Two Syllable Names for Girls

A Shelby variation that didn't fly off the shelves.

Not quite Dora or Daria, this name is often dismissed in favor of its more familiar counterparts, but it has versatile appeal, given that it has a number of different origins. It can be considered a feminine form of Dorian, a variation of Dorothy, an elaboration of Dora, or a variation of the Hebrew name Dor, meaning "generation". Also spelled Doria, it is borne by Doria Loyce Ragland, the mother of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

According to local legend in the Canary Islands, Gara was a young princess who fell in love with a peasant's son, Jonay. Their relationship was condemned by a local priest and the day of their marriage a great earthquake shook the islands. The couple fled together and, according to legend, committed joint suicide at a peak on the island of La Gomera now known as Garajonay Peak.

The Gaelic name Giolla Dhomhnagh ("servant of Donagh") turned into the patronymic Mac Giolla Dhomhnagh, which was whispered down the alley until it became MacGillowney, and eventually Looney. Although it's similar in sound to popular Luna, this isn't an Irish surname that's likely to get much use.

Nouveau name that's cute but slight, ala older sisters Tori and Teri.