Names carry deep symbolism that can inspire and guide a child. Here are 22 girl names with the theme of Brave. Popularized during the Gen Alpha Peak, these names are associated with themes like Brave, Strong, and Courageous, making them meaningful choices for your baby.
Names in this collection that reached their peak popularity most recently.
ValentinaEmeryRowyn
Most Established
Names with the highest historic birth counts in the Social Security dataset.
KellyAndreaRiley
Recently Declining
Names that are currently showing a downward trend in annual registrations.
KellyAndreaRylee
Collection Insights
Most Popular
The name with the highest overall peak birth registrations.
Kelly
Originally a surname, Kelly has deep Irish and Gaelic roots, signifying "bright" or "brave." It crossed over to become a popular first name for girls across the English-speaking world. You’ll find it connected to well-known personalities like Kelly Ripa, making it widely recognizable.
20,197 births at peak (1968)
Fastest Rising
The name showing the strongest positive growth in recent years.
Valerie
What does it mean to be strong and graceful? This Latin and French name translates as "strong" or "brave." It’s a familiar name that has a gentle, flowing sound, especially with its French pronunciation. This enduring option feels both classic and welcoming.
7,318 births at peak (1959)
Rare & Unique
A less common name in this list that offers a distinctive choice.
Tilly
A German name with British roots, Tilly carries the idea of "strong" or "brave." It’s often used as a familiar form of Matilda, giving it a friendly and approachable feel. This name has a long history, appearing in many stories and royal lines. Its simple charm makes it a solid choice.
302 births at peak (2025)
Full List of Brave Girl Names
Displaying all 22 names in this collection, sorted by peak historic birth registrations. Data reflects the highest recorded annual births in the United States based on SSA records.
Kelly
2 SyllablesFalling
Originally a surname, Kelly has deep Irish and Gaelic roots, signifying "bright" or "brave." It crossed over to become a popular first name for girls across the English-speaking world. You’ll find it connected to well-known personalities like Kelly Ripa, making it widely recognizable.
20,197 births at peak (1968)
Andrea
2 SyllablesFalling
While this name is a masculine form in some parts of the world, Andrea is a firmly feminine choice in English-speaking countries. It comes from Greek, carrying the idea of being "manly" or "brave." This name has a long history, appearing in literature and film, making it quite familiar.
11,840 births at peak (1981)
Riley
2 SyllablesStable
This adaptable name comes from Ireland, where it translates as 'courageous' or 'brave.' It’s a friendly-sounding option that has crossed over to become a truly unisex choice for many families. You’ll find Riley feels both familiar and modern at the same time.
9,906 births at peak (2008)
Valerie
3 SyllablesRising
What does it mean to be strong and graceful? This Latin and French name translates as "strong" or "brave." It’s a familiar name that has a gentle, flowing sound, especially with its French pronunciation. This enduring option feels both classic and welcoming.
7,318 births at peak (1959)
Valentina
4 SyllablesRising
For a girl, this name has Latin and Italian roots, translating as strong and brave. Its elegant sound makes it popular across European countries, often feeling both traditional and spirited. You might hear it in historical novels or among families with Italian heritage.
5,361 births at peak (2025)
Valeria
4 SyllablesStable
Carrying the ideas of strength, bravery, and grace, this name has deep Latin roots. It's a classic choice that feels both powerful and elegant, with historical ties back to ancient Rome. Its refined sound and strong character make it a compelling option.
4,212 births at peak (2008)
Emery
3 SyllablesStable
With British and German origins, this name brings to mind qualities like bravery and strength, translating as "leader." Emery has a classic feel and works well for both boys and girls today. It’s a versatile choice that carries a quiet dignity.
3,513 births at peak (2025)
Rylee
2 SyllablesFalling
Are you looking for a name with a lively sound and a lot of spirit? Rylee is an Irish-American name that translates as courageous, brave, and strong. It’s a spelling that has become quite popular, giving it a familiar yet energetic feel for a girl.
