Five Letter Girl Names

While only 8 baby girls were named Milia in the US in 2021, its rise seems inevitable along with the rise of Emilia and Mila and other similar names. Like Livia, Milia has the advantage of being different from the rest, but the disadvantage of maybe not being different enough (and being a word for tiny, harmless white spots on skin).

Nickname left over from the last generation.

Skyla is the most feminine form of the Skylar / Sklyer trend - little Skyla will never be mistaken on paper for a boy.

Bobby is a nickname-name that's long been used on its own for both girls and boys, though the Bobby spelling is more usually masculine while the girls' version is usually Bobbie. There were just over 50 baby girls named Bobbie in one recent year and only five named Bobby, compared with nearly 300 baby boys named Bobby. Robert F. Kennedy III and Amaryllis Fox named their daughter Bobby, continuing the family tradition across genders. And Millie Bobby Brown is a hot young actress.

Léna is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In French usage, it often serves as a shortened form of Helena or Magdalena, carrying the accent mark to indicate pronunciation. The name also appears independently in various European languages and has Arabic roots where it means 'tender' or 'soft.' The accent gives the name a distinctively French flair while maintaining its international appeal. Léna has gained popularity across Europe, particularly in France, Germany, and Scandinavian countries, appreciated for its simple elegance and gentle sound. The name combines brevity with a feminine quality that transcends cultural boundaries. Léna's cross-cultural nature makes it accessible in multiple languages while retaining a touch of sophistication.

Unless you're making an intentional homage to the Maya civilization, the traditional spelling Maayan will prove less confusing.

Striking name of a legendary princess and a Welsh river that feels both moody and modern. It is currently popular in Wales.

If you're ready to move beyond Anna and Hannah, consider this traditional Scandinavian short form of Susanna, historically very popular in its native lands.

A modern combo name created from Zoe + Ella – or, in the case of influential British Youtuber Zoella, from Zoë + Elizabeth.

The haunting Lorca is a place name from the Spanish province of Navarre, but far more famous as the surname of the eminent Spanish poet and playwright Federico Garcia Lorca, who was the direct inspiration for the name of Leonard Cohen's now-grown daughter Lorca.

A fairly common Greek name that would fit in well here.

This unusual and appealing form of Laura is popular in sections of Wales.

Balou is a feminine name that likely draws inspiration from various sources, including the beloved bear character Baloo from Rudyard Kipling's 'The Jungle Book.' The alternative spelling with 'ou' may be influenced by French orthography, giving it a softer, more feminine appearance. While uncommon as a formal given name, Balou has a playful, gentle quality that might appeal to parents seeking something distinctive with positive associations. The name's brevity and simple pronunciation make it accessible across languages. Balou carries a cheerful, warm character that evokes a sense of friendliness and approachability, making it a unique but engaging choice for a daughter.

Arlie is a diminutive form of the Germanic name Arlo, which means 'hill' or 'fortified hill'. While traditionally used for boys, Arlie has evolved into a unisex name with increasing popularity for girls. Its charming, friendly sound gives it a folksy, approachable quality reminiscent of rural America. In the United States, Arlie enjoyed modest popularity in the early 20th century before declining, but has seen a slight resurgence as parents seek vintage yet uncommon names. The name carries a sweet, unpretentious quality with its soft sounds and friendly ending, making it appealing for parents looking for something simultaneously traditional and distinctive.

Litha is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. In pagan traditions, particularly Wiccan, Litha refers to the summer solstice celebration, connecting the name to midsummer festivals and nature. Alternatively, it may derive from Anglo-Saxon or Old English roots. The name possesses a delicate, ethereal quality with its soft consonants and ending in 'a,' following patterns common in feminine names. Litha remains quite rare as a given name, offering a distinctive option for parents drawn to nature-inspired choices or ancient cultural references. Its brevity and melodic sound make it accessible despite its uniqueness, and it carries subtle associations with light, summer, and growth.

Glory sounds fresh and uplifting and a lot more modern than Gloria (which is definitely feeling the stirrings of a revival, though some might still view it as a terminal Old Lady name). Glory, as in "Glory Be" and "Old Glory," has both a religious and a patriotic flavor.

Name of the licorice plant, this spice comes in the shape of a star, giving this name an extra level of sweetness.

A punchy alternative to Pearl as it gains popularity, it may also be used as a short form of Vilhelmina or Wilhelmina.

As this word is less often used to mean derriere, it becomes more possible to view Fanny as the kind of appealingly quaint nickname name, like Josie and Nellie, that many parents are favoring now.