Five Letter Girl Names
- Loyal
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"faithful, loyal"Description:
Loyal has history as a boy name—most popular in the late 19th century, later falling off the charts in 1948. This was back when loyalty suggested faithfulness to one's country, rather than fidelity to others. Today it would likely be interpreted as the latter.Modern virtue names are rapidly rising in popularity—could Loyal be the next True?
- Nedda
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"born on Sunday"Description:
Midcentury macramé-maker.
- Taley
Description:
Taley is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Talley, which originated as an English surname derived from Welsh place names meaning "end of the slope." Alternatively, it could be related to the Hebrew name Tali, meaning "dew" or "my dew." This uncommon name has a modern, breezy quality with its light ending sound. Taley remains relatively rare in most English-speaking countries, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. The name has a pleasant rhythm and contemporary feel without being obviously invented. Its short, two-syllable structure fits well with current naming trends that favor brief yet melodic names, while its unusual status offers individuality without complexity.
- Aïcha
Origin:
North African and French influenced variation of Aisha, ArabicMeaning:
"living, prosperous"Description:
A North African and French inspired variation of the Arabic Aisha, Aïcha (and its counterpart Aicha) have skyrocketed in France since 2011. In the last decade, it has shifted from outside the popularity charts to a Top 100 choice. The name may have been popularized by the 1996 song Aïcha by Khaled, which topped the French music charts.
- Sindy
Description:
Sindy is a feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Cindy, which itself is a diminutive of Cynthia. Originating from the Greek name Kynthia, it relates to Mount Kynthos on the island of Delos, birthplace of the goddess Artemis. The alternative spelling with an "S" gained notable recognition in the UK during the 1960s-1980s, partly due to the popular British fashion doll named Sindy (introduced as competition to Barbie). This spelling creates a more distinctive visual identity while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. Sindy peaked in popularity during the late 20th century but has since declined in usage. The name carries a playful, youthful quality with a touch of retro charm, appealing to parents seeking a familiar-sounding name with a slightly unconventional spelling.
- Letti
Description:
Letti is a charming feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive form of names like Leticia, Violetta, or Colette. With Latin roots, Leticia means "joy" or "happiness," which may infuse Letti with similar connotations. Alternatively, it could be a variation of the Italian name Letta. Letti has a light, playful sound that conveys a friendly, approachable personality. While not widely common in official rankings, the name has seen occasional usage across different cultures. Its brevity and bright sound make it appealing to parents seeking a nickname-style given name that works well internationally and carries a cheerful, positive vibe.
- Jinja
Origin:
African place-nameDescription:
Gingery.
- Layah
Description:
Layah is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, potentially derived from Hebrew, Arabic, or as a variant spelling of Leah or Laya. In Hebrew contexts, it connects to the biblical Leah, meaning 'weary' or alternatively 'wild cow,' though modern interpretations often emphasize 'delicate' or 'graceful.' In Arabic, it may relate to 'layla,' meaning 'night.' The contemporary spelling with 'y' gives this ancient name a modern flair while maintaining its melodic quality. Layah has gained modest popularity in recent years as parents seek names with both cultural depth and current appeal. The name's cross-cultural nature makes it adaptable across different traditions while its gentle sound projects femininity and elegance.
- Zandi
Description:
Zandi is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It can be a diminutive of Alexandra (meaning 'defender of mankind'), a short form of names like Zandra or Xandra, or it may have independent origins in African languages. In South Africa, particularly among Zulu speakers, Zandi can mean 'increasing' or 'multiplying.' The name has a contemporary, energetic feel with its punchy 'z' beginning and cheerful ending. Zandi's cross-cultural versatility and modern sound have contributed to its gradual rise as parents seek shorter, distinctive names. Its relative rarity makes it stand out while still being intuitive to pronounce and spell in many languages.
- Ossie
Description:
Ossie is a feminine name that often serves as a diminutive for names like Osborne, Oswald, or Ostara. It has Old English and Germanic roots, with 'os' meaning 'god' or 'deity.' As a standalone name, Ossie carries a vintage charm reminiscent of the early 20th century. While traditionally used for both genders, it's now more commonly used for girls in many regions. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 1900s but has become quite rare in recent decades. Ossie has a friendly, unpretentious quality with its soft sounds and informal feel. Some may associate it with Australian culture, where it's used as a nickname for Australians (Aussies). The name's brevity and playful sound make it an endearing choice.
