75 Badass Girl Names for Your Little Rebel
The search for a name is on! If you know you’re having a girl you may want to give her a strong, courageous name that you know will fit her as she grows. Jennifer Moss, founder and CEO of Babynames.com, recommends that you “make sure the name can grow with your child - remember, you’re not just naming a baby, you’re also naming an adult.”
More: 100 Hipster Baby Names That Are Effortlessly Cool
If you’re looking for inspiration for strong female leads then we have a great list below. These 75 badass names are women who have changed history and bucked against the system to show us that women can achieve anything they put their minds to. In a world where women are gaining power, your daughter might be the next rising star.
Badass Names for Girls that Start with A to E
- Ada - 19th century mathemetician Ada Lovelace is widely recognized as the creator of the first computer algorithm. Ada is an incredible role model for girls and women in an industry that is dominated by men.
- Alek - If you’re looking for a unique name with an awesome message, Alek is a great choice. It references Alek Wek, a little girl from Sudan who went on to become a supermodel. Alek says “You are beautiful. It’s okay to be quirky, it’s fine to be shy. You don’t have to go with the crowd.” A most perfect message for your little rebel.
- Althea - Althea Gibson was the first African American woman to play at Wimbledon. She changed history and paved the way for two others on our list, Serena and Venus Williams.
- Amelia - Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo over the Atlantic. She is a badass who broke records and changed history.
- Angela - Angela Vorobeva is the oldest woman to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, showing us once again how badass women can be.
- Angelina - Angelina Jolie is a well-known actress, filmmaker and humanitarian. A self-proclaimed badass, we agree that she is a great role model for your little one.
- Anne - Anne Frank is one of the most well known victims of the Holocaust. Her writing outlived her, and has provided inspiration for many young girls.
- Aretha - Aretha Franklin was the first female to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and is well known for her song “Respect.” A true badass demands respect, and we think Aretha is a name that symbolizes such.
- Beretta - Whether you own guns or not, it doesn’t get much more badass than naming your daughter after the famous firearm. Beretta has a pretty ring to it as a girl’s name.
- Bessie - Bessie Coleman overcame racial discrimination and become the first American female to earn an international pilot’s license. She performed stunt flying shows and used her talent to fight for racial equity.
- Betty - Betty Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women. With her support many women have found a way to break out of their traditional roles and discover new opportunities.
- Buffy - A fictional character, but Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a no-nonsense fearless warrior. Her aptitude and strength made her the perfect badass.
- Carol - Perhaps better known as Captain Marvel, Carol is more than just a superhero, she is known for her intelligence, aptitude and strength, all assets of a badass to name your girl after.
- Clara - Clara Barton, known as the “Angel of the Battlefield,” founded the American Red Cross, which continues to make a difference in many people’s lives today.
- Catharine - Catharine the Great was Russia’s longest-standing female leader. Women in power are well known for their badass qualities.
- Chanel - Coco Chanel is a well known fashionista. Starting in a small shop in the 1900s, her line is still well known and a leading label in the industry today. Coco paved the way for many, and her legacy would make a great name for your little rebel.
- Condoleezza - If you’re looking for a unique name, former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is a powerful female to name your daughter after.
- Eleanor - Eleanor Roosevelt was not just a passive first lady, she used her position of power to advocate for women and children. She pushed against social norms to fight for what was right, and is an excellent role model for your little one.
- Elizabeth - Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to earn a medical degree from an American medical school. She held her own among men and showed women that they are just as capable of achieving great things.
- Ella - Ella Fitzgerald was the first African American female to win a Grammy, and walked away that year with two. Ella changed history, and your little girl might too.
- Ellen - Ellen DeGeneres is most well known for her talk show, standing up for LGBTQ rights, and encouraging viewers to be good to one another and spread kindness. Her comedic approach while taking on tough topics makes her a wonderful role model for your little ones.
- Ember - A name meaning smouldering coal, this would make a perfect name for a little girl full of spark and fire.
- Emmeline - Emmeline Pankhurst was a member of the Suffragettes and fought to get women the right to vote in the UK. She had a hand in changing history and is well respected because of that.
