English Names that Start With A

A strong, distinctive surname with a quaint meaning and rugged air, Arledge is associated with American sports broadcaster, Roone Arledge. It may hold contemporary appeal thanks to its similarities to Ledger and Arlo.
 
Also associated with two historical Native American structures in Ohio and with cinematographer Arledge Armenaki, the name has yet to appear in the US stats.

Arledge

This name has been off the USA Top 1000 list since before 1900, but it has some great musical credentials: consider American blues singer Alger "Texas" Alexander and country music legend Pat Alger.

Alger

Armistice is an unusual word name with a meaning that's both militaristic and peaceful. It refers to a ceasefire, temporary or permanent, by agreement in wartime. Armistice Day in celebrated on the November 11th to commemorate the end of World War I. 
Armistice appeared in the US charts for the first time in 1918, when it was given to five girls, likely inspired by the end of the the first World War. It was then used for boys in 1919 and 1921, and again for girls in 1927, possibly owing to the unveiling of the Glade of the Armistice that year, a monument built to commemorate the spot on which Armistice was signed. 
 
Since then, it has never returned to the US stats and these days, you're mmore likely to hear Truce used instead. The name has, however, been used in HBO's show Westworld, ironically given to a bloodthirsty robot, played by actress Ingrid Bolsø Berdal.
 
While it is unlikely to catch on, Armistice could make an unexpected middle name for a baby born around November 11.

Armistice

Alcott evokes shades of nineteenth-century New England, and memories of the author of the books Little Women and Little Men. Louisa May Alcott was the daughter of Amos Bronson Alcott, noted educator, writer and philosopher, and colleague of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
 Alcott would make an unusual and interesting surname name choice.

Alcott

This name's buttoned-up British vibe is what makes it cool - that, and the fact that it was chosen by Anne Bronte as her pseudonym - Acton Bell. That's quite the literary - and may we add feminist - credential for a name. For those with an adventurous edge, Acton is one of the highest peaks in Antarctica.

Acton

For those who are trying to nudge Abeleen, the Texas place-name, toward Adeline, the stylish girls' name. Unfortunately, you arrive somewhere short of a happy medium.

Abbeline

New Testament, Texas, and Kansas place-name more fitting for a girl. 

Abilene

A truly wild word name, Adventure brings to mind risk taking, exploring, and excitement. Though it hasn't appeared in the US stats, the similar Quest was used for 6 girls (and 70 boys) in a recent year, while Venture and Brave also made the stats. 
 
Content creators Cory Worldd and Lea Charlotte named their son Adventure in 2025, which may push others to consider it. Nickname Addie could help ground it.

Adventure

A wild word name, associated with risk taking, thrill, discovery, and exploration, Adventure has yet to appear in the US stats, though in a recent year, Venture was chosen for 16 boys and Quest for 70. Content creators Cory Worldd and Lea Charlotte named their son Adventure in 2025. 

With the growing popularity for girls of such names as Aubrey and Audrey, Auberon feels like a fresh and viable option.

Auberon

A rarely used nature name with a gentle sound, Aloe appears as a (masculine) name in Akwaeke Emezi's fantasy novel, Pet, and in its sequel Bitter. Reminiscent of Arlo and Milo, Aloe is associated with the soothing, healing qualities of Aloe Vera.
 
While Aloe has never been given to more than five boys in the US, in a recent year, it was chosen for eleven girls.

Aloe

Ashley substitute with a slightly more unisex feel; it was picked for her daughter by TV host Nancy O'Dell.

Ashby

One of the rare English surname names originally derived from a female given name: Eoforhild (Everild), meaning "boar battle". Also spelled Averill, it's an extremely rare choice today, but shares sounds with fashionable Ava and Avery.

Averill

Averil

With a meaning like "elf power," Alfreda could find some appeal among fantasy enthusiasts. "Freda" makes for a pleasant nickname.

Alfreda

Contemporary meets classic in this hyphenated name, blending fresh and funky Arlo with solid James. A recent year saw it rank in the Top 1000 for boys in England and Wales, alongside the similar Arlo-Jay.

Arlo-james

A stylish, multicultural option, Azzi may be considered a variation of the Italian Azzo, meaning "noble" or an Arabic name relating to the element azza meaning "to be powerful" or "to be cherished". As such, it may be related to Izz ad-Din (or Azzeddine), meaning "glory of religion", Azahara meaning "to shine", or Azza meaning "young gazelle".
 
Another possibility is that it is simply an English nickname for the likes of Azalea, Asia, Azia, or Azaria. 
 
It is notably borne by Azzi Fudd, basketball star and girlfriend to Paige Buecker, also a basketballer. Her parents chose the name in honor of Jennifer Azzi, a basketball player her mother admired. In both cases, the name is pronounced AY-zee, though A-zee would work too.

Azzi

A medieval name with a light, friendly feel, Amphelise emerged in the 11th or 12th century from the Latin Amphelisia. While the exact meaning is unknown, theories include that it is a blend of amicus or amo, Latin elements meaning "friendship" and "love", with felix, meaning "lucky" and fortunate". As such, it could be interpreted more figuratively as meaning "lucky friend" or "lucky in love". 
 
Other forms of the name include Anflis, Amphelisia and Aunfelisa, and it might make an appealing alternative to Amelia, Ophelia, or Elise, particularly for a fictional character, perhaps.

Amphelise

A hyphenated name that made the Top 1000 in England and Wales in 2024, Arlo-Jay has a playful vibes and energetic charm. It could be interpreted to mean "jaybird between two hills", which gives it a cool, nature-connected feel. The name does ask the question however: how long before he becomes "just" Arlo or simple AJ?

Arlo-jay

A mix of Adora and Bella, Adorabella is a totally sweet name, but perhaps so sweet, it would work better for a pet. You could also consider the more versatile options of Adora, Bella, or Arabella, and used Adorabella as a cute nickname.
 
Still, if it is Adorabella you love, you wouldn't be alone. It first appeared in the US stats in 2007, and was given to eight girls in a more recent year.

Adorabella

English names that start with the letter A for boys and girls, including Arledge, Alger, Armistice, Alcott, Acton, Abbeline, Abilene, Adventure, Adventure, Auberon, Aloe, Ashby, Averill, Averil, Alfreda, Arlo-james, Azzi, Amphelise, Arlo-jay, and Adorabella. (Page 11)

English Names that Start With A

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