From royalty to Kardashian and everything in between, we've rounded up the top 25 baby girl names of 2017. Check to see if your little one's moniker made the cut!
Photo: iStockPhoto
Last year’s rank: 2
Moving up from the number two spot last year to reign supreme in 2017, Olivia, a Latin name, is the femme version of Oliver and means “olive tree.” It was first used in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and starlets like Olivia Wilde wear the name proudly.
Read more: Top 25 most popular baby boy names in Canada for 2017
Photo: JB Lacroix/WireImageLast year’s rank: 3
There’s no doubt that cutie Princess Charlotte is a catalyst for bringing this old-timey name up in the list. It’s the feminine version of Charles and means “feminine” and “petite.” We like it thanks to the brave spider in the classic book Charlotte’s Web.
Read more: Top baby names in Canada for 2017
Photo: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty ImagesLast year’s rank: 4
Slowly creeping up the list, Sophia is a Greek name meaning “wisdom.” It was a popular name in the Middle Ages, used mainly by European royalty and by a popular current-day fictional princess, Sofia the First.
Read more: Top baby names by province for 2017
Photo: Disney Junior via Getty ImagesLast year’s rank: 10
A name with many derivatives, Amelia can be shortened to Amy, Millie or Mia. In Latin, the name means “industrious” and “striving.” Similar traits that famous aviator Amelia Earhart displayed as the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic.
Photo: iStockphotoLast year’s rank: 6
A Greek name, Khloe (not just a Kardashian spelling) represented the fertility goddess. It means “blooming.”
Photo: Randy Holmes/ABC via Getty ImagesLast year’s rank: 22
Evelyn has made great strides in recent years. Known as an oldfangled English last name, it spiked in popularity in the 1920s then petered off. Looks like we’ll be seeing a lot more Eves and Evys in the years to come.
Photo: iStockphotoLast year’s rank: 31
Look at Miss. Scarlett climbing up the list. It’s a pretty moniker for a strong little lady. Think Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind or Avenger’s star Scarlett Johansson. It’s an English name that means “red.”
Photo: Kevin Mazur/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/VogueLast year’s rank: 36
Of Scottish origin, Isla is derived from the word island, which as we know, is a strong piece of land that stands on its own. A nice sentiment for raising an independent lady—just like actress, Isla Fisher.
Photo: Michael Tran/FilmMagicLast year’s rank: 7
A name we’ve seen hitting top lists for the past few years, it has German roots and is notable from silver screen icon Ava Gardner. Reese Witherspoon named her daughter Ava in 1999.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Tiffany & Co.Last year’s rank: 1
Last year’s reigning champion, the pretty moniker is plucked from old German, meaning “whole” or “universal.” We’re fans of Jane Austen’s Emma and film stars Emma Watson, Stone and Thompson.
Photo: Karwai Tang/Getty ImagesLast year’s rank: 15
We love a name that can be played around with. Think Izzy, Bella or Belle. Favoured by royal families, Isabella’s have been part of royal courts in France, England, Hungary and Portugal. It means “devoted to God.”
Photo: iStockphotoLast year’s rank: 30
Maybe Game of Thrones has something to do with the rise of this Italian name which means “song” or “melody.” In Hebrew, it means “lioness,” and the character of Arya Stark is certainly a strong and fierce feminist.
Photo: Courtesy of hbocanada.comLast year’s rank: 9
A Hebrew name meaning “gives joy,” Abigail is an old-lady name no more. It’s been making a big comeback and has ties to some pretty powerful women. In the Bible, King David’s wife was named Abigail and known for her wisdom and beauty. Two First Ladies also wore the title.
Photo: iStockphotoLast year’s rank: 5
Tried, tested and true, Emily has been a sweet name for girls since the ‘70s and is all over Hollywood—take actresses like Emily Blunt, VanCamp and Ratajkowski. The moniker means “striving” and “eager.”
Photo: Ben Gabbe/Getty Images for TimeLast year’s rank: 8
Keeping it short and sweet, Mia is a derivative of Amelia or Maria, and was made popular by actress Mia Farrow. It’s a Latin name that means “wished-for-child.” Aw, we like that a lot. Kate Winslet named her daughter Mia Honey and the Queen’s great-granddaughter is named Mia Grace.
Photo: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty ImagesLast year’s rank: 18
The English version of this name means “beautiful fairy woman.” In German, it means “complete.” It can be a nickname of Eleanor or Ellen, and we love its beautiful simplicity.
Photo: iStockphotoLast year’s rank: 19
Elizabeth is a name that never goes out of style. Popular from the British royals, the timeless name keeps on giving with many nicknames such as Liz, Betty, Eliza, Bess, Beth and Libby. In Hebrew, it means “God is my oath.”
Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImageLast year’s rank: 23
Roald Dahl named the protagonist of his book, The BFG, Sophie after his granddaughter. It’s Greek and a nice variation from ever-popular Sophia.
Photo: Courtesy of Disney Movie Trailers via YouTubeLast year’s rank: 99
An Irish name that means “hill,” Brielle can be shortened to Bree or Brea. It’s French meaning is “of God.”
Photo: iStockphotoLast year’s rank: 52
Eric Clapton’s song of the same name is what rolls off our tongues when we think about this Arabic name. It means “dark beauty.”
Photo: iStockphotoLast year’s rank: N/A
Welcome Bridget to the list. A popular name in the ‘70s, it’s an Irish title that means “strength.” Shorten it to Bridge or change the spelling to match French siren Brigitte Bardot. Our favourite Bridget, though, is relatable Bridget Jones. Forever and ever.
Photo: Europa Press/Europa Press via Getty ImagesLast year’s rank: 39
This English-rooted name is a nickname of Eleanor, which is a very pretty and dignified name. Famous English singer, Ellie Goulding, is one of many stars that has the name.
Photo: Presley Ann/Patrick McMullan via Getty ImagesLast year’s rank: 90
Pink’s daughter is named Willow. It’s a German moniker that means “peaceful,” just like a strong willow tree. If William is a family name, this is a nice femme version to consider.
Photo: John Shearer/Getty ImagesLast year’s rank: 16
An English flower that represents purity, Lily is the name of Harry Potter’s mum. Alternate spellings include Lillie and Lili—like Riverdale‘s Lili Reinhart.
Photo: Karwai Tang/Getty ImagesLast year’s rank: 58
In the 1800s, the English name was intended for boys. It means “minstrel” and has gained popularity since Harper Lee published To Kill A Mockingbird in 1960. Victoria and David Beckham have a daughter named Harper.
Photo: Raymond Hall/GC ImagesRead more: 9 baby names that are banned around the world The top baby names in the US for 2017 7 baby name trends for 2018
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Amy is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work can also be found in publications like Chatelaine, Toronto Life and The Globe and Mail.