1798 Four Letter Girl Names
- Nyja
Origin:
PolishDescription:
Niya is an alternative name for Lilith, a demon or goddess in mythology. Niya is still worshipped today in a cult located in parts of Eastern Europe.
- Zene
Description:
Zene is a concise, uncommon feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from Greek roots relating to 'xenos' (stranger or foreigner) or have connections to Hungarian, where it relates to music. In some cultures, it developed as a shortened form of names like Zenobia or Zenaide. The name's brevity and distinctive 'Z' beginning give it a modern, striking quality despite ancient connections. Zene has never been widely used in English-speaking countries, making it an uncommon choice. Its simplicity and cross-cultural potential appeal to parents seeking minimalist names that are easy to pronounce yet distinctive. The name's musicality (particularly in Hungarian contexts) adds a poetic dimension to its character.
- Tari
Description:
Nouveau name that's cute but slight, ala older sisters Tori and Teri.
- Phil
Origin:
Short form of Philippa, GreekMeaning:
"lover of horses"Description:
Phil is one of those Old Man names that, like Sid and Max, can be pretty cute on a girl. And if your Philippa objects, you can always pivot to Pippa.
- Izar
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"star"Description:
A bright and sparky Basque name with a lovely celestial meaning.
- Neli
Description:
Neli is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, creating a name that is both simple and internationally versatile. In Bulgarian and Georgian cultures, it serves as a diminutive of Neli or Nelly. In Greek, it relates to Cornelia, meaning 'horn' or potentially 'sun ray.' In Hawaiian contexts, Neli can mean 'intense' or 'zealous.' This short, melodic name has a contemporary feel while maintaining connections to traditional naming patterns across different cultures. With just two syllables, Neli offers simplicity that works well across language boundaries. Though not among the most common names in Western countries, it has seen modest usage in Eastern European countries and as a nickname elsewhere. Its brevity and gentle sound make Neli accessible and appealing for parents seeking something uncommon yet easy to pronounce.
- Sema
Origin:
TurkishMeaning:
"sky"Description:
Sema may have hit its peak in its native Turkey in the 1980s, but this simple distinctive name is new in the English-speaking world. Arabic variation Sama ranks in the British Top 1000.
- Reem
Description:
Reem is a feminine name with rich multicultural origins, primarily used in Arabic culture where it refers to a type of graceful white gazelle, symbolizing beauty and elegance. The name also appears in Hebrew usage with meanings related to 'rising' or 'lofty.' With just one syllable, Reem offers simplicity alongside cultural depth. The name has been consistently used throughout the Middle East and has gained international recognition while remaining distinctive in Western contexts. Its cross-cultural presence makes it an excellent bridge name that works well in diverse communities. Reem carries positive associations of grace, beauty, and natural elegance in its Arabic origins. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel while its established cultural history provides depth and significance, appealing to parents seeking a name that is both meaningful and streamlined.
- Arae
Description:
Arae is a feminine name with possible roots in ancient Greek mythology, where Arae were spirits of curses. Alternatively, it could be a modern variation of names like Aria or a creative spelling of similar-sounding names. The name has a ethereal, musical quality with just two syllables that flow smoothly together. Arae remains exceptionally rare in contemporary usage, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking something truly unique. Its brevity and open vowel sounds give it a modern feel despite potential ancient origins. The name's uncommon nature means it carries few preconceptions, allowing a child to define it through their own personality.
- Buna
Description:
Buna is a succinct feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Ethiopian traditions, particularly among the Oromo people, Buna refers to coffee and its important cultural ceremonies. The name also appears in Eastern European contexts, particularly in Romanian and Albanian communities. Additionally, Buna exists as a place name in several countries including Papua New Guinea and Texas. This multicultural name carries different meanings depending on its origin—from representing a cherished beverage tradition to potentially deriving from words for "good" in some Slavic languages. Buna's simplicity, pleasing sound pattern, and cross-cultural presence make it an uncommon but accessible option for parents seeking a short, distinctive name with international connections.
