Three Syllable Girl Names
- Lakota
Origin:
Native American, SiouxMeaning:
"friend to us"Description:
The name of one of the branches of the Great Sioux Nation has a very namelike sound, but is not used as a name by the Lakota people themselves, and could be seen as appropriative.
- Begonia
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"Begon's flower"Description:
Begonia is a pretty flower named for French administrator and amateur horticulturalist Michel Bégon, who was an avid naturalist but also a proponent of slavery. A rare floral choice which has never really caught on as a baby name, Begonia would certainly stand out from the Lilys and Roses.
- Pádraigín
Description:
Pádraigín is a feminine Irish name that functions as a diminutive form of Pádraig (the Irish form of Patrick). The suffix '-ín' in Irish adds a sense of endearment or smallness. This distinctively Gaelic name honors Ireland's patron saint while adapting it for feminine use. Pronounced approximately as 'paw-dra-geen,' it presents pronunciation challenges outside Irish-speaking communities but carries strong cultural significance for those with Irish heritage. Quite rare even within Ireland, Pádraigín represents a deep connection to Irish language and traditions. The name's meaning connects to the Latin 'patricius' meaning 'noble,' reflecting both religious devotion and cultural pride in its Irish roots.
- Jimena
Origin:
Variation of Ximena, SpanishMeaning:
"son"Description:
Widespread popularity in the Latino community has propelled this name up the charts in the US. Ximena is the more popular version, given to about three times as many baby girls as Jimena, maybe because of that edgy initial X.
- Maybelline
Origin:
American elaboration of Mabel, EnglishMeaning:
"lovable"Description:
The popular cosmetics brand Maybelline inspires at least a few baby girls' names each year. Company founder Thomas Lyle Williams created the name as a portmanteau of Mabel and Vaseline after watching his sister Mabel mix up a quasi-eyeshadow out of coal dust and Vaseline.
- Anova
Origin:
Invented nameDescription:
Culmination of two trends: names bookended by As and Nova names, seen in names like Novalee, Novalyn, and Zanova.
- Azari
Origin:
American variation of Azariah or Azhari, Hebrew, MalayMeaning:
"helped by God; shining, brilliant"Description:
Azari is a rising unisex name (although currently more popular among girls) invented as a variation of Azariah or Azhari. With its I-ending and prominent Z, we see Azari going places — this is one to watch, especially with Azariah, Azaire, and Azair rising on the boys' side and Azaria and Zariah on the girls'.
- Pelagia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"the sea"Description:
The name of several early saints, including one, Pelagia the Penitent, a beautiful and licentious dancing girl who repented, then, disguised as a man, spent the rest of her life living alone in a cave on the Mount of Olives. Because of her early vocation, she is the patron saint of actresses.
- Gwenevieve
Description:
Gwenevieve represents a creative variation of Genevieve, incorporating elements of the Welsh name Gwen (meaning "white, fair, blessed") with the classic French name Genevieve (derived from the Germanic name Genovefa, combining elements meaning "tribe, clan" and "woman"). This hybrid spelling creates a unique name that evokes both Celtic and French traditions. While less common than the traditional Genevieve, Gwenevieve offers a distinctive alternative with similar melodic qualities and feminine appeal. The name carries associations with medieval romance and legend, particularly through its similarity to Guinevere of Arthurian tales. For parents drawn to names with European heritage and a lyrical quality, Gwenevieve provides an uncommon option that remains accessible in pronunciation and recognizable in its roots.
- Sabella
Description:
Sabella is a feminine name with Italian and Latin origins, most commonly considered a shortened form of Isabella or a variant of Sabina. Isabella derives from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning 'God is my oath,' while Sabina comes from Latin, referring to the ancient Sabine people of Italy. Sabella combines melodic quality with historical depth, featuring the soft 's' sound and flowing 'bella' ending (meaning 'beautiful' in Italian). Though less common than Isabella, Sabella has experienced modest usage in the United States and other English-speaking countries. The name carries an elegant, romantic quality with its Italian flair while remaining accessible and easily pronounced. Its connection to both beauty and ancient heritage gives it substance beyond its pretty sound.
- Natalya
Origin:
Russian from LatinMeaning:
"natal day, Christmas"Description:
Perfect name for a little girl born at Christmas. Its many variations and pet forms include Natalia, Nataliya, Natalie, Nataly, Natascha, Talya, Talia, Tasha and Tasya.
- Amerie
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Pop princess Amerie is half Korean, half African-American. Her name may relate to Amelia, Emily, Emery, or Amory, though there's no exact equivalent among historical names. But doubtless there will be more Ameries, starting now.
- Cariad
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"love"Description:
The Welsh word for "love" and a term of endearment turned modern word-name, Cariad is a sweet possibility that might work well as a name for a February or Valentines baby or a name for a Christmas baby. A famous bearer is British comedian Cariad Lloyd.
- Mayela
Description:
Mayela is a feminine name with roots in Spanish-speaking cultures, particularly popular in Mexico and parts of Latin America. It likely developed as a variant of Mariela or possibly as a combination of Maria and the suffix 'ela.' In some contexts, it's associated with the Nahuatl language, connecting it to indigenous Mexican heritage. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its three syllables and soft sounds. Mayela carries a delicate beauty while maintaining substance and cultural significance. The name remains somewhat uncommon outside Spanish-speaking regions but has a growing presence in areas with Hispanic influences. Mayela's appeal lies in its distinctive sound, cultural connections, and the balance it strikes between uniqueness and accessibility.
- Anisia
Origin:
Greek, unequalDescription:
This alluring Greek name has two possible meanings — possibly meaning "she who fulfills her obligations, or potentially deriving from the Greek anisos meaning "unequal".
- Milana
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"from Milan"Description:
This makes Milan sound like less of a place, more of a name.
- Winola
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"charming friend"Description:
Native-American feel via similarity to Winona.
- Ileana
Origin:
Romanian, from GreekMeaning:
"torch; shining light"Description:
A trendy and fashionable-sounding Romanian name with rich history. There was a mythical Romanian princess with the name, and it was also a name used by real-life Romanian royalty.
- Zenaida
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"the life of Zeus"Description:
This name of a daughter of Zeus has an intriguing air of antiquity.
- Lalisa
Origin:
ThaiMeaning:
"one who is praised"Description:
A pretty Thai name famously borne by Thai musical artist Lisa (full name: Lalisa Manoban), whose name was changed in childhood from Pranpriya to Lalisa after she had her fortune told.