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Short-ish Names for Girls

  1. Shana

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Shoshana or Shannon, variation of Shaina

    • Description:

      Part of a group of similar midcentury names rarely given to babies today.
  2. Calais

    • Origin:

      French place-name

    • Description:

      Undiscovered name of picturesque northern French port.
  3. Zanna

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Susanna; Polish variation of Jane, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "lily or pledged to God"

    • Description:

      A feminine multicultural nickname name perfectly able to stand on its own, Zanna might technically relate to either Susanna or Jane, making it a flexible honor name for an ancestral Susan or Jane or even John.
  4. Fritha

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "fair, beautiful"

    • Description:

      Related to Frida but with a softer sound, this name is Old Norse for "fair, beautiful"
  5. Merla

    • Description:

      Merla is a feminine name with varied origins and meanings across cultures. In Spanish, it derives from "merlo" meaning "blackbird," symbolizing beauty and grace. It can also be considered a variation of Merle, which has Germanic roots meaning "famous" or "bright." In some contexts, Merla appears as a shortened form of names like Merlinda or Merilda. The name has never achieved widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, remaining distinctive and uncommon. Merla peaked in usage in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s but has since become quite rare. The name carries a vintage charm while maintaining a simple, melodic quality that feels both familiar and unique.

  6. Inesa

    • Origin:

      Lithuanian, from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure, virginal"

    • Description:

      This Lithuanian form of Agnes sounds sweet and versatile internationally.
  7. Indre

    • Origin:

      French or Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "cave; possessing drops of rain"

    • Description:

      The Indre is a river in France. Spelled Indra, it's the name of a powerful deity worshipped by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains — roughly the South Asian equivalent of the Greek Zeus or Norse Odin. But either Indra or Indre might make a simple, captivating, attractive name for a modern little girl.
  8. Estee

    • Description:

      Estée is a feminine name with French origins, most famously associated with cosmetics entrepreneur Estée Lauder, whose birth name was actually Josephine Esther Mentzer. The name is believed to be a stylized form of Esther, a biblical name meaning 'star' in Persian. Estée has an elegant, sophisticated quality with its French accent mark and simple, melodic sound. Though relatively uncommon as a given name, it carries associations of beauty, entrepreneurship, and luxury due to the Lauder connection. The name's brevity makes it distinctive yet accessible, combining classical roots with a modern, cosmopolitan feel. Estée provides a graceful alternative to more common names like Esther or Estelle.
  9. Jasia

    • Description:

      Jasia is a feminine name with Polish origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Joanna or Janina (Polish variants of Jane or Joan). The name ultimately derives from Hebrew, meaning 'God is gracious.' While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Jasia has maintained modest usage within Polish communities both in Poland and among the diaspora. The name features a distinctive pronunciation (YAH-shah or YAH-see-ah) that maintains its Polish character. Its short length and melodic quality give it a modern feel despite its traditional roots. Jasia combines the appeal of an authentic cultural name with enough simplicity to work well internationally, making it approachable yet distinctive.
  10. Lace

    • Description:

      Lace is a delicate feminine name derived from the English word for the ornate fabric made from intricately looped threads. As a given name, it emerged primarily in the late 20th century when word names and short, distinctive choices gained popularity. The name evokes images of elegance, intricacy, and feminine beauty. Lace has never been a common choice for girls, maintaining its status as a rare and distinctive option. It falls into the category of subtle virtue or aesthetic names, alongside choices like Grace, Pearl, or Ruby. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel, while its meaning connects to traditions of craftsmanship and refinement. For parents seeking a simple yet uncommon name with graceful associations, Lace offers an understated elegance.
  11. Kelda

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "spring, fountain"

    • Description:

      One of the few K names that sounds middle-aged.
  12. Leonara

    • Description:

      Leonara is a feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'leo' meaning 'lion.' It's a variant of names like Leonora, Eleanor, and Lenora, combining strength and elegance. While less common than its variants, Leonara maintains the regal quality associated with lion symbolism. The name conveys a sense of courage and nobility, qualities traditionally associated with lions. Though rare in most English-speaking countries, it occasionally appears in Italy, Spain, and Latin American communities. Leonara offers an uncommon yet recognizable alternative for parents seeking a name with classical origins and a melodic sound while maintaining connections to more familiar names.
  13. Rica

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian, diminutive of Federica or Erica

    • Description:

      Pretty but slight.
  14. Emelda

    • Description:

      Emelda is a feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from the elements 'amal' meaning 'work' or 'labor' and possibly influenced by names like Esmeralda or Imelda. The name Imelda, to which Emelda is closely related, comes from Germanic roots meaning 'universal battle' or 'powerful fighter.' Emelda has a vintage, romantic quality with its soft sounds and flowing rhythm. Though never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, the name has maintained a consistent, if rare, presence. It carries an elegant, slightly exotic flair while remaining accessible in pronunciation. Emelda might appeal to parents who appreciate classic-sounding names with historical depth but want to avoid common choices. The name projects strength wrapped in feminine grace.

  15. Flanna

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "red-haired"

    • Description:

      Flanna is an uncommon name for a red-haired girl, not as familiar -- or some would say, as pretty -- as its nickname, Flannery.
  16. Aleeza

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "joy"

    • Description:

      Aleeza is one of the most energetic of the legion of Alyssa/Alicia/Eliza names. Another spelling of Aleeza: Aliza.
  17. Ragna

    • Description:

      Ragna is a feminine name with deep Norse roots, derived from the Old Norse elements "regin" meaning "advice, counsel, or divine powers" and "ar" meaning "warrior." It can be interpreted as "warrior of the gods" or "divine counselor." Historically significant in Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Iceland, Ragna was carried by several notable figures in Norse sagas. The name experienced a modest revival in the early 21st century as interest in Norse mythology and Viking heritage increased. Ragna projects an image of strength, wisdom, and connection to ancient traditions. Its distinctive sound and powerful meaning appeal to parents seeking a name with historical depth and feminine strength outside mainstream options.
  18. Kimbry

    • Description:

      Kimbry is a feminine name that appears to be a modern variation of Kimberly, which originated as an English place name derived from Cyneburg-leah, meaning "royal fortress meadow." This streamlined version removes the third syllable for a more concise, contemporary feel. Kimbry maintains the friendly, approachable quality of Kimberly while offering something slightly distinct. The name has remained relatively uncommon, appealing to parents seeking familiar sounds with a unique twist. As with Kimberly, Kimbry conveys a sense of strength and grace, with the shorter form giving it a more modern edge. The name works well in professional settings while still feeling personable and distinctive.