Girl Names That Start With D
By Dixie Legare – August 28, 2024
Naming a baby can be an enjoyable and unforgettable step for new parents. For those interested in modern, beautiful, or unique baby girl names starting with the letter D, there are many striking options available.
Whether you’re inspired by family traditions, the melody of the names, or simply in need of fresh ideas, there are plenty of wonderful choices for baby girls.
Popular and Modern Baby Girl Names Starting With D
Delilah
Delilah, meaning “delicate,” was the top baby girl name starting with D in the United States in 2020. It can be shortened to the lovely nickname, Lila. In the Bible, Delilah was Samson’s lover and the name is now associated with women’s strength.
Daisy
Daisy is a name inspired by the flower. It also means “day eye” in Old English. The name became popular as a given name in the nineteenth century and continues to be trendy.
Daniela
Daniela is the feminine form of Daniel, a Hebrew name that means “God is my judge.” It has gained popularity as a modern and elegant choice for baby girls.
Diana
The name Diana is connected to the word dyeus, the Greek term for Zeus, the top god. Diana was the Roman goddess of the moon, forests, hunting, and childbirth. The singer Diana Ross is a well-known person with this name.
Dakota
Dakota is a unisex name that comes from the Native American people of the northern Mississippi Valley, which includes present-day North and South Dakota. In the Dakota language, the name means “allies, friends.”
Delaney
Originally Irish and English surnames, Delaney became a modern baby girl’s name in the United States in the 1990s. In English, it means “from the alder grove,” and in Irish, it means “dark, black” and “defiance.”
Demi
Demi is derived from the ancient Greek name Dimi, short for Dimitra, which is connected to the goddess Demeter. Essentially, Demi symbolizes Mother Earth, as de means “earth” and meter means “mother.” The actress Demi Moore is a notable person with this name.
Destiny
Destiny carries a straightforward meaning of “destiny, fate,” originating from the Latin word destinare, which means “to determine.” It started being used as a given name in the United States in the 1970s and has remained popular.
Dahlia
Dahlia gets its name from the dahlia flower, which was named after the Swedish botanist Anders Dahl. This name for baby girls first appeared in the United States in 2006 and has since gained popularity.
Daleyza
Daleyza is the Spanish term for dahlia, reflecting the national flower of Mexico. This name is well-liked for those with Mexican roots and adds a unique twist to the traditional name Dahlia.
The Baby Name Generator can help you filter and sort through numerous options to find the ideal name for your little one. The tool can be categorized by gender and theme to make your search easier and more comprehensive.
Unique Baby Girl Names Starting With D
Daffodil
Daffodil is not just a beautiful yellow springtime flower. The name has Dutch origins, with “De affodil” meaning “the asphodel,” a type of lily flower.
Dale
Dale is a name that’s been used for girls since the nineteenth century. Originally, it was a place name referring to someone who lived near a valley or dale.
Daley
Daley is quite rare for baby girls. It comes from an Irish surname meaning “descendant of Dálach.” In Gaelic, Dálach means “assembly.”
Dallas
Dallas might remind you of the city in Texas, but it’s historically unique. In Old English, it means “valley house,” and in Scottish Gaelic, it means “meadow dwelling.”
Danette
Danette is a feminine diminutive of the name Daniel, which means “God is my judge.”
Danita
Danita shares the same meaning as Danette, also being a feminine diminutive of Daniel. It offers an alternative to the more popular name Daniela.
Darcy
Darcy is familiar from the character Fitzwilliam Darcy in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. However, it is more commonly used as a female name today.
Dawn
Dawn was once a popular name in the U.S., particularly before the 1990s. The name simply means “dawn.”
Deirdre
Deirdre comes from Irish folklore and gained popularity through William Butler Yeats’ publication, Deirdre, in the early twentieth century.
Delia
Delia has two possible origins. It can mean “of Delos,” referring to the Greek island, or be a short form of Adelia and Bedelia. Adelia means “noble,” and Bedelia is a form of Bridget, meaning “exalted one.”
Delice
Delice is one of the rarest female names starting with D. Derived from the Latin word deliciae, it means “delight, pleasure.”
Delphia
Delphia references the ancient city of Delphi in Greece, known for the famous oracle of Apollo.
Delta
Delta is a letter in the Greek alphabet and also refers to land formed at the mouth of a river.
Dinah
Dinah is a Hebrew name meaning “judged.” In the Old Testament, Dinah was the daughter of Jacob and Leah.
