Baby Names Girl Names 50 Strong, Historic Names for Girls Each one of these historic names for girls is synonymous with greatness. By Lisa Milbrand Updated on August 26, 2024 Fact checked by Karen Cilli In This Article View All In This Article Historic Names More Historic Names Inspired by Strong Women Girl Names Inspired by Fictional Heroines More Strong Girl Names Inspired by Fearless Fictional Heroines Girl Names That Mean Strong More Girl Names That Mean Strong Close Picking your baby's name is both an honor and a joy. There are so many great choices—and historic names might be a great place to start for your baby girl. Having a strong woman's name can inspire and encourage your child as they grow. To get you going on your name hunt, consider our list of historic and fictional strong female trailblazers. These women are known for their remarkable achievements, whether they be in history, film, royalty, or literature—and picking one of these names may just create a powerful legacy for your baby. Editor's Note Although many baby names are separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best. Parents Historic Names Inspired by Strong Women Naming your baby in honor of one of the world's many strong female historical figures will give them a powerful link to the past—and motivation to reach for the stars. Amelia Origin: Latin Meaning: Industrious Alternative Spellings & Variations: Amalia, Amelie Famous Namesakes: American aviator Amelia Earhart Peak Popularity: Amelia has been in the top 10 most popular baby names for girls in the US since 2016. In 2023, it ranked at No. 4. Fun Fact: Amelia became quite popular in 18th-century Europe when Kings George II and III named their daughters Amelia. Beatrix Origin: LatinMeaning: Voyager, traveler, blessedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Beatrice, BeatrizFamous Namesakes: British author Beatrix Potter, Christian martyr Saint BeatrixPeak Popularity: 2019 Coco Origin: French, Spanish, Italian Meaning: Cocoa, darling Famous Namesakes: Fashion designer Coco Chanel, tennis player Coco Gauff Peak Popularity: Coco has never made the list of the top 1,000 names for girls. Fun Fact: Courteney Cox and David Arquette named their daughter Coco. Ella Origin: English, Germanic Meaning: Other Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aella, Elle Famous Namesakes: American jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, civil rights activist Ella Baker, former Governor of Connecticut Ella T. Grasso Peak Popularity: 2008 Emily Origin: LatinMeaning: IndustriousAlternative Spellings & Variations: Emelie, EmilieFamous Namesakes: American poet Emily Dickinson, English novelist Emily Bronte, English actress Emily BluntPeak Popularity: Emily has been a top name since 1900 when it ranked 105. From 1996 to 2007, it was the No. 1 most popular name for girls in the US. Harriet Origin: German, FrenchMeaning: Home rulerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Harriette, HattieFamous Namesakes: American abolitionist Harriet Tubman, American author Harriet Beecher StowePeak Popularity: 1917 Jane Origin: English, French, Hebrew Meaning: God is gracious Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jayne Famous Namesakes: British author Jane Austen, American actress Jane Fonda, British primatologist Jane Goodall Peak Popularity: 1946 Rosa Origin: Spanish Meaning: Rose Alternative Spellings & Variations: Rose, Rosina Famous Namesakes: American civil right icon Rosa Parks, Polish-German revolutionary Rosa Luxemburg Peak Popularity: 1900 Fun Fact: The name Rosa is one of many floral-inspired names for girls. Others include Lily, Violet, Iris, and Daisy. Ruth Origin: HebrewMeaning: Friend or compassionate friendAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ruthie, RuthiaFamous Namesakes: Associate justice of the Supreme Court Ruth Bader GinsburgPeak Popularity: 1908-1909Fun Fact: The name Ruth had a boost in popularity after the death of Ruth Bader Ginsberg in 2020. Susan Origin: HebrewMeaning: LilyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Suzan, Sue, Susanne, SusannaFamous Namesakes: American suffragist Susan B. Anthony, American writer Susan Sontag, Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan RicePeak Popularity: 1957-1960 More Historic Names Inspired by Strong Women Clara: Born as Clarissa Harlowe Barton, the Civil War nurse and founder of the American Red Cross preferred to be called Clara. (Her nickname