1798 Four Letter Girl Names

This variant of the more-difficult Afua, from the Akan language of what is now Ghana in West Africa, is a traditional "day name" that can make a perfectly pretty modern choice.

Ivey can be considered an alternate spelling of the botanical name Ivy, but it also has separate origins as a surname. For the Anglo-Saxon Ivey line, Ivey means "son of Ive," while for the English-Norman Iveys, it means "person from Ivoy," a commune in the Cher department of France.

A simplified spelling of the quirky European diminutive Anouk, used by the tiny Romansh-speaking population of Switzerland.

An anagram of Mama, in tune with its Tamil meaning.

Lais is an Anglicized spelling of Laïs and Laís. The former is the original Greek variation of the name, borne by several Ancient courtesans. Laís is the Portuguese form, common in Brazil.

An international possibility, heard from England and Israel to Poland, Latvia, and Albania. It is a name with a vast range of possible meanings and origins, including: a Polish variation of Jane, meaning "God is Gracious"; a Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian short form of Susanna, meaning "lily"; a Persian name meaning "woman"; a Mongolian name meaning "bullfinch"; and a Shona name from Zimbabwe meaning "a hundred".

Like many passé boys' names, this one sounds fresh again for girls.

This unique one-syllable name was added to the mix by Mariel Hemingway for her now grown model/actress daughter; it could make a distinctive middle name or Bree substitute.

A Dorothy nickname name with a measure of nostalgic charm. Kids will associate it with the funny fish character voiced by Ellen DeGeneres in the Pixar animated instant classic Finding Nemo.

When Gail was popular, half a century ago, Gale was a plausible choice. Gale does put a slightly more masculine spin on the name, but it's dated in any version.

To some, may have the same warm feeling of Russian nicknames like Sasha and Misha.

The Turkish name for the Danube River. Tuna is technically a unisex name in Turkey, yet it is more common among boys.

The Spanish word for "berry" makes a deliciously intriguing word name possibility.

The Japanese word for the land of the dead. It's not quite Heaven nor Hell, although it more closely resembles the latter. It's also the name of a video game, which is likely why five baby girls were named Yomi one recent year.

Leaf is a hippieish choice that, for girls, still retains an evergreen quality.