15 Meaningful Middle Names for Girls

There are new middle names in town, and these names for girls come with special meanings.

Having a tough time choosing a first name for your new baby girl? We have bad news: You also have to pick a middle name.

To make your decision (slightly) easier, we selected some of the coolest middle names for girls that actually mean something.

Anise

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Origin: Latin

At first glance, Anise might not strike you as a middle name, or a name at all. It’s the name of a star-shaped spice with a licorice-like flavor.

Anise seeds have numerous health benefits, fighting inflammation, regulating blood sugar and even fighting depression.

The cool part is what the word means: pure soul.

Blue

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Origin: Old French

The color blue represents so many positive things, from the sea and sky to more ephemeral qualities. It symbolizes honesty, calm and trust, along with wisdom and inspiration.

Different shades of blue evoke different emotions as well. Babies with the middle name blue can decide which hue speaks to them the most.

Plus, color names are edgy and totally on trend.

Clementine

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Origin: French

The name Clementine means mild and gentle. In a world focused on standing out and making a statement, gentleness is underappreciated.

Clementine represents a peaceful picnic and a day spent catching butterflies. The simple things. It’s also the name of a traditional song and a sweet citrus fruit.

Hope

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Origin: English

Need we say more? The middle name Hope speaks for itself. Representing optimism, resilience and joy, the name Hope is an excellent choice for a rainbow baby.

Or any baby, really.

Leona

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Origin: Latin

Leona was practically made for August babies with the Leo star sign. Leos are symbolized by the lion, and that’s exactly what Leona means — like a lion.

Leona symbolizes strength and ferocity, plus bravery to balance it out.

Love

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Origin: English

Seldom used, Love makes for a super unique middle that warms the heart. A baby with love as a middle name has a 24/7 reminder that they are wanted, cherished and appreciated. Loved.

It also serves as a reminder to live each day with love, treating others with empathy and kindness.

Olive

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Origin: English

Olivia was the most popular baby name in 2021. If you like the name but want to avoid your little girl being one of four Olivia’s in her class, try using Olive as a middle name instead.

Olives come from olive trees, long a symbol of peace.

Phoenix

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Origin: Greek

Phoenix is a popular unisex name with a fiery meaning. According to Greek mythology, the phoenix is a strong, mythical bird born out of ashes.

It represents rebirth, passion and the circle of life.

Regan

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Origin: Irish

A perfect middle name for a youngest child, Regan is Irish for “little ruler.”

It shouts “small but mighty,” sending the message that you don’t have to be big to make your mark on the world.

Serena

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Origin: Latin

Serena can be a calm, soothing middle name and a striking one at the same time. In Latin, it means clear and tranquil. You know, serene?

Today, however, it’s strongly associated with Serena Williams, one of the most powerful female athletes in the world and the highest-earning woman in sports on record.

Not a bad association, eh?

Sophia

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Origin: Greek

Sophia has been in the top five girl names since 2009, and in the top 50 since 2000. We can understand why, since the Greek name means wisdom.

The elegant-sounding name exudes grace and beauty, and it has a timeless feel to it.

Thea

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Origin: Greek

In Greek, Thea literally means “goddess.” We love a name that tells a little girl how powerful she is.

It’s also the name of the Greek goddess of light, the mother of the sun, the moon and the dawn. Life, basically.

Valerie

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Origin: French

Valerie sounds subtle and sweet, but its meaning is anything but.

Coming from the Latin word “valerius,” the vintage middle name Valerie means valiant and strong.

Vera

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Origin: Latin and Slavic

Made famous by the fashion designer Vera Wang, the meaning of this unique name is even cooler than her latest collection.

In Latin, vera means truth. In Slavic languages, however, it means faith and hope.

You can’t go wrong either way.

Zion

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Origin: Hebrew

After singer and rapper Lauryn Hill named her son Zion in 1998, the name has steadily risen in popularity.

It’s often considered a biblical name since it was used to refer to the city of Jerusalem in the Old Testament. The gender-neutral middle name really just means “paradise on earth.”