Two Syllable Names for Girls

Selby, a rarely heard British surname, feels sleeker and more distinctive than Shelby. Todd Selby, known primarily by his last name, is a hip photographer of interiors.

You say Bryn, he says Bryana -- here's a name you might agree on.

South African-raised actress Embeth Davidtz added this unique smooth name to the mix. Perfect if you can't decide between Emma and Elizabeth and more unusual than Annabeth.

A classic reimagined. Noemia is a very feminine elaboration of Naomi, also spelled Noémia in Portugal and Brazil.

Not much to recommend this relative of Wilma; consider Willa or Willow instead.

The Spanish word for sky, Cielo, was one of the fastest-rising girl names of 2022, cracking the Top 1000 after Luisana Lopilato and Michael Bublé used the name for their daughter. The variation Ciela was used in much smaller numbers, but has plenty of potential to continue to rise.

Hollyn combines the Christmas- and nature-inspired feel of Holly, with the preppy, unisex style of Collins, all stung together with the globetrotter flair of Holland and the trendy -lyn ending of Gracelyn, Raelyn, and co. The name first appeared in the US stats back in the 70s,but remained obscure until the 2010s when it began trending upwards.

The Hawaiian form of Gina or Tina (as well as the word for the country China), or in Swedish, a short form of Katharina or Kristina.

Kristy (and Kristi and Kristie) are the ultimate kool girl nicknames of the sixties and seventies, not kwite as kute any more.

Karin was a fairly popular spelling variation of Karen in the US but fell off the Top 1000 in the late 80s, as Karen's popularity wained. Today, the Karen meme interferes with the otherwise appealing sound of this name.

Asma is an important name in the Muslim religion. Asma was a niece of Muhammad whose refusal to betray her uncle and father helped them escape to Mecca. Downside in English-speaking countries is that Asma sounds like asthma, the illness that blocks airways and makes it difficult to breathe.

The perfect name-accessory for a little princess, though its popularity is waning.

Basha bears a family resemblance to other newly popular Slavic names Sasha and Mischa, all of them hearty, warm and welcoming.

A short and sweet Hindi name which has been relatively popular in the UK – peaking at #280 there in 2003.

This evocative Spanish surname would make an unusual but lively choice for a girl.