Two Syllable Names for Girls

Common French and German alternative to Renata.

In literature, a Kyrielle is a form of poetry that has rhyming couplets or quatrains. It originated with the French troubadour tradition. It is called a Kyrielle after the Christian Kyrie. In 2016, 16 girls in the US were given this name.

Intriguing and unusual.

One of the many variations of the name of the Lady of the Lake, best known as Nimue.

Bridger follows one of the recent trendy name formulas: a brisk first syllable + -er ending + history as a surname. It recently broke through the top 1000 on the boys side, but Bridger remains a rarity for girls. The similarity to familiar feminine name Bridget makes it viable for a daughter.

Bridger could work as a name for a baby whose heritage bridges multiple cultures.

Diandra is one of many variations on Diana, but lacks its classic class. Associated with Michael Douglas's first wife, who is of Austrian heritage.

Preppy P surname, and a potential way to honor a Scott.

Lovely Irish name which has inspired many Anglicized variations, but using the original form preserves the integrity of one of the most beautiful Gaelic girls' names.

Originated as a nickname for Anastazija, but now is more popular as an independent name.

Panna is a name with many allusions — in addition to those above, a serene and sacred city in India and the Italian word for cream. Panna might make a fresh alternative to Anna or Hannah.

Ezlynn is a name popping with modern sounds and style. While it might appear to be an American invented name, Ezlynn comes to us via Ezlynn Deraniyagala, who was the first female barrister in Sri Lanka. A founding member of the feminist movement in Sri Lanka, Ezlynn also turned her attention to international matters, acting as president of the International Alliance of Women in the crucial days of the early 60s. This is a international choice that doesn't compromise pronounceability or pep while honoring the sisterhood.

Unique choice, with a pleasant antique feel.

Cute and eminently wearable surname name for girls.

An unusual relative of Nike, Nikias and all the Nicholas names, with a light, bright sound. In the US, Nikia has also been used as a variant of Nikki or Nakia, which saw a brief spike of popularity in the 1970s.

A fast rising city name and on trend for boys, Kairo has unisex potential too. Similar in sound to Kaia, Kyra, Skyla and Kai, Kairo was chosen by DJ Zinhle and later rapper, AKA, for their daughter, Kairo Forbes. Given to nearly 50 baby girls in recent years, it may well catch on in the future.

The people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. Most Ghanaians have a name using this system (think Kofi Annan, whose name means born on a Friday).