Disney Princess Names From Ariel to Vanellope That Will Delight Any Little Girl

Who does not love Disney? The splendor, beauty, and magic of it all has the power to uplift and inspire us. Disney Princesses are a particular favorite among most. So beloved are they that whenever a new one is introduced, a new baby name will begin to trend. Yes, Disney Princesses and movies sway the way new parents choose the names of their children. From classics like Ariel and Aurora to discoveries like Moana and Raya, there are so many Disney princess names to love.

We decided to round up the official Disney Princesses’ names and some lesser-known characters’ names that people often overlook. We have dozens of Disney Princess names to share with you as well as unique information about each one. Look at these storied appellations and consider using one for your baby girl!

Ariel

Ariel is a unisex Hebrew name that goes almost exclusively to baby boys in Israel today. In the US, it’s seen as more of a name for girls, thanks to the popularity of The Little Mermaid. The name started to be used for girls in the US in the 1970s, but thanks to the movie, it went from being the 276th most popular name for girls to the 66th at its peak in 1991. The Hebrew root of this name means “lion of God.”

Asha

In August, Disney announced the production of the film Wish, which will hit the theatres in November 2023. The protagonist of the film’s name, Asha, was also announced. If you want to get ahead of a baby name trend, we urge you to pick this one. Asha is a name of Swahili or Sanskrit origin, and its root can be taken to mean “hope” or “life.”

Aurora

Sleeping Beauty was released in 1959. Unlike what happened with the name Ariel, Aurora actually declined in popularity following the film’s release. Today, the name is more popular than ever before. Aurora is a name of Latin origin and names the goddess and personification of the dawn. Thus, the name means “dawn.”

Belle

Audiences were introduced to Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in 1991. In the US, Belle fell off the popularity charts in 1934 and was extremely rare until the 2010s. Finally, in 2017, the name reentered the US top 1000 most popular names for girls following the release of the live-action remake of the movie in 2017. Belle means “beautiful” in French.

Cinderella

Let’s get real, Cinderella (meaning “ash girl”) will never take off as a given name. It’s just too hyperspecific and well-worn thanks to the many fairy tales and retellings of this classic story. Ella, on the other hand, is a top 20 name for girls today.

Eilonwy

Now, for a deep cut. Disney’s 1985 film The Black Cauldron features one of the great, unsung Disney princesses, Princess Eilonwy. Eilonwy is a charming Welsh name with a meaning to match its magical sound, “river melody.” Name meanings don’t get more poetic than that.

Elena

Elena comes from a Disney Junior show: Elena of Avalor, which aired from 2016 to 2020. Elena is a name found in a variety of languages and naming traditions. It’s simply another form of Helen, meaning “shining one.”

Elsa

Frozen captured the hearts of children and audiences following its release in 2013. Remember when we could not escape the song “Let it Go?” The name was already on the rise when the movie premiered, and that climb continued until it peaked in 2014. It turns out many were ready to “Let it Go.” Elsa is a German form of Elizabeth, from Hebrew, meaning “pledged to God.”

Esmeralda

The Hunchback of Notre Dame was a departure from other feel-good Disney movies. It was released in 1996. Despite plenty of criticism of the movie, it pushed Esmeralda to its peak of 134 in 1998. Esmeralda is a gorgeous Spanish and Portuguese name that means “emerald.”

Giselle

For whatever reason, Giselle from Enchanted is not an official Disney princess. The movie was roundly beloved by critics and audiences alike, so we think that’s a big oversight by Disney. Giselle peaked in popularity at 134 when the movie was released in 2007. Now, it’s not even in the top 300. Giselle is a name of German origin that means “pledge.”

Jasmine

Jasmine is a name of Persian origin that refers to the flower. Jasmine was the first Disney princess of color when Aladdin was released in 1992. The name was already wildly popular, in the top 50, at the time of the film’s release. The name stayed in the top 100 through 2014 and it has been slowly declining in popularity ever since.

