Girl names beginning with E have spanned cultures and centuries. From queens and saints to modern American chart-toppers, these names often suggest light, grace, and strength.
Ancient Origins (Biblical, Greek, Roman)
Some of the earliest E names for girls come from scripture and mythology.
- Esther – Biblical queen, “star”
- Eve – First woman in Genesis, “life”
- Elizabeth – Hebrew, “God is my oath”
- Electra – Greek myth heroine
- Eurydice – Greek myth, wife of Orpheus
- Echo – Greek nymph, voice bound
- Erato – Muse of love poetry
- Eris – Greek goddess of strife
- Europa – Mythical Phoenician princess
- Eudora – Greek, “good gift”
- Eudoxia – Greek, “good fame”
- Eugenia – Greek, “well-born”
- Epiphania – Ancient Christian use
- Eliora – Hebrew, “the Lord is my light”
- Eunice – New Testament, “good victory”
- Dorothea – Greek, “gift of God”
- Dione – Titaness linked to Aphrodite
- Evanthe – “Fair flower”
- Eos – Greek goddess of dawn
- Euphemia – “Well spoken”
- Egeria – Roman nymph of wisdom
- Evadne – Mythological maiden
- Elpis – Greek, “hope”
- Enyo – Goddess of war
- Euanthe – “Blooming flower”
Medieval and Renaissance
Christian saints and noble families shaped the spread of E names during this era.
- Edith – Old English, “prosperous in war”
- Eleanor – “Shining light”
- Elaine – Arthurian romance
- Elspeth – Scottish Elizabeth
- Emma – Germanic, “whole”
- Euphemia – Popular saint
- Etheldreda – Saxon saint
- Ermengarde – Frankish noblewoman
- Esclarmonde – Medieval romance
- Eustachia – Religious devotion
- Emerentia – Saint’s name
- Enid – Welsh legend
- Esme – Old French, “esteemed”
- Eluned – Welsh saint
- Eulalia – Martyr’s name
- Elvira – Noble Spanish name
- Eugenie – French royal
- Edelina – Medieval diminutive
- Evalina – Variant of Aveline
- Endelienta – Cornish saint
Victorian and Early Modern (1800s–early 1900s)
Romantic literature and noble trends influenced E names in this era.
- Emily – Hugely popular
- Emma – Victorian staple
- Elizabeth – Enduring royal classic
- Eleanor – Noble revival
- Edith – Literary favorite
- Eliza – Bright and energetic
- Esmeralda – Romantic, “emerald”
- Evangelina – Catholic devotion
- Estelle – French, “star”
- Emmeline – Literature-inspired
- Ethel – Hugely popular in 19th century
- Elsie – Sweet diminutive
- Effie – Common nickname
- Enid – Arthurian heroine
- Estrella – Spanish, “star”
- Etta – Jazz-era diminutive
Modern Favorites (20th–21st Century, U.S. Focus)
Names beginning with E dominate American baby name charts today.
- Emma – Consistently top-ranked
- Emily – Longstanding favorite
- Ella – Stylish and musical
- Elizabeth – Timeless royal name
- Evelyn – Vintage revival
- Everly – Modern rising star
- Ellie – Short and sweet
- Eliana – Multicultural appeal
- Eden – Biblical and nature-inspired
- Emilia – Romantic style
- Esme – Chic revival
- Eliza – Bright and spunky
- Estella – Vintage “star”
- Elsa – Disney influence
- Evie – Nickname charm
- Emersyn – Trend spelling
- Everleigh – Creative variant
- Ember – Word name trend
- Elowen – Cornish, “elm tree”
- Echo – Myth name comeback
FAQs
What is the oldest girl name starting with E?
Biblical names like Eve and Esther are among the oldest, along with Greek names like Electra and Eurydice.
What are the most popular E girl names today?
In the U.S., Emma, Emily, Ella, Evelyn, and Elizabeth are consistently top-ranked choices.
Which E girl names are tied to royalty?
Elizabeth, Eleanor, and Eugenie have long-standing royal associations in Europe.
From Eve and Esther to Emma and Evelyn, girl names beginning with E show a blend of ancient tradition and modern style. They remain some of the most enduring and beloved choices for families today.
