There are only a few dozen established names that start with So for girls out there. These treasured appellations go well beyond just Sophia and Sonia, which are both perfectly great names, but we wanted to present you with some other options that might be sitting just off of your radar. These names from around the world are beautiful options that have the So beginning you want and the excellent meanings you dream of.
Names that start with So for girls range from straightforward and simple to poetic and evocative. We’ve rounded up our favorites baby names to share with you in the hope that we can help you discover the perfect name for your daughter. Take a look at these exciting options and walk away with the right appellation for your baby girl!
Discover Some Spectacular Names That Start with So for Girls Below:
Sophia
The most popular of the names that start with So for girls is Sophia. This time-tested classic is currently the 5th most popular name for baby girls in the US. It’s more popular today than ever before! The name, which is of Greek origin, means “wisdom.”
Sonia
Second to Sophia is Sonia (and the many Sophia alternatives, which we will also discuss a few). Sonia no longer ranks in the US top 1000 but it was once a very popular choice. The name is actually a Russian and Scandinavian form of Sophia, also meaning “wisdom.”
Solange
Solange, pronounced: so-LAHNZH, is a name of French origin that means “solemn.” The name is familiar to most Americans thanks to Solange Piaget Knowles. It’s yet to take hold in the US but we see tons of potential for this romantic name.
Sophie
Sophie, a French diminutive form of Sophia, ranks in the US top 100 names today. A little-known fact: Catherine the Great was named Sophie before she joined the Russian Orthodox Church. It’s a cute option and one we love so much that we had to include it on this list even though it is a form of the big appellation Sophia.
Sola
Sola is a Latinate name most commonly used among Spanish speakers. This simple yet elegant name means “solitude” or “alone.” It’s one of our favorite names that start with So for girls and we hope to hear more of it in the future.
Sorrel
Sorrel is a French botanical and color name that means “reddish-brown.” It’s yet to land on many birth certificates in the US but we feel it’s a great choice for those looking for nature-inspired baby names.
Socorra
One of the most lovely Spanish names that start with So for girls is Socorra which is a treasured Spanish name that means “one who helps.” The name is a reference to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help or Perpetuo Socorro. It’s a cousin to a similar Spanish name for girls, Socorro, which is also an option.
Sofina
Sofina, sometimes spelled Safina, is a name of Arabic origin that means “ship.” It’s one of the few names that start with So for girls on this list but it’s truly a magical option that is the perfect alternative to Sophia.
Soizic
Pronounced: SWA-zeek, Soizic is a rare Breton name that means “free man” or “French man.” It’s simply a stylish form of Françoise. It would make for an interesting name in the US although it might not be the most accessible.
Sojourner
Sojourner is a hero name recognizable by most Americans thanks to the incredible work of abolitionist Sojourner Truth. She was born into enslavement and given the name Isabelle which she changed when she began preaching her truth. The name is as American as they come thanks to this icon from history even if it was adopted from French and means “to stay awhile.”
Sokkot
One of the names that start with So for girls that you might not have encountered before comes from Native American Choctaw. The name means “the sound of hitting a rock.” In Choctaw tradition, babies are named for circumstances or animal encounters that coincide with the baby’s birth.
Sol
Historically, Sol has been more popular among baby boys but it’s 100% a unisex name. Sol is a Latinate option used largely by Spanish and Portuguese speakers as a reference to María de la Soledad (stick a pin in Soledad). The name has a bright meaning in “sun.”
Solace
Solace is one of the few word names that start with So for girls. While rare it’s not impossible, Alanis Morrissette used it as a middle name for her daughter born in 2016. This name means “comfort” and evokes peace and tranquility.
Solaira
Solaira is a name of English origin with roots in Latin. It means “of the sun.” It’s one of the many sunny names that start with So for girls. Like Sol and others, they are particularly bright.
Solana
Solana is a name of Spanish origin that means “sunshine.” It does not get much better than that. If you’re a fan of the performer who goes by the name SZA, you’ll be excited to learn that her given name is actually Solana.
Solandis
Solandis is a rare nature name and one of the most unique names that start with So for girls. It names a species of butterfly. The name is like the perfect combination of any Sol-name and Candace. Beautiful!
Solara
Solara is considered an English name with a Latin root, meaning “of the sun.” It’s got nice Laura vibes to go along with that So-beginning.
Soledad
One of our very favorite names that start with So for girls is Soledad. Taken at face value the Spanish name means “solitude” but it’s also a reference to Maria de la Soledad or Our Lady of Solitude. It was last popular in the US over 100 years ago and we think it’s time for a comeback.
Soleil
Soleil is pronounced so-LAY in its native France. This cheerful name means “sun.” While this name has not been in the US top 1000 before, expect that to change in the coming years. It’s really heating up.
Solene
Pronounced so-LEHN, Solene is a French name that’s a cousin to Solange. The fashionable choice means “with solemnity.”
Soley
Soley, also spelled Sóley, is a charming Icelandic, nature name that names a buttercup flower. It is derived from two components meaning: sun + island. While the name is not on most American parents’ radar, it’s completely accessible option.
Solo
One of the names that start with So for girls that we’re on the fence about is Solo. It’s a word name that means “alone.” We think it might best be suited for middle name territory but we’ll let you be the judge.
Solstice
Solstice has a very granola veneer but we still think it works as a poetic choice. The name is of English origin from Latin and means “when the sun stands still.” The term is used for the longest and shortest days of the year.
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Solvei
Pronounced SOOL-vay, Solvei is the more accessible form of the Scandinavian name Solveig. While popular in northern Europe, especially Norway, the name has never been a strong contender in the US. We think it has so much going for it from its sweet sound to its meanings: “the strong house” or “daughter of the sun.”
Sommer
In the US we like to use the name Summer, but the Germans and Danes prefer Sommer. Sommer was once one of the most popular names that start with So for girls in the 1970s and 1980s. It very well could stage a return in the coming years.
Sonae
Sonae is a rare form of Sonia that you seldom hear today. The name was chosen by Tracy Morgan for his daughter’s middle name. It also means “wisdom” or “gold.”
Sonata
Sonata is one of the names that start with So for girls that are simply words used as names. It would be the perfect choice for a music-loving family. The music term has a Latin root that means “to sound.”
Sonnet
The last of the names that start with So for girls that’s a word name is Sonnet. Not too far from Sonata, Sonnet comes from the Latin word sonetto, meaning “little song.” It’s an excellent option for poetry lovers.
Sora
Sora is a name claimed by both Japanese and Korean speakers. It’s a beautiful option that means “sky” or “conch shell.” Both meanings are so evocative and wonderful. This name has never ranked in the US and we would love for more parents to choose this easy yet beautiful option.
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Sorcha
Pronounced SOR-ka, Sorcha is an amazing appellation of Irish and Gaelic origin. A very popular choice on the Irish isle today, Sorcha could cross the pond in the next couple of years as more and more parents discover its charms. The name means “brightly shining.”
There you go! Now you have a few dozen names that start with So for girls. These evocative names all share the first two letters but as you’ve seen there is so much variety among them. So names go beyond just Sophia and Sonia and there’s an entire class of these names just begging for you to choose one for your daughter. Happy baby name hunting!