3 syllable middles for girls

An eclectic list of 3 syllable names that I like, from mythology, sci-fi/fantasy, and international sources.
  1. Adora
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "adored"
    • Description:

      A name that would lavish your child with adoration, a princess name--as in Princess Adora of She-Ra: Princess of Power.
  2. Aenea
    • Origin:

      Greek, female variation of Aeneas
    • Meaning:

      "the praised one"
    • Description:

      This name found in the fantasy series Endymion/Rise of Endymion has a slightly physiological feel to it.
  3. Aldea
    • Description:

      Aldea is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Romanian, 'aldea' relates to ancient words meaning 'settlement' or 'village,' while in Spanish, 'aldea' directly translates to 'small village' or 'hamlet.' This gives the name rustic, community-oriented connotations. The name may also connect to the Germanic element 'ald' meaning 'old' or 'wise.' Aldea remains uncommon in most countries but has seen modest usage in Romania, Spain, and Portuguese-speaking regions. The name has a gentle, flowing quality with its three syllables and open vowel sounds. Aldea offers an attractive balance of being recognizable in structure while remaining distinctive and uncommon. The name's connection to community and settlement gives it a grounded, meaningful quality that appeals to parents seeking names with subtle cultural significance and melodious sounds.

  4. Altea
    • Description:

      Altea is a delicate feminine name with Mediterranean roots. Derived from the Greek word 'althaia' meaning 'healing' or 'wholesome,' it carries connotations of restorative power and nourishment. In botany, Althaea is a genus of plants that includes marshmallow and hollyhock, known for their medicinal properties. The name gained some recognition in Spain and Italy, where coastal towns bear this melodic name. With its soft sounds and meaningful etymology, Altea offers a rare combination of beauty and substance. Despite its appealing qualities, Altea remains uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something unique yet accessible with a touch of elegance.

  5. Althea
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "with healing power"
    • Description:

      Althea is a poetic, almost ethereal name found in Greek myth and pastoral poetry, associated in modern times with the great tennis player Althea Gibson, the first African-American to win at Wimbledon.
  6. Alura
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "godlike adviser"
    • Description:

      Alura has an entirely different root from the similar Allura and shares the fairy tale tinge. It could be a great choice for a wise baby girl.
  7. Amarys
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Amaris, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God has said"
    • Description:

      Amaris and Amarys are pretty modernized versions of the ancient Hebrew Amariah. Almost 300 baby girls were named Amaris in the US last year, along with nearly 100 boys, but only seven baby girls were given the Amarys spelling.
  8. Anthea
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "flowery"
    • Description:

      This unjustly neglected floral name has a BBC accent and a Greek mythological heritage: Anthea is an epithet of Hera, the Greek queen of the gods, and her name has been used as poetic symbol of spring.
  9. Arista
    • Origin:

      Greek or Latin
    • Meaning:

      "the best; ear of corn"
    • Description:

      From the root for aristocrat, an upwardly mobile choice -- or if you go by its other meaning, an earthy delicious choice.
  10. Artemis
    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name
    • Meaning:

      "safe or butcher"
    • Description:

      Artemis, one of the key figures of the female Greek pantheon, is the ancient virgin goddess of the hunt, wilderness, animals, childbirth, and a protector of young girls, later associated with the moon. Artemis is the equivalent to the Roman Diana, but a fresher and more distinctive, if offbeat, choice.
  11. Astraea
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "of the stars"
    • Description:

      Astraea —also found as Astraia — is the Greek goddess of justice and innocence who left earth to become the constellation Virgo after she grew unhappy with the state of humanity. She was prophesised to return and begin a new Golden Age, meaning she is associated with renewal — and with Queen Elizabeth I of England thanks to Renaissance writers associating her with the goddess.
  12. Aurora
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "dawn"
    • Description:

      The goddess name Aurora has consistently been on the US popularity list since the nineteenth century, but has really taken off in the past 30 years. Aurora also enjoys remarkable international popularity, ranking in the Top 100 throughout the English-speaking world as well as in Italy, Spain, Norway, Switzerland, and several other European and Latin American countries.
  13. Aesara
    • Alita
      • Atrea
        • Auliya
          • Bellatrix
            • Origin:

              Latin
            • Meaning:

              "female warrior"
            • Description:

              J.K. Rowling is a modern master of naming who brought a whole constellation of ancient and celestial names to modern parents. Bellatrix, of one of the stars of Orion, combines fashionable names Bella and Beatrix to make a convivial and original name. The down side: the Harry Potter character Bellatrix, played by Helena Bonham Carter, is a character so evil she's called a Death Eater, killing one beloved character and being murdered by another. And the name Bellatrix is so closely associated with that character that it might be challenging to sidestep the association.
          • Calanthe
            • Origin:

              botanical name
            • Meaning:

              "Christmas orchid"
            • Description:

              If you love Calliope and Callista, you'll love Calanthe, which combines the trendiness of the Greek 'cal' names with the equally fashionable "the" ending (like Xanthe and Evanthe) and a connection to the beautiful Christmas Orchid. Color Calantha one of the more unusual and captivating names for Christmas babies.
          • Calina
            • Description:

              Calina is a feminine name with multiple possible origins, creating a rich multicultural background. In Slavic languages, particularly Russian, it relates to 'kalina' meaning 'cranberry bush,' a symbol of beauty and vitality. In Spanish and Italian contexts, it may be connected to 'calido/calida' meaning 'warm' or 'hot,' suggesting a warm personality. The name also appears in Greek contexts, possibly derived from 'kalos' meaning 'beautiful.' Despite its appealing sound and positive associations, Calina remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name has a flowing, melodic quality with its soft consonants and balanced syllables. Its international character makes it suitable for families with multicultural backgrounds.
          • Callaia
            • Origin:

              English, Greek
            • Meaning:

              "beauty"
            • Description:

              A spin on Calia or Calla, with a lot of fashionable sounds.