Five Letter Girl Names

Shula is a short form often used on its own in Israel. Sula is another, related, option. As an Arabic name, it has a bright, fiery meaning.

While Tobin is technically a variation of the Biblical Tobias and so a male name, it's a newfangled version that's been drafted for the girls' team by Olympic soccer star Tobin Heath, who plays for the U.S. women's national professional soccer team.

Readers who remember J. D. Salinger's Franny and Zooey have probably forgotten that the character was male (nee Zachary). Nowadays the somewhat loopy spin on Zoe is associated with actress Zooey Deschanel.

This name from the Akan language of Ghana in West Africa is traditionally given to baby girls born on a Tuesday. The male version is Kwabena or Kobena.

This name of the mythological sister of Mars might be used for a girl born under one of the signs ruled by the planet Mars--Aries or Scorpio. She is the personification of the war cry.

There's only one Evita.

Related to the Arabic Warda, Vered is a strong sounding nature name with a sweet floral meaing.

Now that Theodora (and Dorothea) are back, the adorable Teddi might work again for a baby girl.

An alternative international spelling of Julia.

Offbeat Anglicized form of the intractable Gaelic Rathnait.

A pretty and intriguing elaboration of Gal — made internationally famous by Israeli actress Gal Gadot.

Actress Daryl Hannah made this a girls' name in theory, though in the most recent year counted, about 75 baby boys in the US were named Daryl...and zero baby girls.

Unplain (if dated) Jane.

Modern feminine form of Xavier

Sidse is a variation of Sisse or Sissa, all modern pet forms of Cecilia. To Americans, the most familiar bearer is Danish actress Sidse Babett Knudsen, who plays the Prime Minister of Denmark in TV's Borgen. Sidse might make a creative short form of Cecilia or an alternative to Sydney. Among Danish names for girls, this is one that's both distinctive and accessible.

Looking for a strong girls' name that is based on brains rather than looks? Consider Vidya, a name popular throughout Asia, which is connected to the Hindu goddess Sarasvati, who is thought to purify, empower, and uplift the individual. It looks like the name has some power - Vidya Balan is a noted Indian actress who through her portrayal of strong female characters is considered to be an important catalyst for changing the way that women are represented in Indian film.

Amori puts a feminine, nickname-y spin on the unisex Amory -- though the amiable name does not really need lightening up.

Suzie (and Susie) was the one of the It Nicknames of midcentury America, right up there with Debbie and Kathy.