Kida

 Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire was released in 2001. Audiences were introduced to Kida the princess of Atlantis. Her full name is Kidagakash, a name invented for the film. This fabricated name has gone virtually unused in the US but you could help change that!

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Megara

Megara is a Greek name meaning “great.” In mythology, she is a princess who is married to Hercules. In Disney’s 1997 movie, she plays a different part. Megara also goes by Meg for short in the movie. Megara has gone practically unused in the US.

Melody

Did you see the sequel to The Little Mermaid? If you did catch The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea, you know that Melody is Ariel’s daughter with dark hair. Melody has been a popular option since the 1960s. It’s got a Greek root that means “song.”

Merida

Merida, the Scottish heroine with fiery red hair, took the world by storm when Brave premiered in 2012. Merida is not actually a Scottish name. It is of Latin origin and means “honorable one.” Despite its lovely sound and how accessible the name has never charted as a popular choice in the US.

Moana

Disney’s 2016 movie introduced the world to the strong Moana. According to Nameberry, Moana is of Maori and Samoan origin and is often heard in New Zealand. Moana means “deep ocean” or “sea”  Despite a boost following the movie, the name has never ranked in the top 1000.

Mulan

Mulan debuted in theatres in 1998, and while the name did not completely take off, it did see a boost following the premiere. Mulan is a name of Chinese origin and means “Magnolia.” A delicate name for a Disney princess who is not really a princess and is a real fighter!

Pocahontas

Pocahontas was extremely controversial when it premiered in 1995. The tale is so far from the truth that it’s insulting. Pocahontas was not the real person’s name, it was a nickname used for her when she was a child. The name should not be used by anyone without Algonquin Native American ancestry.

Rapunzel

Just like Cinderella, Rapunzel is too much for a baby girl to shoulder. The name is of German origin and is a botanical name. Disney’s Tangled did not do anything for this name that parents have no desire to use.

Raya

 Disney’s 2021 film Raya and the Last Dragon introduced the newest Disney princess (Asha has yet to happen). Raya is a warrior princess, and in the movie, the name is pronounced RYE-uh, but some use the RAY-uh pronunciation. It’s your call. Raya is a name of Hebrew origin that means “friend.” The name was rising, entering the top 1000 for the first time in 2020. The very next year (same as the premier), the name entered the top 500. Things are looking up for this one.

Snow (White)

Snow feels like a new-age sort of nature name. Unfortunately, Disney’s first-ever movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, did nothing for the prospect of this name when it premiered in 1937. Snow could be a great name for a winter baby.

Sofia

Sofia the First was a Disney juniors show that aired from 2012-2018, featuring young Princess Sofia and her journey to discover that she is royalty. Sofia is a top 20 name today, and that was true when the show first began. The name originated in Greek and means “wisdom.”

Tiana

Disney’s 2009 film The Princess and the Frog finally introduced the first Black Disney princess, Tiana. Tiana has been a mildly popular name in the US since the 1970s. It did enjoy a slight boost following the premiere, but it’s just been hanging around since then. Tiana is a name of Slavic origin, meaning “fairy queen.”

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Vanellope

Vanellope is a Disney creation, given to the protagonist of Wreck it Ralph and now a character on Sugar Rush. You should probably not use this invented name. Established name, Penelope, would be the right choice. It is of Greek origin and means “weaver.”

There you go! We hope you enjoyed these Disney princess names and will consider one for your special girl. If you’d like to learn even more princess names, keep reading. We’ve got names inspired by real royalty to share with you.

25. Victoria

Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden is the heir apparent to the Swedish throne. Victoria has a long history as a noble name with many European royals possessing the moniker in some form or fashion. Victoria has Latin origins and means “victory.” You can’t go wrong with this princess name!

24. Charlotte

Now the name of the young Princess of Cambridge, Charlotte is a name that has belonged to a number of royals as well. While the name sounds decidedly English, it comes from French as a form of Charles, a name meaning “free man.” Charlotte is a top 10 name today in the US.

