If you're looking for a strong baby name, a one-syllable girl name could be the way to go. Why waste time on a long baby name when you could go for something short and sweet instead? Like one syllable boy names, one-syllable girl names can include everything from modern baby girl names to old-fashioned girls name options, the choice really is endless.
If you've got a lengthy surname, a one-syllable girl name will pair with it perfectly, and there's also less chance of it being developed into a nickname that you might not like when the first name has just one syllable. It'll certainly make learning to write it easier for your child too! Whether it's for a first name or middle name, we've gathered together 50 of our favourites with meanings for you to consider.
Popular one-syllable girl names
These names are popular so you've probably heard them before, as they're more traditional names that many people choose for their child.
• Anne - An old-fashioned name that is actually derived from Hannah, meaning ‘grace’.
• Dawn - An English name, meaning ‘to become day’.
• Eve - Found in the Bible, this sweet name is Hebrew and means ‘life’.
• Jess - Typically shortened from the name Jessica which translates as "to behold".
• Jade - This unisex name is of Spanish origin and means "stone of the side".
• Kate - Often a shortened version of Katherine, this name means "pure".
• Grace - The name Grace is of Latin origin, meaning "goodness" and "generosity."In Greek mythology, Grace refers to the three Charites or Graces – goddesses of charm, beauty, and creativity.
• Claire - Claire is a gender-neutral name of French origin. It means "bright" or "clear" and is popular for both boys and girls.
• Beth - Beth is a girl's name of Hebrew roots, meaning “house.”
• Hope - Another English name, meaning "desire and expectation".
Nature-inspired one-syllable girl names
If you love nature and want your child to have the same adoration of the world around us, then a nature-inspired name could be a good option. Some of these sound like very modern baby girl names too.
• Brooke - An English name, this cute baby girl name meaning ‘small stream’.
• Dove - You'll recognise this name from the bird of the same name. Often used as a symbol of peace.
• Fern - A pretty baby girl name of old English origin which means "plant name".
• Jaz - Although it's usually a shortened name of Jasmine which means "fragrant flower", we reckon Jaz packs a punch all by itself!
•Lark - We love the meaning of this one - "playful songbird".
• Pearl - Commonly used in jewellery-making, this feminine name literally means "pearl".
• Sage - It probably won't surprise you that this name means "herb".
• Rose - If you're a fan of a floral baby name, it's derived from the Latin rosa.
• Rae - Believe it or not, this short name means "ewe".
• Ash - Ash is a gender-neutral name derived from the Hebrew title Asher, meaning “happy.” Nature lovers may also recognize this arboreal title from British origins, relating to the verdant ash tree.
• Wren - Old English, meaning "small bird". This popular name has been used for both boys and girls.
Gender-neutral one-syllable girl names
If you want something more unisex there are lots of one-syllable options that fit the bill.
• Blake - This unisex name is of old English origin, with several meanings including ‘pale-skinned’ 'bright' and ‘dark’.
• Bay - Bay is a gender-neutral name of British origin, enveloping those lucky to behold it with vitality and soothing energy. From the Middle English baye, Bay means "bathe" and celebrates the restorative energy of basking in beautiful depths.
• Greer - We bet you don't know many Greers! It's of Scottish origin meaning "alert" and "watchful".
• Kit - A gender-neutral baby name that is growing in popularity, it means "bearing Christ".
• Quinn - Beginning as an Irish surname which means "descendent of Conn", this is now a unique first name option for your name.
• Kay - The gender-neutral Greek name Kay means “pure.”
• Blue - This gender-neutral name has American and Old English roots, connecting baby to the iconic color.
• Reese - Spelt in different ways and suitable for both males and females, it means "enthusiasm" and "fire".
• Sloane - Hailing from Ireland, this gender-neutral name means "raider".
• Rue - Although it translates as both "herb" and "regret", we still think this is a great one-syllable name choice.
Cool one-syllable girl names
While we can't have favourites, we think these one-syllable baby names sound particularly cool.
• Bea - Usually short for Beatrice. Latin, meaning ‘blessed’ or ‘voyager’.
• Bree - An Irish baby girl name, we love the strong meanings of this name: "noble" and "power".
• Shae - A Celtic name that means "admirable".
• Skye - A Scottish girl name, from the large island of the same name in Scotland.
• Star - A celestial-themed name which means "star".
• Jules - Jules is a gender-neutral name of French origin. This name translates to “youthful” and can be a diminutive of many longer names, such as Julia, Julien, or Juliet.
More one-syllable girls names
There are so many more one-syllable girls names that are sure to be a great fit for your little one, here are a few more that we love.
• Faith - Derived from the Latin word fidere, meaning "to trust" or "loyalty".
• Jen - A variant of Jennifer and Jenny, this shortened name is of Welsh origin and means “fair one”.
• Joy - This happy name is of English origin and means as you would expect, joy!
• June - Your baby doesn't need to be born in June to have this name. It means "young".
• Love - There are a couple of meanings for this unique baby name: "full of affection" and "female wolf".
• Lynn - A name of French origin translates as "living near a lake or waterfall" so is great if you love your water!
• May - Another month name which means "gift of God".
• Maude - Also spelt Maud, this translates as "powerful battle".
• Niamh - A Gaelic baby name, meaning "brightness".
• Paige - Of English origin, this name means "page to a lord".
• True - The name of Khloe Kardashian's daughter, this name means "real" and "genuine".
• Belle - Belle is a feminine name of French origin, meaning “fair,” “beautiful,” and “lovely one.”
• Kat - Snappy and sweet, there's a lot to love about Kat. This Greek girl's name, a shortened form of Katherine and Catherine, means "pure."
We hope the above list has given you inspiration to choose your own one-syllable baby name for your new arrival, but if you're still stuck for ideas then check out our many baby name lists. It's a good idea to write down a few of your favourites, you could even decide which one fits your baby best once they arrive!
A journalist since 2015, Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for seven years. Emily writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility and maternal mental health. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.