Three Letter Girl Names
- Day
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
A bright and optimistic middle name choice.
- Rai
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"next child"Description:
Distinctive and intriguing relative of Rae.
- Lys
Description:
Lys is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In French, it derives from 'fleur-de-lis' meaning 'lily,' a flower symbolizing purity and the French monarchy. In Welsh and Scandinavian contexts, Lys relates to 'light' or 'brightness.' This concise, single-syllable name carries an elegant simplicity while retaining deep symbolic connections. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Lys has maintained steady usage in France, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The name's brevity makes it distinctive in an era of longer feminine names, while its cross-cultural roots give it versatility. For parents seeking minimalist naming choices with historical depth and natural symbolism, Lys offers a refined yet understated option.
- Roa
Origin:
Spanish and Catalan surnameMeaning:
"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."
- Cae
Description:
Cae is an ultra-short feminine name that could have several origins. It might be a shortened form of Celtic names like Caelin or Caerwyn, or possibly derived from the Welsh 'cae' meaning 'field.' The name could also function as a creative spelling of Kay. With just one syllable and three letters, Cae is minimalist yet distinctive, following the trend toward brief, impactful names. It remains extremely rare in usage, appealing to parents who prefer names that are both succinct and uncommon. The simplicity of Cae offers versatility—it pairs easily with longer middle names and works well in professional contexts. Its brevity gives it a modern, streamlined quality despite potential ancient roots.
- Doe
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Aio
Origin:
MaoriMeaning:
"peace, tranquil"Description:
A light and simple Māori name with an appealing O ending and lovely meaning.
- 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.
- 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.
- Aja
Origin:
Spelling variation of Aya or HindiMeaning:
"goat"Description:
Sounds like and is often confused with Asia, though it has an air of retro cool via the seminal Steely Dan album. Or, pronounced eye-ah, it can be an alternate spelling of the international favorite Aya.
- Paz
Origin:
Hebrew; SpanishMeaning:
"gold; peace"Description:
Paz, currently represented by actresses Paz Vega and Paz de la Huerts, would make a sparkling middle name choice. It originated as a title of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Peace, and is one of the names that mean peace, derived from the Latin word "pax".
- Ayu
Origin:
IndonesianMeaning:
"very feminine, beautiful"Description:
A common Indonesian name that is sometimes (as with Mary here) joined with another, as in 'Ayu' and 'Tyas,' which becomes 'Ayuningtyas' and means beautiful heart.
- Zoa
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"life"Description:
Possibly a variation of the ultra-popular Greek Zoe, Zoa was given to around 2 dozen baby girls each recent year.
- Zea
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"grain"Description:
An unusual possibility; Zea would fit right in with schoolmates named Tea and Leya.
- Noe
Origin:
Greek, Latin, and Georgian variation of Noah, HebrewMeaning:
"rest, repose"Description:
Spelled Noë, this name is common among baby girls in the Netherlands. The umlaut clarifies the two-syllable pronunciation, at least to Europeans, and the spelling variation may help sidestep gender confusion.
- Ayn
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Ayn is a nonconformist name associated with controversial Russian-born writer and philosopher Ayn Rand, (born Alisa) author of The Fountainhead, who adopted it when she moved to the US in 1926.
- Pax
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"peace"Description:
A cool name, representing the Roman goddess of peace and offering a positive message to bestow upon a child. Pax is one of the most stylish new names that mean peace.
- Flo
Origin:
Diminutive of Florence, LatinMeaning:
"flourishing, prosperous"Description:
Flo is an antiquated nickname not often used these days, possibly because "Aunt Flo" is a euphemism for a period.
- Jan
Origin:
Feminine variation of John, HebrewMeaning:
"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.
- Oda
Origin:
Scandinavian, short form of OdeliaDescription:
Ada, yes. Ida, maybe. But Oda, a Scandinavian version of Odelia, not really. To English speakers, it sounds too much like "odor".