Three Syllable Girl Names

  1. Hillary
    • Origin:

      Latin from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "happy, cheerful"
    • Description:

      Hillary is a lovely name that, for the moment at least, is tightly bound to an individual with a strong image: Hillary Clinton. Whatever your feelings about Mrs. Clinton, her fame now dominates the name, making it feel less baby-ready than it deserves to be. Hillary as a name has so much going for it: the popular, rhythmic three-syllable structure, the fact that it's strong but light, proper but jaunty, with an irresistible meaning -- having the same root as hilarious. The Italian Ilaria may be one way to make the name fresh.
  2. Rosina
    • Description:

      Rosina is a delicate feminine name with Italian and Latin roots, functioning as a diminutive of Rosa, meaning 'rose.' The name carries the beauty and fragrance associations of the flower it references, with the suffix '-ina' adding a touch of endearment and delicacy. Rosina appears in classical opera, most notably as the clever heroine in Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville.' While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, it has maintained consistent usage particularly in Italian communities. Rosina offers a slightly more elaborate and romantic alternative to the simpler Rose or Rosa, with a melodic quality that resonates particularly well in musical languages. The name suggests femininity, grace, and classical beauty.
  3. Alanna
    • Origin:

      Variation of Alana
    • Meaning:

      "handsome, cheerful"
    • Description:

      The extra n makes it feel less like an feminization of Alan and more like a name unto itself. Alanna is more common in Puerto Rico than the original Alana.
  4. Sequoia
    • Origin:

      Native American, Cherokee
    • Meaning:

      "sparrow"
    • Description:

      This name of a giant tree, itself named for a nineteenth-century Cherokee who invented a way to write his tribe's language, makes a strong, stately statement.
  5. Eugenie
    • Origin:

      French form of Eugenia, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "wellborn, noble"
    • Description:

      Eugenie enjoyed a major dusting off when Fergie and Prince Andrew chose it for their daughter, restoring a patina of royal sheen it hadn't had since the time of Napoleon III's glamorous empress--who spent much of her life in England. It was also borne by Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, after whom Prince Andrew's younger daughter was named.
  6. Ailani
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian, Hispanic variation of Aileen or Aylin, "high chief; shining light; of the moon"
    • Meaning:

      "high chief; shining light; of the moon"
    • Description:

      Lilting and lovely, Ailani entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2016 and was a fast climbing choice in 2024 when it rose 267 places, placing it in the Top 400 of that year. With Hawaiian, Spanish, Irish, and Turkish influence, it is an appealingly multicultural choice.
  7. Zemira
    • Description:

      Zemira is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. In the Bible, it appears as a masculine name meaning 'song' or 'praise' in Hebrew. As a feminine name, it has been used in various cultures and may be related to the Arabic 'Samira' meaning 'companion in evening conversation' or 'entertaining companion.' The name has a melodious quality with its flowing 'z' and 'm' sounds. Zemira conveys an exotic, lyrical essence while maintaining a straightforward pronunciation. Though relatively uncommon in Western countries, it offers parents seeking a distinctive name an option with deep historical and multicultural roots. The musical meaning makes it particularly appealing for families valuing artistic expression.

  8. Verona
    • Origin:

      Italian place-name
    • Description:

      Verona is a scenic place-name with the added attraction of a Shakespearean connection, as in Two Gentlemen of....
  9. Mavery
    • Description:

      Mavery is a modern feminine name that appears to be a creative blend of popular elements, possibly combining the trendy 'Mav-' prefix (as in Maverick) with endings like Avery or Emery. This inventive name represents the contemporary trend of creating fresh-sounding names by merging familiar elements. Mavery has a rhythmic quality and contemporary feel while remaining distinctly feminine. The name first began appearing in usage data in the early 2010s, coinciding with the rise of similar-sounding names. While still relatively uncommon, Mavery appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. The name projects a sense of independence and originality without being difficult to pronounce or spell, balancing uniqueness with practicality.

  10. Senara
    • Origin:

      Variation of Azenor, Breton
    • Meaning:

      "light"
    • Description:

      The origins of Senara, the name of a Cornish saint who is patron of the village of Zennor, are not so straightforward. Some say she was the same person as Azenor, a legendary Breton princess whose mother-in-law cast her out to sea in a trunk. Other stories say she was a mermaid turned Christian.
  11. Makayla
    • Origin:

      Variation of Michaela
    • Meaning:

      "who is like God"
    • Description:

      Now the best-selling version of this infinitely varied name, Makayla incorporates the also-popular Kayla. Makayla and Mikayla have now left the original Michaela far behind.
  12. Evanna
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Evan, Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Evanna is the name of a Harry Potter actress who pronounces it ee-vah-na. This might be considered another international feminine form of the many variations of John; Ivana, Giovanna, and even Joan are cousins of Evanna. It could also be a compound name, combining Eva and Anna.
  13. Merewen
    • Origin:

      Old English
    • Meaning:

      "sublime delight"
    • Description:

      This Anglo-Saxon gem was borne by a few medieval women including Saint Merewen, Abbess of Romsey Abbey. It has also been used in literature, for example in Kit Berry's Stonewylde series. Merewen has the mellifluous vowels and Celtic charm of other current favorites like Elowen and Meredith.
  14. Guadalupe
    • Origin:

      Spanish from Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "hidden river, valley of the wolves"
    • Description:

      Popular Spanish name that relates to the patron saint of Mexico. It could conceivably, like Soledad and Consuelo, cross the border into multicultural territory, but the name's decline since the nineties would seem to make that less likely.
  15. Daniela
    • Origin:

      Feminine form of Daniel used in various languages
    • Meaning:

      "God is my judge"
    • Description:

      Used across Europe, South America, and the US, Daniela is a popular feminine form of the Hebrew name Daniel. It has ranked in the US Top 300 since the early 90s and it's currently on trend in Spain, Portugal, Chile, Mexico, and Lativia.
  16. Calico
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "cotton cloth imported from India; a blotched or spotted animal"
    • Description:

      A word name with fashionable o-ending that has associations with both the homespun fabric and the mottled cat. Alice Cooper named his daughter Calico decades ago.
  17. Velora
    • Description:

      Velora is a melodious feminine name with uncertain origins, possibly deriving from Latin elements or being a variation of names like Valora (from 'valor') or Velora (from 'velare,' meaning 'to veil'). The name has an air of vintage elegance and mystique, with its flowing syllables creating a rhythmic quality. Velora remains quite rare, making it appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with a classical feel. Its sound evokes associations with beauty and grace while maintaining a certain strength. Despite its rarity, Velora feels familiar due to its similarity to more common names like Valerie, Velma, or Flora, giving it an intuitive pronunciation despite its uniqueness.
  18. Yelena
    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Helen
    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining one"
    • Description:

      One of many international versions of this classic.
  19. Amandine
    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Amanda
    • Meaning:

      "much-loved"
    • Description:

      This fragrant, almond-scented name has hardly been heard in this country, which is a pity--we've loved it since John Malkovich used it for his now grown daughter.
  20. Alanis
    • Origin:

      Female variation of Alan
    • Meaning:

      "handsome, cheerful"
    • Description:

      Singer Alanis Morissette made this twist famous. She was named for her father Alan, who is said to have spotted this version in a Greek newspaper. So far it has been pretty much a one-person name, but could make a distinctive update of Alana — especially with s-ending names making a comeback. Alanis is a Top 100 choice in Puerto Rico.