23. Olympia

As promised, we greet Olympia, currently a name held by a Princess of Greece and Denmark. Olympia is a Greek name, of course, meaning “from Mount Olympus.” Olympia has not been popular in the US for over 100 years! Let’s change that, new parents! It’s a fabulous princess name.

22. Marcela

Princess Alexia of the Netherlands was given the name Alexia Juliana Marcela Laurentien at birth in 2005. We love the name Marcela which can also be spelled, Marcella. Marcela has Latin origins and means “warlike.” Sadly, Marcella and Marcela are two names that are no longer in the top US 1000 baby names.

21. Amalia

Amalia is a widely cross-cultural name, heard from Italy to Romania, Germany to Scandinavia. The current heir to the Dutch throne is Princess Catharina-Amalia of Orange. Amalia is a name with German origins that means “work,” and it is closely related to the extremely popular name, Amelia. Amalia is on the rise and is tracking to enjoy its most favor ever in the US in coming years.

20. Astrid

Astrid Joséphine-Charlotte Fabrizia Elisabeth Paola Marie is known by her title, Princess Astrid of Belgium. Astrid is a gorgeously blunt Scandinavian name that’s trending up in the US, more popular today than ever before. Astrid’s Scandinavian origins mean “divinely beautiful.” You can’t argue with that meaning!

19. Khadija

Princess Lalla Khadija of Morocco was born in 2007 and given a striking name, don’t you think? We love Khadija, an Arabic name that means “premature baby.” The Prophet Muhammad’s first wife and the first convert to Islam had this mesmerizing princess name.

18. Gabriella

Gabriella is the feminine form of Gabriel, a name derived from the Hebrew Gavri’el. Gavri’el is composed of the elements gever, meaning “strong,” and ’el, referring to God. In contemporary America, it is one of the most beloved names for girls. Princess Gabriella, Countess of Carladès, is the daughter of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene born in 2014. We love her princess name!

17. Anastasia

Anastasia is no longer a severe, regal Russian name, but is now seen as a viable, and increasingly popular, American option. The name belonged to the “lost” daughter of the last Russian czar. Although beloved in Russia, this name has Greek origins and means “resurrection.”

16. Sophie

If you threw a stick at a group of royals, which we would not recommend, there’s a great chance that one of them will have Sophie in her name. As far as princess names go, Sophie has belonged to a number of European ones for centuries. Princess Sophie of the Netherlands, Princess Sophie of Hohenberg, Princess Sophie of Greece and Denmark, and Princess Sophie of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach are but a few examples.

Sophie is the French form of Sophia, a Greek name that means “wisdom.”

15. Juliana

Juliana is one of America’s most beloved names and it is more popular today than ever before. The name has Latin origins and is related to the name Julius, so it should come as no surprise that this princess name is a royal favorite. Juliana of the Netherlands would go on to become queen and is one of the most famous examples with this name. The name means “youthful.”

14. Irene

Irene is a royal name in Greece, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Princess Irene of the Netherlands was daughter to Queen Juliana, who we just mentioned. Irene is a Greek name that means “peace” and you will sometimes pronounced with three syllables around Europe. It’s trending down in the US, but may that only motivate you more to choose this unique appellation.

13. Leonore

The name of one of the young princesses of Sweden, Leonore carries the gravity of Eleanor with a more quirky charm. Eleanor has come back in a big way becoming more popular than ever while Leonore fell off the charts in 1920. That makes Leonore a logical alternative to Eleanor. The meaning of this princess name is unknown!

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12. Enrica

Enrica is the female form of Enrico, the Italian form of Henry. This charmer means “estate ruler.” We paired this name here because Enrica is part of Countess Leonore of Orange-Nassau’s name Leonore Marie Irene Enrica (that’s three names you will find on this list). The countess was born in 2006. We hope this name takes off in the US!

