Three Syllable Names for Girls

Mikalah is a feminine name representing a modern variation of Michaela, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Michael meaning 'who is like God?' This contemporary spelling emerged in the late 20th century as parents sought distinctive alternatives to traditional names. Mikalah combines the familiar roots of a classic name with a fresh spelling that emphasizes its melodic pronunciation. The name gained some recognition after contestant Mikalah Gordon appeared on American Idol in 2005. While uncommon, Mikalah appeals to parents seeking a name with spiritual heritage but a modern feel. The name has a rhythmic quality with its three syllables and soft ending sound.

Mikalah

She may have been an appealing Chinese heroine in Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, but her name won't translate for a modern American girl.  Better choices: Snow, or Flora.

Snow flower

Calls to mind the world Jellicle, as in CATS.  But still classier than Angie.



Jelica

Marcheline was the first name of Angelina Jolie's late mother, who was part French-Canadian, which Jolie and Brad Pitt used as the middle name for their twin daughter Vivienne. The name is related to the Latin Marcellus and Marcus, which come from Mars, the name of the God of War, and is often spelled Marceline. Jolie's mother's birth name was Marcia Lynne.


Marcheline

Obscure surname and Yorkshire and Lincolnshire place-name (where it's spelled Ferriby) makes a jaunty first.  Placed in the public eye by Manhattan socialite Ferebee Bishop Taube.

Ferebee

Though this feels like a new invention, people have used day names such as Morning and Afternoon for centuries -- and so why not Evening too?  It's a lovely word with an evocative meaning and makes a perfect addition to this newly stylish group.

Evening

Acantha is one of the <a href="https://nameberry.com/unique-names">unique baby names</a> in the stylish mythological category that also might count as a flower name. In Greek mythology, Acantha was a nymph beloved by Apollo. An unusual and attractive choice that could make a creative way to honor a grandma Rose.

Acantha

A popular Japanese name used for the young heroine of the animated film, "Spirited Away."

Chihiro

Nigerian-born supermodel Oluchi Orlandi brought this little-known (to non-Nigerians), lovely choice into the lexicon.

Oluchi

The name Parastoo currently seems unusual to the Western ear, with that "too" ending rare in traditional English names. It is sometimes spelled Parastu. Pari or Parisa would make easier imports.  

Parastoo

A name that seems to be a combination of Isabel and Susannah, used in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries, most notably for a daughter of Paul Revere. Isannah was also a character in the 1943 Revolutionary War novel Johnny Tremain. An unusual old choice with modern possibilities.

Isannah

Melisende, the mellifluous name of a 12th century queen of Jerusalem, gave rise to the more modern Millicent, after it was brought to England by the Normans. Ultimately, it comes from the Gothic name, Amalaswintha, meaning "strong in work" or "vigorous, brave, and strong". 
 
Also appearing as Melisent, Melicent, and Malasintha, it's more related to Amelia than to Melissa, despite appearances. The French form, Melisande, is a fairy tale heroine.

Melisende

The name of an area in northern Greece, known in the era of Homer's Odyssey as Aeolia, Thessaly makes a spirited and pretty place name. Reminiscent of Tessa, Rosalie, and Thea, the name likely derives from that of an ancient tribe, though the exact meaning isn't known.
 
Borne by American actress Thessaly Lerner, and a character in the graphic novel Sandman, Thessaly is given to small handful of girls in the US each year.

Thessaly

Douglas Adams invented this name for a character (aka Tricia) in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It has a nice, trilly sound, and is accessible via its kinship with Gillian/Jillian.

Trillian

Another entry in the fruit name category, this one borne by writer Strawberry Saroyan, granddaughter of William, so named by her hippie parents.  While fruit names may become more familiar, they'll never pass without comment -- but maybe that's what you're looking for.

Strawberry

The cake company pretty much knocked this otherwise-pretty compilation name out of consideration for most parents.

Saralee

This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized tribute to an Aunt Melissa or Melanie. 
 
Pelleas and Melisande is a play by Maeterlinck, the inspiration for the Debussy opera of the same name. In modern times, Melisande became a princess via the Rankin and Bass film The Flight of Dragons. And Broadway buffs might remember Melisande as the name the main character Ella Peterson takes in the musical Bells are Ringing. The name of the beautiful red-haired character on Game of Thrones is spelled Melisandre.

Melisande

Feminine form of Amadeus popular now in Italy and ripe for export.  Might also be spelled Amadea.  The preferred pronunciation is AHM-a-DAY-a but it may also be pronounced ah-MED-ee-a.

Amedea

For the parent who genuinely wants something different, this nature choice is popular in Spain. Downside: connection to words irate and irritation.

Irati

Unlikely to catch on the way the male original has, though it may appeal to some parents as a more formal version of Nina.

Yonina

 abound on Nameberry, with over 10,000 names on this list containing three syllables.

That's an overwhelming number of choices of names for baby girls with three syllables, which provide a good balance for shorter surnames.

To help narrow down your choice, see our list of The Best 

The full list of over 10,000 three syllable names for baby girls, with meanings, origins, and popularity, including top 3 syllable girl names and unique girl names with three syllables. (Page 1287)

Three Syllable Girl Names