80 Perfect Three-Letter Baby Names for Your Little One
Short, sweet, and effortlessly stylish—three letter baby names are perfect for modern parents who love minimalism with meaning. As a mom of 5, I've learned that simple names often have the biggest impact. While some of my friends chose elaborate names they later regretted when their toddlers struggled to spell them, I've always been drawn to the elegance of brevity. Three letter baby names are easy for little ones to write, impossible for teachers to mispronounce, and they age beautifully from playground to boardroom.
Whether you're just starting to plan for your little one's arrival or already have your baby registry checklist sorted, choosing the perfect name is one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy.
Below are 80 carefully selected names, each with their meaning, origin, and a notable association—because choosing the perfect name for your baby deserves all the insight you can get.
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Three-Letter Baby GIRL Names
1. Ada
Meaning: Noble
Origin: German
Association: Ada Lovelace, early computer programmer
2. Ava
Meaning: Life or bird
Origin: Latin
Association: Ava Gardner, Hollywood actress
3. Ivy
Meaning: Faithfulness
Origin: English
Association: Ivy plant, symbol of fidelity
4. Eve
Meaning: Life
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Biblical first woman
5. Mia
Meaning: Mine or beloved
Origin: Italian/Scandinavian
Association: Mia Farrow, actress
6. May
Meaning: The month of May
Origin: English
Association: Springtime, Maia the Roman goddess
7. Joy
Meaning: Happiness
Origin: English
Association: Common virtue name
8. Zoe
Meaning: Life
Origin: Greek
Association: Popular modern girl's name
9. Amy
Meaning: Beloved
Origin: French/Latin
Association: Little Women character, Amy March
10. Meg
Meaning: Pearl (short for Margaret)
Origin: Greek
Association: Meg March from Little Women
11. Liv
Meaning: Life
Origin: Norse
Association: Liv Tyler, actress
12. Ali
Meaning: Exalted (also unisex)
Origin: Arabic
Association: Ali MacGraw, actress
13. Tia
Meaning: Aunt; princess
Origin: Spanish/Greek
Association: Used in various cultures
14. Una
Meaning: One
Origin: Latin
Association: Symbol of unity
15. Kai
Meaning: Sea
Origin: Hawaiian
Association: Nature-inspired and unisex
16. Luz
Meaning: Light
Origin: Spanish
Association: Religious name, often paired with Maria
17. Ann
Meaning: Grace
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Classic and timeless
18. Kim
Meaning: Ruler or noble
Origin: English
Association: Kim Novak, actress
19. Aya
Meaning: Colorful; bird; miracle
Origin: Japanese/Hebrew/Arabic
Association: Multicultural appeal
20. Sal
Meaning: Peace (short for Sally or Salome)
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Biblical figure Salome
21. Liz
Meaning: God is my oath
Origin: English (short for Elizabeth)
Association: Liz Taylor, actress
22. Bea
Meaning: Bringer of happiness
Origin: Latin
Association: Saint Beatrice
23. Jae
Meaning: Respect or jaybird
Origin: Korean/English
Association: Fresh and modern
24. Rue
Meaning: Herb or regret
Origin: English/Greek
Association: The Hunger Games character
25. Noa
Meaning: Motion
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Popular in Israel for girls
26. Sky
Meaning: Sky
Origin: English
Association: Nature name
27. Ora
Meaning: Light
Origin: Latin
Association: Vintage name
28. Lux
Meaning: Light
Origin: Latin
Association: Stylish and sleek
29. Nia
Meaning: Purpose
Origin: Swahili
Association: One of the Kwanzaa principles
30. Dot
Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: Greek
Association: Short for Dorothy
31. Lia
Meaning: Bearer of good news or weary
Origin: Hebrew/Greek
Association: Variation of Leah or Julia
32. Eli
Meaning: Ascended
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Traditionally male, now also unisex
33. Dee
Meaning: Swarthy or dark
Origin: English
Association: Often a nickname
34. Jan
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Dutch/Hebrew
Association: Common in Europe
35. Bae
Meaning: Inspiration
Origin: Korean
Association: Modern slang for loved one
36. Cal
Meaning: Devotion (short for Callie or Calista)
Origin: Greek
Association: Casual and strong
37. Ira
Meaning: Watchful
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Unisex biblical name
38. Gia
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Italian
