Five Letter Girl Names

  1. Bodil
    • Origin:

      Norse
    • Meaning:

      "battle remedy"
    • Description:

      A popular Scandinavian name which ranked consistently in Norway's Top 100 in the middle of the 20th century. The Danish version of the Oscars are named the Bodil Awards, after two famous Danish actresses Bodil Ipsen and Bodil Kjer.
  2. Magie
    • Description:

      Magie is a feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Maggie, the traditional diminutive of Margaret. Margaret derives from Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl,' making Magie's underlying meaning associated with something precious and beautiful. This spelling variation creates a softer, perhaps more French-influenced appearance than the more common Maggie. The name maintains the friendly, approachable quality associated with Maggie while offering a slightly different visual presentation. Magie is relatively uncommon as a given name, appealing to parents who appreciate the familiar sound of Maggie but desire something more distinctive. The name carries associations of warmth and friendliness inherited from its traditional counterpart, while the spelling gives it a touch of uniqueness and possibly European flair.
  3. Caren
    • Description:

      Caren is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Karen, which originated as a Danish form of Katherine. Katherine ultimately derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly meaning 'pure.' Caren emerged as an alternative spelling in the mid-20th century, offering a slight distinction from the more common Karen. The name reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1960s and early 1970s. Caren conveys a sense of clarity and strength while maintaining a soft, feminine quality. In recent years, the name has become less common for newborns, following trends affecting similar names of that era. Despite cultural associations with the name Karen in contemporary times, Caren maintains its separate identity and continues to be appreciated for its simplicity and gentle sound.

  4. Cerra
    • Description:

      Cerra is a concise feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Latin 'cera' meaning 'wax,' the Spanish 'cerro' meaning 'hill' or 'mountain,' or be a variant of Sarah, meaning 'princess.' The name may also be related to the Roman goddess Ceres, associated with agriculture and maternal relationships. As a given name, Cerra remains uncommon, lending it a distinctive quality. Its brevity and soft sound make it appealing to modern parents seeking something simple yet uncommon. The name has a contemporary feel while potentially carrying ancient connections, and its pronunciation is generally intuitive across multiple languages.

  5. Desta
    • Origin:

      Amharic
    • Meaning:

      "joy"
    • Description:

      An Ethiopian name that means "joy."
  6. Ushas
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "dawn"
    • Description:

      The name of the Hindu goddess of the dawn, also known as the daughter of heaven.
  7. Penni
    • Description:

      Penni is a feminine name that serves as a diminutive form of Penelope. It originated as a variation of Penny, which was traditionally a nickname for Penelope but has become a standalone name in modern usage. The name has English origins and carries the same meaning as Penny - 'weaver' or 'duck' from the Greek original. Penni enjoyed modest popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s, but has since become less common. The variation with an 'i' ending gives the name a slightly more distinctive and playful quality compared to the more standard spelling of Penny. Today, Penni remains a charming, vintage choice that projects friendliness and warmth.
  8. Ndila
    • Origin:

      Kamba
    • Meaning:

      "billy goat"
    • Description:

      In Akamba culture, children were historically given names with animal meanings if their mother's first pregnancy was a stillbirth. It was thought that these names promoted survival and kept the bad omens away from the child. Additionally, this saved the "good" names — typically those of grandparents — for later-born children, who were considered more likely to survive.
  9. Ilysa
    • Description:

      Ilysa is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Ilsa or Ilse, which derived from the Germanic name Elizabeth, meaning 'pledged to God.' Alternatively, it could connect to the Hebrew name Elisheva with similar meaning. The unique spelling with a 'y' gives the name a distinctive, modern feel while maintaining its classic roots. Ilysa has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, appealing to parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive. The name has a melodic quality with its soft vowel sounds and flowing pronunciation. While never breaking into top popularity charts, Ilysa has maintained steady, limited usage since the mid-20th century.
  10. Helli
    • Description:

      Helli is a rare feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a Finnish diminutive of Helena, which derives from Greek meaning 'bright' or 'shining one.' Alternatively, it could be related to the German name Hella, a shortened form of names containing the Germanic element 'heil' meaning 'healthy' or 'whole.' In some cultures, it might be connected to the Norse mythology name Hel. Helli has remained uncommon in most English-speaking countries, giving it an exotic and distinctive quality. Its brevity and melodic sound make it appealing to parents seeking a simple yet uncommon name for their daughters. The name carries a bright, cheerful feeling with its soft consonants and ending vowel sound.

