20 Strong Baby Girl Names Inspired by Famous Athletes

Billie is a cool girl name for multiple reasons. We love that it has a masculine feel and if you happen to be into tennis, the connection to the legendary Billie Jean King, who won 39 Grand Slam titles and tirelessly fought for women's equality in sports, is special. Billie is traditionally a nickname for William or Wilhelmina, but it's often used as a standalone name these days.

We can't help but obsess over Olympian and gymnast, Simone Biles. She will always be the GOAT, and she's just an awesome person too. Plus, here name is fire. It's pretty and powerful at the same time, and it's definitely due for a comeback. It's the feminine version of the boy's name Simon, which comes from the Hebrew language.

Tennis player Venus Williams isn't just an inspiration to all of us, she was an inspiration to her equally famous sister as well (that's Serena Williams in case you've been living under a rock.) She's been ranked number 1 as both a singles and doubles player, and is now thriving as a businesswoman. Her name is unique and beautiful. It comes from the Latin language and means, "beloved" and is also a version of Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

Like her older sister, Serena Williams, is an absolute legend. She has won 23 singles Grand Slam titles, and is currently the record holder. She's an incredible mom and an inspiration to many, who just so happens to have a really pretty name. It has Latin roots and comes from the world "serene."

We can't even imagine being a race car driver, let alone a female race car driver. Not to mention the most successful female open-wheel car racer in history. Danica Patrick is just that, though. We love her fierceness and her name too. The name has Eastern European origins, and means "morning star."

Naomi Osaka is another incredible tennis player who is a total inspiration. No matter what happens or what she's going through, she chooses to do the next right thing and never gives up on herself. Her name means "pleasant, beautiful, delightful," and that she is.

Mia is a pretty popular name that actually started out as a nickname for Maria in Denmark and Sweden, but if you're a soccer fan, it's more meaningful. It's the name of women's soccer icon and Olympian, Mia Hamm.

Allyson is a classic name with a unique spelling that reminds us of just one person: Olympic sprinter Allyson Felix. She is such a powerhouse! In Gaelic, the name means, "small and truthful."

A lot of people these days think of Muhammad Ali's daughter, Laila Ali, as a TV personality, but before her days on the small screen, she was an undefeated boxer who remained so for almost the entirety of her nearly decade-long career. Her name has Arabic origins and means, "dark beauty."

If you're a figure skating fan, you're likely familiar with Canadian ice dancer, Tessa Virtue. She's a three-time Olympian and a three-time world champion, who is absolutely beloved in her sport. Her name is super pretty and was originally used as a nickname for Theresa.

In 2021, WNBA star Candace Parker, was the highest paid female basketball player in the world. She balances being a mom and her career seamlessly, and lives in her own truth while doing it. She's a huge inspiration for girls (and boys) all over the world. Her name means, "pure, sincere," which is so lovely for a baby girl.

Nelly is honestly just a cute name, but if you're a golf fan, it's more significant thanks to golfer Nelly Korda who has won in the LPGA Tour seven times. The name has traditionally been used as a nickname for various names including Ellen and Helen, but we think it's pretty all on its own.

Katarina Witt is another figure skating legend with a gorgeous name. She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and an icon in the sport. Her name is a cognate of Katherine and means, "pure, unsullied."

Picabo Street was the name in women's skiing back in the 1990s. She is a World Cup alpine skiier and Olympic gold medalist, with the cutest name ever. It's actually an American name that's said to mean, "shining waters."

Olympic snowboarding champ Chloe Kim is pretty much the coolest. If you're a fan, you should definitely consider her beautiful name for your baby girl. It means, "blooming, verdant," which is so precious.

Whether we're talking about skiier Lindsey Vonn or snowboarder, Lindsey Jacob Ellis, women with this name dominate at winter sports. Both are Olympic gold medalists, who have had huge impacts on their sports. The name Lindsey come from the Old English word for the linden tree.

The name Carissa is so pretty it appeals to everyone, but if you love surfing, it'll always remind you of 2020 Olympic champ Carissa Moore, who has been an inspiration in her sport for more than a decade. The name has Greek roots and means, "beloved."

Carli legit sounds like a rockstar name, and soccer player Carli Lloyd definitely fits the bill. She's won two Olympics to World Cups and she's been named FIFA Player of the Year twice. The name is a feminine form of Carl, which means, "freeman, peasant."

Another amazing tennis player, Sloane Stephens, doesn't just have tons of titles in her sport, including US Open Champion, she also has the cutest name. It comes from the Gaelic language and means, "warriors."

You've gotta love former Olympic gymnast, Nastia Lukin. She's an incredible athlete whose strength and confidence inspires everyone around her. We especially love how supportive she is of other women. Her name is Russian and means, "resurrection."