A Nice Change In Pace
Most parents focus on specific types of names when picking one out for their baby, so if you're looking for options that feel gentle, soft, and pretty, you've come to the right place. We know how overwhelming it can be sifting through millions of names to find the right one, so we've narrowed it down for you. We've listed the 20 prettiest names we think would be a great fit for your baby girl or boy.
1. Amelia
Carrying such beautifully subtle elegance and grace, Amelia is the perfect blend of classy without being overdone. It's easy to pronounce, which will save your little girl from spelling confusion in the future, and it even comes with plenty of versatile nicknames like Amy, Lia, and Millie.
2. Elodie
Elodie is a lovely name that has a bright and clear sound that immediately comes off as friendly. It's also a lot less common in America, so your baby will stand out in many crowds without being too much. Rhyming with "melody," it's not surprising to see how easily this one rolls off the tongue.
3. Serena
Though Serena carries a sense of power and authority to it, it mostly feels like it has a quiet confidence that remains feminine. We adore the classic sound it has, making it recognizable without feeling overused. The pronunciation is incredibly straightforward too, so there won't be problems in everyday conversation.
4. Anneliese
Want something truly different? When was the last time you heard this beautiful name, Anneliese? This baby girl's name feels distinctive in a good way that makes it memorable. You can even shorten it to Annie, Lisa, or Elise, depending on the vibe you want.
5. Vivienne
Thanks to its subtle French feel, Vivienne is a stunning name that is both elegant and lively at the same time. It looks sophisticated in writing, and it also sounds like it fits right in with modern naming styles. It doesn't get prettier than that!
6. Noemi
It might take time getting used to the spelling, but trust us, this beautiful name is worth it. Simple, stylish, and best of all, still underused in many places, Noemi sounds pleasant, gentle, and charming. You'll only have to explain it once for people to remember it.
7. Julian
Smooth and friendly while still sounding mature, Julian is one of those rare boy's names that manages to balance every modern preference. It's pretty-sounding because it has a gentle tone to it, but it's not overly sweet that it doesn't feel strong either.
Vitaliy Zalishchyker on Unsplash
8. Marisol
A name that feels upbeat and confident without trying too hard, Marisol is a unique pick definitely worth considering. If you want to shorten it, Mari works adorably as a nickname as well! It's a great option for parents who want something that carries presence without being obnoxious.
9. Celeste
The moment we hear the name Celeste, we're thinking classy, smooth, and simple. Its beauty lies in how elegant it sounds without needing extra flair, but it's also one we can see any baby girl easily growing into. It works well as a kid, works as a teen, and works as an adult.
10. Sienna
A name that definitely feels more modern, Sienna isn't a trendy option that's going to die down in a couple of years, it's here to stay. It flows beautifully off the tongue, and it has a confident tone to it that doesn't sound intimidating or overbearing. It's got just the right amount of classy feel to it.
11. Leona
Leona is the kind of name that belongs to a strong, self-assured girl. It still manages to sound feminine and pretty despite having such a powerful rhythm to it, which is genuinely impressive. It's the kind of name you'll hear once and never forget.
12. Adair
This gender-neutral name works great for a variety of babies, mostly thanks to how short, distinctive, and rare it is. It's got a refine sound to it that doesn't feel fussy in the slightest, easily lending itself to any adorable baby boy or girl who wears it.
13. Calliope
Some parents want a name that's bold, musical, and not very common. If that sounds like you, Calliope is certainly what you're looking for! Callie works perfectly as a nickname if you want a casual option, but the full name itself has so much personality, we're sure you'll like it just as much.
14. Amara
Amara is smooth, modern, and easy to pronounce. It feels gentle while still sounding confident. Because it’s short and clear, it’s often easy for people to spell correctly. You might like it if you want something that feels fresh without being quirky.
15. Emmeline
If names like Emily and Emma aren't doing it for you anymore, consider this lovely name instead. Emmeline looks classic and sounds soft without being overly delicate. The full name has a refined shape that feels intentional, so if you enjoy traditional-style names that aren’t too common, it’s a great option.
16. Linnea
When was the last time you heard the name Linnea in America? It might've been never, which makes this pretty name a real stand out. The sound is light and clean, and it doesn’t overwhelm a last name. It keeps things nice and tidy, which parents often overlook.
Cristina Anne Costello on Unsplash
17. Tobias
This steady and friendly name has an undeniably pretty quality to it that's hard to put a finger on. Tobias isn't the most common name for boys in America, but it's certainly one on our radar. If you want a name that feels warm and dependable, it’s a solid choice.
18. Esme
Whether you're a fan of Twilight or just simply love a name that has a vintage feel to it, Esme is short, stylish, and precious. It pairs nicely with longer last names or middle names, so if you're after something that cleans up nicely, it’s worth considering.
Danny De los Reyes on Unsplash
19. Genevieve
We know Genevieve is a bit tough to spell, but it's worth it when the trade-off is getting to have this beautiful name! This is the perfect example of a girl's name that's impossible to sound stiff. It has a naturally melodic tone to it, making it so fun to say and even more lovely to hear.
20. Aurelia
Aurelia is less common in America, but it still sounds refined and confident. It has a clear rhythm that feels satisfying to say out loud, and you can shorten it to Lia or Relia if you want a more casual option. The best part is, the name reminds you of the Northern Lights, which makes it impossible not to associate with beauty.
