Three Syllable Names for Girls

Swinging London songbird Petula Clark claims that this name was her father's invention; in any case it hasn't seen much copycat usage. 

Petula

Betula is an uncommon feminine name derived from the scientific Latin name for the birch tree (Betula). The birch has significant cultural importance in many northern European traditions, symbolizing new beginnings, purification, and fertility. The name has botanical origins similar to more familiar names like Lily, Rose, or Violet, but with a more distinctive and unusual presence. Betula has never ranked among popular names and remains exceptionally rare. It offers a subtle nature connection without being immediately obvious as a botanical name. The name has a gentle rhythm and scholarly feel, potentially appealing to parents interested in botany, natural elements, or seeking a rare name with Latin roots.

Betula

Cross between Petula and Petunia that surfaced briefly as a sixties British movie title. 

Petulia

Literary heritage: the "Loony Tunes" girlfriend of Porky Pig.  But with the increasing popularity of all kinds of unusual botanical names, Petunia may be a name we start to hear more of.  Perhaps-more-pleasing Petunia alternatives: Petal, Posy, Poppy.

Petunia

A bit pharmaceutical, not to mention hatlike. 

Phedora

Pheodora is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Theodora, which comes from Greek elements meaning "gift of God" (from "theos" meaning God and "doron" meaning gift). This alternate spelling with "Ph" instead of "Th" gives the classical name a unique visual presentation while maintaining its traditional pronunciation. The name carries dignified historical associations, as it was borne by Byzantine empresses and saints. Pheodora offers a rare and distinctive option for parents drawn to Greek-origin names with spiritual significance. With its flowing four syllables and elegant ending, Pheodora projects femininity, sophistication, and classical beauty.

Pheodora

Pelippa appears to be a rare variant or alternative spelling of Philippa, which derives from the Greek name Philippos meaning 'lover of horses.' This uncommon variation maintains the melodic quality of the original while offering a distinctive twist. The alteration of the initial 'Ph' to 'P' gives it a softer sound while potentially simplifying pronunciation. Extremely rare in usage, Pelippa offers the appeal of familiarity through its connection to the more recognized Philippa while standing out as unique. The name carries associations with strength and nobility inherited from its root name, which has historical connections to royal and aristocratic families across Europe.

Pelippa

Felipa is the feminine form of Felipe, which is the Spanish and Portuguese version of Philip. Derived from the Greek name Philippos, meaning 'lover of horses' or 'friend of horses,' this name has been used throughout the Spanish-speaking world for centuries. While less common than its masculine counterpart, Felipa carries the same distinguished history and royal connections, as numerous monarchs have borne the name Philip/Felipe. The name has a graceful, melodious sound that reflects its Latin heritage. In modern usage, Felipa remains a traditional choice in Hispanic communities, appreciated for its classic feminine elegance and cultural significance.

Felipa

Felipan is an unusual feminine name that appears to be a creative variation of Felipe (the Spanish form of Philip) or possibly Felipa (the feminine form). The name Philip derives from Greek elements meaning 'lover of horses.' Felipan is extremely rare, with very few documented uses as a given name. The addition of the 'an' suffix to a traditionally masculine name creates a unique feminine variation. This inventive approach to naming might appeal to parents seeking a truly distinctive name with recognizable roots. While lacking established popularity trends due to its rarity, Felipan carries the rich history associated with the name Philip, which has been used since ancient times and borne by numerous kings and saints throughout European history.

Felipan

Philippine might be taken as an ethnic identification rather than a name in the U.S. Philippa would be more easily understood, though if you don't mind eternally correcting people, Philippine can make an interesting alternative. Pippa can be a short form of Philippine as well as Philippa.

Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu is the soigné French actress who plays the fearfully chic boss in Emily in Paris.

Philippine

Fillippa is a feminine form of Philip, originating from Greek 'Philippos' meaning 'lover of horses.' This spelling variation with double 'l' differs from the more common Filippa or Philippa used in Scandinavian and Mediterranean countries. The name carries a graceful, international quality with strong historical roots dating back to ancient Greece. While maintaining the sophisticated appeal of traditional feminine forms of Philip, the unique spelling gives it a distinctive character. Though rare in English-speaking countries, Fillippa offers parents a name that balances classic origins with uncommon status, providing their daughter with a name that's both substantial and unique.