- Arda
Origin:
Turkish, Hebrew, or EnglishMeaning:
"scepter, bronze, or forest"Description:
Arda is a simple gender-neutral name with several possible origins and meanings. As a Turkish name, it's usually used for males and means scepter. There is also a river in Turkey called the Arda. The Hebrew name Arda means bronze. And Arda may also be a variation of the English Arden, the name of a magical Shakespearean forest.
- Zain
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"beauty, grace"Description:
Zain is a name usually given to boys -- nearly 500 with this spelling alone in the US in one recent year, vs. only 20 girls. But CNN newswoman Zain Asher, sister of actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, is a noted female bearer and may inspire more baby girl Zains.
- Vava
Description:
Vava is a feminine name with multicultural origins, appearing in various forms across different traditions. In Russian contexts, it functions as a diminutive of names like Varvara (Barbara). The name also has connections to Brazilian culture through famous footballer Vavá. With its simple repeated syllable pattern, Vava carries a playful, affectionate quality common to nickname-style names. The name's brevity and easy pronunciation make it accessible across language barriers. While uncommon as a formal given name in Western countries, Vava might appeal to parents seeking something distinctive yet simple. The name's repetitive sound pattern gives it a warm, friendly quality with universal appeal. In contemporary naming, Vava offers both cultural richness and modern minimalism.
- Erla
Description:
Erla is a feminine name with primarily Norse and Icelandic origins, derived from the Old Norse 'Erla' meaning 'noble woman' or possibly connected to 'jarl' meaning 'earl' or 'nobleman.' In Icelandic culture, the name has maintained steady usage through generations. Erla also appears in German traditions, possibly as a variant of Ella. The name features a pleasing brevity and soft sound with its gentle 'er' beginning and open 'la' ending. Despite its ancient roots, Erla has a surprisingly modern feel with its concise two-syllable structure. Though uncommon in most English-speaking countries, it offers an accessible yet distinctive option for parents seeking a name with Nordic heritage. Erla's simple pronunciation and spelling make it practical while remaining uncommon.
- Mame
Origin:
Diminutive of Mary or MargaretDescription:
Has a dotty, antic feel via dotty, antic Auntie Mame.
- Issy
Description:
Issy is a feminine name that typically functions as a diminutive or nickname for longer names like Isabel, Isabella, Isabelle, Isadora, or Isolde. With its cheerful, friendly sound, Issy carries a youthful and approachable quality. While it has occasionally been used as a standalone name, it's more commonly encountered as a familiar form within families and among friends. The name has a light, playful feel with British associations, as diminutives ending in "-y" or "-ie" are particularly common in UK naming practices. Issy combines brevity with sweetness, offering a simple yet endearing option that works well throughout life, from childhood through adulthood.
- Sion
Description:
Sion, as a feminine name, is uncommon but carries rich historical significance. While more frequently used as a masculine name with Hebrew origins meaning 'elevated' or 'highest point,' its feminine usage creates a distinctive cross-gender option. Sion appears in biblical contexts as another name for Jerusalem or Mount Zion, giving it spiritual resonance. In Welsh traditions, Sion is the Welsh form of John. As a feminine choice, it offers a rare, concise option with subtle strength. The name's brevity and soft pronunciation make it appealing to parents seeking something unconventional yet accessible. While uncommon in mainstream naming trends, Sion as a girl's name provides a subtle, meaningful alternative to more popular choices.
- Ajla
Origin:
Bosnian variation of Ayla, TurkishMeaning:
"halo, moonlight"
- Mata
Description:
Mata is a concise feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it means 'mother' and holds sacred connotations, while in Hebrew it can mean 'gift.' The name appears in various cultures including Spanish, Polish, and Indonesian communities, each with subtle meaning variations. Historically, the name gained some recognition through Mata Hari, the famous Dutch exotic dancer and spy during World War I. Despite this historical association, Mata remains uncommon in Western countries but appears more frequently in South Asian and Eastern European regions. The name's brevity gives it strength and memorability, while its multicultural roots make it adaptable across different languages and traditions.
- Ezer
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"help"Description:
Traditionally a masculine name, but as Ezra — which shares a root with Ezer — becomes more feminine, who's to say Ezer can't be used for girls? Ezer is the name of masculine characters in the Bible, but as a word, it is often associated with women whose strength help rescue humanity.