Names ending in a
Across 500 pages
of 500
Iida
Finnish form of Ida
"industrious one"
For an American girl, the double "I" might be a problem as a child, but an attention-getting talking point as an adult.
Majora
Modern invented name
Majora's Mask was the title of a lauded Nintendo 64 game in the Legend of Zelda series, in which Majora was the main villain. The character's name was reportedly coined by the game's art director,…
Atria
Star name, Latin
"entry hall"
A star in the constellation Triangulum Australe, also the name of a publishing imprint and an assisted living corporation, probably because it has that streamlined corporate I-could-be-a-car-name…
Cocoa
Color and food name
Do everyone a favor and spell it Coco, an up-and-coming choice.
Krizia
Italian, diminutive of Lucrezia, Roman family name
Krizia is a stylish Italian clothing and handbag designer and manufacturer. The name is an interesting alternative to all those old Cris/Kris-starting names. Krizia is one of those Italian names for…
Naroa
Basque
"abundant"
A popular name among the Basques--in some areas its meaning is "tranquil, peaceful"--this would make a highly original and attractive choice here.
Kiranda
American invented name
A really inventive invented name, with a little of this and a little of that. Has a somewhat rhythmic African feel.
Mattolina
Italian
"woodlark"
If you're looking for an international nature name in disguise, here's a distinctive avian opportunity.
Akasha
Hindi
"ether"
This Hindi name for the fifth element, related to the male Akash which means "open sky," was used by Anne Rice in her Vampire Chronicles .
Pecola
Literary name
Name of the winning young heroine of Toni Morrison's first novel, The Bluest Eye .
Caricia
Caricia is a feminine name derived from the Spanish word 'caricia' meaning 'caress' or 'gentle touch'. This lovely name carries inherent connotations of tenderness, affection, and warmth. While…
Dovizia
Italian
"wealth"
A medieval Italian name that could work in modern times.
Alegría
Alegría is a beautiful feminine Spanish name derived directly from the Spanish word for "joy" or "happiness." Its Latin roots trace back to 'alacer,' meaning "lively" or "animated." The name embodies…
Kafka
Czech
"jackdaw"
Murakami's Kafka on the Shore features a character named after the famous Czech author of The Metamorphoses .
Canna
Italian
"cane, reed"
Not as well known as Calla Lilies, the Canna Lily is a tropical plant with large leaves and showy flowers; there was a 6th century Welsh Saint Canna, and it's also the name of a Scottish island.
Deltha
American, modern invention
This unusual name belonging to three generations of Deltha Lee O'Neals, the third being a football cornerback for the New England Patriots, could equally--or better--be used for a girl.
Maña
Maña is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. In Spanish contexts, it could be related to the word 'maña' meaning 'skill' or 'cleverness.' In Hindi and Sanskrit traditions,…
Rihanna
Arabic
"sweet basil"
Many will associate Rihanna with the Barbados-born singer, known mononymously by her middle name. During her early years of fame, when "Umbrella" was on the radio and "Take a Bow" was playing through…
Lindezza
Italian, meaning unknown
This could make a sizzly Latinate namesake for Aunt Linda.
Aurinda
American invented name
"gold"
The Early Americans invented names too, sometimes variations of classical or biblical favorites. This one appears in Colonial rosters; the Aur beginning is Latin and means "gold."