- Estée - Estée Lauder is one of the wealthiest self-made women in the world, well known for her cosmetics line. She is a true embodiment of hard work and dedication, both great qualities for women looking to change the world.
Badass Names for Girls that Start with F to L
- Florence - Florence Nightingale went against all odds and became a war-hero nurse. She not only came home a hero for her work during the Crimean War, but also went on to improve healthcare worldwide, making her a true badass!
- Frida - Frida Kahlo is not only a famous artist, but she is also known for standing strong against social issues such as LGBTQ rights and feminism. She is a wonderful role model for girls and women alike.
- Gabriela - Gabriela Mistral was the first Latin American author to earn a Nobel Prize. Her accomplishments are remembered and her success is due to her perseverance, admirable traits for girls to look up to.
- Gloria - Gloria Steinem is known as a leader in the American feminist movement. She co-founded Ms. magazine and is a perfect example that women and girls can do anything.
- Grace - Grace Hopper was one of the first women to earn a PhD in mathematics. She is well known for her work developing code for computers. She pushed forward and achieved great things even with adversity against her.
- Greta - Greta Thunberg is a Swedish environmental activist who gained world recognition at a very young age for her work to bring attention to climate change. She is the perfect example of young women standing up for what is right and fighting for causes dear to them.
- Halle - Halle Berry is the only African American female to win an Oscar for Best Actress. Her hard work and accomplishment are a perfect example for young girls.
- Harley - Your little rebel may end up loving motorcycles with a badass name like Harley-Davidson.
- Harriet - Harriet Beecher Stowe is well known for her anti-slavery work. Her books helped to spark the American Civil War.
- Helen - Helen Keller was a deaf and blind social activist. She overcame huge deficits and still dedicated her life to helping others, making her a truly inspiring badass.
- Hera - Queen of the Gods, Hera is a mythical badass.
- Hillary - Former US Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is the first woman chosen to run for President. Even though she didn’t win the race, she has inspired many women and girls that they are capable of anything.
- Indira - Indira Gandhi was India’s first female prime minister. She paved the way for future female leaders and led her country with admirable strength.
- Jane - Jane Austen was an author made famous in the 1700’s when most literary work was predominately male driven. Her work, such as Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice, is still well known today.
- Jean - Jean Grey has superhuman powers and is perhaps one of the most powerful X-Men. Known for her telepathic powers, Jean is a name that signifies strength, complexity and power, and she is a pretty badass female lead.
- Joan - Joan of Arc was a French martyr. She was an advisor to the French military, a role usually completed by men, and yet she held her own and made a name for herself.
- Junko - If you’re looking for a name that symbolizes physical strength and perseverance, look no further than Junko Tabei, the first female to reach the summit of Mount Everest, something only a handful of people will accomplish in their lifetime.
- Karma - It would be pretty badass to have a name like Karma. What goes around does come back around.
- Kat - Kat Gunn dominates in a male industry and is the highest-earning female gamer in the world. We love that she kicks ass at video games and holds her own among her male counterparts.
- Katharine - Katharine Hepburn is not only known for her acting, but also her independent streak. She let the world know that women can do anything they put their mind to, and we love that!
- Katniss - If you’re looking for something unique, Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games is certainly a badass your little one is sure to aspire to be like.
- Lucille - Lucille Ball is most known for her role in I Love Lucy. Known as a top comedian, Lucille bucked against the system and showed us that women are definitely capable of achieving great things.
Badass Names for Girls that Start with M to Z
- Madeleine - Madeleine Albright was the first female Secretary of State, appointed under the Clinton administration. She shows us that women can achieve positions of leadership and be successful, and she is a real role model for girls.
- Madonna - Considered the most successful female musician of all time, Madonna is a household name. We love her badass attitude and dedication to her craft.
- Mae - Dr. Mae Jemison was the first African American female astronaut. She was a true badass, showing us the women can do anything!
