Two Syllable Names for Girls

An adorable nickname for a smiley baby, but not suggested as a legal name.

Believe it or not, this was a fairly common appellation in early New England, interpreted not in the sexual sense, but more in terms of desiring salvation. In modern times, the French name Desiree, pronounced dehz-ih-ray, would be more acceptable.

This elegant Finnish feminization of Wendell is one of those rare names that has never appeared on the US official charts, but is straightforward to spell and say. It has been among the most popular girl names in Finland for at least 15 years, and would be a lovely, unique way to honor Finnish culture.

An Indonesian name that is virtually unknown in the Western World but that is eminently portable, sister of India and Indre or Indra.

In India, Bala is a unisex name, but is likely to be perceived as more feminine in the West. In its feminine form, Bala is associated with the daughter of the red goddess, Lalitha Parameshwari.

Umbria is a lovely, virtually unused Italian name for girls, reflecting the beautiful rolling hills of the area's countryside. And since it's right next door to Tuscany, in which Siena resides, maybe Umbria could be a follow-up to the popular Siena-Sienna.

An interesting name despite the pronunciation challenge. It has literary roots, both in the classical poetry of Horace, and as a character in John Fowles' The French Lieutenant's Woman. Appealing nicknames are Lalla and Lally.

See JANIYAH.

Pleasant-sounding word that could morph into a unique Sunday-picnic-type name.

A dramatic and adorable name with a lot of sweep and swoosh. Also spelled Anush.

The range of occupational baby names is ever expanding, and Ranger is a recent addition to the list. It feels both natural—reminiscent of park rangers—and western and rugged, as in the Lone Ranger. If you're making a choice between Ranger and Danger, we suggest the less aggressive former. Plus, this one gives you the option of nicknames Rae, Rayne, and Rainey too, and ties to various sports teams and Dungeons and Dragons. Currently given to more than 100 boys in each recent year, it has yet to chart for girls, but this could change in the future.

Repetitive Japanese name with a flittering meaning.

Fresher sounding than Mandy or Brandy, but Thandie might be a more original way to go.

Popular choice for silvery pets.

Simple, pretty, and delicate.

An old-lady name in Scandinavia today, but Eivor may get a fresh start in the US, where it is associated with Assassain's Creed character Eivor Varinsdottir. Interestingly, the video game inspired several sets of parents to use the name for their sons in 2021 — the first year Eivor was ever recorded — but it has never made the charts for girls.