AHEAD: The ultimate list of short names for girls—plus their meanings and popularity.

If you’re looking for an all-encompassing list of short girl names, you’re in the right place!

All of the names on this list are 3, 4, or 5 letters.

You can use the table of contents below to either browse by category or by name length.

In {brackets} you’ll find the meanings of each name, and if you notice a number (#) next to it, that’s the current popularity in the United States.

Inspiration for middle names is included in the graphics throughout.

You can also check out this list of one-syllable girl names which contains names that sound short, even though some actually contain 6 or more letters.

Okay, are you ready?

Let’s dive in and check out the best short names for girls!

Trendy short girl names

These modern short baby girls’ names are hot right now!

• Aria {melody or air} #26
• Bella {beautiful} #64
• Cora {maiden} #88
• Ella {fairy maiden} #15
• Emery {industrious} #89
• Emma {whole} #2
• Hazel {of the Hazelnut tree} #31
• Kylie {a boomerang} #132
• Layla {night} #24

• Luna {moon} #14
• Lyla {night} #118
• Maya {water} #61
• Mia {mine} #8
• Mila {beloved} #20
• Nova {new} #38
• Piper {flute player} #91
• Sofia {wisdom} #17

Related: 100 Cool Names Similar to Luna

You’ll also find a whole bunch more short and trendy names throughout the lists below!

Cute short girl names

All of these short baby girl names sound friendly and sweet.

• Cali or Kali {beautiful}
• Demi {half}
• Desi {desired}
• Dixie {nickname of the South}
• Emmy or Emmie {rival}
• Evie {tribal woman}
• Hani {happy}
• Jolie {pretty}
• Josie {Jehovah shall grow}

• Jovie {joyful}
• Lacey {from Lassy}
• Maci or Macie {weapon}
• Miley {invented name}
• Mira {peace}
• Molly or Mollie {rebellious}
• Nala {meaning unknown}
• Noe {peaceful}
• Penny {from Penelope}
• Roux {reddish brown}
• Zuri {good + beautiful}

If you like these cute short names you might also like this list of two-syllable girl names or these southern girl names.

Gender-neutral short girl names

Nonbinary names are super popular right now—for good reason! All of these are fantastic choices.

• Aden {little fire}
• Alex {defender}
• Aster {a daisy-like flower}
• Avery {elf king} #19
• Bari {to select}
• Casey {vigilant}
• Colby {from the coal village}
• Cori or Kori {from the hollow}
• Daryl {beloved}
• Devon or Devyn {county in England}
• Drew {strong}
• Dylan {child of the sea}
• Ellis {benevolent}
• Ezra {help}

• Gari {spear}
• Hale {hollow dweller}
• Hayes {brushwood}
• Jaden {God has heard}
• Jayce {the Lord is salvation}
• Kyle {narrow land}
• Lane or Layne {pathway}
• Nolan or Nolen {champion}
• Reese {fiery}
• Remi {oarsman}
• Rhett {advice}

• Riley or Rylee {wood clearing} #33
• Rowan {reddish brown tree}
• Ryan or Rian {little king}
• Rylan {island meadow}
• Scout {explorer}

Psssst! Drop a hint or spoil yourself: 10 Pregnancy Gifts for First Time Moms You Haven’t Thought Of

Lively short girl names

I sort of just made up a baby name category. 🙂 The short girl names in this section all mean light or life!

• Ava {life}
• Blake {fair or light}
• Chaya {life}
• Clara {clear + bright}
• Clare {clear + bright}
• Elena {shining light}
• Elina {shining light}
• Ellie {shining one}
• Elora {God is my light}
• Ember {spark}
• Eve {life}

• Evie {life}
• Jules {youthful}
• Kiara {bright or clear}
• Lana {light or gracious}
• Lena {ray of light}
• Liv {life}
• Lucia {light}
• Lucie or Lucy {light}
• Mazie {child of light}
• Naya {bright}

• Nelly or Nellie {light}
• Noor {light}
• Nora {light}
• Rai {like ray of light}
• Robin {bright}
• Zoey {life}

If you like these short girl names meaning light and life, you might also like this list of names for rainbow babies or these girl names that start with E.

