Names ending in ia
- Xenia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"hospitable, welcoming, guest"Description:
The name of a Christian saint and a city in Ohio, Xenia is one of the more accessible and intriguing x names. It is the name of one of the Bond Girls--played by Famke Janssen in the film "GoldenEye."
- Caia
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of CaiusMeaning:
"to rejoice"Description:
Caia Caecilia was the Roman Goddess of fire and women. The name Caia would make a truly fresh alternative to the flagging Maya, with which it rhymes.
- Kassia
Origin:
Spelling variation of Cassia, GreekMeaning:
"cinnamon"Description:
Kassia is the k-styled spelling variation of rising star name Cassia, an obscure but attractive botanical choice drawn from the cassia tree, which produces a cinnamon-like spice. The biblical Keziah is related.
- Ferdia
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"man of smoke; man of god"Description:
The meaning of this rare Irish name is not fully known. It may mean "man of god", or else derive from an element meaning "smoke". In Irish mythology, this was the name of a warrior who was killed by his friend Cúchulainn. Vikings actor Ferdia Walsh-Peelo is a famous bearer.
- Ofelia
Description:
Ofelia is a feminine name with roots in ancient Greek literature, derived from the name Ophelia. It originated from the Greek word 'ophelos,' meaning 'help' or 'benefit.' This name gained literary prominence through Shakespeare's character in 'Hamlet.' The Spanish and Italian variant Ofelia has been particularly popular in Hispanic and Mediterranean cultures. Throughout history, it has conveyed a sense of tragic beauty and poetic elegance. In modern times, Ofelia has experienced renewed interest as parents seek names with classical origins and rich cultural significance. The name carries an air of sophistication and timeless appeal, with a hint of dramatic flair.
- Theophania
Origin:
GreekDescription:
This ancient name, belonging to a Byzantine empress, may be difficult for a modern child to carry, though it can be an original way to get to cute nickname Thea or even Theo or Teddie. The English variation Tiffany may be more wearable, but with a much less elegant image.
- Avia
Origin:
Latin, HebrewMeaning:
"bird; God is my father"Description:
Avia is one of those multi-cultural, vowel-heavy girls' names so popular today, along with such choices as Ayla and Aya.
- Auria
Origin:
American variation of Aurelia or Aria, LatinMeaning:
"the golden one or air"Description:
Auria is a highly unusual choice with a pleasant aura. As cousin names Aurelia and Aurora become more prominent, Auria is getting some attention too. About 50 baby girls were called Auria in the US last year.
- Ottavia
Origin:
Italian, variation of Latin OctaviaMeaning:
"eight"Description:
Softer and more romantic than Octavia, this is a name once used when it wasn't uncommon for families to have eight children. A possible substitute for the epidemically popular Olivia.
- Leticia
Origin:
Spanish form of Letitia or Laetitia, LatinMeaning:
"joy, happiness"Description:
Playful but elegant with a cheerful meaning, Leticia is the Spanish form of the English Letitia and the Latin Laetitia. Popular in Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, and a familiar choice in Spain, it has also made the Top 1000 in the US and the UK in the past.
- Flavia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"golden, blond"Description:
An ancient Roman clan name, Flavia is one choice that's unusual but historic. Now a Top 60 name in Italy, Flavia has been a rarity in the US, but with the upswing in F names for girls, this could change. Seen more in literature than real life, Flavia was used as far back as an1580 romance, then in a William Dean Howells novel and as a Princess in The Prisoner of Zenda. Although the original pronunciation is FLAH-via, Flavie (as in flavor) could make a cute nickname.
- Zaria
Origin:
African place-name, variant of Zahra, ArabicMeaning:
"rose; to shine, to bloom"Description:
Zaria, the name of the Nigerian capital city, could be another Z name for parents to consider. It currently ranks lower than variations Zariah and Zariyah.
- Olívia
Description:
Olívia is the Portuguese and Hungarian form of Olivia, derived from Latin meaning 'olive tree,' a symbol of peace and fertility in Mediterranean cultures. The name carries the same elegant, classical associations as its English counterpart but with a distinctive accent that influences its pronunciation. In Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Portugal, as well as in Hungary, Olívia ranks among popular choices for baby girls. The accent mark creates a slightly different emphasis that distinguishes it from the English version while maintaining the name's inherent femininity and grace. Like Olivia, it evokes images of natural beauty and Mediterranean heritage, with literary connections through Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night.'
- Callaia
Origin:
English, GreekMeaning:
"beauty"Description:
A spin on Calia or Calla, with a lot of fashionable sounds.
- Zenobia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"force of Zeus"Description:
With historical roots as a beautiful and intelligent ancient queen and literary ties to Hawthorne and Edith Wharton novels, this rarity could appeal to adventurous parents seeking the romantically unusual. Tina Fey used it as her daughter Alice's middle name.
- Sophronia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"sensible, prudent"Description:
A name some people first encountered in the old children's book series The Five Little Peppers, in which Sophronia, the youngest of the Peppers is nicknamed Phronsie.`It was also used by Dickens in two of his novels: The Old Curiosity Shop and Our Mutual Friend.
- Cerelia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"relating to springtime"Description:
Cerelia is a melodic and unusual choice, perfect for a child born in April or May. Another version is Cerella.
- Filia
Description:
Filia is a feminine name with Latin origins, directly translating to 'daughter.' This elegant name carries historical significance in Roman culture, where familial connections were emphasized through naming traditions. Throughout history, Filia has been used in various European countries, though it remains relatively uncommon as a given name. It has connections to the word 'filial,' relating to the relationship between parent and child. In modern usage, Filia appeals to parents seeking a name with classical roots and meaningful etymology. Its simplicity, combined with its profound meaning of family connection, gives Filia a timeless quality that transcends trends while remaining distinctive and sophisticated.
- Anthemia
Description:
Anthemia is a rare feminine name with Greek roots, derived from 'anthemon' meaning 'flower' or 'blossom.' It shares origins with words like 'anthology' (a collection of flowers) and 'chrysanthemum.' This elegant, classical-sounding name has never been widely used but carries the beautiful imagery of flowering and abundance. Historically, Anthemius was a masculine name in ancient Greece and Byzantine times, with Anthemia being its feminine form. The name evokes images of spring, renewal, and natural beauty. Despite its melodic quality and meaningful etymology, Anthemia remains uncommon, making it an distinctive choice for parents seeking a feminine name with classical roots and floral associations.
- Noelia
Origin:
Spanish, feminine variation of NoelDescription:
This name of an admired Puerto Rican pop singer has been picked up by hundreds of Hispanic parents.
