Two Syllable Names for Girls

The initial X is pronounced like a Z. Confusing? Potentially. But there are enough Alexandras and Xanders through the Western World these days that this spelling wouldn't seem outlandish.

See ALEXIA.

For an American girl, the double "I" might be a problem as a child, but an attention-getting talking point as an adult.

Cleta was one of the Charities or Graces.

An epithet of the goddess Durga, associated with the beginning of the earth.

Fania would make an interesting choice for a child of Irish Russian heritage, being a Celtic name with a Russian Tania-like feel.

Immi is a Finnish name, seen as a variation of both Imma — the Low German version of Emma — and the Finnish name Impi.

Corky is an old-fashioned nickname, historically used more often for boys with names like Courtney, Corwin, or surnames with the "cor" element.

Paul Cézanne was a French post-Impressionist painter whose intriguing surname is of uncertain origin, although it may be related to Suzanne (from the Hebrew Shoshana, "lily"). It has been used as a girls' name in South Africa, due to its familiar -anne ending.

This adorable name of the young daughter on "Big Love" might be thought of as a variation of Tansy, an obscure flower name whose star may rise on the heels of such current favorites as Lily and Daisy.

Mormon supermodel Pyper America Smith Holder brought this spelling into the public eye. Pyper's younger brother is also a model, Lucky Blue Smith.

Usually a male name, but uncommon enough to sound plausibly gender-neutral. The similarity to Leanne gives it extra traction for girls.

A very popular girls' name in the Basque country and Puerto Rico. It is among the Top 100 Spanish baby names, so it's a girls' name that's widely used in Spain.

Betsan is little-known outside of the U.K. but it could provide an intriguing alternative to Liz, Beth, Betsy, Betty, and Libby.

If Frances and Fran are too serious for you, and Fanny too saucy, you might like Franny, still identified by some with J. D. Salinger's Franny and Zooey stories.