Three Letter Girl Names

  1. Joe
    • Description:

      Joe as a feminine name is an uncommon usage of what is traditionally a masculine name. Joe is typically a short form of Joseph (from Hebrew, meaning 'God will add') and has long been one of the most familiar and enduring male names in English-speaking countries. When used for girls, Joe often represents a gender-neutral approach to naming or may be short for feminine names like Josephine or Joanna. The feminine use of Joe embodies a straightforward, no-nonsense quality that some parents find appealing. While relatively rare for girls, it fits within the contemporary trend of adopting traditionally male names for females, appealing to those seeking simplicity and strength in a name regardless of traditional gender associations.

  2. New
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Very appropriate for a new baby, fresh to the world. If Nova is too subtle, you might consider New—especially as a middle name.
  3. Fei
    • Origin:

      Chinese
    • Meaning:

      "to dance in the air"
    • Description:

      Fei would make a great way to honor Chinese roots in the US, thanks to its similarity to the fast-rising Faye.
  4. Iro
    • Origin:

      Greek, Japanese, Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "hero; color; peace"
    • Description:

      A modern Greek form of the mythological name Hero, or a Japanese name meaning "color." Iro is also a name in Finnish mythology, derived from Irina and Irene. Iro was the mother of the three main gods of Finnish legend.
  5. 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.
  6. Bee
    • Origin:

      Animal name or English diminutive of Beatrice, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "she who brings happiness"
    • Description:

      We've seen Beatrice and Beatrix climb in popularity, along with traditional nickname Bea. And now there's Bee, giving it a buzzy nature world spin, plus a tie to popular late night TV''s Samantha Bee, not to mention Aunt Bee on the old The Andy Griffith Show TV show. Bee can theoretically be short for any girl names starting with B.
  7. Ife
    • Origin:

      African, Yoruba
    • Meaning:

      "love"
    • Description:

      Simple African name all-but-unknown in the U.S. and Europe, which is exactly why it might make a perfect choice. Similarity to such popular names as Ava and Eva (and the Irish Aoife) makes it more familiar, but potentially more confusing.
  8. Ora
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "prayer"
    • Description:

      Short and slight, with great potential now that names like Ava, Ida and Orla are popular. Ora Beach is a tourist destination on Seram Island, Indonesia.
  9. Ale
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alejandra, Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      Although it's rarely given in its own right, Ale is a very common nickname for Latinate variations of Alexandra, including Alejandra and Alessandra.
  10. Jax
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      One of the trendiest names for boys, Jax is becoming familiar on the girls' side through the singer/songwriter and Tiktok star Jax, born Jackie.
  11. Ani
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian; Igbo
    • Meaning:

      "beautiful"
    • Description:

      Folk singer DiFranco popularized this simple, appealing form. In Igbo mythology, Ani is one of the names of the goddess of the earth, fertility, creativity, and morality.
  12. Rye
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Riley; word name; British surname
    • Meaning:

      "cavalryman, messenger"
    • Description:

      Sweet short form of Riley. Nature lovers and whiskey fans alike can appreciate the androgynous simplicity of Rye. It is also the name of a town in England.
  13. Ica
    • Description:

      Ica is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Slavic contexts, it may be a diminutive suffix added to create endearing feminine forms of names. It exists as an independent name in several cultures, including Indonesian, where it may be used as a nickname. The name has connections to the Ica region and river in Peru, potentially giving it geographic significance. Characterized by its brevity and melodic quality, Ica is remarkably simple yet distinctive. This short, two-syllable name carries a gentle sound while being easy to pronounce across many languages. Though uncommon in Western countries, Ica's simplicity gives it universal appeal. The name has never ranked among popular names in the United States, making it an unusual choice that offers individuality while maintaining an accessible, sweet quality.

  14. Oma
    • Description:

      Oma is a feminine name with Germanic origins, literally meaning 'grandmother' in German and Dutch. The name carries warm associations of maternal wisdom and familial nurturing. While primarily known as a term of endearment for grandmothers in German-speaking countries, Oma has occasionally been used as a given name in the United States, particularly in communities with German heritage. The name peaked in limited popularity in the early 1900s but has since become quite rare as a first name. Oma also appears in Japanese, meaning 'horse,' and in some African languages with various meanings. The name's brevity and soft sounds give it a gentle quality, though its strong association with grandmotherhood in German culture may influence how the name is perceived.

  15. Nev
    • Origin:

      Variation of Neve or Niamh or a diminutive of Nevin, Ginevra, or Nevaeh
    • Meaning:

      "snow; bright; new; white phantom; heaven"
    • Description:

      Short and crisp, Nev may be a number of things: an alternative spelling to Irish Niamh, Spanish Nieves, and Italian Neve; a nickname for Geneva, Ginevra, Nevaeh, or Ginevra; an English and Turkish name meaning "new" (from Neville or Nevin); an Irish name meaning "holy" (from Nevan).
  16. Ele
    • Description:

      Ele is a short and sweet feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a diminutive of Eleanor, Elena, Elizabeth, or other names beginning with 'El-'. In some cultures, Ele can be a standalone name, particularly in parts of Europe. In Finnish, 'ele' means 'gesture', suggesting grace and expressiveness. The name has a light, airy quality that feels both modern and timeless. While not among the most common names in English-speaking countries, Ele offers simplicity and elegance with its brief two syllables. Its rarity gives it a distinctive quality while remaining easy to pronounce and spell.
  17. Umi
    • Origin:

      Japanese, Malay, Indonesian
    • Meaning:

      "sea; mother"
    • Description:

      Stylish and simple, Umi is an ocean inspired Japanese name that may appeal to those who enjoy Lumi, Rumi, and Una. It appears in the popular anime series, Love Live
  18. Mie
    • Origin:

      Danish, Norwegian diminutive of Marie, Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "bitter; beauty; three"
    • Description:

      A sweet and simple nickname for Marie that could serve to freshen up the outdated full form.
  19. Ala
    • Origin:

      Igbo, Polish, diminutive of Alicja
    • Meaning:

      "nobility"
    • Description:

      Ala is the Igbo earth goddess whose symbol is the crescent moon. In a very different vein, Ala can be a diminutive for Alicja or Alexandra or really any other name with an A at both ends and an L in the middle. Ala is also an Arabic name meaning "excellence, supremacy"; could be confused as a homonym for Allah, or as part of a phrase like a la mode.
  20. Maz
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Mazikeen, Mazarine, invented name, French
    • Meaning:

      "harmful spirits; blue"
    • Description:

      An unusual nickname for unusual names — Mazikeen, a name invented by Neil Gaiman for his Sandman comics, and Mazarine, a French color name.

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