Dionne
Dionne is the feminine form of Dion, which is short for Dionysius, another name for Zeus. Zeus was the highest Greek god, and the name means “sky” or “shine.”
Devin
Devin is more commonly used for boys, making it unique for girls. It means “divine” in English and “fawn” or “dark, black” in Irish.
Diamond
Diamond, named after the precious stone and April’s birthstone, comes from a Greek word meaning “invincible” or “untamed.”
Diantha
Diantha is a floral name derived from dianthus, referring to a type of flower. In Greek, it means “heavenly flower.”
Docia
Docia is a diminutive of Theodosia, the feminine form of Theodosius, which means “giving to God.”
Doretta
Doretta is the Italian version of Dora, which can be short for Dorothy, Theodora, or Isidora. These names mean “gift of God” in Greek.
Doria
Doria, the feminine form of Dorian, gained attention from the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Dorian is believed to be derived from the ancient Greek tribe, the Dorians.
Dorrit
Dorrit is the Danish version of Dorothy, which means “gift of God.” It is a diminutive form like Doretta.
Dosia
Dosia can be a diminutive of either Teodozja (Theodosia) or Dorota (Dorothea) in Polish, both meaning “gift of God.”
Dreda
Dreda is a rare and unique name, short for Etheldreda, a Middle English version of the medieval name Æðelþryð. This name combines meanings of “noble” and “strength.”
Dua
Dua, meaning “prayer” in Arabic, became a given name around 2018, perhaps due to the pop singer Dua Lipa’s popularity.
Duana
Duana is the feminine form of Duane, originating from a Gaelic surname meaning “dark, black.”
Dusty
Dusty comes from the name Dustin. It has Old Norse origins and means “Thor’s stone.” It was used as a female name, especially in the 1970s.
Classic Baby Girl Names Starting With D
Darby
Darby, originating from the town of Derby, translates to “deer town” from Old Norse.
Darla
A shorter and unique version of Darlene, Darla offers a classic, old-fashioned feel.
Darlene
Combining “darling” with the common suffix -lene, Darlene carries a sweet mid-twentieth-century charm.
Daryl
Once popular in the 1950s as a girl’s name, Daryl comes from Darrell, meaning someone from Airelle, France.
Deanna
Deanna has dual origins: as a variant of Diana, the Roman goddess, or as the feminine form of Dean, which implies “valley” or an association with Denmark, or as an occupational name for a dean.
Deborah
Deborah, an ancient Hebrew name meaning “bee,” is also a biblical heroine from the Book of Judges.
Della
Della, a diminutive of Adela or Adelaide, means “noble.” Both names have historical significance tied to European royalty.
Delma
Delma, an Irish name rooted in Fidelma, means “beauty” or “ever good.” It is tied to Saint Feidelm from the early Christian era.
Denise
Denise, the feminine form of Denis, can be traced back to the Greek word Dios, meaning “god” with connections to Zeus, thus implying “sky” or “shine.”
Dolores
Dolores, popular in the 1920s and 1930s, is derived from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, María de los Dolores, meaning “Mary of Sorrows.”
Donna
Donna has dual meanings: the Italian word for “lady” or the feminine form of Donald, which means “ruler of the world.”
Dorcas
Dorcas, a biblical name from Greek, means “gazelle.” It is also the Greek translation for Tabitha, sharing the same meaning.
Doreen
Doreen, likely created by author Edna Lyall, combines the name Dora with the suffix -een, possibly meaning “gift of God.” It offers fun nicknames like Dottie, Dolly, Dee, and Dory.
Doris
Doris refers to a woman from the Dorian Greek tribe and also a sea nymph in Greek mythology. It was famously borne by Doris Day.
Dorothea
Dorothea means “gift of God” and has significant history tied to two saints: a fourth-century martyr and the fourteenth-century patron saint of Prussia.
Duda
Duda, a diminutive of the Portuguese Eduarda (feminine form of Edward), means “rich guard.”
Dulcie
Dulcie, from the Latin dulcis, means “sweet,” perfectly suited for a gentle and kind girl.
Dylan
Dylan, meaning “great tide” in Welsh, has recent popularity as a girl’s name.
Cute and Pretty Baby Girl Names Starting With D
Dalila
Dalila is a charming variant of the name Delilah. This unique spelling is popular in French, Italian, Spanish, and Slavic cultures.
Danae
This name comes from Greek mythology and refers to King Acrisius’ daughter. It’s a name with historical and literary significance.
