Five Letter Girl Names

Famke was introduced to this country via Dutch-born actress Famke Janssen, but is not likely to appeal to many American parents.

Seems to cry out for another syllable.

The exact origins of Tiril remain a mystery, but it is generally considered to be a name from Norwegian poetry. The heroine of Johan Sebastian Cammermeyer’s fantastical poem "Lokkende Toner" is Tirilil Tove.

Selby, a rarely heard British surname, feels sleeker and more distinctive than Shelby. Todd Selby, known primarily by his last name, is a hip photographer of interiors.

Rigby is a rather stiff British surname, which might call to mind the Beatles "Eleanor Rigby" or, from the recent past, Cathy Rigby, the first American woman to win a medal in World Gymnastics competition. The problem with Rigby may be its similarity to the word "rigid."

The Turkish form of Amina, and an extremely popular name in its native land. Famous bearers include writers Emine Semiye Önasya and Emine Çaykara, and politicians Emine Ayna and Emine Ülker Tarhan. The current first lady of Turkey is also named Emine.

River is rising as a new favorite name, and names of rivers are also increasingly used for our child.

Brings to mind phrases like "I vanda new bike" or "I vanda go home".

This rare name crosses cultures. With the popularity of Ella and Bella, perhaps we'll hear more of Pella one day soon?

While Niall -- pronounced as Neil or like the river Nile -- is conventionally a boys' name, it might theoretically work for girls.

Lexus, an automotive newcomer, has recently entered the Top 1000 -- more because of its association, we fear, with the status symbol car than its relation to the name Alexis. If you love this name, do your child a favor and make it Alexis or at least spell it Lexis.

A common name in Indonesia that would not work well in English-speaking countries, being too close to putrid or putty.

Halie is the name of several figures in Greek mythology, most of them sea nymphs.

A soft and lovely Hebrew name with an equally lovely meaning. Variations include Ahavah, Ahaba, Ahabah, Ahuva and Ahuvah.