Girl names that start with G are led by red-hot Italian name Gianna, which has shot up in popularity in recent years to place her as high as number 13 in the rankings. Other popular G names in the Top 100 include Grace, Genesis, and Gabriella. However, there are many undiscovered and underappreciated gems that we would love to see in more preschool classes.

　　

Gaia

Meaning ‘Earth mother,’ representing the mythological Greek earth goddess, this short but substantial name it was used by actress Emma Thompson, who stated that she was attracted by its ecological element, a possible consideration for any conservationist or green-conscious parents. Gaia is a sweet sounding name, much more unusual than cousins Maia or Kaia, a perfect name to commemorate the upcoming Earth Day.

　　

Galilea

This soft Italian girls name stems from the biblically significant region in Northern Israel, Galilee. Galilea is also unmistakenly connected to the name of the renowned astronomer Galileo Galilei, giving Galilea an intellectual feel that may be appealing to a science-loving parent. She also has a wide variety of nickname options, some of our favorites including Gala, Lily, and Lea.

　　

Garnet

A gem name beyond Ruby, Jade, and Amber, Garnet is ready for her revival. Garnet is a deep red stone that is the birthstone of the month of January, making her perfect for a new years baby. The name Garnet is of French origin, meaning "pomegranate", and was used in the US up until the 1940s.

　　

Gemma

Emma has been enjoying her revival over the past few decades, and Jenna's flame has been dying out since the early 2000s. However, Gemma is just beginning. Entering the Top 200 for the first time in 2021, Gemma has been on the upswing since the early 2010s. Gemma was very popular in 1980s England, but this gem of a name never made its way to the states until now.

　　

Genevieve

The sleek and sophisticated Genevieve is one of the hottest French girl names. With Jennifer sitting on the back burner, cousin Genevieve has stepped in. Genevieve re-entered the Top 200 in 2015 after 80 years of haven fallen out of favor. Pronounced either the English "JEN-uh-veev" or the French "zhahn-vee-EV", Genevieve has a variety of cute nicknames including Ginny, Evie, and Vivi.

　　

Top G Names for Girls in the US

Heart1GiannaChevron - RightHeart2GraceChevron - RightHeart3GenesisChevron - RightHeart4GabriellaChevron - RightHeart5GenevieveChevron - RightHeart6GeorgiaChevron - RightHeart7GemmaChevron - RightHeart8GracieChevron - RightHeart9GiaChevron - RightHeart10GracelynnChevron - Right

　　

Georgina

This sweet vintage feminization of the classic George feels more distinctive than the popular Georgia. Georgina, as well as her equally alluring sister name Georgiana, both lead to the adorable and on-trend boyish nickname Georgie — although we love Georgie just as much on her own.

　　

Gia

With Gianna being the hottest G name for girls today, and with short names like Mia trending, Gia might be the newest hit. Gia is a diminutive of Giovanna, the Italian feminine variation of John meaning "gracious gift". Another more offbeat alternative to Gianna is the gorgeous Italian Giada, meaning gem.

　　

Ginevra

This Italian variation of Jennifer may be familiar to some as the full name of Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter series. The evocative meaning "white shadow" or "white wave" add to Ginevra's appeal, as do the nickname possibilities. Place-name Geneva is another great option.

　　

Girasol

Girasol is one of the most beautiful undiscovered Spanish names with an equally beautiful meaning: Sunflower. As sun-related names — such as Soleil, Sol, and Sunny — heat up, we may see more of Girasol.

　　

Gita

Gita is a Sanskrit name meaning "song" that is very popular in India. Gita is also a traditional diminutive name in Latvia of names such as Margita or Birgita, and stood alone as a name in Latvia from the 1960s to 1970s. Today Gita could be a simple yet unique cross-cultural choice.

　　

Unique Girl Names That Start With G

HeartGalateaChevron - RightHeartGalaxyChevron - RightHeartGenevaChevron - RightHeartGeorgianaChevron - RightHeartGertrudeChevron - RightHeartGiadaChevron - RightHeartGretelChevron - RightHeartGreyChevron - RightHeartGuadalupeChevron - RightHeartGwendolynChevron - RightSee all girl names that start with GChevron - Right

　　

Glory

Gloria may have fallen out of favor after the 1950s, Glory feels much more current. An undiscovered virtue name with a glowing sound, Glory would be perfect as a meaningful middle or an unexpected first name. Glo could be a cute retro nickname.

　　

Goldie

With Marigold being an up-and-coming nature name we could foresee a rise in one of the derivative nicknames Goldie. Goldie is sweet as can be, bringing to mind the golden-haired, porridge-loving fairy tale heroine. The alternatives of Golda or Goldia are possibilities for parents looking for a variation that feels more complete. At the turn of the last century, Goldie ranked as high as 114, but currently sits at 883 — not too high, not too low. Just right.

　　

Greer

A strong Scottish surname name with ties to Golden Age Hollywood via actress Greer Garson. Greer would also make an interesting and distinctive middle name option, making more of a statement than more gentle and softspoken one-syllable favorites like Grace and Rose. Brooke Shields used the equally attractive Grier spelling for her daughter.

　　

Greta

This German diminutive of Margaret has a glamorous, Old Hollywood feel due to actress Greta Garbo. Greta is currently popular in Italy, Germany, and Hungary, but is due for a revival in the US. Sister name Gretel is more strongly tied to the fairy tale character, but would make a cute choice as well.

　　

Guinevere

One of the best known medieval classics, the evocative Guinevere was worn by the beautiful Queen of Camelot and would make a very romantic choice. Guinevere is a Welsh name with the beautiful meaning of "white shadow" or "white wave". While long overshadowed by her Cornish cousin Jennifer, Guinevere is ready for her time to shine. Nicknames can include the sleek Guin or Gwyn, vintage Vera, or sweet Winnie.

　　

Search Girl Names By Letter

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZFind all our search by letter tools on the Baby Names A-Z page.

　　

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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