What does female mean and where does it come from?
The term 'female' originates from the Latin word 'femella', which means a young woman or girl. It has been used in English since the late Middle Ages and is associated with the biological sex that is characterized by two X chromosomes and the capability to produce ova. The term is often used in vari
Cultural significance
female has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the female of a human being..
Peak popularity
Reached #1118 in 1990 — currently #1248 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with female?
female works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
female Grace
Most popular combo · classic
female Rose
Floral · soft ending
female Mae
Sweet · timeless
female Claire
French influence · crisp
female Jane
Literary · strong
female Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is female right now?
Holding steady — currently #1248 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1248 | 952 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1253 | 932 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1258 | 902 | ▲ up 7364 · +6838% births |
| 2015 | #8622 | 13 | ▼ down 3706 · -55% births |
| 2010 | #4916 | 29 | ▲ up 7340 · +263% births |
| 2005 | #12256 | 8 | ▼ down 6150 · -56% births |
| 2000 | #6106 | 18 | ▼ down 4606 · -83% births |
| 1995 | #1500 | 106 | ▼ down 382 · -32% births |
| 1990 | #1118 | 157 | ▲ up 9303 · +2517% births |
| 1985 | #10421 | 6 | — |
The story of female
female is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1981. With 1,297 total births recorded, female remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10421 in 1985 to #1248 in 2023. female is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside female in 1990:
female by decade
female peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 178 | |
| 1990s ★ | 811 | |
| 2000s | 80 | |
| 2010s | 228 | |
💎With 1,297 total births, female is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for female?
What names sound and feel like female?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love female also consider these
Common questions about the name female
What does the name female mean?
female means "The female of a human being." — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name female?
female is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of female?
female originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with female?
female pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is female a common or rare name?
female is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.