Organic short girl names

There are SO many short nature-inspired baby names that I’ve broken them up into two categories. This first batch has names with obvious meanings.

• Amber {fossil resin}
• Aspen {tree with heart leaves}
• Birch {tree}
• Cedar {tree}
• Cove {sheltered bay}
• Daisy {flower name}
• Dawn {daybreak}
• Fawn {young deer}
• Finch {colorful bird}
• Flora {flowers/plants}

• Holly {plant}
• Ivory {white}
• Ivy {plant}
• Jade {green stone}
• Jem or Gem {precious stone}
• Jewel {precious stone}
• Lilac {purple flower}
• Lily {flower}
• Maple {tree}
• Olive {from a tree}

• Onyx {gem}
• Pearl {gem}
• Poppy {red flower}
• Rain or Rayne {precipitation}
• Raven {black bird}
• River {stream}
• Rose or Rosie {flower}
• Ruby {strong red gemstone}
• Sage {grayish green herb}
• Shay or Shea {tropical tree}

• Sky {limitless}
• Storm {weather event}
• Wren {small bird}

If you like these short girl names with nature meanings, you might also like this list of hippie names or this list of tree names for girls.

Nature-inspired short girl names

Here is the second batch of short nature names! While less obvious at face value, all of the names below have a nature-inspired meaning.

Get ready, there are a WHOLE bunch of short unique girl names to choose from!

• Arden {great forest}
• Aster {daisy-like flower}
• Avian {bird-like}
• Ayla {oak tree}
• Beck {small stream}
• Blair {field dweller}
• Briar {thorny plant}
• Brie {marshland}
• Bryn {hill}
• Capri {Italian island}
• Chloe {plant sprout}
• Dale {valley}

• Dara {oak tree}
• Enya {grain or fire}
• Embry {flat topped hill}
• Fiora {little flower}
• Gaia {earth}
• Galia {born in waves}
• Gemma {precious stone}
• Giada {jade}
• Haden {heather}
• Haley {hay clearing}
• Halle {little rock}

Strong short girl names

These next baby girl names are short but mighty!

• Arya {air or melody}
• Audra {noble strength}
• Carly {free woman}
• Cleo {pride}
• Emily {rival or to excel}
• Hart {brave}
• Hera {protector}
• Isha {protector}
• James {supplanter}
• Jayla {to ascend}
• Lara {fortress}
• Lexi {defender}

• Milly {having strength}
• Myla {soldier or merciful}
• Nilsa {winner}
• Nyla {winner}
• Ryder {horsewoman}
• Rylee {valiant}

If you like these strong short girl names you might also like this list of badass girl names or these edgy baby names.

Spiritual short girl names

These next short girl names are perfect for parents who believe that their precious daughter was sent from above.

• Amara {grace}
• Annie {grace}
• Anya {graceful}
• Celia {heavenly}
• Chana {God has favored me}
• Dani {God is my judge}
• Eden {place of delight}
• Elisa or Eliza {pledged to God}

• Elsa {God is my oath}
• Elsie {pledged to God}
• Emani {faith}
• Faith {devotion}
• Grace {goodness}
• Giana {God is gracious}
• Halia {remembrance}
• Halo {circle of light}
• Hana {grace}
• Haven {safe place}
• Helga {sacred}
• Idris {lord or studious}

• Ilsa {pledged to God}
• Imani {faith}
• Jodi {Jehovah shall grow}
• Mercy {compassion}
• Vera {faith}

If you like these short and spiritual names you might also like these girl names that mean graceful.

Regal short girl names

All of these beautiful short names are fit for a princess!

• Ada {noble}
• Adara {noble}
• Addie {noble}
• Adele {noble}
• Alice {noble}
• Audra {noble strength}
• Bria {hill or noble}
• Della {noble}
• Erica {ruler}

• Heidi {noble}
• Idina {wealthy}
• Janie {noble or gracious}
• Kaya {wealthy or eldest sister}
• Kira {throne}
• Rayna {queen}
• Reign {sovereign}
• Rey or Rae {king}
• Rori or Rory {red king}
• Sadie {princess}

If you like these short royalty-inspired baby names you might also like this list of three-syllable girl names or these girl names that start with R.

