The allure of a single-syllable name lies in its ability to pack a punch with just a few short letters. The name of the game is leaving a lasting impression without overcomplicating things. 1-syllable baby names often have an authoritative quality that commands strength and respectability. These names also have the ability to sound short and sweet which is perfect for parents who will also be giving their children a lengthy last name. For instance, Eve Anderson feels better than Evelyn Anderson. When pairing a last name with a first, it’s always important to consider the way the names fit together. Short first names always go better with three-syllable plus family names.
A single-syllable name also cuts out any guesswork for a nickname or pet form. For instance, Johanna can be shortened to Jo, Anna, Ann, Hanna, or Han. You’re leaving a lot to chance! By going ahead and choosing a name that’s succinct, you have a baked-in ready-to-wear for all occasions moniker. We combed through the baby names database and have found the best 1-syllable names for baby girls and picked our favorites. Here are 25 single-syllable baby names for girls we think you’ll love.
25. Blythe
Blythe is a strange name that we love. It has English origins and means “merry.” It was a family name long before it was ever used as a feminine given name, but we’re happy it made the jump. Drew Barrymore‘s middle name is Blythe.
24. Jules
Jules is an adorable name with Latin and Greek origins and it means “youthful.” This name benefits from having the same meaning as Julius while also sounding like the word jewels. Both have rich connotations.
23. Liv
Liv Tyler infused this short, Scandinavian name with some freshness. Although many people think it’s a shortened form of Olivia, Liv has Norse origins and means “life.” It currently is the 684th most popular baby name in the US.
22. Mae
Mae is a shortened form of the names Margaret or Mary. The name has English origins and means “bitterness” or “pearl.” Mae is derived from May, the month name that was chosen for its connection to Maia, the Roman goddess of growth and motherhood. This name has plenty of old-fashioned charm but modern parents are loving it making it number 554 in popularity.
21. Rain
If you’re looking for an elegant nature-inspired name, Rain’s the ticket. The name means exactly what you think it does and is a happy alternative Brienne or Ryan. Actor Marisol Nichols named her daughter Rain India.
20. Reese
We’re in the valley of the R-names right now! Reese is another wonderful option that has Welsh origins and means “ardor.” It’s an increasingly popular choice among parents looking for gender-neutral baby names and it ranks as a top 200 name in the US. Beloved entertainer, Reese Witherspoon helped move the needle on this classic name.
19. Ruth
Time-tested Ruth is a biblical name straight from the Old Testament that’s been a top name in the US since the Social Security Administration began keeping records. Currently, it’s at 265 but it was a top 10 name for much of the early 20th Century. Ruth has Hebrew origins, of course, and means “compassionate friend.”
18. Scout
Scout is a trending name for both boys and girls that’s enjoyed favor in the US ever since To Kill a Mockingbird was published in 1960. Scout has been a popular nickname for a very long time so it’s only natural that it’s started to become a given one as well. It currently sits at number 976 in popularity.
17. Wren
Move over Robin, we’ve got Wren now. Wren is an English name that refers to the bird. Wren entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2012, now it sits at number 469. In Ireland, the wren is considered the magician of birds and the Druids even believed them to be prophetic.
16. Sage
Ancient Greeks and Romans believed the smoke from burned sage imparted wisdom which is why this name means “wise.” Actor Toni Collette named her daughter Sage Florence after her birth in 2008. The name currently sits at number 307 of the most popular baby names.
15. Maeve
Maeve is a girl’s name of Irish origin meaning “she who intoxicates.” In Irish mythology, Maeve is the queen of the fairies. In Ireland, you’ll commonly see the name spelled Meabh but we discourage US parents from trying to get away with that. Maeve is the 334th most popular name in the US.
14. Jane
Jane is anything but plain. This English name means “God is gracious” and packs a punch compared to other whispy, related names like Joan or Jean. From literature and pop culture, there are numerous Janes that impress including Jane Austen, Jane Addams, Jane Eyre, and of course, Jane Fonda.
13. Britt
While many people think Britt is just a shortened form of Brittany, Britt is actually a Swedish name that’s a contracted form of Brigit and it means “high goddess.” Okay! Britt hasn’t taken off like other short and sweet names, but we’d love to see more of it here in the US.
12. June
Your little one could be your cute little June-bug with the pleasing name June. June has Latin origins and it’s related to the goddess Juno. June was a top contender for decades until it fell off the charts in the late 1980s. June rallied, however, and returned to favor in the 2000s. It now sits at number 241.
11. Rose
Rose is derived from the Latin rosa, which refers to the flower. This old-fashioned name is enjoying a revival thanks to the popularity of the blockbuster Titanic. While it was a top 20 name in the 1920s, today it sits at number 123. We don’t see this name going anywhere.
10. Jazz
Traditionally, Jazz was used as a nickname for Jasmine, but today, it enjoys popularity all on its own. Jazz evokes the liveliness of the American-invented music genre. We love this name for a girl and expect it to get even more popular in the years to come.
9. Pearl
Pearl comes from Latin and means *drumroll* “pearl.” The retro name is fashionable again after it slid off the charts for much of the 20th Century. Today, the name sits at number 647, and celebrity parents like Maya Rudolph have recently put a new shine on it.
8. Sky
A very granola name, Sky was a hit for a while before it fell from fashion in the 1990s. It returned in 2013 and is now firmly in the top 1000. Sky is a sunny nature name that fits with most last names and makes for a bold choice.
7. Ash
Ash is often considered a name for boys, but it’s long been a nickname for girls named Ashley. Ash is an English name that means “ash tree.” Go ahead and name your daughter Ash, you won’t regret a thing.
6. Pip
Pip has enjoyed popularity as a nickname for Philip for centuries. The English name means “lover of horses.” We think Pip is a possibility for girls for its friendly association with Philippa, Piper, and Pippie. Pip totally works and we’d love to see more of this chipper name.
5. Meg
Meg is a diminutive form of Margaret and therefore also means “pearl.” Meg gives Little Women vibes and is, by far, the best short form of Margaret. Fun fact: Meg Ryan was born Margaret Mary Emily Anne. Do as Ms. Ryan did and see the utility in the casual Meg.
4. Sloane
Sloane is an Irish name with a compelling meaning: “raider.” Sloane and Sloan joined the top name party in 2011, and it now sits at number 181. Sloane has a sleek and sophisticated quality to it and we can see why parents are flocking to the name.
3. Lex
Lex is a flex! Lex is a Greek name and the shortened form of Alexis or Alexandra. The name means “defender of men.” Lex is probably the least feminine form less than contemporaries like Lexi or Lexis. We hope that appeals to parents looking to strike a balance between strength and harmony.
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2. Lake
Sure, you could name your daughter Blake à la Blake Lively, but why not drop the “B” and go with the nature-inspired name Lake instead? Actor Lake Bell gives the name pride and celebrity parents Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady chose the name as a middle name for their daughter Vivian. Be bold!
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1. Elle
The very French name Elle means “she.” Actor Elle Fanning was born in 1998 and is a rising star with this beautiful name. The name has exploded in popularity recently with it hitting number 380 in 2018. This sophisticated name does so much just sounding like the letter “L.”
Do these baby names pack a punch or what? Single-syllable baby names are hip and cool names that will give your child an edge. If you’re a no-nonsense parent, consider one of these succinct baby names.
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Baby Name Generator
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