Names ending in a

Letizia is a pretty Latin variation of Letitia; it's one of those <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/505/italian-names-for-girls">Italian names for girls</a> that makes the more familiar version feel less prissy and more appealing. Letizia was the first name of Napoleon's mother.

Letizia

Letta is a feminine name with multiple origins. It can be a diminutive of names ending in '-letta' such as Violetta or Carletta, or it may derive from the Greek 'Alethea' meaning 'truth.' In some cases, it's considered a variant of Letitia, meaning 'joy' or 'happiness.' This short, sweet name has a vintage charm that feels both dainty and approachable. Though never widely popular in the United States, Letta enjoyed modest usage in the early 20th century before declining. It carries a melodic quality with its soft consonants and ending vowel sound, making it appealing for parents seeking something feminine yet uncommon. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel despite its traditional roots.

Letta

Leva is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hebrew, it relates to "lioness," suggesting strength and courage. It also appears as a variant of Levi or as a Slavic name meaning "left-handed." In Sanskrit traditions, it connects to meanings of "embrace" or "heart." Leva has remained quite uncommon in English-speaking countries, maintaining an air of mystery and uniqueness. The name's brevity and melodic quality make it appealing for parents seeking something distinctive yet simple to pronounce. With its cross-cultural presence and gentle sound, Leva offers a rare choice that carries subtle strength and beauty without being widely recognized.

Leva

Antique girl names like Louise, Louisa, Loretta, and Etta are all on the rise, and Louetta is a hidden gem among them. Rumer Willis revived this vintage compound name for her daughter, Louetta Isley Thomas Willis in 2023.
 
Louetta, an elaborate diminutive of Lou or Louise, was used consistently from the 1910s-1960s' but has never been given to more than 50 baby girls in a single year. In fact, between 1979 and 2019, it didn't appear in the US stats at all and a recent year saw it given to just 7 babies while similar Luetta was chosen for 5.

Louetta

The modern French take on Luna, ranking in the French Top 100, but sure to cause confusion in the US.

Louna

Lucrezia is an elegant Italian feminine name with ancient Roman roots. Derived from the Latin family name Lucretius, it's associated with wealth and prosperity. The name gained prominence during the Renaissance, notably through Lucrezia Borgia, daughter of Pope Alexander VI. Despite controversial historical associations, the name embodies grace and nobility. Lucrezia has maintained steady popularity in Italy and is gaining appreciation internationally for its melodious sound and strong character. With nickname options like Luca or Zia, it offers versatility while maintaining its sophisticated essence. The name carries a timeless quality, blending classical heritage with contemporary appeal.

Lucrezia

Malynda is a feminine name that represents a creative spelling variation of Melinda or Malinda. With roots in languages including Greek, Spanish, and Hungarian, the name's meaning often connects to concepts of sweetness or honey (from Greek 'melissa'). The distinctive 'y' spelling gives this version a contemporary feel while maintaining the melodic three-syllable rhythm of the original. Malynda projects a gentle femininity with its soft consonants and flowing quality when spoken. While never among the most popular names, it enjoyed modest usage during the 1970s and 1980s when similar-sounding names were trending. The name strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, making it recognizable without being commonplace. It carries associations of warmth and approachability.

Malynda

Marcellina is one feminine form of the names derived from the ancient Roman Marcellus.  There was a Saint Marcellina who was a 4th century virgin and the only sister of Saint Ambrose.

Marcellina

Mar — Spanish for "sea" — was a fast-riser in 2022. The beautiful Marea, meaning "tide" certainly deserves consideration as well.

Marea

A beautiful combination of Maria and Stella. Marianela Núñez is an Argentine ballet dancer.

Marianela

A traditional smoosh name with a peaceful, religious feel.

Mariangela

Masina is a feminine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Samoan culture, it means 'moon' or 'moonlight,' evoking serene beauty and natural cycles. In Italian, it functions as a diminutive surname meaning 'little Masi,' while in African languages like Chewa, it can mean 'one who laughs' or 'happy one.' The name gained some recognition through Italian actress Giulietta Masina, Federico Fellini's wife and muse. Masina has a melodious quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowel pattern, creating a name that sounds both gentle and distinctive. Though relatively uncommon in Western naming practices, it offers cross-cultural appeal and a beautiful sound without being difficult to pronounce. The name's association with happiness and celestial beauty makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking something unique yet meaningful.

Masina

A sunny sounding name, Mayella is a smoosh name with various meanings, depending on which etymological root you follow for May. The name is perhaps most associated with Mayella Ewell in Harper Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, a character whose loneliness and desperation spark the main plot of the book. This may well put parents off using the name and it is only ever given to a handful of girls every year.
 
An alternative origin for Mayella is via Majella, the surname of the 18th century Italian saint, Gerard Majella (or Gerardo Mailella), who became the patron saint of pregnancy and childbirth. Used occasionally in Ireland, it derives from the name of a mountain in Italy.

Mayella

Medora is a Greek name much less common here than, say, Melanie or Melissa.  It has some literary references, including as the beautiful and passionate heroine of Lord Byron's poem The Corsair, and in Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, there is a character named Marchioness Melora Manson.

Medora

Australian opera singer Nellie Melba—self-named for her hometown of Melbourne—inspired this now-dated name more associated today with a peach dessert and dietetic toast. 

Melba

This variation of the Hebrew Elijah is used in various Balkan countries.

Ilija

Euphonic hybrid of the sounds of Melissa and Laura. Melora Hardin is an actress who was featured on The Office.

Melora

Micha is a feminine name with ancient Hebrew origins, though it's used across multiple cultures and genders. It's most commonly recognized as a shortened form of Michael (meaning "who is like God?") or Michaela. In German and Dutch-speaking regions, Micha is an established name in its own right, while in Hebrew contexts it relates to the biblical prophet Micah. The name has a soft, melodic quality while maintaining a sense of strength. Micha offers cultural versatility, fitting comfortably in diverse linguistic environments. Its brevity gives it a modern feel despite its ancient roots. While never reaching tremendous popularity in English-speaking countries, Micha has maintained steady usage, particularly appealing to parents seeking a name with spiritual connections that remains straightforward and approachable. The name balances uniqueness with recognizability, cultural depth with contemporary style.

Micha

Iokepa is a masculine Hawaiian name that is the Hawaiian form of Joseph, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'God will increase.' The name reflects Hawaii's unique linguistic traditions and cultural heritage, demonstrating how Biblical names were adapted into the Hawaiian language following European contact. Pronounced 'yo-KEH-pa,' it features the melodic vowel patterns characteristic of Hawaiian names. Iokepa remains primarily used within Hawaiian families and communities, representing cultural pride and connection to heritage. For Hawaiian families, choosing this name often reflects a desire to honor both ancestral traditions and family connections while celebrating the distinct cultural identity of Hawaii.

Iokepa

Milanna is a feminine name with a graceful, romantic quality. It appears to blend elements of names like Milan, Milena, and Anna, creating a melodic and elegant combination. While not traditionally common in English-speaking countries, it has gained some modest usage in recent decades. The name has Slavic overtones, though it's used across various European cultures. Milanna carries an international feel that works well across different language backgrounds. The '-anna' ending gives it a classic feminine quality while the 'Mil-' beginning feels fresh and distinctive. For parents seeking a name that sounds sophisticated and feminine without being overly common, Milanna offers an appealing option with its flowing syllables and subtle European flair.