One Syllable Names for Girls
- Shan
Description:
Shan is a concise feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Chinese, Shan (山) means 'mountain,' symbolizing strength and stability. As a Western name, it can be a shortened form of Shannon, which comes from the Irish river name derived from 'sean' meaning 'old' or 'ancient.' In Thai culture, the name means 'moon.' This multicultural versatility makes Shan appealing across different backgrounds. The name's brevity gives it a modern, streamlined quality that fits contemporary naming trends favoring short, impactful names. Despite its simplicity, Shan is not among the most common given names in Western countries, offering distinction without complexity. The name's cross-cultural nature and simple pronunciation make it globally accessible. Shan projects confidence and clarity with its crisp sound, while still maintaining a soft, feminine quality.
- Doon
Origin:
Spelling variation of word name Dune or Scottish surnameMeaning:
"brown or dark"Description:
Photographer Diane Arbus named her daughter Doon, inspired by the sand dunes she walked among when pregnant. Used this way, Doon might be considered a nature name, a refashioning of the word dune. But Doon might also stem from the familiar Scottish surname Dunn or Dunne, which means brown or dark, originally used for a dark-haired person.
- Nane
Origin:
ArmenianDescription:
In Armenian mythology, Nane was the mother goddess of fertility and creation, along with war and wisdom. Nane is a Top 50 name in Armenia today.
- Dian
Description:
Dian is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. Most commonly, it's considered a variant of Diana, the Roman goddess of the moon and hunting, derived from an Indo-European root meaning 'divine' or 'heavenly.' In Chinese contexts, Dian (点) can mean 'spot' or 'dot,' though with different pronunciation. The name gained modest popularity in the mid-20th century in English-speaking countries, appearing both as a standalone name and as a shortened form of Diana. Notable bearers include anthropologist Dian Fossey, known for her work with mountain gorillas. Dian offers a concise, strong alternative to longer feminine names, combining brevity with classical heritage. Its simplicity and cross-cultural potential make it appealing to parents seeking a straightforward yet meaningful name.
- Leann
Description:
Leann is a melodic feminine name that emerged as a modern combination of the popular names Lee and Ann, or as a variant of Leanne. Its elements have distinct origins—'Lee' deriving from Old English meaning 'clearing in the woods' and 'Ann' from Hebrew Hannah meaning 'grace.' The name gained notable popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, peaking in the mid-1970s. It received additional recognition through country music star LeAnn Rimes. Leann offers a contemporary feel while maintaining connection to traditional naming elements. Its straightforward pronunciation, gentle sound pattern, and manageable length make it appealing to parents seeking a name that is recognizable yet not overly common.
- Janne
Origin:
Danish and Norwegian diminutive of JohannaMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
This common name for both boys and girls in Scandinavia would definitely work better as a feminine name in the U.S.
- Clo
Description:
Clo is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may function as a diminutive of Clotilde, a name of Germanic origin meaning "famous battle," or of Clothilde, which combines elements meaning "fame" and "battle." Alternatively, it could be short for Chloe, derived from Greek meaning "blooming" or "young green shoot." This concise name reflects the modern trend toward brief, impactful names. Clo has a vintage charm reminiscent of early 20th century nicknames while simultaneously feeling fresh and contemporary. Though rare as a standalone name, its simplicity gives it cross-cultural appeal and versatility.
- Keats
Origin:
English literary nameMeaning:
"kite"Description:
Keats is both poetic and easier to pronounce (it's keets) than Yeats (which is yates).
- Cade
Description:
Cade as a feminine name represents an uncommon gender crossover from its more traditional masculine usage. With British origins, Cade derives from an Old English word meaning 'round' or possibly from a Middle English term for a barrel or cask. Alternatively, some link it to the Gaelic 'cadad' meaning 'small battle.' While Cade has gained moderate popularity as a boy's name since the 1990s, its feminine usage remains extremely rare. The name offers a short, strong sound with a modern unisex appeal. Parents choosing Cade for a daughter might appreciate its simplicity, strength, and uniqueness, fitting within the trend of traditionally masculine names being adopted for girls.
- Edy
Description:
Edy is a feminine name that can be considered a diminutive or variant spelling of Edith, which comes from Old English elements meaning 'wealth, fortune' and 'war, strife,' combining to suggest 'prosperous in war' or 'blessed fighter.' This simplified spelling gives the traditional name a more modern, concise feel. While Edith has historical significance and has experienced periods of popularity, Edy remains relatively uncommon, offering a fresh take on the classic. The name has a simple, friendly quality while maintaining connections to its more formal counterpart. Edy can also occasionally be used as a nickname for other names beginning with 'Ed' like Edwina or Edna.
- Jetje
Origin:
Dutch diminutive of names ending in jetDescription:
Like Jette, Jetje is kind of a diminutive for a diminutive: The suffix je indicates the name is a pet form -- think Katje for Katharina --in this case of Jet, itself a short form of names such as Henriette or Mariette. An English equivalent might be Ettie.
- Lowe
- Xan
Origin:
Diminutive of Alexandra, GreekMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Cool, gender-neutral short form of Alexandra and company.
- Blayne
Description:
Blayne is a feminine name with Celtic and Gaelic origins, though it can also be used as a masculine name. It derives from the Scottish surname Blair, meaning "field" or "plain," or potentially from the Gaelic "bláth" meaning "flower" or "blossom." As a given name, Blayne emerged in the late 20th century as parents sought distinctive but approachable names with strong sounds. The name has a modern, streamlined quality with its single syllable and distinctive spelling. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Blayne appeals to parents looking for something uncommon yet familiar-sounding. The name projects strength and simplicity while maintaining a contemporary edge.
- Dea
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"goddess"Description:
The Latin word for "goddess" makes for a rarer, but equally stylish, spin on Thea. It may also be a short form of names such as Medea, Amadea, Dorotea or Andrea.
- Nat
Origin:
Diminutive of Natalie or Natalia, French or RussianMeaning:
"birthday of the Lord"Description:
Nat, a sharp and versatile nickname, comes from classics like Natalie, Natalia, and Natasha. With its boyish edge, it fits right in with the rising trend of short, unisex names for girls.
- Fee
Origin:
Diminutive of FionaDescription:
Too fiscal.
- Cyd
Origin:
Short form of Cydney, spelling variation of Sydney, FrenchMeaning:
"Saint-Denis"Description:
This unusual spelling of a simple name is notable as the name of dancer Cyd Charisse, whose given name was Tula Ellice but whose brother's mispronunciation of Sis begat Sid. Famed dance teacher Arthur Freed varied it to Cyd.
- Shaun
Origin:
Spelling variation of JohnDescription:
Shaun might be thought of by some as a more feminine spelling of Sean, but in fact in the most recent year counted there were only six baby girls called Shaun and five called Sean, which makes this a no longer a unisex name by any reckoning. In its heyday in the early 70s, though, Shaun and Shawn were given much more frequently to baby girls. In all spellings, this is one of the rare names that's become more masculine over time.
- Ayaan
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"God's Gift"Description:
This Arabic name, which can be used for either boys or girls, can also mean "wide-eyed" in the sense of someone who is studious and perceptive. Ayaan is most familiar to people in the West from its connection to Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali women's right activist.