Short girl names meaning happiness + peace

All of these short and pretty baby girl names signify happiness and peace!

• Alaia {joyful}
• Amaya {pleasant place}
• Dulce {sweet}
• Frida {peace}
• Galen {calm or healer}
• Gila {joy}
• Hania {to be happy}

• Irina {peace}
• Joy {happiness}
• Mira {peace}
• Naomi {pleasantness}
• Nara {happy}

If you like these short girl names symbolizing happiness, you might also like this list of H names for girls.

Vintage short girl names

These short girl names have been around for centuries but remain beautiful modern choices.

• Agnes {pure}
• Anne {grace}
• Edith {prosperous in war}
• Etta {keeper of the home}
• Gilda {golden}
• Greta {pearl}

• Jane {gracious}
• Lola {sorrows}
• Mabel {lovable}
• Marie {star of the sea}
• Margo {pearl}
• Maeve {she who intoxicates}
• Pearl {gem}
• Roxy {dawn}

If you like these old-fashioned short names you might also like this list of victorian girl names.

Timeless short girl names

These short girl names have stood the test of time. They’re classic, yet modern, and might be just what you’re going for!

• Alana {cheerful}
• April {fourth month}
• Becca {to bind or tie}
• Belle {beautiful}
• Cara {beloved}
• Cayla {slender}
• Dana {gift}
• Elle {she}
• Elyse {abundance}

• Erin {Ireland}
• Faye {fairy}
• Fiona {fair}
• Freya {lady}
• Gwen {white ring}
• Hope {great expectations}
• Jamie {supplanter}

• Julia {youthful} #107
• Julie {youthful}
• June {sixth month}
• Kalin {slim + fair}
• Kara {Cornish name for love}
• Kate {pure}
• Kayla {slim + fair}
• Keira or Kiera {little dark one}
• Leah {weary}
• Leigh {delicate}

• Lydia {beautiful one} #96
• Malia {bitter}
• Megan {pearl}
• Page or Paige {helper}
• Rhea or Reya {to flow}
• Ruth {friend}

If you like these short and timeless baby names, you might also like this list of elegant girl names.

Short unique girl names

Now for some modern short unique girl names that are uncommon without being too far out there…

• Alia {exalted}
• Amina {trustworthy}
• Avril {April in French}
• Darcy {dark one}
• Delia {born on Delos}
• Dior {golden}
• Dori {gift or beloved}
• Dream {images during sleep}
• Effie {pleasant speech}

• Egypt {country}
• Esme {beloved}
• Fable {short story}
• Fenix {mythical bird}
• Hilda {battle or hiding}
• Honor {great respect}
• Idara {invented name}
• India {country}
• Indie {short for India}
• Itzel {rainbow lady}
• Julep {rose water}
• Juno {Roman goddess}

• Keiki {child}
• Kerri {dark + mysterious}
• Leia {weary}
• Letty {joy}
• Liana {to climb like a vine}
• Lyra {lyre harp}
• Lyric {words set to music}
• Marin {beautiful place near SF!}
• Milan {city in Italy}

• Mina {love}
• Monet {to be heard}
• Myra {beloved}
• Navy {dark blue}
• Nila {dark blue}
• Nola {white shoulder}
• Quinn {counsel}
• Reba {one who joins}
• Rebel {maverick}

This wraps up the categorized lists of short girl names for modern babies.

Now let’s talk middle names!

Middle name ideas

Whether you’re using a screen reader or just want a consolidated list of the first and middle name combos in the graphics above, read on!

