One Syllable Names for Girls

Barb is a midcentury nickname name that, like Deb and Sue, feels terminally dates now. But with the revival of Barbie, Barb may not be far behind.

Barb

Peg is a nostalgic turn-of-the-last-century nickname, sociable but slight. Like near-identical twin Peggy, Peg is in mothballs. 

Marge used to be as common as Maggie or Megan, ranking on its own in the girls' Top 1000 from 1900 until right after World War II, when so many Old School names fell off the list in favor of a new generation cuter, perkier choices.

Today, Grandma may be shocked to learn that Marge is extinct, given to zero baby girls in the US. And we doubt many little Margarets or Margos are called Marge either.

Marge

Ede is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hungarian tradition, it's a feminine form of Eduard, meaning 'wealthy guardian.' In West African cultures, particularly among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Ede can refer to a place name or have various contextual meanings. The name's brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal despite its historical roots. Ede is characterized by its simplicity and easy pronunciation across different languages, making it internationally accessible. Though uncommon in most Western countries, its shortness aligns with contemporary naming trends favoring brief, distinctive names. The name carries a subtle strength and efficiency in its compact form, appealing to parents seeking something uncommon yet straightforward with cross-cultural possibilities.

Margred is a feminine name that represents the Welsh form of Margaret. Derived ultimately from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl,' this name carries both historical significance and natural beauty in its meaning. While Margaret has been widely used throughout the English-speaking world, Margred remains distinctly Welsh, providing a connection to Celtic heritage and Welsh culture. The name has been used in Wales for centuries, though it's relatively uncommon even there in modern times. Margred has a certain melodic quality characteristic of Welsh names, with their distinctive pronunciations. For families with Welsh roots or those seeking a unique alternative to the more common Margaret, Margred offers cultural richness and historical depth with its pearl-like connotations of rarity and value.

Margred

Meg, perennially one of the Little Women, is a Margaret short form that manages to be neither quite in nor quite out of style. Meg is sleeker and more sophisticated than Maggie, more contemporary than Peg, more stylish than Megan, and still one of the best diminutives of Margaret. 
Meg Ryan was born Margaret Mary Emily Anne.

Brione is a delicate feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Italian town of Brione in Lombardy, giving it geographic significance. Alternatively, it could be a variation of Briony (or Bryony), which comes from the name of a climbing plant with medicinal properties in European traditions. The name has never been widely used, maintaining an air of exclusivity and refinement. With its soft sound and flowing quality, Brione appeals to parents seeking something recognizable yet uncommon. The '-one' ending gives it a modern feel similar to names like Simone or Leone. While rare in English-speaking countries, Brione carries a subtle European elegance and botanical connection that gives it depth beyond its musical sound.

Brione

March has never been popular as a month name, possibly because of its slightly abrupt sound. But with all kinds of month (and season, day, and holiday) names, from January to December, Sunday to Easter, Winter to Midnight, coming to the fore, March is beginning to seem eminently baby-ready.

 An added bonus of lovers of classic literature: March is the surname of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women.

March

Marce is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the name Marcus, which means 'dedicated to Mars,' the Roman god of war. It can be considered a shortened form of Marceline, Marcella, or Marcela. Popular in Spanish-speaking countries, Marce has a soft, melodic quality that maintains its traditional roots while feeling contemporary. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, it has gained some popularity as parents seek distinctive yet simple names. The name carries connotations of strength and determination, reflecting its martial etymology, while maintaining a gentle feminine sound.

Marce

Ebbe

Maime is an uncommon feminine name that may have several origins. It could be a variant spelling of Mayme, which itself is often considered a diminutive of Mary or Mae. The name Mary derives from Hebrew origins meaning "bitter" or "beloved," while Mae has connections to the month of May, symbolizing springtime and renewal. Alternatively, it might be related to the French "m'aimée" meaning "my beloved." Maime has a vintage quality, having seen modest usage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in America but becoming quite rare since. The name has a sweet, simple sound that evokes a nostalgic charm reminiscent of the early 1900s. Its rarity today gives it a distinctive quality.

Maime

North and West are easier on the ear, but this works fine if it has some significance for your family. Could be lengthened to Easton.

East

Brio is a musical term with great verve and energy, with possibilities as a first name on the heels of such choices as Cadence, Allegra, and Rio. 

Brio

Mayme is a vintage feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Mary or Mae. Popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mayme has a sweet, old-fashioned charm that speaks to simpler times. The name reached its peak popularity in the United States around 1900, when it ranked within the top 300 names. By the mid-20th century, it had declined significantly, and today it's considered quite rare, giving it a distinctive quality. Mayme has roots in the Hebrew name Mary, meaning 'bitter' or 'beloved,' though as a nickname it took on a more affectionate, familiar quality. With the current revival of vintage names, Mayme occasionally attracts parents seeking an uncommon name with historical substance and a friendly, approachable sound.

Mayme

Mal is a versatile feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In French, it derives from names like Malorie or Mallory, while in Irish it connects to Máire or Molly. In Vietnamese, Mal (often spelled Mai) means 'golden flower' or 'apricot blossom.' This short, punchy name gained some recognition through fictional characters, including in Disney's 'Descendants' franchise. Its brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal that contrasts with longer traditional names. Though uncommon as a standalone name, Mal's simplicity and cross-cultural flexibility make it appealing to parents seeking something brief yet distinctive. The name projects confidence through its concise sound while maintaining versatility as it can represent different meanings depending on cultural context.

Dwyn

Briette is a feminine name with French influences, likely derived as a diminutive form of Brigitte or Brigitta. These names ultimately trace back to the Celtic name Brigid, meaning 'exalted one' or 'strength,' associated with the Celtic goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom. The suffix '-ette' adds a typically French diminutive quality, giving the name a delicate, feminine touch. Briette remains quite rare in most countries, making it an uncommon choice with a distinctive sound. The name combines traditional roots with a modern, melodious quality. Its French flair and subtle connection to the powerful Celtic goddess Brigid give it both elegance and substance, appealing to parents seeking a unique name with genuine historical connections and a sophisticated European sound.

Briette

Malke is a feminine name with Yiddish origins, traditionally used in Jewish communities as a diminutive of Malka, meaning 'queen.' The name has deep biblical and historical significance, as Malka derives from the Hebrew word for 'queen' or 'ruler.' Malke has been used primarily within Ashkenazi Jewish families, often honoring ancestral connections. While uncommon in mainstream usage, the name carries cultural significance and a connection to Jewish heritage. With its compact two-syllable structure and distinctive sound, Malke combines simplicity with meaningful cultural roots. The name projects dignity and strength through its regal meaning while maintaining an approachable, warm quality.

Malke

Du is an extremely rare feminine given name in English-speaking contexts, though it functions more commonly as a surname of Chinese, Vietnamese, or French origin. As a Chinese surname (杜), it ranks among the common family names and means "elm tree." In Vietnamese contexts, the surname Dư has distinct cultural meanings. The brevity of Du as a given name gives it a minimalist, modern quality that might appeal to parents seeking extreme simplicity. Its pronunciation is straightforward but could invite questions due to its uncommon nature as a first name. In Western contexts, Du might be used as a nickname or short form for longer names like Duane or duplicity-related names, though its standalone usage as a feminine name remains exceptionally uncommon.

One of the many international versions of Mary that could make an unusual alternative. The similar sound to Maya/Maia could be a plus or a minus.
Mair appears in the many Welsh towns and villages called Llanfair, meaning "place of St Mary's church".