Short baby names are always popular: they’re easy to learn, simple to spell, and pair beautifully with longer middle or last names. Today’s list focuses on distinctive 4-letter girl names and some lovely 5-letter options as well. While familiar short names like Mia and Ava are common, this selection highlights less typical choices that still feel sweet, modern, and easygoing.
Below are some favorites, but first a quick note from our reader:
Alyssa, who already has a daughter named Isla and is expecting a second girl this winter, shared what she and her husband like in a name:
“My husband and I love shorter names (4–5 letters). He prefers more feminine, familiar names while I lean toward unique, uncommon choices. Some names we’re considering are Miko, Yara, Maura (me) and Lucy, Daisy, Norah (him). Please help!”
Beautiful and Unique 4 Letter Girl Names
Four-letter names capture the sweet, concise quality many parents love while often remaining uncommon. Several below are gentle variations on familiar favorites, offering a fresh feel without straying too far from recognizable sounds.
Many of these names end in soft “a” or “y” sounds, giving them a light, melodic quality:
- Alba
- Alma
- Brea
- Cora
- Edie
- Emry
- Esme
- Etta
- Faye
- Ines
- Ivey
- Leni
- Lula
- Macy
- Mila
- Naya
- Nori
- Rhea
- Riva
- Roma
- Romy
- Ruby
- Vera
- Viva
These picks offer subtle twists on popular names—Etta or Esme for an Emma-like vibe, Lula as a softer alternative to Lucy, or Nori and Naya as fresh options alongside Norah. They feel familiar enough to be approachable but distinctive enough to stand out.
Great 5 Letter Baby Girl Names
Five-letter names still keep that compact, easy-to-say charm while offering a touch more variety. Some of these are rising in popularity, and others provide a modern alternative to well-known classics—Livia as a sleeker cousin to Olivia or Della as a vintage-tinged counterpart to Ella.
Favorites among five-letter choices include:
- Amina
- Anisa
- Bloom
- Della
- Emmie
- Ettie
- Gemma
- Jovie
- Laney
- Leona
- Livia
- Maeve
- Marci
- Maren
- Ottie
- Pearl
- Penny
- Sadie
- Tessa
- Tilda
- Twyla
- Willa
Several of these also work well as nicknames for longer names if you prefer a short everyday name with a more formal full name:
- Matilda (Tilda)
- Adella (Della)
- Ottilie (Ottie)
- Esmerelda (Emmie or Esme)
What are your favorite 4 letter girl names and 5 letter girl names?
Do you have short girl names you love that aren’t on this list? Share your favorites below—whether four or five letters, classic or unexpected, we’d love to hear them.
More Baby Name Ideas
- Last Names As First Names For Girls
- Girl Names with Gender Neutral Nicknames
- Girl Names That End in “A”
- Unique Old Fashioned Baby Names
Congratulations, Alyssa! Wishing you and your family the best as you decide on a name for your new baby.
If you’re expecting or adopting and would like to apply to be part of the series, please fill out the form about your situation and name preferences.