Five Letter Girl Names

  1. Dessa
    • Description:

      Dessa is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a diminutive of names like Odessa or Theodessa, or it could derive from the Greek name Odessa, referring to the ancient Greek city. Alternatively, it might be connected to the Latin "adessa," meaning "to be present." In some Slavic languages, similar names relate to "destiny" or "fate." Dessa has gained some recognition through its use by the American rapper and writer Dessa Darling. The name has a soft, gentle sound while maintaining a certain strength and brevity. Its short, two-syllable structure makes it practical and memorable, appealing to parents seeking a name that's uncommon yet accessible, with a feminine quality that's neither overly frilly nor traditionally masculine.

  2. Retta
    • Description:

      Retta is a feminine name with multiple origins. Most commonly, it serves as a diminutive of names ending in "-retta" such as Henrietta, Loretta, or Margaretta. The name has Italian roots as well, where it can be short for Margherita. Retta carries a vintage charm reminiscent of the early 20th century, when abbreviated names were fashionable. Though never extremely common in the United States, it experienced modest usage in the early 1900s before declining in popularity. The name has a warm, approachable quality with its soft sounds and brevity. In recent years, Retta has gained some recognition through comedian and actress Retta (born Marietta Sangai Sirleaf), known for her role on "Parks and Recreation." The name offers a blend of classic appeal and uncommon distinctiveness for modern parents.

  3. Nidia
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "she possesses sweetness and grace"
    • Description:

      Ear-catching alternative to Lydia.
  4. Caira
    • Description:

      Caira is a delicate feminine name with Celtic origins, primarily found in Ireland and Scotland. It's often considered a variant of Keira or Ciara, derived from the Gaelic word 'ciar' meaning 'dark' or 'black-haired.' In Irish tradition, it can also relate to Ciara, a feminine form of Ciar, which was the name of a 7th-century saint. The name has a lyrical quality with its flowing sounds and simple pronunciation (KY-ra or CARE-a). Though not extremely common in mainstream usage, Caira has maintained steady popularity among parents seeking names with Celtic heritage that aren't overly common. It projects an image of natural beauty, strength, and cultural richness.
  5. Kelce
    • Origin:

      Variation of Kelsey, English surname
    • Meaning:

      "Cenel's island"
    • Description:

      The surname of Taylor Swift's NFL beau, Travis Kelce, is seeing new life as a given name. Could Swifties take this name to the top?
  6. Saffi
    • Description:

      Saffi is a charming feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It can be a diminutive form of Saffron, the valuable golden spice, or Sapphire, the precious blue gemstone. In Hebrew, it relates to 'Sapphira,' meaning 'beautiful' or 'sapphire.' Saffi also appears as a nickname for Sophia in some European contexts. With its friendly double-f spelling and appealing 'ee' ending sound, Saffi has a playful, youthful quality while remaining suitable for adulthood. Though uncommon in official records, it has gained some usage as both a nickname and standalone name. Parents might choose Saffi for its cheerful sound, multicultural versatility, and the balance it strikes between uniqueness and accessibility.
  7. Kapri
    • Origin:

      Variation of Capri, Italian place name
    • Description:

      Lovely Italian island name, Kardashian style.
  8. Naroa
    • Origin:

      Basque
    • Meaning:

      "abundant"
    • Description:

      A popular name among the Basques--in some areas its meaning is "tranquil, peaceful"--this would make a highly original and attractive choice here.
  9. Karol
    • Description:

      Karol is a feminine name in many English-speaking countries, though it functions as a masculine name in Slavic countries, particularly Poland, where it's the equivalent of Charles. Derived from the Germanic name Karl meaning 'free man,' this cross-cultural name offers versatility and international appeal. The feminine use of Karol emerged as a variation of Carol, which itself began as a masculine name before shifting predominantly to feminine usage in the mid-20th century. While never reaching tremendous popularity peaks in the US, Karol has maintained steady recognition. Its streamlined spelling gives it a modern edge compared to the more traditional Carol, while retaining the same pleasant sound.
  10. Eidra
    • Origin:

      Variation of Idra, Aramaic
    • Meaning:

      "fig tree"
    • Description:

