Four Letter Girl's Names

This still attractive place name was one of the first to gain popularity, though it now probably owes some of its favor to the similar Aisha. Asia ranked as high as Number 195 on the US baby names popularity list in 1997.

With this spelling, and one-syllable pronunciation, it sounds less like a whole name than a cut-off version of Mary. In fact, actress Mare Winningham was christened Mary.

More commonly seen here as Anya, this traditional yet unique Irish name belonged to the queen of the Munster fairies and is sprinkled throughout Irish folklore as an early Celtic goddess of summer and prosperity. One of the most popular baby names in Ireland, Aine's spelling and pronunciation might seem simple but could prove confusing in the U.S.

There's definitely a cold front of names for winter babies moving in, with Summer, Spring and Autumn giving way to Winter--plus North, January, Frost--and Snow. This name feels brisk, fresh, pure, evocative -- and magical. A haunting middle name choice.

A short form that is given on its own to a good number of baby girls each year — Cali has been on trend in recent years along with sister names Callie and Kali, as the popular 90s and early 2000s nickname Allie has felt less fresh.

One of the most easily imported Arabic names.

Seems unfamiliar, till you realize everyone will just hear it as Molly. In Wales, Mali is a Top 100 name.

Lise is most often found in the U.S. as the second half of the hybrid name Annalise. Canadian journalist Lyse Doucet bears a pretty alternative spelling, pronounced LEESE.

Popular in Wales, familiar across the UK, and ultimately derived from the Germanic Adalheidis, this isn't a creative respelling of a classic, but the Welsh variant of it.

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.

Ebba, the feminine version of Ebbe (a diminutive of Eberhard or Asbjorn) and also a form of an old English name, is in the Swedish Top 10 but virtually unknown in the US. However, with the rise of Emma, Ella, Ada, and similar simple-yet-traditional names, Ebba may enjoy more widespread popularity.

A thirteenth-century Tuscan saint, patron of homemakers, Zita is the kind of name that sounded really creative in an earlier era.

Ulla, the beautiful Swedish secretary in The Producers (played by Uma Thurman in the movie) who purrs, "Ven you got it, flaunt it," has changed the image of this name forever. Ulla may stand on its own or be an abbreviation of Ursula or Ulrika; Ula may be seen as another spelling.

Avia is one of those multi-cultural, vowel-heavy girls' names so popular today, along with such choices as Ayla and Aya.

Adna is a feminine name with ancient roots and cross-cultural significance. In Hebrew, it means 'pleasure' or 'delight,' while in Bosnian it's associated with 'paradise.' The name appears in the Bible as a male name belonging to several minor figures, but in modern usage, it's more commonly given to girls. Adna has maintained a consistent presence across several cultures, particularly in the Balkans and Middle East. Its brevity and melodic quality make it accessible across language barriers. The name's simple two-syllable structure and soft consonants give it a gentle, flowing quality. Despite its ancient origins, Adna feels contemporary and distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

An attractive Scandinavian take on Helga, or a potential Helen nickname.

Dina is a 20th century version of either Dinah or Adinah, two Old Testament names not related to each other. Dinah was the beautiful daughter of Jacob and Leah, while Adinah or Adina was a male soldier, though the name is also used for girls in modern Israel.

Introduced by model Emme (born Melissa) and now a legitimate member of the Em-starting girls' name group, especially since it was chosen by Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony for their twin daughter.

An inspirational and aspirational word name that evokes ideas of loyalty, faith, honesty, and accuracy, True is a unisex name, which is just slightly more popular for boys. Like an updated form of Trudy and Prue and with the virtuous feel of Grace, Faith, and Hope, True was given to around 200 girls in 2023.

Adia is a feminine name with origins spanning several cultures. In Swahili, it means 'gift,' while similar variations appear in Hebrew and Arabic traditions with meanings relating to 'adornment' or 'jewel.' The name gained some recognition in Western countries after Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan released a song titled 'Adia' in 1997. Despite this brief spotlight, the name remains relatively uncommon in most Western countries. Adia appeals to parents seeking a name with multicultural roots and positive connotations. Its brevity and melodic sound make it accessible across different languages and cultures. The name's four distinct vowels create a rhythmic, musical quality when spoken. While rare, Adia provides a beautiful alternative to more common 'A' names for girls.