Danica
Though often pronounced as DAN-ee-kah in English-speaking countries, Danica actually means “morning star” in Slavic languages. It is traditionally pronounced DAH-neet-sa.
Danielle
Danielle is a feminine form of Daniel, meaning “God is my judge.” It’s a beautifully flowing name with a spiritual meaning.
Daphne
Daphne means “laurel” and comes from Greek mythology. According to the myth, Daphne was a forest nymph who turned into a laurel tree.
Daria
Daria means “possessing goodness” and is popular in many European countries. It has alternative spellings like Darja and Darya.
Davina
Originating from Scotland, Davina means “beloved” and is the feminine form of David. It’s a sweet and unique name with a warm meaning.
Dayana
Often spelled with one or two Ns (Dayana or Dayanna), this name is a variant of Diana, which means “sky” or “shine”. It’s popular in Latin America.
Dayanara
Dayanara is an elaborate form of Dayana. It’s a name used in Latin America and made famous by Dayanara Torres, a former Miss Universe.
Debi
Debi, a diminutive of Deborah, means “bee”. It has a sweet, melodic sound and can also be spelled Debby.
Delight
An uncommon and cheerful name, Delight is perfect for a daughter who brings joy to her family every day.
Delphine
Delphine is a French name that refers to the ancient Greek city of Delphi. The Greek word ‘delphys’ means “womb.”
Derby
Derby is a cute variant of Darby. It means “deer town” in Old Norse, bringing a touch of nature to this name.
Desirae
Desirae is an alternative spelling of Desiree, derived from the French word for “desired” or “wished.” It comes from the Latin word ‘desideratum’.
Devi
In Sanskrit, Devi means “goddess.” As the Hindu mother goddess, Devi can take the form of other goddesses. For a cute diminutive, consider Devika.
Dior
Dior means “golden” in French. It’s also linked to the famous French fashion brand by Christian Dior.
Dodie
Dodie is a diminutive of Dorothy and Dorothea, meaning “gift of God.” It’s a name with a sweet, loving connotation.
Dolly
Dolly can be a nickname for both Dorothea, which means “gift of God,” and Dolores, the Spanish title for the Virgin Mary meaning “Mary of Sorrows.”
Dorla
Dorla is an endearing blend of Dora and Darla. Dora means “gift of God,” while Darla means “darling.”
Dova
Dova is the feminine version of the Hebrew boys’ name Dov, meaning “bear.” It’s a simple yet strong name.
Dove
Dove is a rare and pretty name that refers to the white bird known internationally as a symbol of peace.
Drea
Drea, pronounced DRAY-ah, is short for Andrea, which means “man.” It’s a pretty and easy-to-pronounce name.
Drew
Drew is a unisex name, short for Andrew, also meaning “man.” It’s widely recognized and famously borne by actress Drew Barrymore.
Drina
A rare and pretty name, Drina is a diminutive of Alexandrina and Adriana. Alexandrina means “to defend man” and Adriana means “from Hadria.”
Dulcibella
Dulcibella combines ‘dulcie’ (“sweet”) and ‘bella’ (“beautiful”), offering an old-fashioned yet charming option for a baby girl name.
Dulcinea
Dulcinea is derived from ‘dulcie’, meaning “sweet”. It’s famously known as the name of Don Quixote’s love interest in Miguel de Cervantes’ novel.
Short Baby Girl Names That Start With D
Dana
Dana is a versatile name with multiple origins. It can mean “God is my judge” from its connection to Daniel, or “he judged” from the name Dan. It can also describe someone from Denmark, mean “wise” in Persian, or be a short form of names like Bogdana or Gordana.
Dani
Dani is a cute and simple choice for those who prefer a shorter version of Danielle or Daniela, both of which are forms of the name Daniel, meaning “God is my judge.”
Dara
Dara has several meanings across different cultures. In Irish Gaelic, it translates to “son of oak,” in Sanskrit, it means “star,” and in Persian, it signifies “wealthy.”
Deb
Deb is a short form of Deborah, a biblical name that means “bee.” It also extends to other cute variations like Debi.
Dee
Dee is linked to the River Dee in Scotland but also serves as a nickname for other girls’ names starting with D.
Dell
Dell is a unisex name that was more popular in the nineteenth century. It originates from a surname describing someone living in a dell or valley.
Dena
Dena, pronounced DEE-na, is a short form of Deanna. This connects to Diana, which ties back to Zeus, the highest Greek god, whose name means “sky” or “shine.”
Detta
Detta is a sweet nickname for names ending in -detta, such as Benedetta (meaning “blessed”), Odetta (“fortune”), and Bernardetta (“brave”).
