Ethereal girl names capture an essence that’s dreamy, delicate, and a little mysterious. They’re the names that make you think of moonlight dancing on water or the soft glow of fairy lights in a garden at dusk.
Parents often gravitate toward ethereal names because they want something unique that stands out from more traditional options. These names carry a certain mystical quality that feels special—like your little one is destined for something extraordinary.
In this article, I’ll walk you through various categories of ethereal names, from those with truly magical meanings to options inspired by nature, mythology, and modern trends. Whether you’re drawn to names that are soft and dreamy or darkly enchanting, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your little girl.
Curious about names that capture other special qualities? You might also enjoy exploring names that mean blessing for your precious little one.
Beautiful Ethereal Girl Names
These names have an undeniable beauty that feels almost supernatural:
- Seraphina – A name with angelic origins meaning “burning ones”
- Aurelia – Meaning “golden,” this name shimmers with light
- Celestia – Directly referring to the heavens
- Evangeline – Meaning “bearer of good news” with a melodic quality
- Elowen – A Cornish name meaning “elm tree”
- Isolde – A name from Celtic legend with a romantic history
- Ophelia – A Shakespearean name meaning “help” with a tragic beauty
- Calliope – The muse of epic poetry with a musical sound
- Amaryllis – A flower name with an exotic, ethereal quality
- Serenity – The embodiment of peace and tranquility
- Titania – The queen of the fairies in Shakespeare’s works
- Lysandra – Feminine form of Lysander, meaning “liberator”
- Octavia – Meaning “eighth,” with a classical, elegant sound
- Persephone – The goddess of spring and queen of the underworld
- Thalia – One of the three Graces, meaning “to flourish”
- Cordelia – Meaning “heart” or “daughter of the sea”
- Jessamine – A flower name meaning “jasmine”
- Rosalind – Meaning “gentle horse” with Shakespearean roots
- Lorelei – A siren of German folklore who lured sailors
- Andromeda – A celestial name from Greek mythology
If you’re drawn to these beautiful names, you might also appreciate names that mean light, which share that luminous quality.
Unique Ethereal Girl Names
For parents seeking something truly one-of-a-kind:
- Eirwen – Welsh name meaning “white as snow”
- Nyx – The Greek goddess of night
- Zephyrine – Feminine form of Zephyr, meaning “west wind”
- Illyria – A magical land in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”
- Vesper – Meaning “evening star”
- Faeryn – A modern variation suggesting fairy-like qualities
- Ondine – A water nymph from European mythology
- Melusine – A spirit of fresh water from European folklore
- Zenovia – Meaning “life of Zeus”
- Elestren – A Cornish name meaning “iris flower”
- Sorenna – A rare name with a soft, mystical sound
- Keiren – A Celtic name meaning “little dark one”
- Thessaly – An ancient region of Greece associated with magic
- Lilith – A figure from Jewish folklore
- Ianthe – Meaning “violet flower”
- Nimue – The Lady of the Lake in Arthurian legend
- Leocadia – Meaning “bright” or “clear”
- Sidonia – Meaning “from Sidon”
- Eirian – Welsh for “bright, beautiful”
- Yvaine – A star who falls to earth in the novel “Stardust”
For names with similar mysterious qualities, check out names that mean mystery.
Soft Dreamy Girl Names
These names have a gentle, lullaby-like quality:
- Lilia – A variation of Lily with a soft sound
- Maeve – Irish name meaning “intoxicating”
- Elodie – Meaning “foreign riches” with a melodic flow
- Aria – A musical term for a solo melody
- Faye – Meaning “fairy” with a simple beauty
- Amelie – French form of Amelia, meaning “work”
- Naia – Meaning “water nymph”
- Elara – One of Jupiter’s moons with a gentle sound
- Wren – A small, melodious bird
- Linnea – A delicate flower named after Carl Linnaeus
- Ailith – Old English for “old light”
- Selene – The Greek goddess of the moon
- Emmeline – Meaning “peaceful home”
- Rosalie – Meaning “rose”
- Elise – A short form of Elizabeth with a soft sound
- Anais – A name associated with softness and grace
- Celia – Meaning “heavenly”
- Seren – Welsh for “star”
- Thea – Meaning “goddess” or “godly”
- Isla – Meaning “island”
If you love these soft-sounding names, you might also enjoy names that mean dream for additional inspiration.
