Two Syllable Names for Girls

Everyone is loving Lu- names nowadays, so why not add this sweet East African one to your list?

A spelling variant of Aliyah and a feminine form of the Arabic name Ali, meaning "sublime, high" or "exalted." While Aaliyah is the most familiar and popular spelling of the name because of its ties to the singer, Aliah is a concise alternative.

Mosley, former best known as the surname of author Walter, has been put in play as a first name for girls by football great Peyton Manning, who used the name for his twin daughter, sister of Marshall. Alternate spellings are Moseley and Mosely and the first syllable rhymes with Rose.

The Māori form of Michael has a strong, striking sound and Kye would make for a cool short form.

Form of Ottilia

This is one surname-name that may swing decidedly to the male side, thanks to highly-visible young actor Alden Ehrenreich.

Simple yet meaningful Iranian name that would make an excellent import to the English-speaking world.

While Meron looks like a variation of Maren or Marion, her origins are in Ethiopia: Meron is the name of the holy oil used for christenings in the Ethiopian Orthodox church.

An elegant and fluid Arabic name that casts a brilliant light. Mashal is most commonly used among Muslim families in countries such as Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, but has hopped in and out of the US charts since 1990. At peak usage, Mashal was given to 12 American baby girls in 1995.

In Turkish, the name is transcribed as Nazlı, with a dotless I.

A fancy French feminine form of the Biblical name Cleopas or Cleophas, which may derive from Greek Kleopatros ("glory of the father").

Gentle, pleasant, and succinct, Layan is a popular choice across the Arab world and related to other well-loved Arabic choices, such as Alina, Leen, and Lina. Familiar in The UK, the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium too, it has been on the rise in the US since the early 2000s and now sits just outside the Top 1000. With Leila, Lila, and Aaliyah already well known among English speakers, Layan could translate well. In sound, it is a little like Leanne, while in appearance it is reminiscent of Lainey and Layla - all of which makes it a friendly, cross-cultural choice with a nice meaning.

A modern Greek form of the mythological name Hero, or a Japanese name meaning "color." Iro is also a name in Finnish mythology, derived from Irina and Irene. Iro was the mother of the three main gods of Finnish legend.

One of the unique baby names still undiscovered from the Old Testament.

Loulou is more likely to be fashioned as Lulu today, but as a short form for any of the Louise names, Loulou is the more logical if more cumbersome spelling. Adorable, in either version.

Alsie and Alcie feel more baby-ready now that names such as Elsie, Elsa, and Isla are becoming popular again. Mother name Alcina was an operatic sorceress who turned men into animals and trees.