Three Syllable Names for Girls

Popular in Quebec and Belgium, this French form of the stylish Aurelia may appeal to those who enjoy Elodie and Amelie but want something with that appealing golden meaning. Popular in France back in the 80s and early 90s, and also familiar in Czechia, the name is sometimes written as Aurelie.
 
Notable bearers include footballers Aurélie Kaci and Aurélie Gagnet, swimmer Aurélie Rivard, and gymnast Aurélie Tran.

Aurélie

Honoré is a French feminine name (though also used for males in French culture) derived from the Latin 'honoratus,' meaning 'honored' or 'respected.' With roots dating back to ancient Rome, the name embodies dignity, integrity, and virtue. It gained prominence through notable bearers like the French novelist Honoré de Balzac, though his was the masculine form. As a feminine name, Honoré carries an elegant, sophisticated quality with its French pronunciation (oh-no-RAY) adding a touch of cosmopolitan flair. While consistently used in French-speaking regions, it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it an attractive option for parents seeking a name with historical depth, clear meaning, and cultural refinement without being overly popular.

Honore

Like Violet, Lavender and Lilac, Ianthe is a purple flower name. Chosen by the poet Shelley for his daughter, Ianthe has a poetic, romantic, almost ethereal quality. In the ancient myth, she was the daughter of Oceanus, supreme ruler of the sea, and also a Cretan woman so beautiful that when she died the Gods made purple flowers grow around her grave.
 Iantha is also used.
 Ianthe was a favorite of the pastoral poets of the seventeenth century and then again in the early nineteenth. She appears in the works of Shelley, Barbara Pym and Georgette Heyer. Writer Richard Brautigan named his daughter Ianthe.

Ianthe

Ikea is a down-market version of the Chanel/Tiffany/Porsche brand-name-as-first idea. 

Ikea

Carmiel is a name with Hebrew origins, derived from the biblical Mount Carmel, whose name means "garden" or "orchard of God." In Israel, Carmiel is also the name of a city in the northern region established in 1964. The name carries rich biblical associations, as Mount Carmel was the site where the prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. While traditionally used for boys in Israel, Carmiel occasionally appears as a feminine name in some cultures. The name remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Its melodic sound and spiritual connections appeal to parents seeking a name with religious significance. Carmiel offers a blend of ancient heritage and modern usability, with a meaningful etymology connecting to nature and divine abundance.

Carmiel

Cassii is an uncommon feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Cassie, which itself is traditionally a diminutive of Cassandra. Cassandra derives from Greek mythology, meaning 'she who entangles men' or possibly 'shining upon mankind.' The distinctive double 'i' ending gives the name a unique visual quality while likely maintaining the pronunciation of Cassie. This spelling variation might have emerged as parents sought more distinctive forms of the popular nickname, or it could reflect an attempt to create a more formal version of Cassie. The name remains quite rare in most English-speaking countries. Cassii has a contemporary feel with ancient roots, offering a blend of familiarity and uniqueness that might appeal to parents seeking something slightly uncommon but still recognizable.

Cassii

Jakobe represents a modern variant spelling of Jacob, which derives from Hebrew meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.' This contemporary spelling combines traditional roots with distinctive orthography. While traditionally a masculine name, this entry identifies it as feminine, representing the growing trend of gender-crossing names. The addition of the final 'e' softens the name, potentially enhancing its appeal as a female option. Jakobe remains relatively uncommon regardless of gender, offering uniqueness while maintaining connection to the widely recognized biblical name Jacob. Parents choosing this spelling often seek to preserve traditional meaning while creating a more distinctive identity.

Jakobe

Jadean is a contemporary feminine name that combines elements of the popular name Jade with the trendy '-ean' suffix. Jade itself derives from the precious green stone that has been valued across cultures for thousands of years, symbolizing wisdom, protection, and harmony. The name Jadean emerged in the United States in the late 20th century as parents began seeking unique variations of more common names. It remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Jadean blends the natural association with the beautiful gemstone with a modern sound. The name has a melodic quality and fits well with contemporary naming trends that favor both nature-inspired elements and customized endings. It's particularly appealing to parents seeking something unique yet recognizable.

Jadean

The obscure yet not unappealing name of a legendary heroine of Rome, likely derived from the Roman family name, Cloelius. It is believed to come from the Latin word cluere, meaning "to have renowned fame". 
 
The ancient Clelia escaped an Etruscan invader by swimming across the Tiber River.

Clelia

Kevion is a feminine name with modern origins, likely developed as a creative variation of Kevin or possibly Kevon. The name Kevin originates from Irish Gaelic, meaning 'handsome birth' or 'gentle birth.' The addition of the '-ion' suffix creates a more feminine sound while maintaining the strong initial syllable. Kevion represents the modern trend of adapting traditionally masculine names for girls or creating unique hybrid names. Despite being categorized as feminine, it maintains a gender-neutral quality that might appeal to parents seeking less traditionally gendered options. Kevion remains quite rare in usage statistics, making it a distinctive choice that carries echoes of the more familiar Kevin while standing apart as its own identity.

