Three Syllable Names for Girls

Araya is one of those names that seems to have a different derivation and meaning on every website. The one we consider most reliable is that it's a variation of the very popular Arya, which means noble, taken from the Thai araya and the Sanskrit arya. 
 
Other derivations you may come across include Araya as: a Basque and Catalonian place name; a Japanese surname meaning "wide or new valley"; an Ethiopian or Eritrean boy name meaning "leader by example"; and a variation of Raya meaning "queen", "beloved", or "celebration".

Araya

Jubilee has a joyous and jubilant aura, but it wouldn't be an easy name to carry, what with all that pressure to be a living, breathing, 24-7 party. Jubilee was the name selected by television's Duggars for their miscarried child.

Jubilee

Lobbing off the final E makes Melanie more modern.

Melani

A gentle, evocative, and multicultural choice, Liyana is both a Zulu name associated with rainstorms and a Malay and Arabic name, meaning "soft, delicate". In a recent year, it has been a rising star in England and Wales, the Netherlands, and Belgium, where it ranks in the Top 150.
 
In addition to the aforementioned origins, Liyana may also be considered a spelling variation of Liana (a plant name and diminutive of Liliana and Juliana) and a Chinese name meaning "beautiful, graceful, and elegant", giving it widespread appeal.

Liyana

This spelling made its way into the Top 1000 for the first time in 2013, fell off in 2014, then reentered in 2015. This spelling variation is riding the original's popularity, and we anticipate both spellings continuing to rise.

Giavanna

Kalia is name of Hawaiian origin, light, sparky, and easily accessible in various languages. It could be a variation of Kalei meaning "the flower wreath" or "the child"; a form of Kalea, meaning "joy, happiness"; or a short form of Apikalia, the Hawaiian form of Abigail, meaning "my father is joyful". 
 
Beyond its Hawaiian roots, Kalia might also be used as a variation of Kaleah and Kaliyah, modern inventions based on Aaliyah, or as an elaboration of Kallie, Callie, or Calla. Alternatively, it could be a Greek name, from the element kalos meaning beautiful.

Kalia

Chiara is a lovely and romantic Italian name that's familiar but not widely used here: a real winner. You might consider Chiara instead of Claire, Clara, Cara, or even Keira.
 Santa Chiara, Aglicized as St. Clare, was a follower of Saint Francis of Assisi.
 Two members of European cinema royalty, Catherine Deneuve and Marcello Mastroianni, named their now grown daughter Chiara.
 Chiara currently ranks in the Top 100 in Switzerland, Germany and Italy.

Chiara

Updates Allison—which everyone will misunderstand it as. But it's definitely a fresh spin on the Ellie names, and a rising surname name choice for girls. 
 
Ellison made its first appearance on the US Top 1000 for girls in 2013 and has been drifting slightly upwards ever since. About 75 percent of the babies named Ellison are girls.
 Ralph Ellison was the author of Invisible Man, which won the National Book Award in 1953.

Ellison

Traditionally a boys' name in Malaysia, a notable bearer being Olympian Jalani Sidek, Jalani's popularity for girls in the US is likely due to its similarity in sound to the likes of Leilani, Kalani, and Jamari. In this case, it could combine the ja suffix with Hawaiian lani to make a name that means "the sky", "the heavens" or "the supplanter of the heavens", if you take Ja as a nod to a James. Alternatively, it might be a spelling variation on the Arabic name Jilani, borne by a 12th century Persian Sufi scholar and is used in Somalia and among the African American community. 
 
Used on 225 girls in 2023 - along with 26 boys - it is a name on the rise.

Jalani

The popularity of Leilani outside of its native Hawaii has led to a range of spelling variations, including Leylani, Laylani, and Leilany. Less popular than its aforementioned counterparts, Lailani is still given to more than 150 girls each year, and possibly took inspiration from familiar choices Lainey and Laila. Most will say it the same as Leilani, but there is the possibility that it could be pronounced lie-LAAH-nee or la-i-LAAH-nee too.  

Lailani

Aniya is a a cross-cultural choice with a bright, fresh sound. While alternative spelling Aniyah is in the US and UK Top 1000, Aniya dropped out of the charts in 2021, and is now given to around 250 girls each year.
 
As an Arabic name, Aniya means "caring" or "one who helps others", an aspirational meaning connoting both strength and gentleness. As a modern invention, it likely draws inspiration from Anya and Anna, which could give it the meaning "grace".
 
Writer of popular novel Queenie, Candice Carty-Williams has used the name in her first YA book, Empress and Aniya.

Aniya

A streamlined version of Anneliese, or perhaps a hybrid of Ann and Elise.

Annelise

Harriet has long been considered a stylish, upscale name in England, but it's still waiting to be revived in the US—though some parents seeking a solid, serious semi-classic are beginning to consider it. 
 Distinguished namesakes include Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of the influential Uncle Tom's Cabin; Harriet Tubman (born Araminta), the famed abolitionist; and in pop culture, Harriet Hilliard Nelson, of Ozzie & Harriet TV fame. Many will associate it with the protagonist of the childhood classic Harriet the Spy. Harriet has appeared in other books ranging from Jane Austen's Emma to Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. 
 Harriet, a Top 100 name at the turn of the last century, hasn't appeared on the list since 1970. On the other hand, it is currently Number 61 in England and Wales.
 Cutesy nicknames for Harriet include Hattie, Hetty, and Hatsy. A related idea: Henrietta.

Harriet

One of the most popular of the trendy Caitlin variations, Katelyn points directly to components Kate and Lyn --making it a bit more traditionally feminine.

Katelyn

Would make a truly original alternative to the overused Sarah. 

Zaira

Malayah first appeared on the charts in 1994 and has steadily climbed its way into the Top 1000. It's a spelling variation of Malaya, which derives from the same root as Malaysia — which in addition to being a country name, is a baby name that ranks in the Top 600.

Malayah

Laramie was derived from the French word la ramée, meaning "leafy canopy." It was historically a French surname, but today it is a viable first name option for girls or boys. The balance is currently running at about seven girls for every boy named Laramie. The Wyoming city gives it more of a cowgirl Western than French vibe.

Laramie

Savanna has lost ground in recent years. It remains eclipsed by its more traditionally spelled cousin Savannah.

Savanna

Where Abraham took his son Isaac to sacrifice him. Taylor Hanson chose this as the middle name for his son Viggo, his fourth child, but most will see it as a <a href="https://nameberry.com/girls-names">girls’ name</a>. Make life simpler and spell it Mariah.

Moriah

Lavender lags far behind sweet-smelling purple-hued sister names Violet and Lila, but is starting to get some enthusiastic attention from cutting-edge namers along with other adventurous nature names like Clementine and Marigold. In fact, 2024 saw it enter the US Top 1000 for the first time, when it was given to nearly 260 girls.

 The flower's name derives from Latin lividus "bluish", influenced by lavō "wash" due to use of lavender in washing clothes. It has long been used in traditional medicine and in cooking for its sweet fragrance and soothing properties. But it also has a long history as a name, going back to the eighteenth century, when it was also used for boys. 

 Famous fictional namesakes include Lavender Brown, a witch character in the Harry Potter saga, and the eponymous heroine's best friend in Roald Dahl's Matilda.

Lavender

 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 24)

Three Syllable Girl Names