A

Ada Marin
Alaia Nicole
Alana Blakely
Amara Faye
Amaya Marie
Amina Madison
April Sage
Arden Jade
Aria Jade
Arya Blake
Aspen Violet
Ava Mackenzie
Avery Madison
Avian Lily

B

Bria Everly
Briar Emerald
Bryn Avery

C

Cali Lavender
Cara Teagan
Carly Blair
Clara Addilyn
Cora Lilianna

D

Delia Marie
Demi Madison
Devyn Lennox

E

Eliza Hazel
Ella Magnolia
Elsa Scarlett
Elyse Hartley
Emery Brooke
Emma Sophie
Etta Margaret
Evie Alexandra

F

Fable Everleigh
Faye Everly
Finch Paisley
Fiona Rose
Fiora Ruby
Frida Madeline

G

Greta Harriet

H

Haden Adeline
Halia Grace
Hani Phoenix
Hazel Everleigh

I

Idara Palmer
Idra Marley
Iris Everleigh
Ivy Alexandra

J

Jade Magnolia
Jane Ellery
Jolie Victoria
Julep Reese
Julia Hart
June Emersyn
Juno Lennon

K

Kayla Charlotte
Keiki Brooke
Kira Hartley

L

Lacey Scarlett
Lana Everly
Lani Madelyn
Lara Violet
Layne Penelope
Lexi Rylan
Lily Madelyn
Lyra Blakely

M

Mabel Emmeline
Maeve Alexandra
Malia Sophie
Mara Grace
Marin Emerald
Mazie Charlotte
Meena Rose
Mercy Pearl
Mira Emery
Monet Lily
Myla James

N

Naomi Victoria
Nara Paige
Navy Phoenix
Nolen Mackenzie
Nora Madelyn

P

Paige Vivienne
Pearl Adelaide

Q

Quinn Harlow

R

Rayna Lennox
Rayne Blakely
Reese Hadley
Rhea Harlow
Rori Avery
Rylee Hart

S

Sadie Delilah
Scout Hartley

T

Terra Sage

V

Vera Hartley

Z

Zoey Hazel

Coming up: The next batch of lists includes the same names you’ve seen above, but is organized by the number of letters.

You’ll find this helpful if you’ve got a specific name length in mind.

Feel free to jump ahead:

• 3 letter girl names
• 4 letter girl names
• 5 letter girl names

3 Letter Girl Names

If you want an easy-to-spell name that will be unique and memorable, consider one of these three letter girl names.

• Ada {noble}
• Ava {life}
• Eva {life}
• Eve {life}
• Gia {God’s gift}
• Ila {island}
• Ivy {plant}
• Jem or Gem {precious stone}
• Joy {happiness}
• Kai {sea}
• Koa {warrior}
• Lia {bringer of good news}
• Liv {life}

Related: Girl Names starting with L

• Mae {bitter or pearl}
• May {5th month}
• Mia {mine}
• Mya {water}
• Nia {bright}
• Noa {motion}
• Noe {peaceful}
• Rae {female sheep}
• Rai {like ray of light}
• Ren {water lily}
• Rey {king}
• Ria {small river}
• Rue {reddish brown}
• Sky {limitless}
• Zoe {life}

Related: Girl Names that Start with M

4 Letter Girl Names

Here are 89 amazing four-letter girl names.

• Alia {exalted}
• Anya {graceful}
• Aria or Arya {air or melody}
• Bari {to select}
• Beck {small stream}
• Bria {hill or noble}
• Cali {beautiful}
• Cara {beloved}
• Cleo {pride}
• Dale {valley}
• Dani {God is my judge}
• Dawn {daybreak}
• Desi {desired}
• Dior {golden}
• Dori {gift or beloved}
• Drew {strong}

Related: Girl Names Beginning with D

• Elle {she}
• Elsa {God is my oath}
• Enya {grain or fire}
• Esme {beloved}
• Etta {keeper of the home}
• Ezra {help}
• Fawn {young deer}
• Faye {fairy}
• Gaia {earth}
• Gari {spear}
• Gila {joy}
• Gwen {white ring}

Related: G Names for Girls

• Halo {circle of light}
• Hana {grace}
• Hani {happy}
• Hera {protector}
• Idra {fig tree}
• Ilsa {pledged to God}
• Iris {rainbow}
• Isha {protector}
• Isla {island}
• Iyla {island}
• Jada {green stone}
• Kaia {the sea}
• Kali {black one}
• Kaya {eldest sister or wealthy}
• Kora {maiden}
• Kori {from the hollow}
• Kyle {narrow land}

