One Syllable Names for Girls

Rio is one of Japan's most popular girls' names, constantly sitting in that country's Top 10. Of course, Rio may also stem from the Portuguese and Spanish word for river, and the Brazilian city Rio de Janeiro. A truly international name for a cosmopolitan baby!

In the US, Rio is gender neutral but tips decidedly toward the male side, with about 500 baby boys named Rio last year versus 100 baby girls.

Zya is a contemporary feminine name with a distinctively modern flair. It may have evolved as a creative variation of names like Zia or Zara, or as a shortened form of longer names beginning with 'Z'. The name is characterized by its brevity and the exotic 'Z' beginning, making it stand out in a crowd. Zya has gained some popularity in the United States in recent decades as parents increasingly seek unique, shorter names with distinctive sounds. The name carries a sense of strength and individuality, appealing to parents looking for something contemporary yet straightforward. While not among the most common names, Zya represents the trend toward concise, vibrant names with international appeal.

Cove is an up-and-coming nature name whose cool sound and peaceful image saw it rising for both sexes until COVID-19 hit. It decreased slightly for boys in 2020 and remained steading in 2021, but it has actually increased for girls, although it remains a seriously rare and distinctive choice.

Cove

Ziya is a cross-cultural feminine name with multiple origins. In Turkish, it means "light, splendor, or radiance" and is traditionally used for both genders. In Arabic contexts, it relates to brightness or brilliance, while in Indian usage (sometimes spelled Ziya or Zia), it carries similar luminous meanings. The name has gained modest international popularity in recent decades, appreciated for its brevity, melodic quality, and meaningful associations with light and enlightenment. Its cross-cultural appeal makes it suitable for multicultural families or those seeking a name that works well across different languages and traditions. The distinctive initial 'Z' adds a contemporary touch to this name with ancient roots.

Ziya

This Old Testament name is traditionally masculine, but with its lyrical Ls, sounds just as nice on a baby girl.

Lael

Priya originated in India as a name derived from the Sanskrit word for "beloved." In India, where names are often given based on one's birthday and horoscope, Priya is traditionally given to girls born in August. Priya is used in Hindu mythology as the name of a daughter of King Daksha—known for fathering 146 daughters.
 
Priya is a very popular given name in India, and can also be found in countries including Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Priya remains uncommon in the US, though it is familiarly heard in England and Wales.

Priya

Jhream is a contemporary feminine name that appears to be a creative spelling variant of 'dream.' This modern invention reflects the trend toward unique spellings and aspirational word names that began gaining traction in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The distinctive spelling with 'Jh' gives the name an exotic quality while maintaining the recognizable pronunciation and positive associations of 'dream.' The name conveys themes of aspiration, imagination, and possibility. Though relatively rare in usage, Jhream appeals to parents seeking names with uplifting meanings and distinctive appearances. Its unconventional spelling makes it stand out while its connection to a familiar word keeps it accessible, embodying both individuality and inspirational qualities that many contemporary parents value in naming their daughters.

Jhream

Is it clunky cute, strong and vintage, or dreadful and mildewy? Like Gertrude and Bertha, Mildred is one that divides the crowds, but with popular nickname Mildred and renewed interest in Winifred, Deborah, Millicent, and Gwendolen, it's not entirely out of the question that Mildred might make a return in coming years 
 Mildred is an ancient Anglo-Saxon name that became popularized in England via the daughter of the 7th century saint and princess Ermenburga. Mildred herself became a saint and abbess in the 8th century and was noted for her kindness, especially to those made outcasts by society. Her name, meaning "gentle strength" was then fitting. 
 
In the US, she was a Top 10 choice from 1903 to 1926, with notable beaters including jazz singer Mildred Bailey and the character of Mildred Pierce, played by Joan Crawford in the hit movie of the same name.
 
Around 100 girls are currently called Mildred in the US each year.

Mildred

A short, bright name which originates as a short form of names including Tiana, and Tatiana. Not as popular as Mia – a plus if you're seeking a short and pretty but less common name. In Spanish and Portuguese tía/tia is a word meaning "aunt". In Haida culture in indigenous Canada, Tia is a goddess of peaceful death.

Fiadh is the fastest-rising girls name in Ireland, derived from the ancient root word for "wild". Sassy but gentle at the same time, it also entered the England and Wales Top 1000 in 2020 and has been steadily rising ever since. 
 The Anglicized form Fia is also on the rise in the UK and it could be one we might see rising in the US as well, thanks to its similarity to popular Mia, Thea, and Sofia.
 
Social media star Emily Clarkson named her daughter Xanthe Fiadh in 2024.

Fiadh

Bryn is an up-and-coming gentle, yet substantial, Welsh name that would also be effective in the middle spot. In Wales it's a traditional boys' name, but it's far more popular for girls now in the US.
 Bryn entered the U.S. girls' popularity list in 1999 but is outranked by the Brynn spelling. Reality star Bethenny Frankel named her daughter Bryn in 2010.
 Trivia tidbit: Bryn Mawr college was the first institute of higher learning to offer graduate degrees to women.

