Three Syllable Names for Girls

A place name relating to the tropical palm tree, or a feminine form of Palmiro, meaning "pilgrim".

Palmira

An ancient city in modern-day Syria, which occasionally makes the roster of girl names. Its etymology is uncertain — locally it is called Tadmor, and Palmyra is the Greek version — but it has traditionally been associated with palm trees. It may also be a feminine form of the Italian Palmiro, meaning "pilgrim", ultimately from palma, again meaning "palm tree".
 
Palmira is an alternative (and more popular) spelling.

Palmyra

Aloma is a name invented for a Hawaiian dancer, the title character in a 1925 play later adapted twice as a film. But long before that, it was also used by the medieval scholar Ramón Llull, possibly as a feminine form of Alomar (from the Germanic name Aldemar, "old + famous"). The Catalan author Mercè Rodoreda used it for the heroine of her novel Aloma/, making it a classic Catalan literary choice.
 It has not been used enough to make the US charts since the 1980s, but would fit with the trend for liquid-sounding, multicultural names like Alaia and Alina.

Aloma

Pamila is a feminine name that functions as a variation of Pamela, which originated in the 16th century from Sir Philip Sidney's pastoral poem "Arcadia." The name is believed to have Greek roots, possibly derived from "pan" (all) and "meli" (honey), suggesting sweetness or charm. While Pamela gained significant popularity in the 20th century, particularly during the 1940s-1960s, Pamila remains a less common spelling variant. This alternative spelling emerged as parents sought ways to personalize traditional names. Pamila shares the friendly, approachable quality of its more common counterpart while offering a subtle distinction. The name evokes mid-century American naming trends but with an individualized touch. Though less frequently used today, Pamila carries a familiar warmth and vintage appeal that some parents continue to appreciate.

Pamila

Pamelin is a feminine name that appears to be a modern variation or elaboration of Pamela. Pamela originated in the 16th century through Sir Philip Sidney's pastoral prose work 'Arcadia,' where it was invented to mean 'all sweetness' or 'all honey' (from Greek 'pan' meaning 'all' and 'meli' meaning 'honey'). Pamelin adds the diminutive suffix '-in' to create a more distinctive version of the classic name. This variant is quite uncommon, giving it a unique quality while still maintaining connections to the more familiar Pamela. The name has a gentle, slightly old-fashioned charm that sets it apart from more contemporary naming trends.

Pamelin

Pamala is a feminine name representing an alternative spelling of Pamela, which originated in the 16th century through Sir Philip Sidney's pastoral poem 'Arcadia.' The name is believed to be derived from Greek elements meaning 'all honey' or 'all sweetness.' This variant spelling emerged during the mid-20th century when Pamela reached peak popularity, likely chosen by parents seeking a slightly more distinctive version of the common name. The spelling follows natural pronunciation patterns but gives the name a unique visual identity. While Pamela (and its variants) has declined in usage since its 1950s heyday, Pamala offers a sweet-sounding option with classic roots and a touch of individuality through its spelling variation.

Pamala

Pamelja is an uncommon variant spelling of Pamela, a name created by 16th-century poet Sir Philip Sidney for his epic 'Arcadia.' The original Pamela is believed to combine Greek elements meaning 'all honey' or 'all sweetness.' This variant spelling with the 'j' adds a distinctive touch while maintaining the recognizable sound of the classic name. Pamelja appears to be influenced by Eastern European or Balkan spelling conventions, where 'j' often creates the 'y' sound. Extremely rare in usage, Pamelja offers a unique twist on a familiar name. The unusual spelling might appeal to parents seeking to honor family heritage or simply looking for a way to make a traditional name stand out. While Pamela peaked in popularity in the 1950s-60s, this variant remains a very uncommon choice.

Pamelja

Pameline appears to be a creative elaboration of Pamela, combining it with elements of names ending in '-line' or '-lyn.' Pamela itself emerged in Sir Philip Sidney's 16th-century pastoral romance 'Arcadia,' possibly created from Greek elements meaning 'all honey' or 'all sweetness.' Pameline represents an uncommon variant that adds a more formal, extended quality to the familiar Pamela. While Pamela experienced significant popularity during the 20th century, particularly in the 1950s, Pameline has remained extremely rare. The name carries similar sweet connotations to Pamela but with a distinctive flair that sets it apart while maintaining recognizable roots.

Pameline

Pamalla is a feminine name that represents a spelling variation of Pamela, which originated from Sir Philip Sidney's 16th-century pastoral poem 'Arcadia.' The original Pamela comes from Greek elements meaning 'all sweetness' or 'all honey.' This variant spelling with the double 'l' gives the classic name a unique twist while maintaining its recognizable sound. Pamalla emerged during the mid-20th century when alternative spellings became fashionable as a way to personalize traditional names. The name maintains the warm, friendly associations of Pamela while offering a slightly distinctive written form. Though less common than the standard spelling, Pamalla appeals to parents seeking a subtle variation on a familiar classic.

