Two Syllable Names for Girls

Simple and melodic, this spelling offers an alternative to the more-popular Aliyah or Aaliyah -- the name of the late R&B singer who propelled the name into the US Top 100.

A recent favorite among boy names, now a top riser for girls.

The strong and unusual name of a medieval (male) saint and a contemporary (female) novelist, Benilde Little.

Brighid is the original Gaelic form of the name of the mythological goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom. More commonly found these days in any number of different guises: Bridget, Brigid, Brigitte et al. Whatever form it takes, Brighid is one of the most classic and enduring Irish names for girls.

Common French and German alternative to Renata.

This feminine form of Arliss, is familiar via the recent HBO series. But why not just use Arliss?

Molten rock from volcanos, and now a red-hot baby name possibility.

Lova, a Louise relative virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top girl names in Sweden.

Intriguing and unusual.

See TALIA.

A name possibly derived from Etain, an ancient Irish sun and horse goddess whose name is still used. Adina is a related choice.

Zorah, the Old Testament home of Samson, is both soft and substantial.

The Shawnee were an Eastern tribe that migrated westward; Shawnee makes an unusual name, if a little dated a la Shawn and Tawnee.