Fillippa

Philipa is a feminine name derived from the Greek name Philippos, meaning 'lover of horses.' It represents an alternative spelling of the more common Philippa, which is the feminine form of Philip. This variant maintains the same pronunciation but with a simpler spelling, dropping one 'p'. With roots in ancient Greece, the name has been used across Europe for centuries, particularly in England and other English-speaking countries. While less common than Philippa, Philipa offers a streamlined alternative that maintains the name's elegant, classical feel. The name carries connotations of nobility, as it has been borne by various royal and aristocratic women throughout history. Philipa has a dignified quality that balances traditional roots with a slightly more modern spelling, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth but a contemporary edge.

Philipa

Pelipa is a feminine name with Spanish and Greek origins, functioning as a feminine form of Felipe (Spanish) or Philip (English). These names derive from the Greek 'Philippos,' meaning 'lover of horses' or 'friend of horses.' While relatively uncommon, Pelipa has historical usage in Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in older generations. The name carries a melodic quality with its soft consonants and vowel ending typical of feminine Spanish names. Pelipa offers a distinctive alternative to more common derivatives like Philippa or Felipa. The name evokes a sense of cultural heritage and classical elegance while remaining accessible in pronunciation. Though rare in contemporary naming statistics, it provides an option for parents seeking a name with historical roots and a gentle, feminine sound.

Pelipa

Phillida is a "Masterpiece Theatre" appellation, proper to an almost comical degree yet might make an original way to honor an ancestral Phyliis.  Actress Phyllida Law is the mother of Emma and Sophie Thompson.

Phillida

Phyllida, a "Masterpiece Theatre"-style appellation, seems far fresher and more unusual than Phyllis. It's green-related meaning makes it one of the prime <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/316/baby-names-that-mean-new-beginnings?all=1">names that mean new beginnings</a>.
 It's a name used by sixteenth century poets and writers: Lyly has a character named Phyllida in his 1592 play Galathea, and there is a poem of the same period called Phyllida and Corydon.
 The distinguished Scottish actress Phyllida Law is the mother of actresses Emma and Sophie Thompson; Phyllida Lloyd directed such films as Mamma Mia! and The Iron Lady.

Phyllida

Philomel is a rare feminine name derived from Greek mythology, referring to Philomela who was transformed into a nightingale in Ovid's Metamorphoses. The name combines 'philo' (loving) and 'melos' (song), literally meaning 'lover of song' or 'lover of melody.' With strong poetic and literary associations, Philomel appears in works by Shakespeare, T.S. Eliot, and other prominent writers as a reference to the nightingale and its beautiful song. Though extremely uncommon as a given name, it appeals to parents with literary interests seeking a name with classical roots and artistic significance. Philomel carries connotations of music, poetry, and transformation.

Philomel

Philomène is a feminine French name derived from Greek origins, meaning 'lover of strength' or 'loved one.' It combines 'philos' (loving) with 'menos' (strength, courage). This elegant name carries a distinctly French character with its accent and pronunciation (fee-lo-MEN). Popular in France during the 19th century, Philomène has a vintage, sophisticated quality that has seen occasional revivals among parents seeking names with historical depth. In Catholic tradition, Saint Philomena was a virgin martyr, adding religious significance for some families. Though not common in English-speaking countries, the name maintains steady usage in Francophone regions and appeals to parents drawn to names with classical roots and a melodious, feminine character.

Philomène

Phylida is a feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Phyllis or possibly Philida. The name traces back to Greek origins, derived from 'phyllon' meaning 'leaf,' and was associated in Greek mythology with a woman who was transformed into an almond tree. This uncommon spelling variation adds a distinctive touch to the classical name. Phylida has remained quite rare throughout history, never achieving widespread usage but occasionally appearing in literary contexts. The name carries a poetic, somewhat antique quality with connections to nature symbolism and classical heritage. Its melodic sound and mythological associations give it an ethereal, romantic character. Phylida might appeal to parents drawn to names with literary or classical connections who also desire something genuinely uncommon.

Phylida

The name of the French surrealist, Francis Picabia, could make a lively, creative choice for the daughter of adventurous art-loving parents. 

Picabia

Olympic skier Picabo Street was allowed to choose her name at the age of three, and picked it possibly (a) after a nearby Idaho town or (b) because she loved to play peekaboo. No longer a single-person name, it is now worn by a number of satisfied bearers.

Picabo

 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 910)

Three Syllable Girl Names