Bryn

A Biblical place name and a <a href="https://nameberry.com/unisex-names">unisex choice</a> that has been on the rise in the US in recent years. With its bright sound and cool, zippy Z beginning, it blends religious significance and trendiness.
 
Popularized by singer Lauryn Hill back in the 90s and by other celebrities since, Zion is an alternate name for Jerusalem and is used as a nationalistic pro-Israel movement known as Zionism. As such, it might be considered a controversial choice, depending on your beliefs.
 
Zion appeared in the US Top 1000 for girls back in the 2010s, though it has been trending downwards since 2017. Until 2023, it was still on the rise for boys, but in 2024, it saw a downwards dip across the board. Given to 20% less babies than the previous year, conflicts in 2024 may have swayed parents away from the name, though it has yet to be seen in this is a permanent or widespread shift.

Zion

Jude may be a popular boys' name, thanks to Jude Law, but boyish nicknames for girls - like Frankie and Teddy - are on trend and Jude is also a new way to spin Judy or Judith. It's long been used quietly for girls as well as boys, and may start to pick up steam, though as of 2024, it was given to just shy of 90 girls in the US compared to over 2000 boys.
 
Jude may also be considered an Arabic name and a spelling variant of Jud or Joud, both variants of Jawad, meaning "to be generous". In this case, it is considered a unisex choice. 
 
Alexis Stewart, daughter of Martha, named her daughter Jude and Jessica Lange plays Sister Jude on American Horror Story. The popular novel, The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, also features a main (female) character called Jude.

Jude

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.

Swayze

Blythe is Nameberry gem — one of those names that visitors to the site are often searching for, despite the fact it's never ranked in the US charts as a given name. 
 
The name is derived the Old English word bliðe, which, just like its homophone blithe, means "merry" or "cheerful." Originally used as a nickname for an upbeat person, it was later adapted into a surname. While it was occasionally used as a name by the Puritans in the 16th century in the forms Blitha for girls and Blyth for boys, it didn't really catch on as a given name until the 19th century. 
 
Blythe embodies a cheerful, carefree spirit and could strike the balance for those who like Blair, Blake, Bitt, and Blaine, but also Ruth, Ivy, Beatrice and Edith. It might also appeal to those who want something spirited and cheerful for their baby, but find Felicity too frilly and Joy too on the nose. 
 Blythe is the middle name of actress Drew Barrymore—in her case a surname from her rich theatrical history. It is also borne by actress Blythe Danner, mother to Gwyneth Paltrow. 
 The title of the memorable Noel Coward play Blithe Spirit is taken from Shelley's poetic line, "Hail to thee, blithe Spirit"—a nice tribute to a baby Blythe, while Gilbert Blythe is a literary namesake, from Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series. 
 
Given to around 100 girls in a recent year in the US, the name, as it stands, peaked in 2013, when it was given to around 170 girls — along with 7 boys.

Blythe

Ryah is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a modern variation of Raya (Hebrew for 'friend' or Arabic for 'banner'), a feminine form of Ryan (Irish for 'little king'), or a creative spelling of Ria (Spanish for 'river'). This concise, melodic name has gained modest popularity in recent decades as parents seek short, international-sounding names with distinctive spellings. Ryah strikes a balance between familiar and unusual, with its flowing sound and straightforward pronunciation making it accessible across cultures. The name has a contemporary feel while maintaining a timeless quality. Its brevity and soft ending sound create a name that's both delicate and strong, appealing to parents looking for a modern yet substantial choice for their daughters.

Ryah

The one-named singer clarified the confusing pronunciation on this one (in her case, it's shah-DAY), but a number of parents have looked for more phonetic spellings. The Finnish version means "rain."

Sade

The third-most-popular spelling of this name, after Shea and Shay, is notable mostly for its connection to Game of Thrones. Shae is a "camp follower" -- AKA prostitute -- who becomes the loyal mistress to Tyrion Lannister while he is serving as Hand of the King.

Shae derives from an Irish Gaelic surname meaning "hawk-like", which evolved over time into the meaning "stately, dauntless one" She is the spelling the leans the most toward the female side. Over 100 baby girls were named Shae in the US last year, versus about 25 baby boys. The Shea spelling was used for about 250 girls to 150 boys, while the Shay version was given to 250 girls and 120 boys.

Shae

Most parents today would prefer the softer-sell Stella. But Star has symbolic power related to Christmas, so this could make one of the perfect <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/577/names-for-december-babies">names for December babies</a>.

Star

Peaking in the 1950s, Yvonne has now dropped out of the Top 1000 in 2003 and doesn't look set to return soon, although its rare Y initial might endear it to some. Yvaine, from Neil Gaiman's Stardust, has more modern appeal.