Related: Girl Names Starting with K

• Lana {light or gracious}
• Leia {weary}
• Leva {moon or white}
• Lina {sunlight}
• Lola {sorrows}
• Maci {weapon}
• Mina {love}
• Mira {peace}
• Myla {soldier or merciful}
• Myra {beloved}
• Nala {meaning unknown}
• Nara {happy}
• Nash {by the ash tree}
• Navy {dark blue}
• Naya {bright}
• Nene {wild goose}
• Neva {snow}
• Nila {dark blue}
• Nola {white shoulder}
• Noor {light}
• Nori {seaweed}
• Nova {new}
• Nyla {winner}

Related: N Names

• Onyx {gem}
• Page {helper}
• Peri {mountain dweller}
• Rain {precipitation}
• Reba {one who joins}
• Remi {oarsman}
• Reva {rain}
• Rhea or Reya {to flow}
• Romy {dew of the sea}
• Rory {red king}
• Rose {flower}
• Roxy {dawn}
• Ruby {strong red gemstone}
• Ruth {friend}
• Ryan or Rian {little king}
• Sage {grayish green herb}
• Shay or Shea {tropical tree}
• Vela {coastline}
• Vera {faith}
• Wren {small bird}
• Zuri {good + beautiful}

Keep in mind that you can use some of these 4 letter girl names as nicknames. Then you can go with the longer more ‘official’ names as first names: Genevieve (Evie), Leonora (Nora), and Lillian (Lily).

5 Letter Girl Names

Five letter girl names are just mini enough to make our list of short baby names. Here are 196 options to consider…

• Adara {noble}
• Addie {noble}
• Adele {noble}
• Agnes {pure}
• Alaia {joyful}
• Alana {cheerful}
• Alice {noble}
• Amara {grace}
• Amaya {the end; pleasant place}
• Amber {fossil resin}

• Amina {trustworthy}
• Annie {grace}
• April {fourth month}
• Arden {great forest}
• Aspen {tree with heart leaves}
• Aster {daisy-like flower}
• Audra {noble strength}
• Avery {elf king}
• Avian {bird-like}
• Avril {April in French}

Related: Girl Names that Start with A

• Becca {to bind or tie}
• Bella {beautiful}
• Belle {beautiful}
• Blair {field dweller}
• Blake {fair or light}
• Briar {thorny plant}
• Brynn {hill}

Related: Girl Names that Start with B

• Capri {Italian island}
• Carly {free woman}
• Casey {vigilant}
• Cayla {slender}
• Cedar {tree}
• Celia {heavenly}
• Chana {God has favored me}
• Chaya {life}
• Chloe {plant sprout}
• Clara {clear + bright}
• Clare {clear + bright}
• Colby {from the coal village}

Related: Girl Names Starting with C

• Daisy {flower name}
• Darcy {dark one}
• Daryl {beloved}
• Delia {born on Delos}
• Della {noble}
• Devon or Devyn {county in England}
• Dixie {nickname of the South}
• Dream {images during sleep}
• Dulce {sweet}
• Dylan {child of the sea}

• Edith {prosperous in war}
• Effie {pleasant speech}
• Egypt {country}
• Elena {shining light}
• Elina {shining light}
• Elisa {pledged to God}
• Eliza {pledged to God}
• Ellie {shining one}
• Ellis {benevolent}
• Elora {God is my light}
• Elsie {pledged to God}
• Elyse or Elise {abundance}
• Emani {faith}
• Ember {spark}

• Embry {flat topped hill}
• Emery {industrious}
• Emily {rival or to excel}
• Erica {ruler}
• Fable {short story}
• Faith {devotion}
• Fenix {mythical bird}
• Finch {colorful bird}
• Fiona {fair}
• Fiora {little flower}
• Flora {flowers/plants}
• Freya {lady}
• Frida {peace}

Related: F Names for Girls

• Galen {calm or healer}
• Galia {born in waves}
• Gemma {precious stone}
• Giada {jade}
• Giana {God is gracious}
• Gilda {golden}
• Grace {goodness}
• Greta {pearl}
• Haden {heather}
• Haley {hay clearing}