means "bright and famous.") Elizabeth: England's legendary Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II were crowned with a strong, biblical name that's perfectly timeless. Elizabeth offers dozens of nickname options, from Eliza to Bess (as Elizabeth I was sometimes known), making it a versatile option. Frida: The artistic contributions of brilliant Mexican artist Frida Kahlo weren't recognized until decades after her death—and the same can be said for her name, a German one that means "peace." Gloria: Feminist and journalist Gloria Steinem has fronted the women's liberation movement since the 1960s, fighting for marriage and pay equality, plus reproductive rights. Her name means "glory." Laura: Memories of Laura Ingalls Wilder's life on the prairie gave readers a vivid description of how our nation grew. Louisa: Her classic novel Little Women still remains popular, and Louisa May Alcott's name, which means "fame," seems to be making a comeback. Margaret: This gem of a name means "pearl," an appropriate choice for Margaret Mead, a brilliant cultural anthropologist. This strong traditional girl name lends itself to tons of nicknames: Meg, Maggie, Margie, and Marge, to name a few. Sandra: The nation's first female Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor has a name truly worthy of her former post: Sandra means "defending men." The name reached its peak around the time O'Connor was born. Zora: Harlem Renaissance author Zora Neale Hurston (her claim to fame is the classic Their Eyes Were Watching God) had a relatively popular name back when she was born. Consider Zora, which means "sunrise," in lieu of the more common Zoe. Strong Girl Names Inspired by Fearless Fictional Heroines Being named after one of these fearless fictional characters may inspire your child, reminding them that they can achieve great things and surmount the impossible. Anne Origin: Latin, Hebrew Meaning: Grace, favor Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ann, Anna, Annie Famous Namesakes: Second wife of King Henry VIII Anne Boleyn, Jewish girl and diarist during WWII Anne Frank Peak Popularity: 1952 Fun Fact: The story of fictional teen Anne Shirley's life on Prince Edward Island has been beloved by generations of young readers—and the name, which means "grace," is equally beloved. Diana Origin: Greek, Latin Meaning: Divine Alternative Spellings & Variations: Diane, Diannah Famous Namesakes: Princess of Wales Diana Spencer, US Senator Dianne Feinstein, American journalist Diane Sawyer Peak Popularity: 1946 Fun Fact: Wonder Woman's alter ego is Diana Prince, who was named after the Roman goddess of the moon. Josephine Origin: French, HebrewMeaning: Jehovah increasesAlternative Spellings & Variations: Josephina, JoFamous Namesakes: American-born French dancer and singer Josephine BakerPeak Popularity: 1916-1917Fun Fact: One of the most famous fictional Josephines is Josephine "Jo" March from Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. Luna Origin: LatinMeaning: MoonAlternative Spellings & Variations: Louna, LunettePeak Popularity: 2023Fun Fact: The quirky cool Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter's band of heroes has single-handedly resulted in a huge rise in this name's popularity. The name means "moon." Matilda Origin: GermanMeaning: Mighty in battleAlternative Spellings & Variations: MathildePeak Popularity: 1900Fun Fact: The telekinetic title character from Roald Dahl's classic Matilda has inspired many modern parents to give their kids this name. It's one of the doubly strong female names—with a cool character and an apropos meaning, "battle mighty." Sarah Origin: HebrewMeaning: Princess, woman of high rankAlternative Spellings & Variations: Sara, Sarrha, ZaraFamous Namesakes: American actress Sarah Jessica Parker, American comedian Sarah SilvermanPeak Popularity: 1993Fun Fact: Sarah is a major figure in the Old Testament of the Bible. She was the wife of Abraham. Scarlett Origin: French, EnglishMeaning: RedAlternative Spellings & Variations: ScarletFamous Namesakes: American actress Scarlett JohanssonPeak Popularity: 2022Fun Fact: The ruthless and vivacious Scarlett O'Hara from Gone With the Wind has inspired plenty of baby names. More Strong Girl Names Inspired by Fearless Fictional Heroines Carol: Captain Marvel's alter ego Carol Danvers wears a name that peaked in popularity during World War II. It's a feminization of Charles, which means "free man."Dorothy: The girl