Di
Di is a variant of Diana. Most famously, it is associated with Princess Di, also known as Diana, Princess of Wales. Diana derives from the Greek word linked to Zeus, meaning “sky” or “shine.”
Dia
Dia is a name rich in history. In Greek mythology, it means “heavenly” or “divine.” Meanwhile, in Spanish, Día translates to “day.” As a variant of Dea, it also signifies “goddess.”
Didi
Pronounced dee-dee, Didi is a diminutive of the German name Dieter, which means “warrior of the people.”
Doe
In English, a female deer is called a doe. The name can also be a diminutive of Dorothea, which means “gift of God.”
Doll
Similar to Dolly, Doll is a diminutive of Dorothea, meaning “gift of God.” However, the German surname Doll means “strong.”
Dona
Dona is a variant of Donna. It is the Italian word for “lady” or the feminine form of Donald, which means “ruler of the world.”
Dora
Dora is found all over Europe. It originates from names like Dorothy, Theodora, or Isidora, all of which mean “gift of God.”
Dory
Fans of Finding Nemo may recognize Dory. The name is short for either Dorothy, meaning “gift of God,” or Doris, meaning “Dorian woman.”
Dot
Dot is another diminutive of Dorothea, meaning “gift of God.” Many names starting with D are linked to Dorothy.
Dru
Dru can be a variant spelling of Drew, which relates to Andrew, meaning “man.” It also serves as a short form of the biblical name Drusilla, which means “strong.”
Duna
Duna, pronounced DOO-nah, is the Hungarian word for the Danube River, which flows from Germany to the Black Sea.
International Baby Girl Names That Start With D
Da
Da is a traditional Chinese name that holds various meanings based on its spelling. If spelled dá, it signifies “achieve” or “intelligent.” When spelled dà, it means “big,” “vast,” or “high.”
Dagmar
Dagmar is an Old Norse name favored in Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands. It combines dagr (day) and mær (maid). A notable bearer was the Bohemian wife of Danish king Valdemar II.
Dagny
This Nordic name, pronounced DAWNG-nuy, means “new day.” It has strong ties to Scandinavian cultures.
Dalma
Originating from Hungary, Dalma was created by the poet Mihály Vörösmarty. The name was later used by other writers in their works.
Danai
In the Shona language of southern Africa, Danai means “call” or “summon.” It carries a cultural significance in regions where Shona is spoken.
Dar
Dar is a Hebrew name meaning “mother of pearl” or “nacre.” This name evokes the beauty and elegance of the material found inside shells.
Delara
Combining Persian words del (heart) and ara (adorning), Delara translates to “adorning the heart,” making it a heartfelt name choice.
Dervla
Dervla is the anglicized version of the Irish names Dearbháil and Deirbhile, meaning “daughter of a poet.” This name reflects a rich Irish heritage.
Desta
In Amharic, a language of eastern Africa, Desta means “joy.” It’s a name that signifies happiness and positivity.
Dietlinde
Dietlinde originates from the Germanic name Theudelinda. Pronounced deet-LIN-da, it means “tender people,” encapsulating gentleness and community.
Dilys
Dilys, a simple Welsh name, means “genuine.” Pronounced DEE-lees, it is a sweet and sincere choice for a baby girl.
Dina
In Arabic, Dina means “religion.” It also serves as an Italian nickname for names ending in -dina, such as Ondina or Bernardina.
Dipa
Dipa, pronounced dee-PA, means “light” in Sanskrit. This name is perfect for a child who brings light into your life.
Dita
Dita is a short form of the name Judith (Judita in Slavic languages). Pronounced DEET-ah, it is a lovely international option.
Diyar
In Kurdish, Diyar means “visible” or “clear.” This unisex name reflects clarity and visibility.
Doina
Doina is a Romanian name meaning “folk song.” Pronounced DOY-nah, it evokes cultural richness and musical heritage.
Dorji
Dorji, pronounced like the name Dory, means “diamond” in Tibetan. It’s a name that signifies strength and preciousness.
Dulce
Dulce is the Spanish word for “sweet” and “candy.” It’s a charming name that reflects sweetness in both language and sentiment.
Durga
Durga means “unattainable” and is related to the Hindu warrior goddess. Pronounced DOOR-gah, this Sanskrit name is strong and empowering.
Duri
Though pronounced TOO-ree, Duri is a Korean name meaning “two.”
It’s unique and carries a sense of duality and balance.