• Halia {remembrance}
• Halle {little rock}
• Hania {to be happy}
• Haven {safe place}
• Hayes {brushwood}
• Hazel {of the Hazelnut tree}
• Heidi {noble}
• Helga {sacred}
• Hilda {battle or hiding}
• Holly {plant}
• Honor {great respect}

• Idara {invented name}
• Idina {wealthy}
• Idris {lord or studious}
• Ilana {tree}
• Imani {faith}
• India {country}
• Indie {short for India}
• Indra {posessing rain}
• Irina {peace}
• Itzel {rainbow lady}
• Ivory {white}

Related: Girl Names Starting with I

• Jaden {God has heard}
• Jadie {green stone}
• Jamie {supplanter}
• Janie {noble or gracious}
• Jayce {the Lord is salvation}
• Jayla {to ascend}
• Jemma {precious stone}
• Jenna {white wave}
• Jewel {precious stone}
• Jolie {pretty}
• Josie {Jehovah increases}
• Jovie {joyful}
• Julep {rose water}
• Jules {youthful}
• Julia {youthful}
• Julie {youthful}

Related: Girl Names that Start with J

• Kalin {slim + fair}
• Kasey or Kacie {watchful}
• Kayla {slim + fair}
• Keiki {child}
• Keira {little dark one}
• Kerri {dark + mysterious}
• Kezia {spice tree}
• Khloe {plant sprout}
• Kiara {bright or clear}
• Kiera {little dark one}
• Kylie {a boomerang}
• Lacey {from Lassy}
• Layla {night or dark}
• Leigh {delicate}

• Leona {lion}
• Letty {joy}
• Liana {to climb like a vine}
• Lilac {purple flower}
• Lucia {light}
• Lydia {beautiful one}
• Lyric {words set to music}
• Mabel {lovable}
• Maeve {she who intoxicates}
• Malia {bitter}
• Maple {tree}

• Maren {sea}
• Margo {pearl}
• Marie {star of the sea}
• Marin {beautiful place near SF!}
• Marni {from the sea}
• Mavis {songbird}
• Mazie {child of light}
• Meena {bird}
• Megan {pearl}
• Mercy {compassion}
• Meryl {of the bright sea}
• Milan {city in Italy}
• Miley {invented name}
• Milly {having strength}
• Mollie {rebellious}
• Monet {to be heard}
• Myrla {black bird}

• Naomi {pleasantness}
• Nelly {light}
• Nessa {pure or butterfly}
• Nilsa {winner}
• Nolan or Nolen {champion}
• Nubia {gold}
• Olive {from a tree}
• Pearl {gem}
• Penny {from Penelope}
• Piper {flute player}
• Poppy {red flower}
• Quinn {counsel}
• Raven {black bird}
• Rayna {queen}
• Rebel {maverick}
• Reese {fiery}
• Reign {sovereign}

• Rhett {advice}
• Riley {wood clearing}
• River {stream}
• Robin {bright}
• Rowan or Rowyn {reddish brown tree}
• Ryder {horsewoman}
• Rylan {island meadow}
• Rylee {courageous}
• Sadie {princess}
• Scout {explorer}
• Sofia {wisdom}
• Tansy {yellow flowers}
• Terra {earth}

More baby names for girls:

• 95 Beautiful Names for Rainbow Babies [Girls Edition]
• 175 Gorgeous Two Syllable Girl Names
• 250 Hippie Names for your Boho Baby

More articles related to preparing for your baby:

• 21 Diaper Bag Essentials | The Ultimate Checklist
• How Many Swaddles Do I Need — and Which Ones are Best?
• Boho Baby Shower Decor {DIY a Stunning Party!}

Final thoughts on choosing a short girl’s name

Hopefully, you’ve found a few lead contenders on this mega list of short girl names, or at least come away with some baby name inspiration.

Whether you prefer a style that’s trendy, cute, gender-neutral, lively, nature-inspired, strong, spiritual, regal, vintage, timeless, or uncommon, all of these short baby names are precious choices.

Congratulations and good luck choosing the perfect short name for your daughter!

If you liked this list of girl names, email it to your partner! (Or to yourself to come back to later!)

300+ Short Girl Names for Modern Babies