English Girl Names

English girls' names range from literary classics to surnames that have only recently become first names. Olivia owes much of its popularity to Shakespeare, who used it for a heroine in his comedy of mistaken identities, while Emily, Evelyn, Grace and Lillian have a gentle, old-fashioned quality that has made them favorites again. Lily and Ella are short, bright choices that feel at home in any era.

A newer trend is the use of English surnames for girls. Madison, Addison and Harper were once primarily family names, and Parker and Avery have crossed from boys to girls in recent decades. Madison and Addison end in the traditional surname ending meaning son of, yet they now feel distinctly feminine to many parents. Zoey and Hailey show how spelling can soften a name, and Riley works for both girls and boys.

When you choose an English name, think about the balance between tradition and trend. A classic such as Grace or Evelyn has a long track record, while a surname name such as Harper or Parker can feel more contemporary. Both can work beautifully with the right middle name, and pairing a classic with a more modern choice is a common way to balance the two.