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Three Letter Girl Names

  1. Kim

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Kimberly; Vietnamese; Scandinavian diminutive of Joachima; Soviet name

    • Description:

      Kim was the coolest name... of the 1960s. Kim was popularized by actress Kim Novak, and its energy is still maintained by rapper Lil' Kim, but it holds lil' or no appeal for new babies. Parents who like Kim's short, sweet sound might look to a choice such as Sam, Lou, or Belle.
  2. Kat

    • Origin:

      Diminutive for Katherine, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      We're hearing Kat more and more being used by Katherines who are tired of Kathy, Kate and Katie. Katti or Kattie is another possibility.
  3. Mim

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Miriam

    • Description:

      A hum of a name occasionally heard. Madame Mim was a villain in Disney's "The Sword in the Stone."
  4. Zee

    • Origin:

      Invented name

    • Description:

      As a nickname for one of the longer Z-starting choices, maybe, but not as a name unto itself.
  5. Cyn

    • Description:

      Cyn is a feminine name typically functioning as a diminutive form of names containing this element, particularly Cynthia. Derived from Greek origins, the root relates to Mount Kynthos on the island of Delos, birthplace of the goddess Artemis (known to Romans as Diana). As a standalone name, Cyn is distinctively brief and modern-sounding, though quite uncommon. The simplicity of this three-letter name offers minimal pronunciation confusion (pronounced simply as "sin"), though some may mistake it for a nickname. In contemporary usage, Cyn might appeal to parents seeking ultra-short names with classical roots but a modern edge. Its brevity gives it a punchy, memorable quality while maintaining feminine associations.

  6. Mal

    • Description:

      Mal is a versatile feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In French, it derives from names like Malorie or Mallory, while in Irish it connects to Máire or Molly. In Vietnamese, Mal (often spelled Mai) means 'golden flower' or 'apricot blossom.' This short, punchy name gained some recognition through fictional characters, including in Disney's 'Descendants' franchise. Its brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal that contrasts with longer traditional names. Though uncommon as a standalone name, Mal's simplicity and cross-cultural flexibility make it appealing to parents seeking something brief yet distinctive. The name projects confidence through its concise sound while maintaining versatility as it can represent different meanings depending on cultural context.
  7. Nya

    • Origin:

      Swahili, Basque, "tenacity, purpose, aim; sea fam, wave"

    • Meaning:

      "tenacity, purpose, aim; sea fam, wave"

    • Description:

      A relatively new name on the scene, increasing in popularity since 1999. It is likely a variation of Nia, a Swahili name based on the Arabic Niya meaning "tenacity, purpose, determination". Alternatively it may be based on Naia, a Basque name meaning "sea foam, wave" or it may simply be a modern creation, influenced by the popularity of Mia, Mya, Kaia, and similar.
  8. Gay

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "joyful"

    • Description:

      The meaning of this word flipped from "cheerful" to "homosexual" during the twentieth century, and it's now almost certainly too loaded to sit comfortably as a baby name. Which is a shame as sound-wise it's very appealing, just a short step away from Faye, May, and Rae.
  9. Meg

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Margaret

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      Meg, perennially one of the Little Women, is a Margaret short form that manages to be neither quite in nor quite out of style. Meg is sleeker and more sophisticated than Maggie, more contemporary than Peg, more stylish than Megan, and still one of the best diminutives of Margaret.

      Meg Ryan was born Margaret Mary Emily Anne.

  10. Kia

    • Origin:

      African

    • Meaning:

      "season's beginning"

    • Description:

      Kia is a sweet, simple name that is now, unfortunately, associated with a Korean car label. Better today: Nia, Thea, or Keira.
  11. Yue

    • Description:

      Yue is a feminine name of Chinese origin that means 'moon.' This elegant, single-syllable name carries deep significance in Chinese culture, where the moon represents beauty, elegance, and the feminine principle. The name appears in Chinese mythology and literature, often associated with the Moon Goddess Chang'e. Yue is appreciated for its simplicity, melodic sound, and profound symbolic meaning. While traditionally used in Chinese-speaking regions, it has gained some international recognition for its appealing brevity and exotic quality. The name's connection to the celestial body gives it a touch of mystique and timelessness. Yue offers parents a name that combines cultural richness with a gentle, poetic quality.
  12. Opa

    • Origin:

      Choctaw, Native American

    • Meaning:

      "owl"
  13. Aoi

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "bluish"

    • Description:

      A very popular girls' name in Japan with an unfortunate English pronunciation: picture a toddler with a hurt knee saying "owee."
  14. Jan

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of John, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Jan, not short for Janet or Janice but standing on its own, ranked in the Top 200 throughout the 1950s but dropped off the Top 1000 in the 1980s and now is a truly extinct name, given to fewer than five baby girls in the US each year.
  15. Roa

    • Origin:

      Spanish and Catalan surname

    • Meaning:

      "arched wood that forms a bow"

    • Description:

      This Catalan and Spanish surname is derived from the Spanish word "rueda" from the Latin "rota," meaning "arched wood that forms a bow."
  16. Pip

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "lover of horses"

    • Description:

      Cute-as-a-button nickname traditionally derived from Philip or Philippa – but could work for Piper, Juniper or Penelope as well.
  17. Wyn

    • Description:

      Wyn is a feminine name with Welsh origins, though it can also be used for males in its original context. Derived from the Welsh word "gwyn" meaning "fair," "blessed," or "white," Wyn embodies brightness and purity. As a standalone name, it carries a simple elegance with its concise, single-syllable format. In Welsh naming traditions, it often appears as a component in compound names or as a nickname. Despite its ancient roots, Wyn maintains a contemporary feel with its short, crisp sound. The name remains uncommon in English-speaking countries outside of Wales, giving it a distinctive quality. Its minimalist charm appeals to parents seeking something brief yet meaningful with authentic Celtic heritage.

  18. Ela

    • Origin:

      Turkish

    • Meaning:

      "terebinth tree"

    • Description:

      A sweet, simple mini-name that fits into many cultures. The only drawback is the potential for confusion with Ella, Ayla, and other similar names.
  19. Doe

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "a female deer"

    • Description:

      Doe is a soft and gentle-eyed middle name possibility and, like Fawn, one of the few animal names open to girls.
  20. 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.