Names ending in a

Marella is an Italian name that feels at once unique and familiar, which may either be the best or worst of both worlds, depending on your preference.

Only a few dozen baby girls were named Marella or Marilla in the most recent year counted in the US, so this could make an unusual honor name for grandma Mary or Maria.

Marella

Marialena is a "smoosh" name used in Greece, often with Maria Eleni as the official name on the birth certificate.

Marialena

Robust and energetic with an even blend of spikiness and elegance, Mariska is a diminutive of Maria, notably used in Hungary and The Netherlands. Internationally, it was brought into the spotlight by Law & Order actress, Mariska Hargitay.
 The meaning of Maria (and therefore Mariska) is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew root mar and yam); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr), though "wished for child" and "mother" are sometimes suggested too.
 
Familiar in The Netherlands and South African, it is a rare choice in the US, where it was given to just 14 girls in a recent year. It did however have a slight surge in popularity between 2006 and 2010, following Hagitay's appearance on the popular TV drama, peaking in 2007 when it was given to 107 girls.
 
Also borne by Dutch singer, Mariska Veres, it is pronounced as MAW-ree-shkaw in Hungarian and ma-RIS-ka in Dutch, the latter being the more intuitive among English speakers too.

Mariska

Marlaina is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Marlena or an elaboration of Marlene. Its roots trace back to the combination of 'Mary' and 'Magdalene,' referring to the biblical figure Mary Magdalene. The name carries a romantic, slightly exotic flair with its distinctive spelling. While never achieving widespread popularity, Marlaina saw modest usage in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. The name strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness—recognizable in structure but uncommon enough to stand out. Marlaina offers the appealing nicknames Marla or Laina, providing versatility. Its flowing sound pattern and romantic overtones give it an elegant quality that appeals to parents seeking something melodic yet distinctive.

Marlaina

Marvella is a feminine name derived from Latin, essentially meaning 'wonderful' or 'miraculous.' It combines 'marvelous' with a feminine ending, creating an elegant and expressive name. Popular in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s, Marvella has since become less common but retains its distinctive charm. The name carries connotations of wonder, beauty, and amazement. In some Spanish-speaking cultures, similar variations like Maribella exist. Marvella might appeal to parents who appreciate vintage names with positive meanings and a touch of romance. Its uncommon status gives it a special quality while still being recognizable and pronounceable.

Marvella

Melaina is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from 'melania' meaning 'black' or 'dark.' In Greek mythology, Melaina was an epithet of Demeter, connecting the name to themes of earth, fertility, and the changing seasons. The name carries an elegant, flowing quality with its three melodious syllables (meh-LAY-nah). While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Melaina offers a more distinctive alternative to the popular Melanie, which shares the same linguistic roots. The name has a sophisticated, classical feel that appeals to parents drawn to names with mythological connections and Greek heritage. Its uncommon status combined with relatively straightforward pronunciation gives Melaina a balance of uniqueness and accessibility.

Melaina

Menna is used regularly in Wales in modern times. Its origins are uncertain: perhaps created by a poet, or possibly connected with the Menai Strait that separates the island of Anglesey from mainland Wales. Either way, it's pretty, straightforward, and honor Welsh heritage without screaming it.

Menna

Migdalia is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, derived from the place name Migdal or Magdala, meaning 'tower' or 'elevated, magnificent.' The biblical town of Magdala was located on the Sea of Galilee and is associated with Mary Magdalene. The name carries connotations of strength, dignity, and resilience. Migdalia is particularly popular in Hispanic communities, especially in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. It has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and soft ending. While not among the most common names in the United States, it remains a cherished cultural name that balances uniqueness with traditional roots. Women named Migdalia might use the nicknames Mig, Migda, or Dalia.

Migdalia

A cute and lively name that, if you ignore the pronunciation issues, would be an excellent way to get to the trendy nickname Millie.

Milica

Momina is a feminine name of Arabic origin that carries beautiful meanings including 'believer,' 'faithful,' and 'trustworthy.' The name derives from the Arabic word 'mu'min' meaning one who has faith. Popular in Muslim communities across South Asia, particularly in Pakistan, as well as in Middle Eastern countries, Momina has gained appreciation for its melodious sound and spiritual significance. The name embodies qualities of loyalty, devotion, and spiritual strength. While traditionally used in Islamic contexts, Momina has begun to cross cultural boundaries in recent decades, appreciated for its gentle pronunciation and meaningful etymology.

Momina

Mykayla is a modern feminine name representing a creative spelling variant of Michaela, which is the female form of Michael, derived from Hebrew meaning 'who is like God?' This contemporary spelling emerged in the late 20th century as parents sought unique variations of traditional names. Mykayla gained notable popularity in the United States during the 1990s and early 2000s, coinciding with a trend toward distinctive name spellings. The substitution of 'y' for 'i' and the modified ending give the name a personalized feel while maintaining the recognizable pronunciation. Mykayla peaked in usage around 2000-2010 but has since become less common. The name carries the spiritual significance of its root name while offering a more modern aesthetic.

Mykayla

This female form of Nathan can be pronounced with three syllables or four, and could make an interesting alternative to Natalia.

Natania

Nathania is a feminine name derived from the Hebrew name Nathan, which means "gift from God" or "He has given." This elegant variation maintains the biblical connection while adding a feminine ending. Though relatively uncommon, Nathania has historical usage across several cultures and carries the gravitas of its biblical origins with a gentle, feminine sound. The name can be found occasionally throughout history but has never reached widespread popularity, making it an distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with religious significance that remains uncommon. Nathania offers the attractive possibility of the nickname Nadia or Thania. With its melodic quality and meaningful etymology, Nathania presents a balance of traditional roots and uncommon elegance.

Nathania

Nazira

Could be the next Nova, now that celestial baby names are in the ascendent.

Nebula

An obscure yet on-trend name with two wonderful meanings associated with it. Neoma is one of the freshest celestial girl names with moon-related meanings, rarer than Luna or Phoebe but with the same fluid sound.

 Despite being a hot name on Nameberry, Neoma is given to only a handful of baby girls per year in the US, although it enjoyed a little more popularity in the first four decades of the twentieth century, reaching Number 664 in 1907.

 Neoma's derivation is twofold. It is a Latinized variant of the Hebrew name Naomi, meaning "pleasantness". It also means "new moon" in Greek, from neo "new, young" plus mene "moon".

Neoma

An offbeat possible replacement for the overused Melissa and Marisa, Nerissa was used by Shakespeare for Portia's witty confidante in The Merchant of Venice. Queen Elizabeth has a cousin named Nerissa.

Nerissa

Netta ranked in the US Top 1000 in the 1880s, when it was often used as a short form of names such as Jeanette, Annette, and Antoinette. In Jewish families, Netta was typically seen as a variation of the Hebrew name Neta.

Netta

Nidia

This Indian name, most used by the Hindi community, is perhaps best known through Niharika Konidela, a well-known Indian actress.