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The top girl names and all their gorgeous meanings.

Charlotte took over the list of top girl names in Australia for 2015, with the previous year’s favourite, Olivia, dropping to 2nd place – according to McCrindle.

Popularity may change but the name meanings behind the top 10 baby girls’ names will be forever.

Here’s what the names are thought to mean:

Charlotte

It is the feminine version of Charles (which caused a stir when Princess Charlotte was named).  It means free and has English and French origins.

Charles is also said to mean “free man”. Nicknames include variations Charlee, Charlie and Charli.

It’s a popular regal name but shortened versions of it are also in pop culture, like Charli XCX.

Princess Charlotte. Photographed by the Duchess of Cambridge.

Olivia

The name Olivia comes from the Latin word "oliva" meaning olive. It's masculine version, Oliver, has claimed the top spot on the boys' baby names list.

It's a Shakespearean name thought to have gained popularity from a character in Twelfth Night.

Olivia Newton John is arguably Australia's most famous Olivia.

Amelia

Amelia means "industrious" and "striving" and comes from a German word that can be linked to work. It also thought to mean "defender".

Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly over the Atlantic Ocean and actress Minnie Driver was born Amelia Fiona J Driver.

Ava

It's Latin origin "avis" means "bird" and some say it means "fly away".  It's much older than it seems and is said to be the Hebrew form of Eve.

Actors Reece Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe named their child Ava after actress Ava Gardner.

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Mia

Mia could be from an ancient Hebrew name, Miriam, or it could be from the Egyptian word "myr", which means "beloved".  Then again, Italians associate it with "mine", and the Slavic word "mila" has some links - which means “dear" or "darling”.

I should ask my big boss, Mia Freedman, what she thinks.

Sophia

Sophia means "wisdom" in Greek. According to Behind the Name, Sophia was a saint who died of grief after her three daughters were martyred.

Sophia Grace is arguably the youngest celebrity with the name and everyone knows Sophia Loren.

Chloe

Who would have thought Khloe with a "K" came before Chloe? But it did. The name is Greek meaning "blooming" or "young green shoot" and has ties with Demeter, the fertility goddess.

Famous Chloe with a "K", Khloe Kardashian, springs to mind as well as Chloe Sevigny and Chloe Moretz.

Emily

Similar to Amelia's origins, Emily also means "industrious" and "striving" or "hard working" - great to have on a resume.

I wonder if Emily Blunt is a workaholic?

Sophie

A variation of Sophia (see above), Sophie also means "wisdom" in Greek. They will presumably have the same nickname and if you are in Australia you are bound to get "Soph" (pron. Sofe).

Although, Sophie Ellis-Bextor goes by her full name.

Grace

This one is obvious. Grace means Grace. It's from Latin "gratia" meaning "God's favour" or "God's grace".

Just like the elegance of Grace Kelly.

After more baby name inspiration? Step right up... 

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