15,000+ Two-Syllable Girl Names

  1. Marlene
    • Origin:

      German variation of Madeline; combination of Mary and Magdalen
    • Description:

      Marlene Dietrich made it famous when she condensed her first two names, Maria and Magdalena. Now more often pronounced with two syllables rather than three.
  2. Sinclair
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "from the town of St. Clair"
    • Description:

      The most famous Sinclair was the (male) writer Lewis, but these days the name works at least as well for a girl.
  3. Merit
    • Origin:

      English word name, variation of Merritt, variation of Marit and Maret, Ancient Egyptian
    • Meaning:

      "good and worthy; boundary, gate; pearl; the beloved one"
    • Description:

      Short, concise, and cheerful, Merit is a name with several possible roots. From its English origins, it could be viewed as a virtue name, celebrating commendable good behaviour. Equally, it could be seen as a streamlined form of Merritt, an Old English surname meaning "boundary". Rising in the US, albeit slowly, Merit may be given to more babies in coming years, due to the recent interest in unusual virtue names, last names as first names, and for word names.
  4. Eluned
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "idol, image"
    • Description:

      Romantic and mysterious, Eluned's beauty and intelligence were legendary in Welsh legend; she was the handmaiden of the Lady of the Fountain in a Welsh Arthurian romance, who had a magic ring that made the wearer invisible. Pronunciation is usually similar in emphasis to Eleanor, but with ned instead of nor at the end. However, it's sometimes also pronounced el-LIN-ed or even shortened to Luned, the sounce of Lynette, in Tennyson's Gareth and Lynette.
  5. Aimee
    • Origin:

      Variation of Amy, French
    • Meaning:

      "beloved"
    • Description:

      Amy was a 1970s favorite, and French spelling Aimee peaked in the same decade. Today, about 1500 baby girls are still named Amy every year in the US, versus about 150 named Aimee.
  6. Roisin
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little rose"
    • Description:

      No, the pronunciation--ro-SHEEN--isn't immediately obvious to the non-Gaelic viewer, but the sound of this shiny Irish version of Rose is pretty enough to make it worth considering. Very popular in its native Ireland, it's one of many Irish girl names finding a wider audience. Earlier generations Anglicized at as Rosaleen, but we stay stick to the original.
  7. Sigrid
    • Origin:

      Norse
    • Meaning:

      "fair victory"
    • Description:

      Sigrid is a distinctly Scandinavian name that is starting to edge out into the wider world, a la cousin Ingrid. Unfortunately, short form Siri is now off the table, but Sigrid is still a possibility.
  8. Indi
    • Origin:

      Variation of Indie, English
    • Meaning:

      "independent"
    • Description:

      A true maverick of a girls' name — even more so with this spelling, the least common between Indie, Indy, and Indi.
  9. Luka
    • Description:

      Luka as a feminine name represents a gender-switched variation of the traditionally masculine Luka/Luca, which derives from the Latin 'Lucius,' meaning 'light' or 'illumination.' While Luka remains predominantly masculine in most cultures (particularly popular in Eastern European countries like Croatia and Slovenia), its use for girls has emerged as part of the trend toward gender-neutral naming. The feminine Luka carries a modern, international appeal with its melodic sound and simple spelling. The name's connection to light gives it an uplifting quality, while its cross-cultural presence (appearing in Slavic, Italian, and Japanese naming traditions) adds versatility. Though still uncommon for girls, Luka fits alongside other formerly masculine names like Riley and Avery that have gained acceptance for both genders.

  10. Briella
    • Origin:

      Short form of Gabriella
    • Meaning:

      "God is my strength"
    • Description:

      If you feel, as many parents do, that Gabby or Gabi is too harsh a short form for the mellifluous name Gabriella, try Brie, Brielle, or Briella.
  11. Toula
    • Origin:

      Greek, feminization of Fotis or Fotios
    • Meaning:

      "light"
    • Description:

      Toula came to light as the name of the heroine of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," short for Fotoula, a variant of Fortini, a feminine version of Fotis or Fotios, meaning "light".
  12. Wanda
    • Origin:

      Slavic or German
    • Meaning:

      "shepherdess; wanderer"
    • Description:

      Rarely heard, and when it is, usually attached to a witch. Historically, though, Wanda was a legendary eighth century queen of Poland, and in literature it is the central character of Ouida's eponymous novel Wanda. A musical namesake is the great Polish harpsichordist Wanda Landowska.
  13. Solange
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "solemn"
    • Description:

      This is a soft, soignée French girls' namethat has become familiar here via singer Solange Knowles, younger sister of Beyonce.
  14. Keeva
    • Origin:

      Irish, phonetic spelling of Caoimhe
    • Meaning:

      "gentle, beautiful, precious"
    • Description:

      Keeva, the name chosen by "How I Met Your Mother" star Alyson Hannigan for her daughter, has recently been a Top 20 name in Ireland, using the authentic spelling Caoimhe. The male version is Caomhin--anglicized as Kevin.
  15. Aoibhe
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "life, or beauty"
    • Description:

      Aoibhe may be considered a form of either Aoife -- beauty in Irish -- or Eve, which means life. Either way, this popular Irish name for girls is pronounced as Eva though outside of Ireland few would guess that. Leave Aoibhe to the Gaelic speakers.
  16. Meret
    • Origin:

      German diminutive of Margarethe
    • Meaning:

      "pearl"
    • Description:

      Meret is an interesting name found in several cultures. In Egyptian mythology, she was a goddess associated with singing, dancing and rejoicing and her meaning is 'beloved.' But the name also has significance in Hebrew, Danish and Norwegian. Close relatives include Merete and Maret.
  17. Minna
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Wilhelmina, German
    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection; love"
    • Description:

      One of those pan-European nickname names much more familiar in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe than in the US, though related name Mina is making a comeback here. Light and bright, it could be an alternative to Mila, Minnie, or Millie.
  18. Ruelle
    • Description:

      Ruelle is a delicate feminine name with French origins, literally meaning 'small street' or 'alley' in French. This charming name evokes images of quaint Parisian side streets and carries an artistic, bohemian quality. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Ruelle has gained some recognition through the American singer-songwriter Ruelle (Maggie Eckford), known for creating atmospheric music featured in television shows. The name has a lyrical sound with its soft 'r' and melodic ending, making it appealing to parents seeking something unique yet elegant. Ruelle represents a perfect blend of subtle sophistication and uncommon distinction.
  19. Ettie
    • Origin:

      English diminutive or names ending with 'etta' or 'ette'
    • Meaning:

      "little"
    • Description:

      Ettie or Etty works as a nickname for any name with a prominent "et" sound, usually at the end: think Henrietta, Juliette or Colette. The -ette ending is a French diminutive suffix.
  20. Hana
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Hawaiian, Maori, Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "grace, work, glow, flower"
    • Description:

      Many things to many peoples: a flower name, also spelled Hanae, to the Japanese; a Czech and Polish short form of Johana; and an alternate form of the biblical name Hannah in the US. It also means "craft, work" in Hawaiian and "glow" in Maori.