  11. Pleun
    • Origin:

      Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "of the sun god"
    • Description:

      Pleun is a unisex Dutch name deriving from Apollonius or Apollonia, although now it ranks far higher for girls in its native land than the original form.
  12. Tiler
    • Origin:

      English occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "maker of tiles"
    • Description:

      Tiler is a fashionable gender-neutral occupational name popular, of course, in the Tyler spelling. Tyler was used for 150 girls and nearly 3000 boys in the US last year, while the Tiler spelling is very rare. But New York City Ballet dancer Tiler Peck brought this version of the name to wider attention.
  13. Anyla
    • Origin:

      Hindi, Sanskrit, elaboration of Anna or Agnes
    • Meaning:

      "air, wind; grace or pure"
    • Description:

      A versatile name with multiple origins, Anyla has quietly risen up the US charts since the 2000s. As a Hindi and Sanskrit name, it is a feminine form of Anil, the Hindu god of the wind. Alternatively, it might come from Anila or Anilla, variations of Anna and Agnes used in Albania, Hungary, Poland, Sweden, and Finland. There is also the possibility that this is a created name, inspired by the rise of Nyla.
  14. Caryn
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Karen, Danish variation of Katherine
    • Meaning:

      "pure"
    • Description:

      Modernized spelling not enough to revive Karen.
  15. Cosme
    • Description:

      Cosme is traditionally a masculine name with Greek origins, though it appears in this list as feminine. Derived from 'Kosmos,' meaning 'order' or 'harmony,' it's the Spanish and Portuguese form of Cosimo/Cosmas. In Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Mexico, Cosme has historical significance and religious connections to Saint Cosmas, who was venerated alongside his twin brother Damian as a healer. While predominantly used for males throughout history, cross-gender usage may reflect evolving naming practices. The name carries an artistic, somewhat vintage quality with its soft consonants. As a feminine choice, Cosme would be quite distinctive, offering a short, elegant alternative to more common names while maintaining multicultural roots and a connection to concepts of beauty and universal order.
  16. Tedra
    • Description:

      Tedra is an uncommon feminine name that may be a variant of Theodora or possibly derived from ancient Greek elements. If connected to Theodora, it would share the meaning 'gift of God,' but in its shortened form presents a more contemporary, streamlined alternative. The name has a strong yet feminine quality with its two distinct syllables and unusual sound combination. Tedra remains rare in usage statistics, making it appealing for parents seeking distinction. The name has appeared occasionally in American usage since the mid-20th century but has never become popular. Tedra offers the unusual combination of brevity and substance, with an exotic quality that doesn't sacrifice pronounceability. It could also function as a unique nickname for longer classical names.

  17. Anput
    • Origin:

      Egyptian
    • Description:

      Anput is the ancient Egyptian goddess of the dead; the female counterpart to the god Anubis.
  18. Ailah
    • Description:

      Ailah is a melodic feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It may be a variant of Ayla, which has Turkic roots meaning 'moonlight' or 'halo of light around the moon.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Hebrew name Eilah, meaning 'oak tree' or 'terebinth tree,' symbolizing strength and longevity. In Arabic traditions, similar names like Aila can mean 'from heaven' or 'exalted.' Ailah has a delicate, flowing quality that appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds both contemporary and timeless. While not among the most common girls' names, its lovely sound and positive meanings have contributed to a modest increase in usage in recent years. The name's multicultural background makes it adaptable across different communities while maintaining its distinctive charm.
  19. Shifa
    • Description:

      Shifa is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning 'healing,' 'cure,' or 'remedy.' This beautiful name carries profound significance in Islamic tradition, where it represents the healing that comes from faith and divine mercy. Shifa has gained popularity not only in Arabic-speaking countries but increasingly in multicultural communities worldwide. The name is appreciated for its simplicity, meaningful connotations, and cross-cultural appeal. Despite its brevity, Shifa carries substantial spiritual weight and positive associations. Parents often choose this name hoping their daughter will bring comfort and healing to others' lives. Its gentle pronunciation and universal concept of healing make it accessible across different cultures.
  20. Lulah
    • Description:

      Lulah is a charming feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Lula, which itself could be a diminutive of Louise (meaning "renowned warrior") or Talullah (meaning "leaping water" in Native American Choctaw language). Alternatively, it might connect to Arabic origins where similar names mean "pearl." Lulah has a delicate, vintage quality that evokes the early 20th century when similar names were more common. Though relatively rare in contemporary usage, it fits with the trend toward reviving gentle, old-fashioned names with a melodic quality. The name carries a sweet, Southern charm and musical resonance with its repeated 'l' sound.