Ethereal Girl Names with Enchanting Meanings
Names whose definitions match their magical sound:
- Alina – Meaning “bright, beautiful”
- Celeste – Meaning “heavenly”
- Fable – Suggesting a magical story
- Gwyneth – Welsh name meaning “blessed, happy”
- Aisling – Irish name meaning “dream” or “vision”
- Lumen – Meaning “light”
- Estelle – Meaning “star”
- Reverie – Meaning “daydream”
- Soleil – French for “sun”
- Mirabel – Meaning “wonderful”
- Kalina – Meaning “flower”
- Lumina – Meaning “light”
- Eirlys – Welsh for “snowdrop”
- Vivienne – Meaning “alive”
- Elara – Name of a mythological figure and moon of Jupiter
- Amara – Meaning “eternal” or “unfading”
- Ariadne – Meaning “most holy”
- Liora – Meaning “light”
- Sonnet – A poetic form suggesting artistry
- Elva – Meaning “elf” or “magical being”
For more names with beautiful meanings, you might explore names that mean miracle.
Most Beautiful Ethereal Girl Names with Meanings
These names are both gorgeous to say and have lovely meanings:
- Aurora – The Roman goddess of dawn
- Seraphina – Derived from the word “seraphim,” a type of angel
- Luna – Meaning “moon”
- Aerith – A variation suggesting air or sky
- Celine – Meaning “heavenly”
- Galadriel – A character from Tolkien meaning “maiden crowned with a radiant garland”
- Lyra – A constellation named after a musical instrument
- Evanthe – Meaning “fair flower”
- Isabeau – A variation of Elizabeth with a French flair
- Nephele – A cloud nymph from Greek mythology
- Bellatrix – Meaning “female warrior” and the name of a star
- Valencia – Meaning “strength, valor”
- Guinevere – Meaning “fair and smooth”
- Amarantha – Meaning “unfading flower”
- Calanthe – A type of orchid
- Eulalia – Meaning “well-spoken”
- Philomela – Meaning “lover of song”
- Jessalyn – Meaning “wealthy”
- Melisande – Meaning “strong in work”
- Cerridwen – A figure in Welsh mythology associated with poetic inspiration
If you’re drawn to names related to light and beauty, you might also consider names that mean sun for your celestial baby girl.
Ethereal Girl Names Inspired by Nature with Meanings
Nature often provides the most ethereal inspiration:
- Willow – A graceful tree that moves with the wind
- Iris – A flower and the goddess of the rainbow
- Luna – The moon
- Aurora – The dawn
- Ivy – An evergreen climbing plant
- Sage – An aromatic herb
- Aspen – A type of tree with leaves that quiver in the breeze
- Fauna – The goddess of animals
- Flora – The goddess of flowers
- Dahlia – A type of flower
- Briar – A thorny plant
- Laurel – A type of tree associated with victory
- Magnolia – A beautiful flowering tree
- Azure – The color of the sky
- Coral – A sea formation with vibrant colors
- Hazel – A tree and eye color
- Lavender – A fragrant purple flower
- Marigold – A vibrant orange flower
- Meadow – An open field of grass and wildflowers
- Wisteria – A climbing plant with beautiful purple flowers
Nature lovers might also enjoy exploring names that mean butterfly for additional ethereal inspiration.
Angelic and Ethereal Girl Names with Meanings
Names with connections to heavenly beings:
- Angela – Literally meaning “angel”
- Angelica – “Angelic”
- Seraphina – From “seraphim,” the highest order of angels
- Cherubina – From “cherubim,” the second order of angels
- Celeste – “Heavenly”
- Evangeline – “Bearer of good news”
- Zion – A heavenly place
- Ariel – “Lion of God,” an angel’s name
- Eden – The paradise garden
- Gabriella – Feminine form of Gabriel, “God is my strength”
- Raphaela – Feminine form of Raphael, “God has healed”
- Michaela – Feminine form of Michael, “Who is like God?”
- Trinity – Referring to the Holy Trinity
- Angelina – “Little angel”
- Uriel – “God is my light”
- Eloa – A feminine angel from poetry
- Gloria – “Glory”
- Beatrice – “Bringer of joy,” associated with paradise in Dante’s works
- Jophiel – “Beauty of God”
- Sandalphon – An archangel associated with music and prayer
For more divine inspiration, you might explore names that mean savior.
