One Syllable Names for Girls
- Swayze
Origin:
English from GermanMeaning:
"Swiss"Description:
Swayze is an Anglicization of the German surname Schweiz or Schweizer, referring to a Swiss person. It's most commonly associated with late actor Patrick Swayze, of Dirty Dancing fame. Interestingly, it's overwhelmingly feminine, with over 83% of babies born with the name girls.
- Spruce
Origin:
Tree nameDescription:
Spruce is a very rare tree name, given to only six baby boys last year....and no girls. But there's nothing traditionally gendered about this name, which can work just as well for baby girls.
- Ova
Description:
Ova is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Slavic languages, it can be derived from words meaning 'egg' or 'life,' symbolizing fertility and new beginnings. In some Nordic contexts, it may be a variant of names like Ove or Ava. The name has a simple, melodic quality with its two syllables and open vowel sounds. Ova is uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving bearers a distinctive identity. Its brevity makes it practical yet memorable. The name carries an inherent gentleness while still maintaining substance. In some interpretations, Ova connects to themes of creation and potential, making it rich with symbolic meaning despite its simplicity.
- Nieve
Description:
Nieve is a delicate feminine name derived from the Spanish word for 'snow,' reflecting purity and pristine beauty. In Irish contexts, it's sometimes used as an anglicized spelling of Niamh (pronounced 'neev'), which means 'bright' or 'radiant' in Gaelic and was the name of a goddess in Irish mythology. The dual linguistic origins give Nieve rich cultural associations across different traditions. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, it has seen increased interest among parents seeking short, distinctive names with natural connections. The name carries connotations of beauty, purity, and luminosity across its different cultural interpretations, making it an appealing choice for parents drawn to names with poetic natural imagery.
- Marée
Description:
Marée is a feminine name with French origins, meaning 'tide' or 'sea tide.' This elegant, nature-inspired name reflects the rhythmic movement of ocean waters and carries associations with fluidity, strength, and natural beauty. The accent mark gives the name a distinctly French aesthetic and pronunciation (mah-RAY), adding sophistication and musical quality. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Marée has maintained modest usage in French-speaking regions. The name appeals to parents drawn to water imagery and French linguistic traditions. Its briefness and melodic sound make it both distinctive and graceful. Marée connects its bearer to the natural world, specifically to the powerful yet beautiful patterns of the sea.
- Mab
Origin:
Irish, EnglishMeaning:
"intoxicating"Description:
An Anglicized form of Medb borrowed by both Shakespeare and Percy Bysshe Shelley for the of queen of the fairies. Perfect if you want something both adventurous and simple - though you could use it as a nickname for Mabel, Mirabel, Mabli, or Amabel too.
- Guin
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white, fair, blessed"Description:
Yet another member of the Gwyn/Gwen/Finn family of names ultimately deriving from a Celtic element meaning "white", Guin gets rare use in England and Wales; a notable bearer is Olympic-medal winning rower Guin Batten.
- France
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
This geographic name has lots of Gallic elan. France Nuyen is a French-Vietnamese actress who starred in the Broadway hit The World of Suzie Wong.
- Drea
Origin:
Diminutive of Alexandrea or AndreaDescription:
Introduced via Sopranos star Drea (born Andrea) de Matteo, and catching on with a wider audience.
- Rut
Origin:
Czech, variation of RuthMeaning:
"companion, friend"Description:
Pronounced ROOT in its native land, but in a rut here.
- Doone
Origin:
Scottish surnameMeaning:
"hill, mountain"Description:
Evocative of the sand dunes at the beach, Doone is a relatively rare surname found in Scotland, Ireland and England. It was recently used with this spelling by Olympic medalist Amanda Beard; photographer Diane Arbus named her daughter Doon, inspired, yes, by walks along the sand dunes during her pregnancy.
- Märta
Description:
Märta is a Scandinavian feminine name, particularly popular in Sweden, serving as the Nordic variation of Martha. The name derives from Aramaic, meaning 'lady' or 'mistress of the house.' The distinctive umlaut over the 'a' gives it a quintessentially Nordic character, affecting its pronunciation with a more open vowel sound. Märta enjoyed significant popularity in Sweden during the early 20th century but has become less common for newborns in recent decades, now often associated with older generations. The name carries connotations of strength, practicality, and domestic capability in Nordic culture. For those seeking a name with authentic Scandinavian heritage and a connection to historical naming patterns, Märta offers a distinctive option with straightforward pronunciation for Swedish speakers.
- Cemre
Origin:
TurkishMeaning:
"ember"Description:
In Turkish folklore, cemre is the heaven-sent embers that sequentially warm the air, water, then earth at the end of the winter.
- Rhian
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"maiden"Description:
Popular in Wales, but likely to be mispronounced as Ryan here.
- Ayah
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"sign, miracle"Description:
Sweet and simple, Ayah is a beautiful Arabic name with a particularly lovely meaning — miracle. In Islam, Ayah refers to signs of God's existence, and is also the name for a verse in the Qur'an.
- Val
Origin:
Diminutive of Valentina, Valerie, etcDescription:
Occasionally used as an independent name, but why.
- Mie
Origin:
Danish, Norwegian diminutive of Marie, JapaneseMeaning:
"bitter; beauty; three"Description:
A sweet and simple nickname for Marie that could serve to freshen up the outdated full form.
- Rian
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little king"Description:
As Ryan quickly becomes a plausible option for a girl, some parents may be interested in the spelling Rian — the more authentic and original form of the name.
- Chleo
Description:
Chleo represents a modern spelling variation of the classic Greek name Cleo or Clio. The original name derives from the Greek 'kleos' meaning 'glory' or 'fame.' In Greek mythology, Clio was the muse of history, inspiring creativity and intellectual pursuits. The addition of the 'h' after the first consonant creates a distinctive visual identity while maintaining the traditional pronunciation. This spelling variation emerged as part of the trend toward unique renderings of familiar names. While less common than Cleo or the extended form Cleopatra (famous through the Egyptian queen), Chleo offers parents a way to honor classical traditions while giving their daughter a slightly unconventional naming experience. The name carries connotations of artistic inspiration, historical significance, and timeless elegance despite its contemporary spelling twist.
- Kesse
Description:
Kesse is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Ghana, it comes from the Akan people where it's associated with birth order, often given to a female twin. The name may also be a variation of Kessie or a shortened form of names like Kessley or Kesley. With its concise two-syllable structure and soft sound, Kesse has a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots. While not widely used in Western countries, it has gained some modest recognition as parents increasingly seek unique, cross-cultural names. The name's brevity and distinctive character make it appealing to modern parents looking for something uncommon yet easy to pronounce. Kesse carries qualities of uniqueness and cultural significance while maintaining a gentle, feminine sound.