Girls' names, these get a comeback in 2025
Coming up with a name for your baby is the most fun and at the same time the most challenging thing there is. Many of us were already thinking about the perfect name behind the stroller, and there have been quite a few arguments among friends when one had “stolen” the baby name of the other. Even when there wasn't even a real baby in sight. A name shapes you, says something about your parents. If you are named after someone, then your parents were traditional. If your name is Silver or Moon, then you undoubtedly had well-traveled parents with a touch of hippie in their blood.
Your girls' names can change
My name is May-Britt – a name that is rare in the Netherlands – while my brother was given the name Martijn, one of the most popular boys’ names from the 1970s. I have asked my parents how they could give two such different names to their children. But Martijn was also a fairly unique name in 1969. And one name becomes a top 10 hit while the other remains a rare phenomenon. At least, in the Netherlands. Because if I set a toe in Scandinavia, my name is as common as Susan is for us. Everything is relative, in short.
A movement in girls' names
What I always find so sweet in Italy is the tradition that resonates in the names. In Puglia (here I wrote my secret Puglia tips, just saying) every firstborn boy is named after the father of the father. A girl is named after the mother of the father. Only with the third child do the parents of the mother get their turn. Because of this tradition, a certain village or town also has a high concentration of, for example, men named Antonio. Because that name keeps being repeated. Often a town or village also has a saint, in Ostuni that is San Oronzo, and therefore many men used to be named Oronzo and they are named after again and again. In Italy, they try to make a distinction by slightly ‘tweaking’ the name. Domenico can easily be called Mimmo, Francesco becomes Cicco, and Oronzo becomes Rino. Anyway, a sidestep.
Girls' names in the Netherlands
Short girls' names have been popular for some time among both boys and girls. Clear sounds, no complicated fuss. Mees, Keet, Finn, Fay, that kind of thing. But it's not just the simplicity that appeals to people. There is a movement where old, classic girls' names are making a comeback. And there are even new names that exude old-fashioned charm but still sound modern. Here is a list of the girls' names that have been floating in the higher regions of the top 10 for a few years and the latest newcomers. And of course their meanings.
Popular girls' names that are completely back in 2025
- Emma
Meaning: “Lord, leader” or “powerful”. Emma has maintained its popularity, especially due to its timeless charm. It is a name that radiates simplicity and elegance. - Olivia
Meaning: “Olive tree”, symbol of peace and fertility. Olivia is a name that has its origins in classical literature and is fully back in fashion. - Mila
Meaning: “Grace”, “love”. A short, powerful, and meaningful name that is gaining popularity in many countries. - Nora
Meaning: “Light” or “honest”. Nora is a name that is on the rise in many European countries, often seen as elegant and timeless. - Lena
Meaning: “Light”, “bright”. Lena has a retro charm and is often seen as a classic name that still remains modern. - Lily
Meaning: “Lily” (flower), symbol of purity and beauty. A name that brings a certain elegance and refinement and is popular in many countries. - Zoë
Meaning: “Life”. This name has an energetic and positive vibe, making it attractive to parents looking for something short and powerful. - Juliette
Meaning: “Youth”, “young”. Juliette is the name of the famous Shakespearean heroine and has seen a steady return in popularity since the 1990s. - Iris
Meaning: “Bow of the rainbow”, also the name of the Greek goddess of the rainbow. Iris evokes images of beauty, color, and nature, making it an attractive choice. - Fay
Meaning: “Fairy”, “magical”. A short, charming name often associated with grace and a bit of mystery. - Vera
Meaning: “Truth” or “faith”. Vera is a classic name that is slowly regaining popularity. It is short, powerful, and has a strong meaning. - Mabel
Meaning: “Pleasant”, “dear”. Mabel is a name with a touch of nostalgia, but it sounds fresh and modern, making it attractive to the new generation. Indeed from Mabel Wisse Smit, here we wrote how she is doing now - Maeve
Meaning: “The sea's daughter” or “wild”. This Irish name is gaining more ground in the Netherlands and has a strong, independent sound. - June
Meaning: “The sixth month” or “young”. June is a short, playful name that brings a touch of summer cheer. - Evelyn
Meaning: “Lively”, “wish”. Evelyn is a name considered a classic, but is making a comeback in many countries due to its elegant and refined sound.
I have completed my search for girls' names, my daughters are named Igone, Belize, and Florence and I am happy with that to this day, and they are happy too. And if you find your own name a bit frumpy, just remember; it could suddenly become super hot again.
Source:24Baby.nl
Image: Instagram|Zara Goedemans Widya Soraya
