5 Letter Girl Names

Selia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins, creating a rich tapestry of meanings. It may be a variant of Celia, which derives from the Roman family name Caelius, meaning "heaven" or "heavenly." Alternatively, it could be connected to the Greek name Selene, referring to the moon goddess, thus carrying lunar associations. In some cultures, Selia is considered a diminutive of Selina or Celina. The name has a delicate, melodious quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowels. While not among the most common names, Selia has maintained steady usage across various European countries and has seen occasional popularity in English-speaking regions. Its cross-cultural versatility and gentle sound make it appealing to parents seeking a name that is distinctive yet accessible.

Selia

Selie is a delicate feminine name that may have originated as a diminutive form of Celia or as a variant spelling of Seelie, which in Scottish folklore refers to benevolent fairies or spirits. The name has a light, airy quality with its two syllables and soft consonants. While uncommon in mainstream usage, Selie has an inherent sweetness and simplicity that makes it accessible despite its rarity. It might appeal to parents seeking a short, distinctive name that sounds familiar but remains unique. The name carries connotations of gentleness and otherworldliness, particularly if connected to its folkloric associations, while remaining unpretentious and easy to pronounce across languages.

Selie

Senda is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Spanish, it means "path" or "way," suggesting guidance and direction in life. It also appears in Japanese, where different kanji characters can give it varied meanings. The name has Basque connections as well, where it's been used historically. Senda remains uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Its simple two-syllable structure makes it accessible across languages while maintaining an exotic feel. The name has a gentle, flowing sound with the soft 's' beginning and open 'a' ending. Senda projects tranquility and purpose, often associated with someone who forges their own path. Its rarity appeals to parents seeking a meaningful yet uncommon name with international versatility.

Senda

Shada

Shadi is a name with cross-cultural origins, used for both males and females though more traditionally masculine in its original contexts. In Persian, Shadi (شادی) means 'happiness' or 'joy,' making it a name with an inherently positive meaning. In Arabic usage, it can be related to the word meaning 'singer' or from 'shadw' meaning 'to sing' or 'to chant.' As a feminine name in Western contexts, Shadi has remained relatively uncommon, appealing to parents seeking cross-cultural names with meaningful associations. The name's simplicity, with just two syllables, makes it easily pronounceable across language barriers, while its joyful meaning gives it universal appeal. Shadi represents cultural diversity while carrying associations with happiness and artistic expression.

Shadi

Shaka is a name with strong African origins, most famously associated with Shaka Zulu (1787-1828), the legendary warrior king who founded the Zulu Empire in southern Africa. While historically more common as a masculine name, it has seen some usage as a feminine name as well. The name carries powerful connotations of strength, leadership, and revolutionary thinking, reflecting Shaka Zulu's historical legacy as a military innovator and nation-builder. In Zulu language contexts, the name may relate to concepts of power and influence. The name has gained international recognition, particularly through the Black consciousness movements of the 20th century, as a symbol of African identity, resilience, and cultural pride.

Shaka

As a boy's name, Shane is related more directly to the 50s movie cowboy and the Irish name Sean; for a girl, it might be a variation on Shannon, Shana, or Shawn.  Parenthood star Erika Christensen named her daughter Shane. Another spin, used by Eddie Murphy, is Shayne.

Shane

Shann is a concise feminine name with multiple potential origins. It can be viewed as a shortened form of Shannon, the Irish unisex name derived from the River Shannon meaning 'wise river' or 'old river.' Alternatively, it may connect to the Scottish and Irish surname Shann, or represent a variant of Shan, which has Welsh and Chinese origins. As a given name, Shann emerged in English-speaking countries primarily during the mid-20th century but has remained uncommon. The name's brevity gives it a contemporary feel, while its potential Celtic roots provide historical depth. Shann offers a straightforward pronunciation and spelling while still feeling distinctive. Its concise nature makes it appealing in an era where shorter names are often appreciated for their simplicity and directness.

Shann

Shany

Shary is a feminine name that functions as a diminutive of Sharon or Charlotte, or sometimes as an independent name. With Hebrew origins from Sharon, it refers to a fertile plain in Israel and carries biblical associations. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its short, bright sound. Shary experienced modest popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s in the United States, but remains relatively uncommon today. Its brevity makes it distinctive in an era of longer, more elaborate names. Shary has cross-cultural appeal, appearing in various forms across different languages, and offers a cheerful, unpretentious option for parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name.

Shary

Share is an uncommon female name with English origins, derived from the verb 'to share' meaning to divide or distribute something. As a personal name, it embodies concepts of generosity, openness, and community spirit. While primarily recognized as a verb in everyday language, its adoption as a given name reflects modern naming trends that embrace words with positive connotations and meanings. Share remains extremely rare as a first name, appealing to parents seeking distinctive options with built-in virtue associations. The name conveys a sense of altruism and connection to others, making it a meaningful though unconventional choice for girls.

Share

Shaun might be thought of by some as a more feminine spelling of Sean, but in fact in the most recent year counted there were only six baby girls called Shaun and five called Sean, which makes this a no longer a unisex name by any reckoning. In its heyday in the early 70s, though, Shaun and Shawn were given much more frequently to baby girls. In all spellings, this is one of the rare names that's become more masculine over time.

