well.
Georgia
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Earth-worker
Georgia is friendly and substantial, blending Southern warmth, vintage style, and a playful ending.
Grace
- Origin: English, from Latin
- Meaning: Favor
Grace is simple and refined, but its soft sound gives the enduring classic an unmistakable sweetness.
Isabelle
- Origin: French and Hebrew
- Meaning: My God is an oath
Isabelle is romantic and polished, with cute nickname options like Izzy, Belle, and Bella adding plenty of flexibility.
Leonora
- Origin: European
- Meaning: Compassion
Leonora sounds graceful and grand, while nicknames such as Leo, Lea, or Nora can make it feel much more playful.
Matilda
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Strength in battle
Matilda has a strong traditional sound paired with adorable nickname possibilities like Tilly and Mattie.
Nora
- Origin: Irish and English
- Meaning: Honor
Nora is warm, simple, and quietly elegant, allowing it to feel sweet on a child without ever sounding juvenile.
Sophie
- Origin: French and Greek
- Meaning: Wisdom
Sophie has a friendly, buoyant sound that feels softer and more playful than the slightly more formal Sophia.
Before You Go…
Did you notice that the vast majority of “cute-sounding” names are rather short? If you’re not clicking with any of these names, maybe it’s because you’re looking for something a bit longer. Check out some of my other baby name lists to see if it holds the one!