Pamalla

Pamelynne is a feminine name that emerged as an elaborate variant of Pamela, which originated as a literary name created by Sir Philip Sidney in his 16th-century pastoral romance 'Arcadia.' The unique spelling with the 'lynne' suffix appears to be a 20th-century American innovation, combining Pamela with the popular 'lynn' ending. The name Pamela itself derives from Greek elements meaning 'all honey' or 'all sweetness.' Pamelynne has always been extremely rare, likely created by parents seeking to personalize the more common Pamela. The name has a romantic, elaborate quality with its three-syllable structure and distinctive spelling. Pamelynne would have been most likely to appear during the mid-20th century when both Pamela and names ending in 'lynn' or 'lynne' were fashionable.

Pamelynne

Pamella is a variation of Pamela, a name created by the 16th-century poet Sir Philip Sidney for his pastoral romance "Arcadia." He derived it from the Greek words "pan" (all) and "meli" (honey), essentially meaning "all sweetness." This spelling with double 'l' adds a distinctive touch to the classic name. Pamela became widely popular in the English-speaking world during the 18th century after Samuel Richardson's novel "Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded" was published. The Pamella variant emerged later as parents sought to personalize the traditional spelling. While less common than Pamela, Pamella maintains the same warm, graceful qualities while offering a slightly more elaborate appearance. The name peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century.

Pamella

Pammeli is an unusual feminine name that likely originated as a variant of Pamela or possibly as a creative combination of Pam and Amelia. This distinctive name has Greek influences, as Pamela itself derives from Greek elements meaning 'all honey' or 'all sweetness.' Pammeli remains exceptionally rare, appearing only sporadically in naming records. The melodic three-syllable structure gives it a rhythmic, feminine quality. The unusual spelling with double 'm' and ending in 'i' rather than 'y' or 'a' adds to its distinctive character. Parents might choose Pammeli to honor a relative named Pamela while providing a more uncommon variation that maintains the same fundamental sound and heritage.

Pammeli

Pamelyn is a feminine name that appears to be a modern elaboration of Pamela, blending it with the popular -lyn ending found in names like Carolyn or Evelyn. Pamela itself emerged in the 16th century through Sir Philip Sidney's prose work 'Arcadia,' possibly derived from Greek elements meaning 'all sweetness' or 'honey-sweet.' Pamelyn gained limited usage primarily in the United States during the mid-20th century when Pamela was at its peak popularity. This variation offers a more distinctive alternative while maintaining connection to the familiar name. The addition of the 'lyn' suffix gives the name a more elaborate, romantic quality. Nicknames might include the familiar Pam, Pammy, or Lynn.

Pamelyn

Pamilla is a feminine name that appears to be a variation of Pamela, which originated in the 16th century when poet Sir Philip Sidney created it for his prose work 'Arcadia,' likely derived from the Greek words 'pan' (all) and 'meli' (honey), suggesting sweetness and charm. The distinctive spelling with the double 'l' gives Pamilla a more elaborate and unique quality while maintaining the melodic sound of the original. This variant is quite rare, offering a distinctive alternative to the more common Pamela. The name carries a gentle, feminine quality and might appeal to parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon. Pamilla could use the popular nickname Pam or the more playful Milla.

Pamilla

Pamelia is a feminine name with Greek origins, representing an elaborate variation of Pamela, which was created by Sir Philip Sidney for his 16th-century pastoral romance 'Arcadia.' The name is derived from Greek elements meaning 'all honey' or 'all sweetness.' This ornate version with the extra syllable gives the name a more formal, antique quality that evokes Victorian elegance. Pamelia enjoyed modest popularity in the 19th century and early 20th century but has since become quite rare, making it an uncommon vintage choice. The name carries associations of classic femininity and literary romance. For parents drawn to historical names with a touch of elaboration, Pamelia offers the familiarity of Pamela with a distinctive traditional twist that sets it apart from more common revival names.

Pamelia

Permelia is a feminine name with historical roots dating back to the 19th century in America. It's a variant of Pamela or Permilia, derived from Greek elements meaning 'all honey' or 'sweetness.' The name enjoyed modest popularity during the 1800s, particularly in rural communities across the United States. Permelia fell out of common usage by the early 20th century, making it a rare vintage choice in modern times. Women named Permelia were often nicknamed 'Melia' or 'Perm.' The name carries a quaint, old-fashioned charm that connects to America's pioneer heritage and represents the ornate naming style popular in Victorian-era America.

Permelia

This operatic Italian name -- it appears in Mozart's "The Magic Flute" -- is a more unusual route to the nickname Pam/Pammy. 

Pamina

Sharing her name with a country, a city, an isthmus, a gulf, a canal, and a hat might be a bit much for a child to handle. 

Panama

Pleasant-sounding name that may be too close for some to Pandora. 

Pandara

Pandita

 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 905)

Three Syllable Girl Names