- Zocha
Description:
Zocha is a feminine name of Polish origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Zofia (the Polish variant of Sophia). The name carries the same etymological meaning as Sophia, deriving from the Greek word for 'wisdom.' Zocha has a warm, affectionate quality typical of Slavic diminutives, combining familiarity with distinctiveness. While well-established in Poland and among Polish diaspora communities, Zocha remains rare in English-speaking countries, making it an uncommon choice that stands out while still being relatively easy to pronounce. The name has a gentle yet spirited quality with its soft 'ch' sound and melodic flow. For families with Polish heritage, Zocha offers a way to honor cultural roots while using a name that carries historical significance.
- Sabia
Description:
Sabia is a melodic feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Italian, it means 'wise' or 'knowledgeable,' derived from the word 'sapienza' (wisdom). In Portuguese and Spanish contexts, it relates to the word for female sage or a wise woman. Sabia is also the name of a songbird in Latin America, adding natural symbolism to its meaning. The name has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it an exotic and distinctive quality. Sabia's gentle sound combined with its profound meaning makes it appealing for parents seeking a name that's both beautiful and meaningful. The name conveys intelligence, wisdom, and a connection to nature—qualities many parents wish to inspire in their daughters.
- Lanna
Description:
Lanna is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Thai culture, it refers to the ancient kingdom of Lan Na in northern Thailand, meaning 'land of a million rice fields.' In Western contexts, it often functions as a variation of Lana, which has Slavic roots meaning 'light' or can be a short form of names like Alana or Elena. The double 'n' gives the name a distinctive spelling while maintaining the melodic pronunciation. Lanna has gained modest popularity since the late 20th century, appreciated for its brevity, international appeal, and gentle sound. The name conveys qualities of brightness and natural beauty, making it attractive to parents seeking a name that is both simple and meaningful with cross-cultural resonance.
- Neell
Description:
Neell is an unusual feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Neil or Neal. Traditionally, Neil is a masculine name of Gaelic origin meaning "champion" or "cloud." The doubled 'l' and potentially feminine usage represents a modern adaptation. This spelling variation gives the name a distinctive look while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. Neell could appeal to parents seeking gender-neutral naming options or those looking to honor a Neil in the family while creating a more feminine-leaning variant. The name's rarity means that bearers would likely have a unique identity, though they might occasionally need to clarify spelling. Despite its uncommon nature, Neell retains the strong, concise quality of its traditional counterpart.
- Tahal
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"you will shine"Description:
A Hebrew name, likely derived from the root halal and a variation of Tahel, with a shining meaning. Other possible origins include from the Arabic word Tahaluf meaning "alliance", from the name of a place in Spain, or a contraction of the Persian Taj Mahal meaning "crown of the palace".
- Elnaz
Origin:
Turkish and PersianMeaning:
"country + delight"Description:
A patriotic Persian name occasionally given to American girls.
- Tonia
Origin:
Diminutive of AntoniaDescription:
A more interesting and unusual shortening of Antonia than Toni.
- Cohen
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"priest"Description:
Cohen is a common last name among Jews and an important spiritual name in the Jewish religion, associated with the hereditary priests who claimed descent from the biblical Aaron. As a result of its religious significance, Cohen is considered by some to be inappropriate to use as a first name, particularly by people with no Jewish heritage.
- Nadea
Description:
Nadea is a delicate feminine name with multiple potential origins, possibly deriving from Russian, Romanian, or Arabic linguistic roots. In Slavic contexts, it may be connected to the name Nadia meaning "hope," while Arabic origins might link it to "dew" or "generosity." This multicultural name carries an elegant, flowing quality with its soft consonants and vowel-ending. Though uncommon in mainstream Western naming, Nadea has a cosmopolitan quality that crosses cultural boundaries while remaining intuitive to pronounce. The name has a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots, fitting well with modern naming trends that favor melodic, vowel-rich names for girls. Nadea offers a subtle exotic flair while maintaining a familiar phonetic pattern, making it both distinctive and accessible.
- Likan
Origin:
Nepali, meaning unknownDescription:
Actor Henry Golding and his wife Liv Lo named their second daughter Florence Likan. She's named after Henry's mother, Margaret Likan Golding, who is of Iban ancestry. Likan likely has roots in Iban or Malay, although this is unconfirmed. Many sources also attribute Nepali origins to Likan.