One Syllable Names for Girls

A fen is an English marshland, and Fenn came into use as a habitational surname for a person who dwelt near one. Could be a fresh alternative to Fern or Gwen.

Zain is a name usually given to boys -- nearly 500 with this spelling alone in the US in one recent year, vs. only 20 girls. But CNN newswoman Zain Asher, sister of actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, is a noted female bearer and may inspire more baby girl Zains.

This ferocious and fuzzy animal name has started to see some use among baby girls, particularly as a middle name. Reporter Katy Tur has a daughter named Eloise Judy Bear.

Spanish for Swan, Cisne has an intriguing and distinct sound.

When you see it written out and know the meaning, it seems more distinctive than Neil. Pity everyone will understand it as simply, Neil or Neal.

Thayer sounds like a modern update '90s success-story Taylor — although it's much rarer and will likely never reach Taylor's heights. It is also reminiscent of currently trendy Thea, which could also be used as a nickname.

Nice sound, colorless image.

Clia could be seen as a variation of Clea (probably another invented literary name), or the creation of L. Frank Baum for a mermaid Princess character in one of his Oz books. Offers a similar choice to Cleo vs Clio.

This charming West African mini name fits in with the other similarly short names that are all the rage right now. Ayo is enjoying new visibility thanks to actress Ayo Edebiri, star of TV's The Bear.

Strong and spare state name, maybe better in the middle -- or for a boy.

This rarely heard name pares down all the ultrafeminine Dan names to one that's much more powerful, for both boys and girls.