Dark Ethereal Names for Female
For those drawn to the mysterious and shadowy side:
- Lilith – A figure from Jewish folklore
- Morrigan – The phantom queen from Celtic mythology
- Nyx – The Greek goddess of night
- Vesper – Evening
- Raven – A black bird associated with mystery
- Nephthys – An Egyptian goddess associated with death
- Shadow – A unique name referring to darkness
- Ebony – A dark black wood
- Lyra – A constellation visible in dark skies
- Evanora – A name with a dark, mysterious sound
- Bellatrix – A star in the constellation Orion
- Morgana – A sorceress from Arthurian legend
- Pandora – The first woman in Greek mythology who opened the forbidden box
- Hecate – Greek goddess of witchcraft and the crossroads
- Onyx – A black gemstone
- Selene – The goddess of the moon, often associated with its dark phases
- Artemis – Goddess of the hunt and the moon
- Zillah – Meaning “shadow”
- Lila – Meaning “night” in Arabic
- Azura – The blue of the night sky
If these names speak to you, you might also be interested in names that mean night for more nocturnal inspiration.
Ethereal Fantasy Names for Girl
Perfect for fans of fantasy literature and worlds:
- Arwen – From “The Lord of the Rings”
- Galadriel – From “The Lord of the Rings”
- Lyra – From “His Dark Materials”
- Eowyn – From “The Lord of the Rings”
- Daenerys – From “Game of Thrones”
- Eilonwy – From “The Chronicles of Prydain”
- Hermione – From “Harry Potter”
- Tauriel – From “The Hobbit” films
- Saoirse – Irish name meaning “freedom,” with a fantasy feel
- Elora – From “Willow”
- Kahlan – From “The Sword of Truth” series
- Cersei – From “Game of Thrones”
- Katniss – From “The Hunger Games”
- Aelin – From “Throne of Glass” series
- Luthien – From Tolkien’s mythology
- Yennefer – From “The Witcher”
- Sabriel – From the book of the same name by Garth Nix
- Feyre – From “A Court of Thorns and Roses”
- Xanthe – Meaning “golden” or “yellow” with a fantasy sound
- Cirilla – From “The Witcher”
Fantasy fans might also enjoy names that mean dragon for other magical inspirations.
Ethereal Girl Names and Meanings
More beautiful options with their meanings:
- Isolde – “Ice ruler” from Celtic legend
- Elara – One of Jupiter’s moons
- Cassiopeia – A queen in Greek mythology and a constellation
- Rhiannon – A figure in Welsh mythology associated with horses
- Titania – Queen of the fairies in Shakespeare
- Cordelia – “Heart” or “daughter of the sea”
- Lorelei – A siren from German folklore
- Freya – Norse goddess of love and beauty
- Guinevere – “White shadow” or “white wave”
- Odette – “Wealthy” from “Swan Lake”
- Vega – A bright star
- Daphne – A nymph in Greek mythology who transformed into a laurel tree
- Elowen – “Elm tree” in Cornish
- Octavia – “Eighth”
- Astraea – “Star maiden” in Greek mythology
- Valentina – “Strong, healthy”
- Cassia – “Cinnamon”
- Endellion – Cornish name meaning “fire soul”
- Jessamine – “Jasmine flower”
- Peridot – A gemstone
Those who appreciate these meanings might also be interested in names that mean destiny.
Soft Ethereal Names for Girls
Names with a particularly gentle, floaty quality:
- Aria – A solo melody
- Luna – The moon
- Everly – “From the boar meadow”
- Elara – One of Jupiter’s moons
- Isla – “Island”
- Maeve – “Intoxicating”
- Faye – “Fairy”
- Elodie – “Foreign riches”
- Clara – “Bright, clear”
- Elia – “The Lord is my God”
- Melody – A musical term
- Nova – “New” or a star that suddenly increases in brightness
- Amara – “Eternal”
- Elena – “Bright, shining light”
- Lila – “Night” or “play”
- Naomi – “Pleasantness”
- Olivia – “Olive tree”
- Sophia – “Wisdom”
- Esme – “Beloved”
- Elise – A form of Elizabeth meaning “pledged to God”
For more gentle name options, you might explore names that mean calm.
