Two Syllable Names for Girls

Is it pronounced MEE-ah or MY-ah? Only the bearer knows for sure, which is one of the central problems with this hybrid name.

An unusual, haunting name, a distant cousin to the more popular Amber and Ember.

Diminutive of the Italian Giovanna, or sometimes Vanessa or Ivanna.

In Roman mythology, Iana was an epithet of Diana, goddess of the moon.

Asya has dual origins: it is both the Turkish word for Asia (the continent), and a short form of Anastasia in Russian and Bulgarian. Beyond that, it is a beautiful example of a "travelling light" name, in the style of Aria: short, elegant, and usable across different cultures.

Phonetic spelling of Esme, popular in the UK.

A name that works until your daughter is, say, six.

The feminine form of Orpheus, the charming musician of Greek myth who descended to the underworld.

Yarrow is a flowering herb that grows wild in Europe and North America, and has long been used in several Native American and European cultures as a healing plant. Named for the mythical god Achille, Yarrow is a symbol of enduring love.

This charming Turkish name has hit pop culture, thanks to the Telenovela show of the same name.

Frostine, best known in the U.S. as the name of the Candyland queen, is newly fashionable in France and is certainly a choice that any little girl the world over would love. Fanciful, if over-the-top, but a perfect name for a winter baby girl.

This alternate spelling of Holly is still quite popular in the UK but hasn't seen use in the US since the end of the millennium.

Pronounced klo-TEELD, this name is well used in France, but rarely heard here; it has a chic and sophisticated air.

The trendy surname name Ryker, in the US Top 200 for boys, is now used in increasing numbers for girls.

Lilit in the Top 20 girls names is Armenia. Outside of Armenia, Lilit might be confused with Lilith, but is worth considering as a name in its own right.