3 Letter Girl Names

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.

Old-fangled nickname could make dot.com era short form or middle name. 

A short form of Izabela, popular as a stand-alone name in Slovenia where it ranks in the Top 50. It might also be used in Poland, Czechia, Georgia, Hungary, and elsewhere as a form of Izabela/lla, Izidora, Izolda, Elizabeth, Adeliza, and similar.
 
A cross-cultural possibility, Iza might occasionally be used as a variation of the Arabic name Izzaa or Izzah meaning "glory, power, strength".

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.

Much-used midcentury diminutive, now fallen far from favor even as a middle name. 

Skater Tai Babilonia brought this sleek modern name to the world's attention.  Pronounced "tie."

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.

Abi is a charming diminutive of Abigail, with Hebrew origins meaning "father's joy" or "source of joy." It can also stand independently in some cultures, particularly in Nigerian traditions where it means "first daughter" in Yoruba. Though simple and short, Abi carries a friendly, approachable quality that makes it both playful and mature. While less common than the full form Abigail, Abi has seen modest usage in English-speaking countries as parents increasingly favor shorter, less formal names. Its simplicity allows for easy pronunciation across cultures while maintaining its connection to the biblical heritage of Abigail.

Ave is a concise feminine name with multiple origins and meanings. In Latin, it means 'hail' or 'farewell' and is recognizable from the prayer 'Ave Maria' (Hail Mary). It can also derive from the Latin 'avis,' meaning 'bird,' symbolizing freedom and grace. As a modern name, Ave appeals to parents seeking minimalist elegance - short, simple, yet distinctive. Despite its brevity, it carries significant cultural resonance through its religious connections and natural symbolism. While not widely used as a given name, Ave's simplicity makes it versatile across cultures and languages. The name's compact nature also makes it unlikely to be shortened to nicknames, preserving its clean, pure quality.

Bri is a feminine name that originated primarily as a diminutive of longer names like Brianna, Brielle, Sabrina, or Gabrielle. This short, bright name has gained popularity as a standalone option since the early 2000s, reflecting the modern trend toward brief, unfussy names. Bri has a contemporary feel with its single syllable and straightforward pronunciation, yet it carries the warmth and familiarity of more traditional names. Its simplicity makes it versatile across various cultures and languages. While still more common as a nickname, Bri has established itself as a legitimate given name that conveys a sense of friendliness and approachability while maintaining a touch of spirited independence.

This unisex Israeli name, which rhymes with ball, is sure to receive more serious international attention now that actress Gal Gadot is the new Wonder Woman.

Niv is a feminine name of Hebrew origin, though it's also used for boys in some cultures. In Hebrew, 'niv' (נִיב) means 'expression,' 'utterance,' or 'speech,' deriving from biblical Hebrew where it appears in phrases referring to 'the fruit of lips' or eloquent speech. The name is appreciated for its brevity, simplicity, and modern feel, making it increasingly popular in Israel. Internationally, its short length makes it easily pronounceable across languages. Niv has gained modest popularity in recent decades as parents seek names that are both meaningful and minimalist. The name conveys qualities of eloquence, expressiveness, and clarity, while its compact form aligns with contemporary naming trends favoring short, impactful names.

As Theo and Thea get more popular, so do Teo and Tea, short forms of the Latinate variations of Theodore and Matthew -- which include Dorotea and Mattea. 

But like Theo and Thea, Tea can stand perfectly well on its own and blends seamlessly into any Anglophone or European culture, if that is your aim. Some may argue that the Tea version is the prettiest and it's certainly the sleekest.

Udy is a feminine name of Hebrew origin, though it remains relatively rare globally. It may be related to the Hebrew name 'Yehuda' (Judah), meaning 'praise' or 'thanks,' or could be a diminutive form of other names. Its short, distinctive sound makes it stand out in many cultural contexts. Udy has a modern, concise quality that appeals to parents seeking uncommon names with ancient roots. The name's brevity gives it versatility and makes it easy to pronounce across different languages. While not widely used, Udy may appeal to families with Israeli or Jewish heritage looking for a contemporary name that still connects to traditional naming patterns. Its uniqueness ensures that a child named Udy will likely have a distinctive identity.

An unusual possibility; Zea would fit right in with schoolmates named Tea and Leya. 

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

Three letter girl names boast two examples on the US Top 10, Ava and Mia.

girls' names with three letters popular in the US

 include Zoe, Eva, Ivy, Mya, Amy, Ana, and Lia.



The classics Ann and Eve are two of the most enduring

 on our recommended list include Bay, Bee, Fia, Kit, Liv, Lou, Paz, Poe, Sky, Taj, Una, and Zen.



Our full collection of three letter names for girls follows, organized by their current popularity on Nameberry.

Three Letter Girl Names with meanings, origin, and popularity, including top three letter names for girls like Ava and Mia and unique 3 letter baby girl names. (Page 9)