Girl names that start with L are seen frequently in the US charts today. L is a lovely initial for a girl to have — It looks great written in script, it has an appealingly lilting sound, especially with a second L-syllable (think Lily, Layla, and Lila), and of course it’s the letter of love.

　　There’s an almost infinite number of great L names for girls– classic names, international names, color names and much more– but we’ve winnowed it down to our pick of 15 of the best.

　　

Laramie

While this gender neutral name is French in origin, today she has more of a Western cowgirl vibe. Laramie is derived from the French word la ramée, meaning "leafy canopy. It is originally a French surname, and today is the name of a city in Wyoming.

　　

Lark

Bird names are in, following the red-hot Wren in her popularity spike since the 2010s. This has opened doors for Sparrow, Hawk, Dove, Birdie, and of course, Lark. While Lark has been noted as a name since the 1830s, it has never been used enough to make the US charts. The expression "happy as a lark" gives this name a cheery feel.

　　

Lavender

One of the softest and most romantic color names, more distinctive than Violet or Rose. Lavender brings to mind beautiful imagery of the light purple hue as well as the aromatic flower. While Lavender has never been used in high numbers in real life, her history as a name dates back to the 18th century when she was also used for boys. She has several literary namesakes including Harry Potter's Lavender Brown as well as the endearing best friend in Roald Dahl's Matilda.

　　

Lavinia

This lavish Latin name dates back to classical mythology, where it was the name of the wife of the Trojan hero Aeneas, who was considered the mother of the Roman people. Lavinia is also the name of a Shakespearean heroine from Titus Andronicus, inspiring the quote, "She is Lavinia, therefore must be lov'd". Today Lavinia is a pretty alternative to the popular Olivia.

　　

Leonie

Leo and his leonine brothers have been hot the last few years. We say why not extend this to the girls' side — especially with Leah's popularity in the last decade sitting in the Top 50? Leonie, pronounced either "lee-oh-nee" or "lay-oh-nee", is a chic French and German variation. Other beautiful "Leo" names for girls include Leona and Leonora.

　　

Top L Names for Girls in the US

Heart1LunaChevron - RightHeart2LaylaChevron - RightHeart3LilyChevron - RightHeart4LeahChevron - RightHeart5LucyChevron - RightHeart6LillianChevron - RightHeart7LeilaniChevron - RightHeart8LydiaChevron - RightHeart9LilianaChevron - RightHeart10LylaChevron - Right

　　

Liana

Leanna and Leanne may have stayed back in the mid 20th century, but the sleeker, more streamlined Liana is more in line with today's style. Liana is French — the name of a flowering tropical vine. This would be a great way to honor a Lee, Ann, Anna, Leanne, or Leanna. With the meaning "to climb like a vine", we have seen Liana do just that in recent years — all the way up to number 408.

　　

Lilith

One of the more intriuging "lily" names, with a different vibe than sweet Lily, Liliana, Lillian, and Lila. Lilith contrastly feels a bit dark, and a bit witchy — the name of Adam's first wife (before Eve) in religious folklore who turned into a demon. While this may seem like a negative association to some, others are viewing hers as an empowering feminist story — Lilith was rejected and shunned for refusing to submit to Adam.

　　

Linnea

Linnea is an attractive Scandinavian name meaning "twinflower" or "lime tree" that is popular in Sweden and Norway. Pronounced "lin-NAY-uh", she is derived from the renowned 18th century Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who developed the Linnean system of classifying plants and animals. The children's book Linnea in Monet's Garden gives this name a sweet representative. Linnea would make a great honor name for a Lynn or Linda.

　　

Liv

Olivia has been the top girl name in the US for the last 3 years, and Alivia has been getting a significant amount of use as well. While there are plenty of little Livs running around as a short form for these names, some may be surprised to find that Liv is a name in its own right. Of Norse origin, meaning "life", Liv is short, spunky, and full of character on her own.

　　

Lorelei

Recognizable from the hit show Gilmore Girls, in which several generations of the alternative spelling Lorelai (along with the cute nickname Rory) can be seen. Lorelei is a German name meaning "alluring" or "temptress" — the name of the beautiful Rhine River seductress whose haunting voice led sailors to hazardous rocks that would cause them to be shipwrecked.

　　

Unique Girl Names Starting With L

HeartLeonoraChevron - RightHeartLibertyChevron - RightHeartLilacChevron - RightHeartLilibetChevron - RightHeartLilinoeChevron - RightHeartLilouChevron - RightHeartLoisChevron - RightHeartLorettaChevron - RightHeartLucindaChevron - RightHeartLyricChevron - RightSee all girl names that start with LChevron - Right

　　

Lottie

This sweet nickname for the popular Charlotte is surprisingly uncommon today — overpassed by boyish Charlie in the rankings. However, we think Lottie is cute and unexpected as a full name. Lottie can be seen as the Southern belle best friend in Disney's Princess and the Frog. While Lottie has not ranked in the Top 1000 since the 50s, we can see her joining Millie, Hattie, Nellie, and Josie in the lineup of vintage nicknames in style.

　　

Lua

Properly spelled Luã, this Portugese name is a shiney alternative to popular Luna. Lua also means moon, as well as having a "techie" reference due to the computer programming language of the name. Lua is also a goddess in Roman mythology, to whom captured weapons were sacrified.

　　

Luella

One of the sweesest names yet to catch on in the US, Luella is a sleeker variation of the combination name Louella. Double L names are in right now, from Lila to Layla to Lola, as are names ending in "ella". Naturally, Luella is getting some attention too, re-entering the Top 1000 in 2017 for the first time since the 1950s.

　　

Lumi

This Finnish name meaning "snow" has a lot of potential given the love parents are giving names with similar imagery such as Winter, Ivy, and Snow. The sweet "Lu-" sound (think Luna and Lucy) is on trend as well. Short and spunky Lumi may be the next big Christmas name.

　　

Lux

This radiant name is the Latin word for "light". Fitting in with equally distinctive names like Knox, Pax, and Rex, the punchy Lux feels refreshing today in the sea of elaborate Amelias, Olivias, and Isabellas. Spanish Luz is a great choice as well.

　　

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About the Author

　　

Brynn McKeon

　　Brynn McKeon joined the Nameberry team in August of 2022 as an assistant editor, and has written about topics such as the Ultimate Guide to Goddess Names and Redefining Classic Names. As Head Moderator, she also oversees our active Nameberry forums community. Brynn also writes the Name of the Day newsletter, featuring a new name each day.

　　Outside of Nameberry, Brynn lives in New York State with her dog Raven, where she is working towards her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. You can reach her at [email protected]

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