Three Syllable Girl Names
- Marilee
Origin:
English combination of Mary and LeeMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + meadow"Description:
Marilee is one of the cheeriest – if least substantial – combinations of Mary with another name.
- Nakota
Description:
Nakota refers to a Native American people closely related to the Dakota and Lakota, who are part of the Great Sioux Nation. As a feminine name, it draws directly from this indigenous heritage and means 'friend' or 'ally' in the Sioux language. The name gained some recognition in the late 20th century as interest in Native American names increased. Nakota carries strong cultural significance and a connection to nature and tribal traditions. Its rhythmic three-syllable pattern creates a melodious sound that flows naturally. The name projects strength, dignity, and heritage while offering a distinctive option that honors Native American culture.
- Tatianna
Description:
Tatianna is a feminine name of Russian and Latin origin, representing an elaborated form of Tatiana. The name ultimately derives from the Roman clan name Tatius, possibly meaning "father" or referring to the Sabine king Titus Tatius. In Russian culture, Tatiana gained prominence through Pushkin's poem "Eugene Onegin," featuring a character of this name. The doubled 'n' in Tatianna adds a distinctive flair to the traditional spelling. This name combines classical elegance with a touch of exotic appeal. Though less common than variants like Tatiana or Tatyana, Tatianna has maintained steady usage in the United States since the 1970s, offering a balance between familiarity and uniqueness for parents seeking a name with cross-cultural appeal.
- Elyssa
Description:
Elyssa is a feminine name with ancient roots, representing a variation of Elissa, the legendary founder and queen of Carthage (also known as Dido in Virgil's Aeneid). The name has Phoenician origins and may be related to the Hebrew name Elizabeth, potentially sharing the meaning 'God is my oath' or 'God's promise'. Elyssa offers a more distinctive spelling of the classic Elissa while maintaining its mythological connections and elegant sound. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s as parents sought alternatives to common names like Alyssa or Melissa. With its ancient heritage and melodic quality, Elyssa provides a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, giving it timeless appeal.
- Issoria
Origin:
nature nameDescription:
The Issoria is a genus of butterflies found in Africa, one of which is known as the African Queen. This name would make a wonderful choice for those looking for a name which subtly honors Africa.
- Nathalie
Description:
A French variation of Natalie that's used occasionally in contemporary America. In England and Wales Natalie remains about 10 times as popular as Nathalie.
- Savana
Description:
Savana is a feminine name that represents a variation of Savannah, which refers to the vast grassy plains found in tropical and subtropical regions. The name has English origins but draws inspiration from the Spanish word 'sabana' (sheet) and ultimately from the Taino word 'zabana' (grassland). Without the final 'h', Savana has a slightly more streamlined and modern feel while maintaining the natural imagery of wide-open spaces and wild beauty. The name suggests qualities of freedom, expansiveness, and natural elegance. While less common than the Savannah spelling, Savana has gained modest popularity since the 1990s as parents seek names with natural connotations but with unique spellings.
- Inari
Origin:
Finnish place name; JapaneseMeaning:
"loaded with rice"Description:
A unisex cultural crossover that has seen a little use from the 1990s onwards. In Japanese mythology, Inari is an androgynous deity associated with rice, tea and foxes. In Finland, it is the name of a region, lake and village which is a center of Sami culture.
- Marjolaine
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"marjoram"Description:
A French botanical word name, Marjolaine translates to "marjoram". A minty herb that can be used in cooking, it has also been considered medicinal and was used as an antiseptic by the Greek physician, Hippocrates. The Romans considered it the herb of happiness and believed in could increase someone's lifespan, while others believe that it is a herb that helps with encountering and dealing with the unknown.
- Maryellen
Origin:
English, combination of Mary and EllenMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + shining light"Description:
A gentle old-fashioned compound name that has never been epidemically popular, but is now almost unused.
- Roseline
Origin:
French variation of RosalindMeaning:
"supple horse; pretty rose"Description:
The French form of the elegant Rosalind and the name of a 13th century saint. It was particularly popular in its native France during the 1950s, while currently, it is most popular in Haiti, Kenya, and Nigeria. One notable bearer is Roseline Éloissaint, a Haitian footballer.
- Corazon
Origin:
Spanish word nameMeaning:
"heart"Description:
With word names increasingly acceptable or even desirable, this Spanish word for heart, brought to the fore by Philippine president Corazon Aquino, may find more takers.
- Olimpia
Description:
Olimpia is a feminine name of Greek origin, connected to Mount Olympus, the mythological home of the Greek gods. The name carries connotations of divinity, elevation, and celestial beauty. While the spelling 'Olympia' is more common in English-speaking countries, Olimpia is preferred in many European nations, particularly in Italy, Spain, and Eastern European countries. The name gained historical significance through notable bearers like Saint Olimpia, a 4th-century Byzantine philanthropist. Olimpia has an elegant, classical quality that evokes images of ancient grandeur while remaining distinctive in modern contexts. The name's connection to the Olympic Games also lends associations of achievement, excellence, and international unity, making it appealing for parents drawn to names with both cultural depth and aspirational qualities.
- Betony
Origin:
English botanical nameMeaning:
"flower name derived from the Vettones tribe"Description:
This unusual English botanical name would make an interesting update to 80s and 90s favorite Bethany. It belongs to a minty-smelling, flowering herb (also called bishopwort), which has been used since medieval times to treat various ailments.
- Allegro
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"brisk, sprightly"Description:
ALLEGRA is a delicate ballet-dancer name; ALLEGRO, which means a fast-paced movement in music, is stronger and more vibrant.
- Cleodora
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"gift of glory"Description:
The name of a nymph in Greek mythology, one of the prophetic Thriai, who divined the future by throwing pebbles. She was a lover of the sea god Poseidon.
- Edeline
Description:
Edeline is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'adal' meaning 'noble' or 'nobility' and 'lin' meaning 'little' or serving as a diminutive suffix. This elegant name can be considered a variant of Adeline or a feminine form of Edel. With its soft sounds and graceful ending, Edeline carries an air of vintage refinement while remaining relatively uncommon, making it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet traditional-sounding choice. The name experienced limited popularity in medieval Europe and has never ranked among common names in the United States. Its rarity, combined with its pleasant sound and noble meaning, gives Edeline a unique charm with historical roots.
- Elica
Description:
Elica is a feminine name of varied origins. It may be a variant of the Hebrew name Elika, meaning "God is my oath" or "God rejects." In some Slavic countries, it could be a feminine form of Eli or a diminutive of names containing the element "el." Elica might also be related to the Italian word "elica," meaning "propeller" or "helix," giving it a modern and distinctive flair. While not widely common in English-speaking countries, it enjoys some popularity in Eastern European countries such as Bulgaria and Serbia. Its melodic sound and distinctive character make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that is both uncommon and elegant.
- Aldona
Origin:
Polish, Lithunian, meaning unknownDescription:
A historical name with pagan roots that belonged to Aldona, a 14th-century Queen consort of Poland and princess of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
- Sylvester
Description:
Sylvester as a feminine name is quite uncommon, as it is traditionally a masculine name with Latin origins. Derived from 'silvester' meaning 'of the woods' or 'wild,' it was popularized through Saint Sylvester, a 4th-century pope. While predominantly used for boys, some parents may choose it for girls seeking a strong, distinctive name with historical roots. The feminine use of Sylvester might be inspired by the trend of adopting traditionally masculine names for girls, though feminine variants like Sylvia or Sylvie are more common. The name carries associations with New Year's Eve (St. Sylvester's Day) in some European countries.