Two Syllable Names for Girls

In Turkish mythology, Umay was the mother goddess of the Earth, protecting women, children, and fertility. The name is derived from the Turkish root umāy, meaning "placenta." The placenta was considered to have incantatory properties, making Umay the ideal name for this goddess. Today, it's a well-used girl name in Turkey, along with Ece, another name for the goddess.

The feminine version of the common Welsh name Glyn became somewhat known in this country via the charming Welsh actress Glynis Johns. Variations include Glenys and Glynys. With other Welsh names--Gwyneth, Bronwyn, Bryn, Griffith--now on the American table, Glynis could make a distinctive tribute to an Uncle Glenn.

Malti is an Indian floral name from the plant madhumalti — a tropical flowering vine that is known in English as the Rangoon creeper. In India, Madhu and Malti are often used as twin names or as a first/middle name combination.

Most common in Japan in the mid-20th century, but to Western ears it doesn't sound dated.

Variant of Eden, or a Hebrew unisex name meaning "era".

A star in the constellation of Leo, perfect for a sci fi character but for a baby, not so much.

The Armenian form of Gaiana, a derivative of Gaia. Gayane is a Top 50 name for baby girls in Armenia.

Gentler and much less frequently heard than Tamar.

Cutesy pet form of Clementine.

Probably better to stick with Jasmine -- this one's a little too Tasmanian devil. Or Tasmine might be better scrambled to the lovely Cornish Tamsin.

Though Shuri is a well-established unisex name in Japan, most parents considering it now will be thinking instead of the iconic Princess Shuri from Marvel's Black Panther, memorably played in the 2018 movie by Letitia Wright. The movie character, sister to King T'Challa, is strong, smart and winning enough to make a great namesake -- and it's worth noting that in the Black Panther comics, Shuri eventually becomes Black Panther.

A sweet and simple Quechua choice with an equally pretty meaning.

Most parents would prefer London for their daughters.

Would make an unexpected middle name for a baby born at dusk.