- Margaret - Margaret Thatcher was Britain’s first female prime minister. We admire women in leadership positions, and this is a strong name to give your little one.
- Marie - Marie Curie is not only one of the most famous scientists of all time, but she was the first female to win a Nobel Prize. What a badass!
- Maud - Maud Stevens Wagner is the first female tattooist in the US, a pretty badass career!
- Meryl - Meryl Streep holds the record for most Oscar nominations. Her perseverance shows us that women can do just about anything they put their minds to.
- Michelle - Michelle Kwan is the most decorated figure skater in American History. She has achieved amazing accolades and gives such a strong foundation for girls to accomplish their dreams.
- Misty - Misty Copeland was the first African American female principal ballerina in the American Ballet Theater. She is dominating in her craft and speaks out about supporting young girls and diversification.
- Munroe - Better known as Storm from X-Men, Ororo Munroe is a well known leader and badass. If you know your little rebel will take the world by storm, this might be a good name choice for you.
- Nadia - Nadia Murad is the first Iraqi to receive a Nobel Peace Prize. Her work to end human trafficking is admirable, and her fight for women makes her a true badass.
- Naomi - Naomi Parker is a famous icon you would likely recognize on a poster in her red bandana and the saying “We Can Do It”. Naomi is the perfect reminder of strength and perseverance.
- Oprah - Oprah Winfrey is a hugely influential female. She started her career as the first and youngest African-American woman to anchor a newscast in the city of Nashville. We love that she paved the way for other young girls and continues to give back with motivation and incredible amounts of charity work.
- Pamela - Poison Ivy, or Pamela, toes the line between hero and villain. If you’re looking for a fictional badass to name your child after, Pamela would make a great choice.
- Rebel - Why not name your little Rebel, Rebel? It’s working well for Rebel Wilson, a current actress, comedian, writer and producer.
- Retta - Retta Scott was the first female animator at Disney, and she blazed the way for the future of many other little girls!
- Ronda - Ronda Rousey is the first female to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, among other accomplishments. She has shown that women can achieve great things in a male dominated sport, and her fighting makes her a real badass.
- Rosa - Rosa Parks is a name almost anyone can recognize, made famous for her refusal to give up her seat on a bus which sparked the Civil Rights Movement. A true badass, Rosa teaches girls and women never to give up in the fight for what is right.
- Ruth - Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. She was also the co-founder of the Women's Rights Project at the ACLU, and fought tirelessly for women’s rights.
- Sally - Sally Ride was the first American woman in outer space, changing history and leveling the playing field for future astronauts!
- Sandra - Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was the first female Supreme Court Justice, and she is definitely a great role model for strong little girls.
- Serena - Serena Williams is a world renowned American tennis player. Serena is known for her hard work and power, as well as her world records.
- Sheryl - Sheryl Swoopes is known as the “female Michael Jordan.” She was the first female to be signed into the WNBA, and she paved the road for future basketball stars. She defied odds and is a true sports badass.
- Storm - Better known as Storm from X-Men, Ororo Munroe is a well known leader and badass. If you know your little rebel will take the world by storm, this might be a good name choice.
- Susan - Susan B. Anthony is most known for championing women’s suffrage. While she wasn’t able to live long enough to legally vote, when the 19th Amendment was finally ratified it was named after her.
- Tempest - A violently windy storm, Tempest would make a great name for your little spitfire.
- Venus - Venus Williams is a world renowned American tennis player. She formerly held #1 in both singles and doubles, and is considered one of the all-time greats in women’s tennis.
- Wilma - Wilma Rudolph overcame many childhood illnesses and became a three-time gold medalist in the 1960 Olympics, the first woman to ever do so. She’s a true badass who teaches us that you can overcome disadvantages and still accomplish incredible things.
- Xena - A fictional character, but Xena the Warrior Princess is still an incredibly strong female role model for your little one.
For more baby name inspiration check out these popular baby name lists:
- Top 1000 Most Popular Baby Girl Names in the U.S.
- Top 1000 Most Popular Baby Boy Names in the U.S.
- The 100 Coolest Baby Names in the World
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