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Three Letter Girl Names

  1. Eos

    • Origin:

      Greek; Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "dawn; nightingale"

    • Description:

      Eos -- that's pronounced with a short e like eros without the r -- is the Greek Titan of the dawn. Any ancient name with a sleek modern feel has definite revival possibilities. Eos could be an inventive way to honor grandma Dawn.
  2. Téa

    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Thea

    • Description:

      Brought into the mix by actress Tea (born Elizabeth Tea) Leoni, an attractive feminine option in the Mia/Lea mode. If you feel the need to lengthen it, you could go to Teadora or Teodora.
  3. Ena

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of several names

    • Description:

      Baby names that started off as diminutives -- Ena, Ita, Etta -- seem too insubstantial for a modern female.
  4. Xia

    • Origin:

      Chinese dynastic name

    • Description:

      This name of the first recorded dynasty of ancient China is short and simple enough to make a possible Asian-American alternative to Mia and Tia. British-Filipino child star Xia Vigor has invigorated the name in the Philippines.
  5. Mya

    • Origin:

      Variation of Maia, Maya, or Mia, Greek, Scandinavian, Hebrew, Burmese

    • Meaning:

      "mother; larger, greater; bitter, beloved; emerald"

    • Description:

      This distinctive spelling was popularized by the R&B singer Mya (Harrison) and entered the US Top 100 in 2009 after the singer appeared on Dancing with the Stars. While it has since declined in the US, it remains in the Top 100 in France, the Top 200 in Belgium, and the Top 300 in England and Wales.
  6. Fay

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "fairy"

    • Description:

      Fay, also spelled Faye, who had been napping quietly since the 1930's, has, like cousins May/Mae and Ray/Rae, sat up and started rubbing her eyes, ready for a mini-comeback, especially as a middle name. In 2014, Faye hopped back onto the US Top 1000, though Fay is used much more quietly as a first name.
  7. Iga

    • Origin:

      Polish diminutive

    • Description:

      Iga is virtually unknown in the US but ranks among the Top 1000 girls' names in the UK, undoubtedly because of the number of Polish immigrants there. It is one of those nickname-names, like Isa and Ella, that can stand in for a wide range of proper names such as Jadwiga or Hedviga.
  8. Asa

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Japanese, or Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "healer; morning; of the gods"

    • Description:

      A male Biblical name meaning healer, Asa is also an international gem. In Japanese, it means "(born in the) morning". And in Scandinavia, where it's generally spelled Åsa or Ása and pronounced O-sa, it's a popular diminutive form of Old Norse names beginning with the element áss "god".
  9. Doa

    • Description:

      Doa is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic contexts, it means 'prayer' or 'supplication,' reflecting spiritual significance. The name also appears in various cultures including Japanese, where it has different meanings. Doa's brevity makes it distinctive and easy to pronounce across language barriers, consisting of just three letters but typically pronounced with two syllables. As a relatively uncommon name in Western countries, Doa offers uniqueness while maintaining simplicity. The name carries spiritual undertones in its Arabic usage, making it meaningful for families seeking a name with religious significance. Its cross-cultural presence gives it versatility and international appeal.
  10. Ino

    • Origin:

      Greek; Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "mythological name; wild boar"

    • Description:

      Ino was one of the Queens of Thebes who, after her death, became an immortal. Ino raised her nephew, Dionysus (son of Semele and Zeus), provoking the wrath of Hera. In desperation Ino threw herself into the sea and was thereafter venerated as Leucothea (The White Goddess).
  11. Ash

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Ashley, English

    • Meaning:

      "ash tree"

    • Description:

      Ash is a gender-neutral choice that calls to mind the '80s favorite: Ashley. But view it as a nature name -- as in the tree, not the charred bit of soot in the fireplace -- and it makes a cool choice that fits with today's trends.
  12. Jen

    • Description:

      Jen is a short, crisp feminine name that originated primarily as a diminutive of Jennifer, though it can also be a nickname for names like Jenna, Jenny, or Genevieve. The root name Jennifer comes from the Welsh 'Gwenhwyfar,' meaning 'white wave' or 'fair spirit.' Jen gained independent usage during the 1970s and 1980s when Jennifer was at peak popularity, with some parents choosing to put just 'Jen' on the birth certificate. Its simplicity and directness appeal to those preferring unpretentious, straightforward names. While Jen's popularity as a stand-alone name has declined since the 1990s, it maintains appeal for its brevity and friendly, approachable quality. The name carries a casual confidence and remains recognizable without being overly common as a formal name.
  13. Ane

    • Description:

      Ane is a feminine name of Nordic origin, particularly common in Denmark and Norway. It is a variation of Anna, which derives from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' In Scandinavian countries, Ane has been used for centuries, often appearing in historical records dating back to medieval times. The name has a simple, elegant quality with its short pronunciation and has maintained steady usage without becoming overly popular. In modern times, Ane appeals to parents looking for a traditional name with Nordic roots that is brief and easy to pronounce across languages.
  14. Max

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "greatest"

    • Description:

      If Sam can make it as a girl's name, why not Max? Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's eldest daughter Maxima goes by Max, but you could also use it as a short form for Maxine, Maximilienne or even Margaux.
  15. Rai

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "next child"

    • Description:

      Distinctive and intriguing relative of Rae.
  16. Zoë

    • Description:

      Zoë is a feminine name of Greek origin meaning "life." The diaeresis over the 'e' indicates that the vowels should be pronounced separately (zo-ee), though it's often written simply as 'Zoe' in English-speaking countries. This ancient name has endured for centuries and experienced a significant revival since the late 20th century. Zoë captures both classical elegance and contemporary appeal, making it popular across diverse cultures. In Greek mythology, Zoë was an aspect of Athena, representing life and energy. The name has maintained steady popularity in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, appreciated for its brevity, vibrant meaning, and cross-cultural recognition. Zoë blends sophistication with playfulness, making it a versatile choice for many families.

  17. Ita

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "thirst"

    • Description:

      The name of one of the most famous medieval Irish saints, who was known as "the foster-mother of the saints," and founded a nunnery in the county of Limerick. Might be of interest to someone looking for an unusual 3-letter name.
  18. Tae

    • Description:

      Tae is a concise, multicultural feminine name with roots in several languages. In Korean, Tae means 'greatness' or 'supremacy,' while it can also represent 'peaceful' or elements like 'big' and 'grand' in various Asian cultures. The name's brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal that works well internationally. Though traditionally more common as a masculine name in some cultures, Tae has gained popularity as a feminine name in Western countries, appealing to parents seeking gender-neutral options. The name is easy to pronounce across languages, making it practical for multicultural families. As a standalone name rather than a diminutive, Tae projects confidence and simplicity. Its cultural versatility and contemporary feel have contributed to its gradual increase in usage for girls, though it remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality.

  19. Ace

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "one, unity"

    • Description:

      Ace is a retro nickname most often used for boys, as in Ace Ventura. While some celebrities have adopted it for their sons, there's nothing that makes this name exclusively male.
  20. Tig

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Antigone, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "worthy of one's parents, in place of one's parents"

    • Description:

      The quirky nickname Tig is exceedingly rare, but historically has been used as a short form of Antigone. Today, many people are familiar with the name via comedian Tig Notaro. Notaro was born Mathilde — she was dubbed Tig by her brother Renaud when he had difficulty pronouncing her given name.