One Syllable Names for Girls

The popular Dutch name Lieke is one of those diminutives, like Lena, that can be short for a range of names ending in its sound -- which, by the way, is the two-syllable LEE-ka.  Despite its versatility, we don't see Lieke's popularity translating to English-speaking cultures.

Lieke

A Roos by any other name smells as sweet.

Roos

Xen might also be a minimalist reduction of Alexandra.

Femke is a diminutive version of the Dutch or Frisian name Fem, which in turn is a feminine form of the masculine name Femme (still with us?), which is a diminutive of several Old German names names containing the syllable "frid" which means peace. 

Femke

A simple, importable Japanese name, that carries a multitude of meanings depending on which character is used to denote it. While most westerners pronounced it RY-o or REE-o, its real pronunciation is closer to REE-UH. 
 
Borne by actress Ryo Sato, and by Ryo Yamada, a character in the anime series, Bocchi the Rock!, it is currently used nearly exclusively for boys in the US, likely owing to its similarity to Rio, Rylo, or Ryan. In Japan, however, it is considered a unisex name.

Fenne and its phonetic version Fenna are vintage names enjoying a resurgence in The Netherlands, where both make the girls' Top 100.

Fenne

Loïs is a feminine name with multiple origins and meanings. In its French form with the dieresis (the two dots over the 'i'), it distinguishes the pronunciation as 'lo-ees' rather than a single syllable. The name derives from the Greek name Lois, mentioned in the New Testament as Timothy's grandmother, meaning 'better' or 'more desirable.' It also has Germanic roots, possibly related to 'famous warrior.' In French-speaking regions, the name Loïs maintains steady popularity, while the version without the dieresis (Lois) saw peak usage in the United States during the 1920s-30s. The name carries an air of classic elegance with a Continental flair, appealing to parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive option.

Loïs

This Dutch name derives from the old Germanic name, Farahild. It is quite common in the Netherlands.

Veerle

Bente, pronounced ben-tah, is a popular girls' name in both The Netherlands and Denmark though largely unknown in the English-speaking world.  It suffers by being a near-homonym of the English word bent, not the best dictionary equivalent for a first name.  Still, if you're looking for a girls' name that equates to Ben or Benjamin or Benedict, this may be one of your best bets.

Bente

A distinctive diminutive of Katherine, once in the Top 100 in the Netherlands during the 2000s. It remains a familiar choice there.

Nienke

Grande

Cloris is bad enough without shortening.  Consider FLOR instead, a beautiful Spanish name.

Clor

As a nickname for one of the longer Z-starting choices, maybe, but not as a name unto itself.

Benthe is a popular Dutch abbreviation of the feminine for Benedict.

Benthe

Fiery but slight middle name choice; much more apt to be a redhead's nickname. Instead, check out other names that mean red: Rory, Rowan, Ruby.

A modern Dutch name that features in the Top 500 in the Netherlands, Vajèn is a spin on either Cheyenne or Vivian. First appearing in the Dutch charts in 2012, it shot into the Top 100, peaking at #91 the same year. Singer and actress Vajèn van den Bosch is a notable bearer. 

Vajèn

Mirthe is a feminine name of Dutch origin that means 'mirth' or 'joy,' reflecting its connection to happiness and cheerfulness. Popular in the Netherlands and Flanders, the name embodies a sense of delight and lightheartedness. Mirthe (pronounced MEER-tuh in Dutch) has a soft, gentle sound that contributes to its appeal. While uncommon outside Dutch-speaking regions, it offers international parents a distinctive option with a positive meaning and relatively straightforward pronunciation. The name has connections to the myrtle plant as well, which symbolizes love and was sacred to the goddess Venus in ancient times. Mirthe combines simplicity with meaningful associations, creating a name that feels both modern and timeless in its celebration of happiness.

Mirthe

Zoé is a feminine name of Greek origin meaning 'life.' The accent over the 'e' (called an acute accent) gives the name its distinctive pronunciation with emphasis on the final syllable, differentiating it from the unaccented version Zoe. This name has ancient roots, appearing in early Christian contexts where it symbolized spiritual life. Zoé has maintained popularity in French-speaking regions and has gained international appeal in recent decades. The name conveys vibrancy and vitality, celebrating the essence of life itself. Its brevity, melodic sound, and meaningful etymology contribute to its enduring appeal across cultures, making it both classic and contemporary.

Zoé

Yule is one <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/412/christmas-baby-names">Christmas baby name</a> that doesn't sound very festive. We prefer Winter or even Christmas itself.

Yule

Jenn is primarily a feminine name that originated as a shortened form of Jennifer, which derives from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, meaning 'white wave' or 'fair spirit.' Jenn became popular as a standalone name in the late 20th century as part of the trend toward shorter, more casual names. It peaked in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s when Jennifer was one of the most common girls' names in the United States. Jenn offers a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining the essence of its longer form. While its usage has declined since its peak, it remains recognized and appreciated for its simplicity and connection to the beloved classic Jennifer.