English Names that Start With A

Also written as AJ, Aj, A.J, and Ajay, initial names are typically used as nicknames, in this case, it might be for Alexander James, or Asher Jared, as examples. However, since the 2000s, a growing number of parents are skipping straight to the initials, with 60 boys called "just" AJ in the US in a recent year (along with 56 called Ajay). 
 
A.J. is also a popular and playful choice for pets, particularly dogs.

A.j.

A rare feminine form of the kingly British favorite, Arthura comes with a cool animal meaning and potential for nicknames Artie, Ari, and Art. Also used as the name of a typeface, Arthura has never appeared in the US stats. 

Arthura

Sleek and poetic, Alisander is a Medieval form of Alexander, notably appearing in Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur. An appealing choice to those who like the strength of Alexander, the literary feel of Lysander, and the sounds of Alistair and Cassander, it gets bonus points for also being a botanical name for boys. Used as a common name for the plant Smyrnium olusatrum, it has never appeared in the US stats.

Alisander

The Italian form of the classic Biblical name, appearing in the Old Testament as the second son of Adam and Eve, Abele also doubles up as a word name, referring to the white poplar tree. From its Hebrew roots, it means "breath", while the name of the tree ultimately comes from the Latin albus meaning "white".
 
As an Italian name, it would be pronounced as a-BEH-leh and has been notably borne by mountaineer Abele Blanc. As a nature name, it is said as uh-BIHL, uh-BAYL, or as AY-bl (like Abel in English), depending on region.
 
It is also the name of a small village in Belgium.

Abele

A fanciful and frilly form of Amora, Amore, and Amor, Amorella combines the Latin word for love with the popular -ella ending. As such, it could simply mean "love", but if it is viewed as a smoosh name, "fairy maiden of love" and "love completely, love all" are other whimsical possibilities.
 
Currently a very rare choice, it has potential as an alternative to Annabella, Arabella, Amor, and Aurelia.

Amorella

Predominantly used for girls, Annie did rank in the US Top 1000 in the 1930s, perhaps owing to data entry errors. Nevertheless, it could make an unexpected nickname for Andrew, Antonio, or Anthony. 

Annie

While Anniston and Aniston may be used more often for girls in the US, this spelling has also appeared in the stats for boys over the years, albeit in very small numbers. Connected to a city in Alabama (named for the founder's daughter-in-law, Annie), to an English surname meaning "town of Anis" or "town of Agnes", and to the F.R.I.E.N.D.S actress, Jennifer Aniston, it sounds similar enough to Anderson, Addison, and Ashton that it could make an interesting possibility. 

Aniston

Intriguing alternative that goes beyond Louisa and May, for Little Women fans.

Alcott

An interesting alternative to Ava, Avery, and Everett, Avett is a musical choice, notably associated with the American folk-rock band, The Avett Brothers. The exact etymology of the name is unknown, but theories include that it comes from the French avette meaning "bee" or that it's an English diminutive of Avery or Avraham, giving it the meanings "little elf ruler" or "father of multitudes". 
Additionally, it may link to other names such as Avis, meaning "bird", Everett meaning "brave, wild boar", Averell meaning "april" or Armenian Avetis meaning "good news". 
The name has been appearing in the US stats since 2009 for boys, while it debuted for girls in 2014. Currently, it leans masculine, but is used in small enough numbers that it could go either way.

Avett

Predominantly used for girls in the US, there's no reason this surname-style name couldn't be considered as a unisex option — alternative spelling Aniston is after all. With similar sounds to Addison, Ashton, and Anderson, it's also the name of a city in Alabama which was named for one of the founder's daughter-in-law, Annie. 

Anniston

The name of a large seabird, made legendary by Samuel Taylor Coleridge's famous poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1798). It has since become a symbol for innocence and the beauty of God's creation, and killing one is considered unlucky. 
 
Also significant in Hawaiian mythology, where the albatross is considered a sacred manifestation of the ancestors, the name ultimately derives from the Arabic al-qādūs meaning "the diver", the modern spelling may have been inspired by the Latin albus meaning "white".
 
A currently undiscovered choice, Albatross could be a rare (and poetic) bird option for those who want to avoid Wren and Raven. While it may be best reserved for the middle spot or for a fictional character, nicknames Alba, Allie, and Ossie may work.

Albatross

An undiscovered bird name for those looking for alternatives to Wren, Raven, and Peregrine, the albatross is a large seabird, made legendary by Samuel Taylor Coleridge's famous poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1798). Since then, it has become a symbol of innocence and God's creation, and killing one is deemed to bring bad luck. 
 Also significant in Hawaiian mythology, where the albatross is considered a sacred manifestation of the ancestors, the name ultimately derives from the Arabic al-qādūs meaning "the diver", the modern spelling may have been inspired by the Latin albus meaning "white". 
 
Possibly best saved for the middle spot or for a fictional character, nicknames Alby and Ossie could make it more useable.

Associated best perhaps with the British broadcaster, natural historian, writer, and conservationist, Sir David Attenborough, this would certainly make a bold choice and big namesake for any baby. 
 
Derived from an English place name, meaning "fortified place belonging to Eadda (or Adda)" — Eadda being Old English given names meaning "wealth, fortune, riches" — it was <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9q3yv2vyypo">chosen as a middle name </a> by a Welsh couple, in honor of the 100th birthday of the respected environmentalist and documentary maker. 
 
In the case of Sir David Attenborough, the name would be pronounced AT-uhn-buhr-uh, though AT-uhn-bruh is also heard in the UK and AT-uh-buh-ro may be used in the US.

Attenborough

A new addition to the US stats for 2025, Akrys was also the most used debut of the year for boys, given to 74 babies. 
 The exact etymology and meaning are proving elusive (as yet) but prior to 2025, Akrys had been occasionally used in Kazakhstan, and may in turn be a combination of the element ak meaning "white" with arystan meaning "lion".
 
Alternative theories are that it's a short, vernacular form of Zakaryas, Zacharias, and Zachary, meaning "the Lord has remembered"; a spin on the Greek Acrisius, the name of a mythological king whose name means "locust"; or perhaps a modern invention combining the prefix "a" with Krys (from Christopher), which might be interpreted as "a Christian."

Akrys

Woodsy, earthy, and unexpected, Acre may appeal to those who enough Meadow, Ochre, Landry, and Oakley, but want something truly distinctive. So far, it has only ranked in the US stats for boys, however, social media birth announcements indicate parents are now pondering it for their daughters too.

Acre

A zippy nickname-style choice, which may also feel a bit like a surname, Abry could be considered a variation of popular Aubrey, a feminine form of Biblical Abraham, or a spin on the Spanish month name, Abril. Additionally, there's Abrielle, which could mean "God is my father". 

Abry

A rare elaboration of Angela, likely inspired by Elena. As such, you could interpret it as meaning "angel of light" or "bright, shining messenger".

Angelenia

Acker is a surname name that has not seen much use to date, but given it's lush nature meaning (and the fact that it also means "friend" in Somerset slang) this could be a cute choice for parents looking for something fresh. An added bonus its link to English "Master of the Clarinet" Acker Bilk. The Dutch version, Akker, is also an option.

Acker

Your daughter will like this better at twenty than she will at fifty. 

Antiquity

An implied spiritual meaning makes this a plausible new name. 

Answer

English names that start with the letter A for boys and girls, including A.j., Arthura, Alisander, Abele, Amorella, Annie, Aniston, Alcott, Avett, Anniston, Albatross, Albatross, Attenborough, Akrys, Acre, Abry, Angelenia, Acker, Antiquity, and Answer. (Page 12)

English Names that Start With A

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