Association: Chic and international
39. Mel
Meaning: Honey or dark
Origin: Greek
Association: Short for Melissa or Melanie
40. Una
Meaning: One, unique
Origin: Latin
Association: Symbol of oneness
three letter baby Boys/Unisex names
41. Leo
Meaning: Lion
Origin: Latin
Association: Zodiac sign; Pope Leo
42. Max
Meaning: Greatest
Origin: Latin
Association: Short for Maximilian or Maxwell
43. Eli
Meaning: Ascended
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Biblical figure
44. Sam
Meaning: God has heard
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Short for Samuel or Samantha
45. Ben
Meaning: Son
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Short for Benjamin
46. Tom
Meaning: Twin
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Short for Thomas
47. Ray
Meaning: Wise protector
Origin: Germanic
Association: Ray Charles
48. Ted
Meaning: Wealthy guardian
Origin: English
Association: Short for Theodore
49. Jay
Meaning: Jaybird
Origin: English
Association: Nature-inspired
50. Jon
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Short for Jonathan or John
51. Joe
Meaning: God will increase
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Classic and dependable
52. Hal
Meaning: Home ruler
Origin: English
Association: Short for Harold or Henry
53. Art
Meaning: Bear man
Origin: Celtic
Association: Short for Arthur
54. Tim
Meaning: Honoring God
Origin: Greek
Association: Short for Timothy
55. Ace
Meaning: One; unity
Origin: Latin
Association: Bold and confident
56. Ash
Meaning: Ash tree
Origin: English
Association: Unisex nature name
57. Bev
Meaning: Beaver stream
Origin: English
Association: Short for Beverly
58. Rob
Meaning: Bright fame
Origin: Germanic
Association: Short for Robert
59. Ken
Meaning: Born of fire
Origin: Scottish
Association: Barbie's Ken
60. Ron
Meaning: Song of joy
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Ron Weasley
61. Lou
Meaning: Renowned warrior
Origin: French
Association: Short for Louis or Louise
62. Cal
Meaning: Devotion
Origin: Latin/Scottish
Association: Cowboy charm
63. Gus
Meaning: Great or majestic
Origin: Latin
Association: Short for Augustus or Angus
64. Ned
Meaning: Wealthy guardian
Origin: English
Association: Vintage charm
65. Ike
Meaning: He will laugh
Origin: Hebrew
Association: President Eisenhower
66. Jax
Meaning: Son of Jack
Origin: Modern American
Association: Cool and edgy
67. Kit
Meaning: Carrier of Christ
Origin: Greek
Association: Short for Christopher
68. Bo
Meaning: To live
Origin: Scandinavian
Association: Bo Jackson
69. Mac
Meaning: Son of
Origin: Scottish/Irish
Association: Gaelic naming tradition
70. Red
Meaning: Red-haired
Origin: English
Association: Nickname-style name
71. Alf
Meaning: Elf counsel
Origin: Old English
Association: Short for Alfred
72. Dom
Meaning: Belonging to the Lord
Origin: Latin
Association: Short for Dominic
73. Bud
Meaning: Friend
Origin: English
Association: Friendly nickname
74. Dex
Meaning: Right-handed; fortunate
Origin: Latin
Association: Dexter TV series
75. Cam
Meaning: Crooked nose (Cameron)
Origin: Scottish
Association: Short, strong name
76. Lev
Meaning: Heart
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Spiritual and bold
77. Rio
Meaning: River
Origin: Spanish/Portuguese
Association: Bright, adventurous
78. Ali
Meaning: Exalted
Origin: Arabic
Association: Muhammad Ali
79. Sid
Meaning: Wide meadow
Origin: English
Association: Short for Sidney
80. Ari
Meaning: Lion; eagle
Origin: Hebrew/Norse
Association: Bold and smooth
Wrapping It Up for Three-Letter Baby Names
After exploring all these options, the decision might feel overwhelming. Here's what matters most: trust your instincts. Say the name out loud with your last name. Does it flow naturally? Consider your family's cultural background and values—maybe Ada fits your German heritage, or Ivy reflects your love of nature.
Three-letter names are perfect short baby girl names, whether you prefer cute baby girl names or unique baby girl names. Consider how your choice pairs with middle names for baby girls, and explore beautiful baby girl names or rare baby girl names for something special.
Remember, there's no perfect name—only the perfect name for your family. Once your baby arrives, the name becomes completely theirs. You're giving them something strong, clear, and memorable. When they're signing autographs someday, they'll appreciate you keeping it short and sweet!
