2 syllable middles for girls
By bluedanube
Updated Sun Jan 28 2018
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A list of some 2 syllable names for girls, that I happen to like in the 2nd middle name spot.
- Alta
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"elevated"Description:
Alta, one of the newer names bookended by the letter A, has a meaning that might raise a child's self-esteem. It was the middle name of First Lady Lady Bird Johnson.
- Aedra
- Aeon
- Carys
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"love"Description:
Familiar in Wales and England, this name was introduced to America when Welsh-born Catherine Zeta-Jones and husband Michael Douglas chose it for their daughter in 2003. Light, pretty, and distinctive in appearance, it didn't catch on in the US, where it was only given to 22 girls in 2023.
- Delta
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"fourth letter; island formed at the mouth of a river"Description:
Delta is an unusual vintage option with a lazy-day-down-by-the-river feel. Delta is the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet and also the geographical name given to an island formed at the mouth of a river.
- Deryn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"bird"Description:
This 1950s Welsh bird name sounds less dated than our fifties Robin.
- Eira
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"snow"Description:
This Welsh nature name that can be pronounced exactly like the male Ira. Or, to avoid confusion, you could just name her Snow.
- Elen
Description:
Elen is a feminine name with ancient Celtic and Welsh origins, representing a traditional Welsh form of Helen. The name has historical significance in Welsh folklore, notably associated with Elen Luyddog (Elen of the Hosts), a figure from Welsh legend who was said to have built roads across Wales. Simple yet elegant, Elen carries the dignified heritage of its more common counterpart Helen, which derives from Greek elements meaning 'light' or 'bright.' While uncommon in the broader English-speaking world, it maintains steady usage in Wales and among families honoring Welsh heritage. The name's brevity gives it a clean, modern feel despite its ancient roots, offering an accessible Celtic option that's distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.
- Elys
Description:
Elys is a charming feminine name with medieval origins, possibly derived as a shortened form of Elizabeth (meaning 'God is my oath') or as a variant of Alice (meaning 'noble'). This succinct name carries an ethereal, fairy-tale quality reminiscent of medieval literature and folklore. While uncommon in modern usage, Elys has historical precedent in medieval England and France. The name's brevity gives it a contemporary appeal despite its ancient roots, making it attractive to parents seeking a name that is both distinctive and easy to pronounce. With its soft sound and elegant simplicity, Elys offers a unique alternative to more common names while maintaining connections to traditional naming heritage.
- Era
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Name that enjoyed some popularity early in the 20th century but now is locked in another, ahem, era.
- Ethyl
Description:
Ethyl is a feminine variation of Ethel, which derives from the Old English name Æðelþryð, meaning 'noble strength.' Popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ethyl has declined in usage in recent decades. The name shares its spelling with the chemical compound ethyl, which may have contributed to its decreased popularity as a given name. Though rare today, Ethyl represents a connection to Victorian-era naming traditions and carries a vintage charm. Some parents might choose it to honor an ancestor or for its distinctive, old-fashioned quality that stands out in modern times.
- Ezri
Origin:
Variation of Ezra, HebrewMeaning:
"help"Description:
Ezri is one of the cool new unisex names starting with E, except as a Biblical name, it's not so new. Used for both genders in Israel, in the US it's currently running five to one in favor of girls, surprisingly. Its deviation from the better known and more traditional Ezra makes it feel like one of the more truly gender neutral names.
- Eleth
- Elwen
- Flora
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"flower"Description:
Flora, the name of the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, who enjoyed eternal youth, is one of the gently old-fashioned girls' flower names we think is due for a comeback— alongside cousins Cora and Dora. Florence, Fiorella, Fleur, and Flower are translations, but we like Flora best of all.
- Iris
Origin:
Flower name; GreekMeaning:
"rainbow"Description:
Iris has so much going for it. It's a fashionable flower name. It's a mythological name, from the Greek goddess of the rainbow. And it's a classic name, always ranking in the girls' Top 1000 but now at its highest point ever.
- Juno
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"queen of the heavens; young"Description:
Juno is an ancient name that feels as fresh as if it had been minted, well, not yesterday, but in 2007. Since the release of the popular indie film Juno, this lively but strong Roman goddess name has held new potential as a baby name. Currently in the UK Top 500 and used in The Netherlands too, Juno is on the rise in the US - and is 15 times more popular than it was before the release of the film.
- Laia
Origin:
Catalan diminutive of EulaliaMeaning:
"sweet-speaking"Description:
Saint Eulalia was born in Spain and is the patron saint of Barcelona, so her name and its derivatives are popular throughout the land — especially in her native Catalonia.
- Leda
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"happy"Description:
Leda is that rare name that has not yet been discovered in the current craze for ancient names from mythology. In classical Greek myth, Leda was a great beauty who mothered another great beauty, Helen of Troy.
- Leia
Origin:
Variation of Leah, Laya, or Leya, Portuguese, Spanish, English, SanskritMeaning:
"weary; the law; dissolution"Description:
Most familiar in the English speaking world as the Star Wars princess, Jedi, and leader, Leia can be considered a pop culture choice, created by George Lucas who in turn likely based it on the Biblical Leah. It has been in the US Top 1000 since the mid-2000s and is also a popular choice in the UK and Sweden.