Girl Names That Mean Ethereal
Names that directly translate to ethereal qualities:
- Aisling – Irish for “dream” or “vision”
- Aria – An expressive melody
- Celeste – “Heavenly”
- Luna – “Moon”
- Aurora – “Dawn”
- Faye – “Fairy”
- Breeze – Suggesting lightness and air
- Nebula – A cloud of gas in space
- Dream – Literally meaning a vision during sleep
- Echo – A sound that reverberates
- Mist – A light fog
- Whisper – A soft, gentle sound
- Ethereal – As a name itself
- Haze – A light vapor or mist
- Cloud – A visible mass of water droplets in the atmosphere
- Galaxy – A system of stars
- Serenity – “Peaceful state”
- Melody – A sequence of musical notes
- Aura – An energy field
- Zephyr – “West wind”
If you’re interested in these conceptual names, you might also like names that mean air.
Ethereal Goddess Names with Meanings
Divine feminine names from various mythologies:
- Athena – Greek goddess of wisdom
- Freya – Norse goddess of love and beauty
- Hestia – Greek goddess of the hearth
- Iris – Greek goddess of the rainbow
- Diana – Roman goddess of the moon and hunt
- Gaia – Greek goddess of the earth
- Selene – Greek goddess of the moon
- Persephone – Greek goddess of spring and queen of the underworld
- Artemis – Greek goddess of the hunt
- Inanna – Sumerian goddess of love and war
- Lakshmi – Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity
- Parvati – Hindu goddess of love and devotion
- Aphrodite – Greek goddess of love and beauty
- Brigid – Celtic goddess of poetry, healing, and smithcraft
- Isis – Egyptian goddess of magic and wisdom
- Demeter – Greek goddess of the harvest
- Ostara – Germanic goddess of spring
- Morrigan – Celtic goddess of fate and death
- Kali – Hindu goddess of time and change
- Hecate – Greek goddess of witchcraft and crossroads
For more goddess-inspired names, check out names that mean harmony.
More Ethereal Baby Name Inspiration for Girls
Additional options to consider:
- Annika – “Grace”
- Briar – A thorny plant
- Calypso – A nymph from Greek mythology
- Delphine – “Dolphin”
- Eloise – “Healthy” or “wide”
- Fern – A type of plant
- Guinevere – “White wave”
- Harlow – “Army hill”
- Isolde – “Ice ruler”
- Juniper – A type of tree
- Kira – “Sun” or “throne”
- Lavinia – Latin name with ancient roots
- Marlowe – “Driftwood”
- Novalie – A modern name with a celestial sound
- Ondine – “Little wave”
- Primrose – A type of flower
- Quinlan – “Graceful”
- Rosalind – “Gentle horse”
- Sylvie – “From the forest”
- Tabitha – “Gazelle”
If you love unique names with special meanings, you might also enjoy exploring names that mean new beginning.
Understanding Ethereal Names
Characteristics: Light, Delicate, Otherworldly
Ethereal names share certain qualities that give them their distinctive feel. They often have:
- Soft consonants like L, M, N, and R that create a flowing sound
- Multiple syllables that create a melodic rhythm
- Unusual letter combinations that make them stand out
- Open vowel sounds that feel airy and expansive
These names often convey a sense of something beyond the ordinary world—something magical, mystical, or spiritual. They frequently connect to elements that are intangible or ephemeral, like dreams, stars, or mythological beings.
Common Themes: Nature, Mythology, Modern Trends
Ethereal names typically draw from several key themes:
Natural Elements
- Celestial bodies (stars, moon, sun)
- Weather phenomena (mist, cloud, aurora)
- Flowers and plants with delicate qualities
- Subtle colors and light
Mythological References
- Fairies, nymphs, and elemental spirits
- Goddesses from various pantheons
- Characters from folklore and legend
- Magical places and realms
Modern Inventions
- Unique combinations of sounds
- Revival of ancient or medieval names
- Literary creations from fantasy and science fiction
- Names that directly reference ethereal qualities
If you’re drawn to names connected to nature’s beauty, you might also like names that mean crystal.
