Three Syllable Girl Names
- Gelila
Origin:
Ethiopian, Amharic, variation of Galilee; variation of DelilahMeaning:
"rolling hills; beautiful temptress"Description:
Gelila is a beautiful Ethiopian name that may have two different origins — some sources cite the name as a variation of the Biblical place Galilee, meaning rolling hills. Others view the name as a variation of Biblical Delilah. Whichever way, Gelila is a gorgeous name that would work well in the English-speaking world. The name Gelila is also worn by Ethiopian model Gelila Bekele, former longtime girlfriend of actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry with whom she shares a son.
- Karoline
Origin:
German and Scandinavian variation of Caroline, FrenchMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Karoline is the form of the classic Caroline commonly used in Germany and throughout Scandinavia, where it is popular. It's an acceptable if not tradition spelling variation, given to nearly 100 baby girls in the US last year, versus more than 3000 named Caroline.
- Boudicca
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"victory"Description:
First century queen who led her Brittonic Iceni tribe in revolution against the Romans occupying England. Also found as Boudica, Boadicea (as in bodacious) and in Welsh as Buddug, the historic namesake was defeated and committed suicide, but is still celebrated in England as intelligent and brave. One ancient name that, while unheard these days, could be revived along with such choices as Atticus and Cassius.
- Laverna
Origin:
LatinDescription:
Laverna was the Roman goddess of thievery, cheating, and the underworld. The original meaning of her name in unknown, however, there are several theories. One such theory states that Laverna is related to the Latin word for theif, laterniō, while another connects the name to levare, meaning "to lift," as in shoplifting. In the case of the latter, Laverna would mean "goddess of gain".
- Amparo
Origin:
Spanish and PortugueseMeaning:
"refuge, shelter"Description:
Amparo is a medieval name related to the Virgin Mary most closely associated with the city of Valencia, in Spain. Although it does not appear at all on the most recent US name roster, meaning it was used for fewer than five babies last year, it was used in the US throughout the 20th century.
- Harika
Origin:
TurkishMeaning:
"a miracle, beautiful"Description:
Pretty and unusual.
- Elethea
Origin:
Variation of Alethea, GreekMeaning:
"truth"Description:
Unusual and pretty, if lispy.
- Kamilla
Origin:
Scandinavian; Hungarian; Russian, variation of CamillaDescription:
Kamilla is the usual spelling of Camilla throughout Scandinavia and in Finland, Hungary, Iceland, and Greenland. Kamma is an appealing short form.
- Gravity
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Spacey.
- Valena
- Clemensia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
With Clementine on the rise and Clemence and Clemency considered chic in Europe, this unusual Latinate option could be a fresh alternative. Clementia is another, more common, spelling.
- Manila
Origin:
Place nameDescription:
The name of the capital city of the Philippines is just conceivable as a baby name, giving off the faint scent of vanilla.
- Nóinín
Origin:
Irish, GaelicMeaning:
"daisy"Description:
The Irish word for daisy is also sometimes used as a sweet short form of Nora.
- Jamila
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"beautiful, graceful"Description:
Soft and appealing, with a whiff of vanilla.
- Quintana
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"the fifth girl"Description:
Mexican place-name famously used by Joan Didion for her daughter, Quintana Roo.
- Sayori
Origin:
Japanese invented nameDescription:
Sayori was invented for a character in the popular anime series Doki Doki Literature Club. Creator Dan Salvato said that Sayori is an "unholy fusion between 'Sayuri' and 'Saori.'"
- Vieira
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"scallop"Description:
A vivacious Latin alternative to the superpopular Sierra.
- Gisela
- Elodee
- Miabella
Origin:
Combination of Mia and BellaMeaning:
"my beautiful"Description:
Two popular contemporary choices merged into one, this compound name with its hint of Italian flair was given to nearly 70 girls in the US and 3 in the UK. With Mia's entry into the US Top 10, perhaps it will be used more often in coming years.