Five Letter Girl Names

Bente, pronounced ben-tah, is a popular girls' name in both The Netherlands and Denmark though largely unknown in the English-speaking world. It suffers by being a near-homonym of the English word bent, not the best dictionary equivalent for a first name. Still, if you're looking for a girls' name that equates to Ben or Benjamin or Benedict, this may be one of your best bets.

Reddish dye that sounds as if it could be a real name — of the outdated, Old World, Yetta-Hedda variety.

Relatively well-used in Puerto Rico, where it resembles common Basque names like Alaia and Anaia. With the sharp rise of Alaia in the US in recent years as well as the love for "Ad-" names on girls, it makes sense that the still rare Adaia is increasing in use as well. Adaia was given to just under 100 baby girls in 2022.

A short form of Elisabeth, similar in sound to the 60s favorite Lisa.

An Emily or Emma substitute that may be prettier and more classic as Emmeline or Emeline.

Diminutive of Montague or Montgomery that has long been used as a standalone for boys – and for a few girls too, especially during the middle years of the 20th century. It has largely fallen out of favor, though it is frequently used as a standalone boys'name across the pond. With boyish nicknames for girls - a la Charie and Stevie - on trend, Monty has the chance to come back.

A cute and easily accessible Finnish nickname, although not one that is likely to become popular in America now that Hannah and co are on the decline.

Would make a truly original alternative to the overused Sarah.

Used on a handful of girls every year since the 80s, Kyler provides an alternative for parents wanting something with the sounds or style of Skyler, Carter, Kaia, Kylie, and Kyla.

A form of Heinrich or Henrike (Henry in English), as well as of their feminine counterparts. Now most commonly feminine, and especially popular for girls in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s. Famous bearers include German actress Heike Makatsch and athlete Heike Drechsler.

Sanni derives from Sanna, a variation of Susanna used in Scandinavia.

A cute, upbeat name with a covetable meaning.

The adorable diminutive Livie is most often a short form of the popular Olivia and may also be spelled Livvy, Livvie, or Livi. But occasionally it may be short for the separate Ancient Roman name Livia or the Scandinavian Liv, both of which have different roots and meanings.

Pronounced a la Bette (Betty) Davis or Bette (Bet) Midler, a twentieth-century relic. Though if the equally vintage Betty comes back, Bette may be close behind.

Zippy is a cute nickname that livens up the Biblical Zipporah. Too cute? Your call.

Alluring place-name that could find its place here.

Name of mythological fiend who seduced young men and then ate them, which inspired the Keats poem "Lamia." Described in mythology as a snake with the head and breasts of a woman, this name has been considered in modern times as a vampire name. And if all that isn't discouraging enough, there's the "lame" connection.