11. Athena

The given name Athena was taken from the city name Athens, which is of unknown origins. In Greek mythology, Athena is the name of the daughter of Zeus who was the goddess of wisdom, warfare, handicrafts, courage, and much more. Athena Marguerite Françoise Marie is also known as Princess Athena of Denmark. She was born in 2012! Perhaps we have this little royal to thank for helping this name take off again in recent years.

10. Fabiola

Eléonore Fabiola Victoria Anne Marie is the Princess of Belgium born in 2008. However, she was not the only princess with the name colorful name Fabiola. Queen Fabiola of Belgium also had the romantic name which means “bean grower.” Of all the princess names on this list, Fabiola has got to be one of the most unique!

9. Maxima

Queen Máxima became the first Argentine-born Queen Consort in history in 2013. As you probably guessed, Maxima is a form of the Latin name Maximus which means “greatest.” Unfortunately, parents in the US have strayed from this high-pressure name. We love it and hope new parents see potential in this delightful princess name.

8. Leila

Leila Pahlavi was a princess of Iran who tragically passed away in 2001. Leila has been an exceedingly popular name in the US in recent years and has almost hit its peak popularity in 1880. Keep that momentum going, parents! Leila has Arabic origins and means “night.”

7. Estelle

Estelle is a girl’s name of French origin meaning “star.” Which seems so bright! Estelle Silvia Ewa Mary is Princess of Sweden, Duchess of Östergötland, second in line to the Swedish throne. Estelle fell from popularity in the middle of the 20th century but it is on the climb once more!

6. Maud

As a British royal name, Maud was the daughter of the youngest daughter of King Edward VII and granddaughter of Queen Victoria, who went on to become Queen of Norway. It’s a very popular princess name for Norwegian and English royals! Maud is a variation of Matilda, a German name that means “battle-mighty.”

5. Tallulah

Tallulah is a girl’s name of Irish origin that means “lady of abundance.” Tallulah Grace Lascelles, born in 2005, is the great, great, granddaughter of King George V and in line to the British throne. Outside the UK, the name also can be found in certain Native American traditions meaning “leaping water.” Unfortunately, this princess name has never become popular in the US.

4. Anne

Anne was the name of six queens of England, two of them wives of Henry VIII, as well as the name of the present Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter, Princess Anne (Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise). Anne has dipped in popularity in the US in recent years, but it has historically been one of America’s favorite baby names for girls.

3. Beatrice

The Duke and Duchess of York, aka Fergie and Prince Andrew, thrust Beatrice back into the public eye when they chose it for their older daughter in 1988. Of all the princess names, Beatrice is one of those that is most beloved. Queens, princesses, baronesses, and more have all had this Latin name which means “blessed.”

2. Elizabeth / Elisabeth

We could simply point to Queen Elizabeth and be done with it, but we think we should venture outside of the English monarchy for a moment as well. Elisabeth Farnese,
Queen consort of Philip V of Spain and Elisabeth Gabriele Valérie Marie of Bavaria, Queen consort of Albert I of Belgium are just a couple royal examples and there are tons of princesses and duchesses with this moniker as well.

Elizabeth and Elisabeth might just be the two princess names to beat as they have long been a favorite among all sorts of royals. The name has Hebrew origins and means “pledged to God.”

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1. Zaria

Zaria Nicoline Milou Countess of Orange, Nassau, born in 2006, daughter of Prince Friso of the Netherlands. Zaria is the perfect princess name in that it sounds fresh and new while still maintaining a sense of nobility and strength. Zaria has Arabic origins and means “rose.” It’s the sweetest meaning on this list!

There you go! We hope you enjoyed these 25 princess names and find that they sound just as appealing for your baby princess! Most of these names are established classics so they will attract many new parents. Be bold and pick a vintage favorite that’s gone out of style like Maud or spice it up with options like Zaria or Tallulah.