March is Women’s History Month—a time to honor the extraordinary contributions women have made throughout history in every corner of the world. From science and politics to the arts and human rights, women have shaped our societies with courage, brilliance, and determination. One beautiful way to celebrate this legacy is by choosing a name that carries the strength and spirit of a trailblazing woman. Whether you’re naming a daughter or simply love the stories behind names, here are 50 girl names inspired by some of the most influential and heroic women in history.

Ada

Inspired by Ada Lovelace, the brilliant mathematician often credited as the world’s first computer programmer.

Alexandria

Inspired by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a trailblazing U.S. Congresswoman who became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. Known for her bold advocacy on climate justice, economic equality, and women’s rights, she has become a powerful voice for a new generation of leaders.

Amelia

Inspired by Amelia Earhart, the aviation pioneer who dared to soar in a time when it was only primarily males who entered aviation.

Angela

After Angela Davis, political activist, scholar, and symbol of resistance.

Astrid

Inspired by Astrid Lindgren, Swedish author and creator of *Pippi Longstocking*, known for her advocacy of children’s rights and literacy.

Bessie

In tribute to Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license.

Billie

In tribute to Billie Holiday, the soulful jazz icon with a voice that changed music. As well as contemporary singer/songwriter Billie Eilish, an animal rights activist.

Boudica

Named after the Celtic queen who led an uprising against the Roman Empire in ancient Britain.

Clara

For Clara Barton, the compassionate founder of the American Red Cross.

Coretta

In honor of Coretta Scott King, civil rights leader and devoted advocate for justice.

Diana

For Princess Diana, beloved humanitarian and advocate for AIDS awareness and landmine victims.

Dorothy

In honor of Dorothy Vaughan, one of NASA’s pioneering “hidden figures.”

Eleanor

After Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady and tireless human rights champion.

Emmeline

After Emmeline Pankhurst, the British suffragette who led the movement for women’s voting rights.

Eslanda

Named for Eslanda “Essie” Cardozo Goode Robeson, author, anthropologist, and civil rights activist.

Florence

Inspired by Florence Nightingale, the pioneering nurse who revolutionized healthcare.

Frida

In tribute to Frida Kahlo, the groundbreaking Mexican artist known for her powerful self-expression.

Gabriela

After Gabriela Mistral, the first Latin American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Gloria

For Gloria Steinem, journalist, activist, and face of second-wave feminism.

Greta

Inspired by Greta Thunberg, the young climate activist with a global voice.

Harriet

For Harriet Tubman, who risked her life to lead enslaved people to freedom.

Hedy

Named for Hedy Lamarr, actress and inventor who helped develop technology foundational to modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Helen

Inspired by Helen Keller, a symbol of triumph over adversity and advocate for the disabled. Helen of Troy, from Greek Mythology, is the daughter of Zeus and wife of the King of Sparta.

Hypatia

Named for Hypatia of Alexandria, a mathematician and philosopher from ancient times who defied the norms of her era.

Ida

For Ida B. Wells, investigative journalist and anti-lynching crusader.

Indira

For Indira Gandhi, the powerful and controversial first female Prime Minister of India.

Jane

For Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist and conservationist.

Josephine

Named for Josephine Baker, a dazzling performer and World War II resistance spy.

Katherine

In honor of Katherine Johnson, NASA mathematician whose calculations were critical to space exploration.

Kamala

For Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of the United States.

Lakshmi

Named after Lakshmi Bai, the Rani of Jhansi and a hero of Indian resistance to British rule.

Lucy/Lucille

For Lucille Ball, a comedic genius and one of television’s earliest female powerhouses. Also in honor of Lucy Stone, a pioneering orator, abolitionist, and suffragist who was the first woman from Massachusetts to earn a college degree.

Malala

Named for Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel laureate and a global symbol of girls’ education.

Margaret

Inspired by Margaret Sanger, birth control activist and founder of what would become Planned Parenthood.

Marsha

Named after Marsha P. Johnson, a bold force in the fight for LGBTQ+ liberation.

Maya

In honor of Maya Angelou, the poet and activist whose words continue to inspire.

Michelle

After Michelle Obama, former First Lady, lawyer, and advocate for education and healthy living.

Murasaki

Named for Murasaki Shikibu, the 11th-century Japanese writer who authored *The Tale of Genji*, often considered the world’s first novel.

Nellie

In tribute to Nellie Bly, a fearless investigative journalist who broke barriers.

Pine

Inspired by Pine Leaf (also known as Woman Chief), a Crow warrior and leader in the 19th century who earned great respect for her bravery in battle and her leadership.

Rosa

In honor of Rosa Parks, whose quiet strength sparked a movement for civil rights.

Ruth

For Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court Justice and relentless champion of equality.

Sally

For Sally Ride, the first American woman in space.

Sarah

For Madam C.J. Walker (nee Sarah Breedlove), America’s first self-made female millionaire and pioneer in Black haircare.

Simone

After Simone de Beauvoir, influential philosopher and feminist thinker, as well as athlete Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, who has redefined athletic excellence while also speaking out powerfully for mental health and self-worth.

Sojourner

After Sojourner Truth, a fierce abolitionist and women’s rights advocate who spoke truth to power.

Susan

For Susan B. Anthony, one of the most famous figures of the women’s suffrage movement and a tireless advocate for voting rights.

Sylvia

After Sylvia Rivera, a courageous advocate for transgender and LGBTQ+ rights.

Virginia

After Virginia Woolf, whose literary brilliance paved the way for generations of women writers.

Zitkala

For Zitkala-Ša, a Yankton Dakota writer, educator, and activist who fought for Native American rights and women’s suffrage in the early 20th century.