Kevion

Kiaran as a feminine name represents an unusual gender crossover, as it's traditionally a masculine Irish name derived from Ciarán (meaning 'little dark one' or 'dark-haired'). The name stems from the Irish word 'ciar' meaning 'dark' with the diminutive suffix. While primarily used for boys in Ireland, the feminine usage likely emerged as parents sought distinctive K-names for girls. This gender adaptation follows patterns similar to names like Kieran/Kieron that have occasionally crossed gender lines. The spelling with a 'K' rather than the traditional Irish 'C' makes it more accessible in English-speaking countries. As a feminine name, Kiaran offers a strong, distinctive choice with Celtic heritage. Its rarity for girls gives it a unique quality while still providing traditional Irish cultural connections.

Kiaran

Aalieyha is a beautiful feminine name that appears to be a creative spelling variation of the more common name Aaliyah. Of Arabic origin, Aaliyah means 'high,' 'exalted,' or 'rising.' This particular spelling with the added 'e' and 'h' gives the name a unique visual quality while maintaining the melodic pronunciation. While not as widespread as the traditional spelling, Aalieyha offers parents a distinctive option that still carries the elegant meaning and cultural significance of its root name. The name gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, partly influenced by the renowned R&B singer Aaliyah, though this specific spelling variation remains relatively uncommon, making it a special choice for parents seeking individuality.

Aalieyha

Lyonell, though listed as feminine, is traditionally a masculine name with French origins, derived from 'lion,' symbolizing strength and nobility. This spelling variation, with the double 'l' ending, adds a distinctive touch to the standard Lionel. The name carries medieval associations, appearing in Arthurian legends as one of the Knights of the Round Table. As a feminine usage, Lyonell represents a bold, gender-crossing choice reflecting contemporary trends toward name flexibility. The 'y' spelling gives it a slightly more ornate and potentially feminine appearance compared to Lionel. Regardless of gender assignment, the name conveys courage and dignified bearing. Its pronunciation remains consistent with Lionel (LYE-uh-nell), making it accessible despite its uncommon status.

Lyonell

Lyonel is an uncommon feminine adaptation of the traditionally masculine name Lionel, which derives from the Latin 'leonellus', meaning 'young lion'. Though more commonly used for boys, this spelling variant with a 'y' has occasionally been used for girls. The name evokes qualities of strength, courage, and nobility - characteristics associated with the lion. In medieval literature, Lionel appeared as a Knight of the Round Table in Arthurian legends, giving the name historical and literary connections. While rare as a feminine name, Lyonel offers a distinctive and strong option with its powerful animal symbolism.

Lyonel

Adabelle is a feminine name combining elements of the German name Ada, meaning 'noble' or 'nobility,' with the French suffix 'belle,' meaning 'beautiful.' This charming combination creates a name suggesting 'beautiful nobility' or 'noble beauty.' With its vintage sound and melodic quality, Adabelle has the character of names popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Though never widely common, it has experienced small revivals as parents rediscover vintage names. The name offers the possibility of Ada or Belle as natural nicknames. Adabelle conveys elegance and femininity while remaining distinctive, appealing to parents seeking a name with classic charm that isn't overused.

Adabelle

Moriel is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, though it can occasionally be used for boys as well. The name combines elements 'mor' (myrrh, a fragrant resin) and 'el' (God), meaning 'God is my myrrh' or 'myrrh of God.' In Hebrew tradition, myrrh symbolizes bitterness transformed into sweetness, giving the name a profound symbolic meaning. Moriel remains quite rare in most Western countries, making it an uncommon choice with a distinctive sound and spiritual significance. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and soft ending. Its Biblical connections and meaningful etymology may appeal to parents seeking a name with spiritual depth and uniqueness without being difficult to pronounce.

Moriel

Luise

Mackenze is a feminine name representing a modern spelling variation of Mackenzie. The original Mackenzie derives from the Scottish Gaelic surname Mac Coinnich, meaning 'son of Coinneach' (Kenneth), which itself means 'handsome' or 'fair one.' This particular spelling without the final 'i' emerged as parents sought distinctive variations of popular names. Mackenzie in various forms gained significant popularity as a feminine given name in the 1990s and 2000s, with alternative spellings like Mackenze offering a slightly more unique option. The name carries associations of Scottish heritage while fitting well with contemporary naming trends. The 'z' gives the name a modern feel, while still connecting to the traditional surname-turned-first-name pattern that became popular in late 20th century American naming practices.

Mackenze

Massiah is a modern feminine name that appears to be a variation of Messiah, which comes from Hebrew origins meaning "anointed one" or "deliverer." This contemporary spelling offers a unique twist on the religiously significant term while potentially softening its direct biblical associations. As a given name, Massiah has gained some traction in recent years as parents increasingly seek distinctive, meaningful names with spiritual connections. The name carries powerful connotations of importance and destiny. While the traditional term Messiah has specific religious significance in Christianity and Judaism, Massiah as a given name allows for a more personalized interpretation while maintaining its meaningful origins. This uncommon name offers a combination of spiritual depth and modern uniqueness.

Massiah

Althia is a feminine name with roots in Greek mythology, likely a variant of Althea. The original Althea was the mother of Meleager in Greek legend and the name derives from the Greek word 'althein' meaning 'to heal' or 'healing.' This gives Althia beautiful connotations of healing, wholeness, and nurturing qualities. The variant spelling with 'i' instead of 'e' gives the name a slightly more modern feel while maintaining its classical roots. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Althia has an exotic, melodious quality that appeals to parents seeking a name with both historical depth and uniqueness. The name's healing associations make it particularly meaningful in contemporary contexts.

Althia

 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 2008)

Three Syllable Girl Names