Names ending in a

Madina is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic tradition, it means 'city' and holds special significance as 'Al-Madina' refers to Medina, the holy city of Islam. In Slavic languages, particularly Russian, it's derived from Magdalene with connections to 'magdala' meaning 'tower.' The name is popular across diverse regions including Central Asia, the Caucasus, Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe. Madina carries connotations of civilization, spirituality, and strength depending on the cultural context. With its melodic three syllables and soft consonants, the name has a gentle yet distinctive sound. The name's cross-cultural nature makes it appealing to families with diverse backgrounds or those seeking a name with international resonance.

Madina

This state name emerged in the eighties along with westerners Dakota and Montana, and it's still used occasionally by high-profile parents such as Summer Phoenix and Casey Affleck. Action man Indiana Jones (played by Harrison Ford) makes Indiana "Indy" forever cool for a boy.

Indiana

One of those short, punchy names with its roots in a variety of different cultures and languages, Rina is sister to names like Mina, Mira, Lina, and Nina. Retro in feel, but never overused in the US, it peaked in 1980 when it was given to 90 girls. 
 
As a pan-European name, used in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond, Rina may be considered a short form that has become a name in its own right. Usually said to derive from Catherine and its variants (Katerina, Catherina, Catharina, and Ekaterina), it may also be considered a short form for a whole range of other names, including Carina, Serina, Marina, and Corina. 
 
From its Hebrew roots, Rina comes from rinna meaning "joy, singing, shouting", adding an upbeat and cheerful note to the name. In this case, Rinat would be another form.
 
As a Japanese name, Rina may be interpreted as meaning "white jasmine" or "village greens and vegetables" depending on which kanji elements are used. Familiar in Japan, it has been notably borne by actress Rina Aizaw, singer Rina Sawayama, and voice actress Rina Satō.
 
Additionally, Rina has its origins in Sanskrit and may be used as a Hindi and Marathi name. Also spelled as Reena, it comes from the Sanskrit word for "melted, dissolved".
 
Finally, it may be connected to Rena, a short form or variation of Renata and Renee, ultimately meaning "born again" in Latin.
 
Given to 77 girls in a recent year in the US (the highest number for several decades), the name is typically said as REE-na or REE-nuh, though the emphasis may vary depending on language and location. 

Hebrew: VariantRinat
Sanskrit: melted (also Reena)
Japanese: white jasmine; village+ greens, vegetables

Rina

A name that would lavish your child with adoration, a princess name--as in Princess Adora of She-Ra: Princess of Power.

Adora

One of the stellar unique baby names from mythology, Andromeda was the beautiful daughter of Cassiopeia who, like her mother, literally became a star--the constellation that bears her name.The Bohemian Andromeda makes a dramatic and adventurous choice in a time when four-syllable mythological names are gradually making their way into the mainstream.
 Andromeda Tonks (nee Black), is a Harry Potter character
 Cousin name Andromache belonged to the tragic wife of the Trojan Hector, appeared in Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida and was the subject of plays by Euripedes and Racine.

Andromeda

Audrina is a name that owes its fame to overnight reality TV sensation Audrina Partridge, one of the original cast of the MTV reality series The Hills.

Audrina

Azalia is a feminine name derived from azalea, the vibrant flowering shrub whose name originates from Greek 'azaleos' meaning 'dry' (ironically, as the plant thrives in moisture). This botanical name carries exotic flair and natural beauty, evoking images of colorful blossoms. Azalia offers a slight variation from the more common spelling Azalea, giving it a unique quality while maintaining the floral connection. The name has never been widely popular but has seen modest usage in the United States and Spanish-speaking countries. With the rising popularity of flower names and names ending in '-ia,' Azalia appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet recognizable botanical name with cross-cultural appeal and a melodic sound pattern.

Azalia

Debora is the Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian form of Deborah, a name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'bee.' In the Old Testament, Debora (Deborah) was a respected prophetess and judge who helped lead the Israelites to victory. The name carries connotations of wisdom, leadership, and industriousness—qualities associated with bees. While the anglicized Deborah peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, the Debora variant maintains popularity in Latin countries and among Hispanic communities. This spelling gives the name a slightly softer, more melodic quality than its English counterpart. Debora blends biblical heritage with a touch of Mediterranean or Latin flair, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth but distinctive international character.

Debora

Delta is an unusual vintage option, blending the sounds of Della and Etta. The fourth letter of the Greek alphabet and a geographical term, used to describe an island formed at the mouth of a river, some may be put off by Delta's links the airline company of COVID variant on the same name.
 
Borne by singer Delta Goodrem and actress Delta Burke, it was given to around 80 girls in a recent year.

