One curious feature of many names for girls is that many of the most common ones end with a vowel or “ee” sound. For instance, Rebecca, Jessica, Mina, Tina, Sara, Kaylee, Bailey, and Melanie are good examples of names that share similar sounds as well as finishing with the ubiquitous vowel ending. But, there are plenty of names for a baby girl out there that don’t end this way and we’ve got some ideas for you.
We decided to look for unique or vintage baby names that might not be the hottest at the moment, but have so much potential and have attractive sounds. If you’re after a name that sounds strong, these make for good choices as many are elegant without being overly sweet. Check out the 25 best names for baby girls that don’t end with a vowel, Y, or “ee” sound.
25. Teagan
Okay, so Teagan has become a fairly common baby name these days but it’s relatively new to the charts first appearing in the 2000s. Teagan is now a top 200 name for girls and makes for a unique alternative to names like Megan and Reagan. Teagan has Welsh and Irish origins and means “little poet” or “fair.”
24. Sigal
Violet is a perfectly great name that doesn’t end with a vowel but it’s exceedingly popular right now. We urge you to consider the Hebrew form of the name, Sigal which means “violet” and also refers to the gorgeous flower.
23. Wren
Wren is a bird name that entered the popularity charts in 2013. It’s now in the top 500. This unusual choice makes for a great whimsical moniker. Ancient Druids considered the Wren a prophetic bird that held uncovered truths. The name became a possibility thanks to Sir Christopher Wren the celebrated mind behind London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral.
22. Mabel
Mabel is a name that fell completely off the charts in the 1960s. Thankfully, this handsome name bounded back in the mid-2000s and it’s finding favor with new parents once more. The name has Latin roots and is considered a form of the name Amabel which means “lovable.”
21. Lennox
Impart a touch of Annie Lennox vibes with the Scottish name, Lennox for your daughter. This attractive choice sounds so nice thanks to the now-hip X-ending. Although not immediately apparent, Lennox is a nature name and refers to an “elm grove.”
20. Ginger
Ginger is a name that started as a nickname or shortened form of Virginia in Britain. However, parents quickly realized it’s a perfectly suitable name all on its own. Ginger conjures dancing images of Ginger Rogers and heads of fiery red hair. This name has Latin and English origins and means “pure” but clearly, there’s a little spice in there too.
19. Rhiannon
Rhiannon became commonly used for baby girls in the US after the release of the song “Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac. The name catapulted onto the charts in the seventies before fizzling out. The name belonged to a “divine queen” which gives it that meaning. According to Celtic legend, Rhiannon’s birds sang more sweetly than any others.
18. Dylan
Robin Wright and Sean Penn chose the lyrical name Dylan for their daughter. This is another name with Welsh origins that means “son of the sea.” This beautiful name is versatile and works well with many others which makes it an attractive choice for a middle name as well.
17. Avis
Expecting parents, please consider the name Avis. This ancient Latin name means “bird” and would be a happy alternative to Ava. The name was extremely popular in the early half of the twentieth century but completely evaporated from the baby name charts in the sixties. Bring it back, baby!
16. Astrid
If Avis isn’t cutting it for you, but you’re into the idea of a name beginning with A, Astrid might do the trick. The name has Old Norse origins and combines the elements “god” and “beautiful” to form a name that means “divinely beautiful.” It spent over 100 years off the popularity charts in the US, but it’s making a steady comeback today.
15. Bridget
Bridget is the name of the most famous female saint of Ireland, who became the patroness of her country, as well as the patron saint of scholars, poets, and healers. The saint was so revered that no parents dared use the name for their daughters until the seventeenth century. This name is an Anglicized form of the Celtic name Brighid which means “exalted one.”
14. Ingrid
The radiant Ingrid Bergman‘s appeal was strong enough to lend universal magnetism to this classic Scandinavian name, which has been a bit neglected in the US. This special name was virtually unheard of in the US until Bergman captured the collective imagination. This Norse name means “fair” or “Ing is beautiful.” Ing, in the context, refers to the Norse god of fertility and peace.
13. Hunter
The English name, Hunter was an it-girl name in the nineties, but it’s still being used by many parents each year. As you’d expect, this name means “one that hunts.” If you’re looking for a gender-neutral choice, this name is an excellent option.
12. Janis
If you like the raspy rock of legend, Janis Joplin, you should honor the star by naming your baby this exceptional name. Janis is a neglected name, in the US, and completely dropped off the charts in the seventies. The name is a much more vibrant form of Jane and it means “God is gracious.”
11. Lachlan
Lachlan has become a somewhat popular name for boys in the US in recent years, but we see the potential for this name to fit for girls as well. As with many other Scottish surnames, Lachlan makes for a beautiful moniker. Think of Cameron and Mackenzie. Why not Lachlan too? The name means “from the fjord-land.”
10. Lark
While not as popular as her sister, Wren, Lark is a beautiful bird name that’s associated with happiness and good cheer. This name has never been popular in the US, but we’d love to see that change.
9. Piper
Piper has skyrocketed to favor since the nineties and it’s easy to understand why. This English occupational name that means “flute player.” Celebrity parents love this jovial name and Gillian Anderson and Cuba Gooding Jr. both chose it for their daughters.
8. Winter
Winter is an English word name that’s been in use as a name for baby girls since the seventeenth century. For a baby girl born during the colder months of the year, this is an obvious choice. This snowy name offers more mystery than other seasonal options like Autumn and Summer.
7. Sibyl
Sibyl is a vintage name that hasn’t been widely used since the 1920s. This handsome Greek name has a fabulous meaning as well: “seer” or “oracle.” The name has roots in mythology and concern “sybils” who would prophecize at holy sites.
6. Shell
Shell is the perfect econame update to the names Shelby and Shelley. Shell is casual and fun and conjures images of the seashore. If you love the idea of this name, but think it might be too “out there” consider as a middle name option.
5. Anouk
Anouk is a Dutch and French variation of the name Anna which means “grace.” Anouk has a bohemian feel and sounds way more interesting than Anna or Anne. Be prepared to correct others on the pronunciation, however, outside of France and The Netherlands, you will scarcely find this name. It’s pronounced ah-NOO-k not AYE-nuke.
4. Avalon
Avalon is a Celtic name that means “island of apples.” This heavenly name is inspired by Arthurian legend and refers to a place of comfort. If you like the names Ava and Evelyn this name is the perfect combination of the two with a mystical meaning to boot.
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3. Imogen
In majority English-speaking countries other than the US, Imogen is an especially beloved name. It’s bizarre that the name has never taken off here. Perhaps the pronunciation, IHM-eh-jen is too difficult? This is another Celtic name that means “maiden.”
2. Jazz
Jazz is a word-name that is bursting with life and possibility. Jazz is a common nickname for Jasmine and Jazlyn, why not just use it as a given? Jazz conjures the sounds of the great American invention and its beloved music genre of choice. If you love this name, consider as a middle name option as well! It truly does “jazz up” any first name.
RELATED: 25 Brilliant Names for Boys That End with a Vowel
1. Devon
Devon spelled with an O refers to the British region, evoking the beautiful county of farmlands and dramatic seascapes and moors in southwest England. Devin spelled with an I is an Irish name that means “poet” so you can go either way with this one. This name had a moment in the late eighties and early nineties, but we’re still very fond of it!
There you go! 25 baby names for girls that don’t end with a vowel or the letter Y. These names have tons of character and charm and buck the trend of singsongy names so prevalent today.
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