      Eidra and its even sleeker sister Idra are simple-yet-unusual names -- no baby girls were given either name in the US in 2022. Eidra attracted attention as the name of a character of the Keri Russell TV show The Diplomat.
  11. Jenka
    • Description:

      Jenka is a feminine name with possible Slavic origins, though it remains uncommon across most cultures. It may function as a diminutive form of names like Jana or Jennifer, or it could be related to the Czech and Slovak name Janka (a form of Jane). The name has a bright, spirited sound with its two crisp syllables. In some Eastern European contexts, the suffix '-ka' often creates an affectionate or smaller version of a name. Jenka also refers to a Czech folk dance that became popular in the 1960s, potentially giving the name musical and cultural associations. While rare in Western naming traditions, Jenka offers a uniquely international option with a friendly, approachable quality.
  12. Melea
    • Description:

      Melea is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, primarily Greek and Hawaiian. In Greek, it relates to 'meli' meaning 'honey,' suggesting sweetness and warmth. In Hawaiian tradition, it means 'gentle' or 'pleasant.' This cross-cultural appeal gives Melea versatility and global charm. The name has remained relatively uncommon but has seen quiet, consistent usage across diverse communities. Its melodious three-syllable structure flows beautifully when spoken, with an emphasis on the middle syllable. Melea offers a distinctive yet accessible alternative to more common names like Malia or Amelia. The name evokes qualities of gentleness, sweetness, and natural beauty, making it appealing to parents seeking a name that is both unique and meaningful, with positive associations across different cultural traditions.
  13. Jorie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Marjorie or Jordan
    • Description:

      Poet Jorie Graham is the best-known (okay: only known) bearer of this fresh, spirited spin on the Cory-Tory-Rory group. The boys' Jory is a Cornish nickname for George.
  14. 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.
  15. Italy
    • Origin:

      English variation of Italia, Italian place name
    • Description:

      Why has it taken so long for us to discover Italy? The name, that is.
  16. Rylie
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Riley
    • Meaning:

      "rye clearing"
    • Description:

      Rylie is a spelling variation of the more-popular traditional Riley. In the US Top 1000 since 1997, it has peaked in 2004, 2008, and 2016 when it nearly reached the Top 300. It fell significantly in 2023, however, its popularity has always been bumpy. Riley, Rylee, and Ryleigh all rank above Rylie but when you combine all the spellings, it feels like a Top 20 name.
  17. Mardi
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "Tuesday"
    • Description:

      Mardi is a foreign word name that sounds like a homegrown nickname. For what? We're not sure, but it's kinda cute, and preferable to Tuesday.
  18. Sveta
    • Description:

      Sveta is a feminine Slavic name primarily used in Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, and other Eastern European countries. It functions as both a standalone name and a diminutive form of Svetlana, derived from the Slavic word "svet" meaning "light" or "bright." The name carries connotations of luminosity, purity, and radiance. Sveta enjoys moderate popularity in Slavic countries but remains relatively uncommon in Western nations, giving it an exotic quality outside Eastern Europe. The name's brevity makes it easy to pronounce across different languages while maintaining its distinctive cultural character. For many, Sveta evokes images of warmth and clarity, reflecting its etymology related to light. The name has a gentle strength that balances traditional roots with modern simplicity.
  19. Rydel
    • Origin:

      Swedish
    • Meaning:

      "of the woodland clearing"
    • Description:

      This fashionable-sounding surname is surprisingly rare, considering its proximity to popular Ryder. Musical fans will recognise it as the fictional high school setting for Grease (albeit with two Ls), after which singer Rydel Lynch was apparently named.
  20. Elish
    • Description:

      Elish is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It can be derived from Hebrew, functioning as a short form of Elizabeth, meaning 'God is my oath.' Alternatively, it may have Irish origins, where it's related to the name Eilish or Ailish, variants of Alice meaning 'noble' or 'exalted.' In some traditions, it may connect to the ancient Mesopotamian hero Gilgamesh, as 'Elish' appears in the epic's full title. The name has a gentle, melodic quality with its soft consonants and short length. While not widely common, Elish offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar names while maintaining cultural connections.