One Syllable Names for Girls

Fleur

French

"flower"

Fleur is a generic, delicate flower name that emigrated into the English-speaking world when John Galsworthy bestowed it on one of the Forsytes in his celebrated saga. More recently, there was Fleur…

Gift

English word name

Surprisingly, one of the fastest-rising names for girls.

Girl

English

"female child"

Although it has no doubt been used as a name by someone somewhere, Girl likely appears on the US extended baby names list most years as a kind of holding term, where parents have not yet decided on…

Hanalei

Hawaiian

"crescent bay or garland valley"

An appealing Hawaiian name which belongs to a town, river and bay on Kauaʻi island in Hawaii. The two possible meanings of the name, "crescent bay" or "garland (lei) valley" both describe the beauty…

Iza

Polish, Czech, and Slovene short form of Izabela, variation of Izzah "pledged to God; glory, power, strength"

"pledged to God; glory, power, strength"

A short form of Izabela, popular as a stand-alone name in Slovenia where it ranks in the Top 50. It might also be used in Poland, Czechia, Georgia, Hungary, and elsewhere as a form of Izabela/lla,…

Leire

Basque place name

Also spelled Leyre and taken from the name of a monastery fortress, the popular and lilting choice in Spain will pose pronunciation problems elsewhere. Among the Top 100 girls' names in Spain, Leire…

Light

Word name

Bright and glowing name, perfect for a baby who arrived on a sunny day.

Lowe

Maayan

Hebrew

"spring of water"

Many Americans will misunderstand it as Maya, but Maayan (also stylized as Ma'ayan) is a popular Israeli name used for both sexes.

Page

French

"page, attendant"

Sleek and sophisticated single-syllable choice that has NEVER been in the Top 1000, though sister name Paige has ranked since the mid 1950s. Though off her peak, Paige is still in the Top 200. Along…

Psalms

English, word name

"hymns and sacred songs"

The Book of Psalms is an important and lyrical piece of Christian and Jewish scripture. While Psalm (singular) is now a gold-leafed celebrity baby name, Psalms still feels spiritual and…

Quynh

Vietnamese

"night blooming flower"

The Vietnamese name Quynh, pronounced exactly like the Irish gender neutral name Quinn, is a perfect cross-cultural choice with a lovely meaning.

Rhyann

Variation of Rhian or Ryan, English, Welsh, Irish

"maiden, young woman; little king, little ruler"

Rhian meets Ryan in this modern variation of both, and it's up to you if you say it as REE-ann or RYE-ann. Given to around 15 girls in a recent year, this form is less popular than Rhyan in the US,…

Rye

English, diminutive of Riley; word name; British surname

"cavalryman, messenger"

Sweet short form of Riley. Nature lovers and whiskey fans alike can appreciate the androgynous simplicity of Rye. It is also the name of a town in England.

Skyy

Skyy is a modern feminine name derived from the English word 'sky,' representing the vast expanse above us. The distinctive double 'y' spelling gives this nature-inspired name a contemporary,…

Sue

Diminutive of Susan

Much-used midcentury diminutive, now fallen far from favor even as a middle name.

Tai

Chinese

"great extreme"

Skater Tai Babilonia brought this sleek modern name to the world's attention. Pronounced "tie."

Yue

Yue is a feminine name of Chinese origin that means 'moon.' This elegant, single-syllable name carries deep significance in Chinese culture, where the moon represents beauty, elegance, and the…

Zhane

Modern invented name

Mix a bit of old-fashioned Jane with the male-inflected Zane, et voila.

Abi

Abi is a charming diminutive of Abigail, with Hebrew origins meaning "father's joy" or "source of joy." It can also stand independently in some cultures, particularly in Nigerian traditions where it…