3,298 births at peak (2010)
Reese
2 SyllablesStable
Coming from Welsh and British roots, Reese carries the idea of being a leader or someone brave. It’s a name that feels strong yet approachable. The appeal of Reese as a unisex option has grown, perhaps due to its association with actress Reese Witherspoon, making it familiar for many.
2,950 births at peak (2007)
Ryleigh
2 SyllablesFalling
This name has Irish roots and carries the idea of someone courageous, brave, and strong. Ryleigh, with its distinctive "leigh" ending, has become a well-liked American spelling. It gives the name a slightly softer touch while still keeping its spirited sound.
2,041 births at peak (2019)
Saylor
2 SyllablesRising
Thinking about names with a nautical touch? This English surname brings to mind someone who travels the seas, which carries the idea of being brave and adventurous. The "y" spelling gives Saylor a fresh, modern twist that makes it feel distinct among other similar-sounding choices.
1,480 births at peak (2023)
Collins
2 SyllablesRising
If you’re looking for a surname that works well as a first name, this one carries the strong idea of 'victory' or 'bravery.' It has an appealing, crisp sound and feels fresh as a girl’s name. Actresses like Lily Collins have helped bring this option into wider view.
1,334 births at peak (2023)
Fernanda
3 SyllablesStable
With a strong, regal sound, this name has German roots and became popular in Spanish-speaking cultures. It translates as brave warrior or noble, suggesting a powerful presence. You’ll often hear it in Latin American countries, where it maintains a classic, elegant feel.
1,282 births at peak (2009)
Emory
3 SyllablesRising
Considering a name that works beautifully for any child? Emory is a German and British name that signifies "leader," "brave," or "strong." It has a classic, tailored feel, and you'll find it used for both boys and girls today, making it a truly versatile option.
1,212 births at peak (2024)
Rylie
2 SyllablesFalling
With a lively, contemporary sound, Rylie has become a choice for many families today. This name has Irish roots, though it’s now seen as distinctly American, and it carries the idea of someone “courageous” or “brave.” It’s a modern take that offers a fresh feel compared to older, more common options.
1,114 births at peak (2008)
Emerie
3 SyllablesStable
If you're looking for something that sounds both modern and strong, Emerie might be a good fit. This name has German and American roots, and it translates to concepts like leader or brave. It’s got a distinct feel, making it a less common but still familiar choice. Emerie offers a fresh take on traditional strength.
596 births at peak (2024)
Rowyn
2 SyllablesRising
Thinking about a modern name with a gentle twist? This American spelling of Rowen offers a fresh take, particularly for girls. It signifies qualities like strength and bravery, but also has a certain softness, making it a distinctive choice.
480 births at peak (2025)
Andi
2 SyllablesRising
Often used as a playful nickname, Andi works well as a standalone first name too. Its Greek and German background carries the ideas of being 'brave,' 'strong,' and even 'cheerful.' It offers a spirited and energetic feel for a girl.
469 births at peak (2025)
Andie
2 SyllablesRising
This short form often works for names like Andrea or Alexandra, but it's also a standalone choice. It comes from Greek roots, translating as "manly" or "brave." You’ll often hear it for girls, giving it a spirited, slightly tomboyish feel. A well-known example is actress Andie MacDowell.
448 births at peak (2025)
Valery
3 SyllablesRising
This name is a less common variant that comes from Latin and is also seen in Russian culture. It signifies someone who is strong and brave, carrying a clear sense of resilience. Because of its slight spelling difference, it offers a distinct feel from its similar-sounding counterparts.
395 births at peak (2006)
Emryn
2 SyllablesRising
For parents looking for something fresh and distinct, Emryn is an American name with a modern sound. It translates to "new beginnings" and also "brave," offering a hopeful and spirited feel. This creative choice has a unique rhythm that sets it apart.
315 births at peak (2023)
Tilly
2 SyllablesRising
A German name with British roots, Tilly carries the idea of "strong" or "brave." It’s often used as a familiar form of Matilda, giving it a friendly and approachable feel. This name has a long history, appearing in many stories and royal lines. Its simple charm makes it a solid choice.