One Syllable Names for Girls

Shawn is one name that's become less unisex and more distinctly male over time in all its spellings, given to only 14 baby girls and over 500 boys in the US in the most recent year counted. But at its peak in the early 1970s, it was a Top 200 baby name for girls in the US, given to nearly 2000 baby girls... and 12,000 boys in this spelling alone.

Shawn

This distinctive variation was chosen for their third daughter by the Eddie Murphys. 

Shayne

Teal is one of the prettiest and most straightforward of the new color names -- an ideal middle name choice. 

Teal

Peaceful and harmonious, Truce shot up the US charts for boys in 2024, when it was given to 230 babies compared to just six the previous year. To put that in perspective, Truce moved 11118 places up the charts.
 
Reflecting a wish for peace during turbulent times, Truce also entered the charts for girls in 2024, and a more recent year saw it given to 13 girls (compared to 331 boys).

Truce

Tsion

Today Show anchor Savannah Guthrie put this name of a geographical feature on the baby name map when she chose it for her newborn daughter, Vale Guthrie Feldman.  Vale might be considered part nature name, part place name: A vale is a kind of valley, often used in poetry.

This truly unique choice doesn't even register on the US extended list of names given to five babies or more, but we expect Vale to register as parents are inspired by Guthrie and husband Mike Feldman's creative choice.

More prosaicly, Vale might be a short form of Valerie or Valentina.

Vale

Aby is a feminine name with multiple origins and meanings. It can be a short form of Abigail, which has Hebrew roots meaning 'father's joy,' or it might derive from Abraham, meaning 'father of many.' In some contexts, it may be related to the Latin 'apis' meaning 'bee.' Aby has a sweet, simple quality with its two-syllable structure and soft ending sound. Unlike the more common spelling 'Abby,' this version offers a slightly more distinctive alternative while maintaining familiar pronunciation. The name has never been highly ranked in popularity charts but maintains steady usage as both a nickname and standalone name. Its brevity and friendly sound make it appealing to parents seeking a name that is approachable yet not overly common.

Although the single-named singer is male, this might be a girl's nickname name or a sleek nature name that's perfect in the middle.

Beck

Cai, as distinguished from the boys' name Kai, is international, simple, unusual.

Most people are likely to associate the name Chai with tea, but it's also a Chinese surname and Hebrew masculine name. The video game series Soulcalibur features a female character named Chai.

Chai

Gail was a mid-twentieth century favorite, which has been far surpassed by its original form, Abigail and nickname Abby. Spelling variations include Gale and Gayle, the latter represented by TV journalist and Oprah bestie Gayle King. Gail was most popular in the 1950s, when it was in the Top 40, and could rise again, possibly as a middle.

Gail

Hilde is a feminine name of Germanic origin, functioning as both a standalone name and a diminutive of names containing the element "hild" meaning "battle" or "strife." Popular in Scandinavian countries, Germany, and the Netherlands, Hilde carries associations of strength and warrior spirit despite its soft sound. The name has historical significance through figures like the Valkyrie Brynhildr from Norse mythology and various medieval noblewomen. While considered somewhat traditional in Northern Europe, Hilde has a timeless quality that has prevented it from feeling dated. The name's combination of historical depth and brevity appeals to parents seeking names that are substantive yet straightforward. Hilde balances feminine gentleness with underlying strength and resilience.

Hilde

A popular name among Arabic speaking communities, Hind has several meanings. It could relate to the Arabic name for India, alhind, or refer to a large group of camels, in turn associating it with abundance. 
 
As an English surname, it likely derives from the Old English, Old Germanic and Old Dutch word for a female deer, however it is unlikely that this is the reason it is used as a given name.

Hind

Musical choice that may be a short form of Jasmine or Jazlyn, or might stand on its own like this or as Jaz, the spelling used by tennis duo Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi.

Jazz

Jlynn is a contemporary feminine name that appears to be a modern variant or creative spelling of names like Lynn, Jalynn, or J'Lynn. The distinctive spelling with the initial 'J' directly connected to 'lynn' gives it a streamlined, modern appearance. This name represents a trend of creating unique names through modified spellings or combinations of established elements. The 'lynn' element derives from the English word for a waterfall or lake, or from the Welsh term meaning 'lake.' Jlynn remains quite rare in usage statistics, appealing to parents seeking uncommon names with familiar pronunciations. Its modern feel and distinctive spelling make it stand out while maintaining phonetic accessibility.

Jlynn

Kia is a sweet, simple name that is now, unfortunately, associated with a Korean car label.  Better today: Nia, Thea, or Keira.

Maive is a feminine name representing an alternative spelling of the Irish name Maeve, derived from the Gaelic "Meadhbh," meaning "she who intoxicates" or "she who brings joy." In Irish mythology, Queen Maeve of Connacht was a powerful warrior queen, lending the name associations with strength and independence. This variant spelling maintains the traditional pronunciation while offering a more streamlined appearance. Maive has gained modest popularity in English-speaking countries as parents increasingly seek Celtic names with historical depth. The name balances ancient origins with a contemporary feel, appealing to those drawn to names that are both distinctive and accessible.

Maive

Monse is a feminine name of Spanish origin, commonly used as a nickname for Montserrat, which refers to the 'jagged mountain' in Catalonia, Spain where the famous monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat is located. The shortened form has gained popularity particularly in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking regions. Monse has a modern, concise feel while maintaining its cultural heritage. Its two-syllable structure makes it accessible across language barriers. While not among the most common Hispanic names, it has seen increased usage in recent decades as parents seek shorter, more contemporary versions of traditional names. Monse offers a balance of cultural significance and modern appeal.

Monse

A short and snappy choice, Nai may be considered a Japanese name with a range of meanings, including "vegetables, greens", "clothing, robes", or "to sound, (bird) cry". The name may also be adapted from the Kazakh Altynai meaning "golden moon", from the Hebrew element ana meaning "to answer", the Basque Naia meaning "sea foam, wave", the Arabic Naila meaning "attainer", the Arabic Naima meaning "tranquil, at ease" or the Greek Nais meaning "water nymph".
 
It is also used as a masculine name in Slovenia, possibly as a variation of Nikolai.

Peach is one of those names that, a generation ago, would have been placed in the wacky celebrity baby name category. But now with the proliferation of word, nature, and yes, food names, Peach sounds adorably baby-ready.