Categories of Ethereal Girl Names
Names Meaning “Ethereal” or Similar
Some names directly translate to concepts related to the ethereal quality:
- Aisling (Irish) – “Dream” or “vision”
- Celeste (Latin) – “Heavenly”
- Aria (Italian) – A solo melody in opera, suggesting something elevated and beautiful
- Reverie (French) – “Daydream”
- Faye (English) – “Fairy”
Nature-Inspired
Celestial Names
The sky and its wonders provide rich inspiration for ethereal names:
- Luna – The moon
- Aurora – The dawn
- Stella – Star
- Nova – A star that suddenly increases in brightness
- Celeste – Heavenly
Flora and Fauna
Plants and creatures with delicate qualities make beautiful ethereal names:
- Violet – A purple flower
- Willow – A graceful tree
- Wren – A small, melodious bird
- Ivy – An evergreen climbing plant
- Dahlia – A type of flower
Mythology and Folklore
Fairy Names
These names connect to the magical realm of fairies:
- Titania – Queen of the fairies in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
- Faye – Directly meaning “fairy”
- Pixie – A type of fairy or sprite
- Tink – Short for Tinkerbell
- Elsie – Originally a diminutive of Elizabeth but now associated with elves
Goddess Names
Divine feminine figures from various mythologies offer powerful ethereal names:
- Athena – Greek goddess of wisdom
- Freya – Norse goddess of love and beauty
- Diana – Roman goddess of the moon and hunt
- Iris – Greek goddess of the rainbow
- Selene – Greek goddess of the moon
Modern and Unique Names
Current trends have produced some beautiful ethereal options:
- Elowen – Cornish for “elm tree”
- Aurelia – Meaning “golden”
- Seraphina – Derived from “seraphim,” a type of angel
- Octavia – Meaning “eighth”
- Everly – From the Old English for “boar meadow”
For more unique options with special significance, you might explore names that mean fate.
Popularity and Trends
Current Popularity
Some ethereal names have seen significant rises in popularity in recent years:
| Name | 2023 US Ranking | 2018 US Ranking | 5-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luna | #10 | #23 | +13 |
| Aurora | #22 | #44 | +22 |
| Violet | #35 | #43 | +8 |
| Aria | #26 | #19 | -7 |
| Willow | #39 | #45 | +6 |
Predictions for 2025
Based on current trends, we can expect:
- Celestial names will continue to rise, with names like Celeste, Nova, and Stella moving up the charts
- Goddess names will gain popularity as parents look for powerful feminine names
- Nature-inspired names will remain strong, especially those with an ethereal quality like Wren, Fern, and Aspen
- Mythology-based names from less-explored traditions will emerge
Cultural Influences
Several factors are driving the popularity of ethereal names:
- Fantasy media continues to influence parents, with shows and books featuring magical worlds
- Nature connection is increasingly important to many families
- Individuality remains a priority, with parents seeking unique names
- Vintage revival has brought back some older names with ethereal qualities
If you’re interested in names that have stood the test of time, check out elegant baby girl names.
Choosing the Right Ethereal Name
Tips for Selection
When selecting an ethereal name, consider:
- Pronunciation – Will people be able to say it correctly?
- Spelling – Is it intuitive or will your child spend a lifetime spelling it out?
- Nickname potential – What might it be shortened to?
- Family significance – Does it connect to your heritage or family traditions?
- Meaning – Does the definition resonate with you?
Pairing First and Middle Names
Creating a harmonious combination can enhance the ethereal quality:
- Balance long and short – A longer first name often pairs well with a shorter middle name
- Consider the flow – Say the full name out loud to ensure it flows nicely
- Mix ethereal with traditional – An ethereal first name can be balanced by a more grounded middle name
- Check the initials – Make sure they don’t spell anything unintended
Cultural and Personal Relevance
The most meaningful names often have:
- Connection to family heritage – Names from your cultural background
- Personal significance – Places, interests, or values important to you
- Future consideration – How the name might serve your child throughout their life
For more name inspiration with special meanings, explore names that mean life.
Final Thoughts
Ethereal girl names offer a beautiful way to give your daughter a name that feels magical, unique, and full of possibility. Whether you’re drawn to names inspired by nature, mythology, or modern trends, there’s an otherworldly option that will perfectly suit your little one.
Remember that the best name is one that resonates with you personally and feels right for your child. Take your time exploring these options, say them aloud, and imagine calling your daughter by this name throughout her life.
The perfect ethereal name will feel like it was waiting just for her—a name as special and unique as she is, with just the right balance of magic and meaning to carry her through life.
What ethereal name speaks to your heart? The answer might come to you like a whisper on the wind or shine as clearly as starlight. Trust your instincts and you’ll find the perfect name for your little girl.