who explored the Yellow Brick Road in Oz, otherwise known as Dorothy Gale, has a name that means "loved by God."Elsa: The ultra-cool heroine of Frozen, Elsa of Arendel inspired plenty of parents when the movie came out. Elsa's another variation on the popular Elizabeth.Hermione: Before J.K. Rowling picked Hermione Granger's name for her legendarily bright witch, it appeared in ancient mythology and in Shakespeare. Hermione is a variation on the Greek god Hermes, and means "messenger."Katniss: The fictional Hunger Games heroine Katniss Everdeen is named for a real-life aquatic plant, making this a rare (but cool) botanical name pick.Leia: The rebellious princess-slash-general Leia Organa from the Star Wars series is solely responsible for the popularity of this name, which has gotten a huge bump in the past decade.Lisa: The brainy Lisa Simpson of The Simpsons has a name that reached its peak in the 1960s and 70s. It's a shortened variation on Elizabeth and shares its meaning, "consecrated by God."Rey: The heroine of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Rey sports a name that has historically been given to boys. It means "king." Girl Names That Mean Strong You can't go wrong with these fierce girl names that literally mean strong. Adira Origin: HebrewMeaning: Mighty, strongAlternative Spellings & Variations: AdaraPeak Popularity: Adira has never been in the top 1,000 most popular names in the US.Fun Fact: Tennis player Serena Williams and husband Alexis Ohanian named their second-born daughter Adira. Audrey Origin: EnglishMeaning: Noble strengthAlternative Spellings & Variations: Audra, DreaFamous Namesakes: American artist Audrey FlackPeak Popularity: 2013 Casey Origin: Irish Meaning: Brave, watchful Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kasey, Kacey, Kacie Famous Namesakes: American actress Casey Wilson, American actor Casey Affleck Peak Popularity: 1986 Fun Fact: Casey is currently more popular for boys but makes a great gender neutral name for girls or boys. Gabriella/Gabrielle Origin: FrenchMeaning: God is my strengthAlternative Spellings & Variations: GabiFamous Namesakes: American gymnast and Olympian Gabrielle Douglas, American actress Gabrielle UnionPeak Popularity: 1999 Gertrude Origin: GermanMeaning: Strength of a spearAlternative Spellings & Variations: Gertie, TrudyFamous Namesakes: American novelist Gertrude SteinPeak Popularity: 1906 Millicent Origin: GermanMeaning: Strong in workAlternative Spellings & Variations: MillieFamous Namesakes: American actress Millicent SimmondsPeak Popularity: 1927 Valerie Origin: FrenchMeaning: Strong, braveAlternative Spellings & Variations: Valarie, Valeria, ValFamous Namesakes: American songwriter Valerie Simpson, American actress Valerie BertinelliPeak Popularity: 1959 Valentina/Valentine Origin: LatinMeaning: Valiant, healthy, strongFamous Namesakes: Italian film actress Valentina CortesePeak Popularity: Valentine reached its peak of popularity as a girl name in 1917. The variation Valentina was the 49th most popular name for girls in 2023, the year of its peak popularity.Fun Fact: The name Valentina is associated with St. Valentine, a Roman priest from the third century. More Girl Names That Mean Strong Andrea: A variation of the popular boy name Andrew, Andrea shares its meaning, "strong and manly." Bernadette: This 1940s favorite is a feminization of Bernard—a German name that gets a little French flair from the -ette ending. It means "brave as a bear." Bridget: This Gaelic name and its numerous sisters—Brigitte, Birgit, and Brighid, to name a few—can mean strength or "praised one." Briella: A feminization of Brian or a shortened version of Gabrielle, this top 350 baby name means "God is my strength." Drew: Another gender-neutral name, Drew's a shortened version of Andrew and also means "strong and manly." Fernanda: A top 500 pick, Fernanda is a Spanish name that means "bold voyager." Keren: A Hebrew name that means "powerful," Keren's a nice variant on the still out-of-vogue Karen. Mildred: You can get to the popular nickname Millie with this vintage English name, which means "gentle strength." More Baby Name Ideas For more baby name inspiration, take a look at the following lists: Top 1,000 Baby Boy Names in the US Top 1,000 Baby Girl Names in the US British Regency Baby Names Inspired by Bridgerton 30 Rare Baby Names Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Popular Baby Names. Social Security Administration. 2024.