Delta

Ilyana is a feminine name with Slavic origins, representing a variant of Ileana or an elaboration of Ilya. Its roots connect to the Greek name Helios, meaning "sun" or "sunlight," giving the name bright, radiant associations. This melodic name is found across Eastern European cultures, particularly in Russian, Ukrainian, and Bulgarian communities. The spelling variant with 'y' adds a distinctive touch to the more traditional Iliana or Ileana forms. While not among the most common names in Western countries, Ilyana has gained appreciation for its exotic feel and flowing sounds. The name evokes a sense of mystique and beauty, often associated with Slavic folklore heroines. Ilyana offers parents a name with authentic cultural depth that remains accessible to English speakers.

Ilyana

Malaika is a feminine name of Swahili and Arabic origins, meaning 'angel' or 'good spirit.' In Swahili-speaking regions of East Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania, it's a commonly used name that carries spiritual significance. The name gained international recognition partly through the popular Swahili love song 'Malaika,' which has been covered by numerous international artists since the 1960s. While not widely used in Western countries, Malaika has seen some growth in multicultural communities. Parents are drawn to its melodic sound, meaningful etymology, and exotic yet accessible quality. The name combines spiritual depth with a gentle pronunciation that works well across linguistic boundaries.

Malaika

Manha is a Muslim name given to about 100 baby girls in the US last year.

Manha

Short and feminine, Ria has a rhythmic flow. 

Alyza is a feminine name that appears to be a modern variation of Aliza, which has Hebrew origins meaning "joy" or "joyful." The distinctive 'y' spelling gives the name a contemporary feel while maintaining its melodic quality. Alyza may also be considered a creative variant of the name Eliza or Alisa. With its flowing sound and elegant construction, Alyza offers a blend of familiarity and uniqueness. The name has a cross-cultural appeal, resonating with naming trends in various communities while remaining relatively uncommon. Alyza's rising usage reflects contemporary preferences for names that sound traditional but have distinctive spellings. The name conveys a sense of gentle femininity balanced with a modern sensibility.

Alyza

Ameena is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning "trustworthy," "faithful," or "honest." It's derived from the masculine name Ameen (or Amin), which shares the same meaning and comes from the Arabic root word for peace and security. Ameena is popular throughout the Muslim world and has gained recognition internationally as global naming patterns have diversified. The name is appreciated for its beautiful sound, meaningful connotations, and relative ease of pronunciation across different languages. Ameena carries positive associations with integrity and reliability, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name with both spiritual significance and universal appeal. Various spelling variations include Amina, Aminah, and Ameenah.

Ameena

Lilting and pretty, but with plenty of substance, Amila is a name that works easily in different cultures. Similar in sound to international favorites, Amelia and Mila, it feels familiar but with a twist. 
 
As with many names that travel well, Amila has multiple origins. As a Sri Lankan name, it derives from the Sinhalese from "valuable" whereas as a Bosnian name, it is used as a feminine form of the Arabic Amil, meaning "hard work". There's also the possibility that it might be used as a contracted form of Amelia, which has the similar meaning of "work", or as an elaborated from of the Slavic Mila, meaning "gracious, dear".
 
Amila was given to 84 babies in 2024.

Amila

This animal-themed name is among the most popular for girls in contemporary Israel. Parents who want to move beyond the mega-popular Aliyah and sisters might want to consider Ayala. The male form is Ayal.

Ayala

Naira has several possible origins. It could be an alternative spelling of the Indian name Nyra, or from nayra, meaning "early" or "eye" in the Aymara language of South America. It can also be short for names like Aneria and Zunairah — or an invention by parents looking for a fresh twist on Nora and Lyra. In any case, it's a breezy, modern-sounding name with lots of potential.

Naira is also the currency of Nigeria.

Naira

There are a dizzying number of varieties of the Arabic name Leila or Layla, two of the most popular versions, with Lela one of the rarer, given to fewer than 100 baby girls in the US each year. Pronunciation and spelling can be a challenge, so if you choose this simple, lovely name, you will be explaining it much more often than you want to.

Lela

Lipa is a versatile name with multiple cultural origins. In Slavic contexts, it's a masculine name derived from the word for 'linden tree,' a symbol of friendship and peace in many Eastern European cultures. In Yiddish communities, Lipa functions as a diminutive of Lipman, meaning 'lover of peace' or 'man of peace.' The name has historic usage particularly in Jewish communities across Eastern Europe. While not widely common internationally, Lipa retains usage in Poland, Russia, and among Jewish families with Eastern European heritage. The name carries a gentle sound with its soft consonants and balanced syllables, along with positive associations of tranquility and natural beauty through its connection to either peace or the beloved linden tree.