Shaun

Siân is a Welsh feminine name, representing the Welsh form of Jane, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious.' The circumflex accent over the 'a' indicates a long vowel sound, pronounced similar to 'shahn.' This name is particularly popular in Wales and among Welsh families worldwide. Siân gained some international recognition through cultural exchanges but maintains its strong Welsh identity. The name's simplicity, combined with its rich cultural heritage, makes it appealing to parents looking for a name with authentic Celtic roots. In Wales, it has been consistently used throughout the decades, representing a connection to Welsh language and tradition while remaining contemporary.

Siân

Sawna is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Shawna, which is the feminine form of Sean/Shaun, meaning 'God is gracious' in Irish. Alternatively, it could be related to the Finnish word 'sauna,' though this connection is less likely as a name origin. The name has a simple, flowing quality with its two syllables and soft ending. While not among the most common names, Sawna offers a slightly unusual alternative to more popular names like Shawna, Shauna, or Fawna. The distinctive spelling gives the name a contemporary feel while remaining straightforward to pronounce. In the United States, the name appears sporadically, giving it a sense of individuality for those who bear it.

Sawna

Schae is a modern feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Shea, which has Irish roots meaning 'hawk-like' or 'admirable.' Alternatively, it could be a creative variation of Skye or a short form of Schaeffer. The distinctive 'Sch' beginning gives this short name a sophisticated feel while maintaining a contemporary sound. Schae remains quite rare in the United States and globally, making it an uncommon choice that stands out. The name's brevity and unique spelling appeal to parents seeking something modern and distinctive for their daughters. Despite its rarity, Schae has a straightforward pronunciation that balances uniqueness with usability.

Schae

Shena is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Sheena, which derives from the Gaelic name Sìne, a form of Jane/Jean ultimately meaning "God is gracious." Alternatively, it could be related to the Hebrew name Shaina meaning "beautiful." Shena emerged in usage during the mid-20th century but has remained relatively uncommon. The name received brief attention following the success of singer Shena Easton in the 1980s. Shena has a gentle, feminine quality with a straightforward pronunciation, though the spelling variation sometimes causes confusion with the more common Sheena. The name has cross-cultural appeal, with connections to both Celtic and Hebrew traditions, offering an uncommon yet accessible option with a soft, melodious sound.

Shena

Shyra is a feminine name with varied origins, potentially derived from Persian, Hebrew, or as a modern variation of names like Shira or Sheera. In Hebrew contexts, it relates to 'song' or 'poetry,' while some connect it to Persian meanings associated with 'milk' or 'sweetness.' This relatively uncommon name emerged in the United States during the late 20th century as parents sought distinctive yet melodic names. The name has a contemporary feel with its flowing sound and unique spelling, making it stand out while remaining accessible. Though never reaching mainstream popularity, Shyra appeals to those seeking a name that sounds familiar yet remains individual and poetic.

Shyra

Shirk is an unusual feminine name with Germanic linguistic roots. Originally derived from Middle High German 'schirken' meaning 'to move quickly' or 'to dart,' it was more commonly known as a surname before occasionally being adopted as a given name. In Islamic contexts, the word has religious significance (referring to the sin of practicing idolatry), which has limited its use as a personal name in Muslim communities. Shirk remains extremely rare as a first name, with very limited documented usage globally. The name's sharp sound and single syllable give it a distinctive quality. For those who do choose it, the name might appeal due to family connections or its unique, concise nature.

Shirk

Shirl is a feminine name that emerged as a diminutive of Shirley, which originated as an English surname derived from Old English words meaning 'bright clearing' or 'bright meadow.' Reaching peak popularity in the 1930s when actress Shirley Temple was a child star, Shirl became used as a standalone name. It has a brief, no-nonsense quality characteristic of mid-20th century nickname-names. Though much less common today, Shirl evokes a vintage charm and simplicity. The name carries associations with bright, sunny dispositions and the straightforward practicality of the Greatest Generation. While considered somewhat dated in contemporary naming practices, it could see renewed interest as vintage names cycle back into fashion.

Shirl

In India, Shiva is an unambiguously male name; but in the middle east, Shiva derives from the Persian words for charm and eloquence, and is usually used as a female name.

Shiva

Five letter girl names are led by the longtime top name Emily. Sofia, the Latinate spelling of Sophia popular in the US and throughout the Spanish-speaking world, is another top girl name with five letters.

girl names with five letters ranking in the US Top 200 

include Avery, Grace, Chloe, Layla, Riley, Ellie, Alexa, Hazel, and Sarah.


Classics Alice, Lydia, Clara, Julia, Edith, and Maria are all five letter girl names, as are the trendier Sadie, Piper, Kylie, and Quinn.

 on our recommended list include Anouk, Aziza, Celia, Darcy, Elsie, Mercy, Olive, Petra, and Tansy.


Browse our entire menu of five letter names for girls here, ranked according to their current popularity on Nameberry. 

Five letter names for baby girls, with top name Emily and both popular and unique girl names with 5 letters, including meanings, origins, and popularity (Page 599)

Five Letter Girl Names