Names Ending in A for Girls
- Bethia
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"daughter of Jehovah"Description:
Long forgotten Old Testament name with modern potential.
- Elenoa
Origin:
Variation of Eleanor, meaning unknownDescription:
Form of Eleanor found in the Pacific Islands, such as Fiji and Tonga. Other sources say it is used in Hawaii, but Elenoa has never been recorded as a name in the state.
- Ardesia
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"slate, slate gray"Description:
An attractive Italian color and rock word name that doesn't sound anything like its meaning.
- Scylla
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"sea monster"Description:
This mythological sea monster, as described in Homer's Odyssey, lives on one side of a narrow channel of water opposite her counterpart Charybdis. Scylla is described as having 12 feet and six heads on long snaky necks, each head having a triple row of sharklike teeth. She had the habit on snacking on passing sailors, including several of Odysseus's crew.
- Antinea
Origin:
French after the Greek name for the Queen of AtlantisDescription:
In Pierre Benoit's novel, Antinea is a beautiful and charming queen with a hideous secret: She has a cave wall with 120 niches carved into it, one for each of her lovers. Only 53 have been filled; when all 120 have been filled, Antinea will sit atop a throne in the centre of the cave and rest forever.
- Elvera
Description:
Elvera is a feminine name with Romance language origins, likely deriving from variants of names like Elvira or Vera. The name has Spanish and Italian connections, possibly meaning 'truth' or 'true one' if related to Vera, or 'all-protecting' if stemming from Germanic elements in Elvira. Elvera enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century but has since become uncommon. The name carries a vintage charm with its flowing syllables and musical quality. Elvera balances uniqueness with familiarity, as its structure feels recognizable despite its rarity. In many Latin communities, the name maintains cultural significance while offering an alternative to more common choices.
- Catina
Description:
Catina is a feminine name with possible Italian or Greek origins. It may be a variation of Katina or Catrina, or a diminutive form of Caterina (Italian for Catherine). The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its soft consonants and vowel ending typical of Mediterranean names. Catina reached modest popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, though it never became mainstream. With its pleasant rhythm and feminine sound, Catina conveys warmth and charm. The name carries connotations of Southern European heritage and may appeal to parents seeking a name that's recognizable but not overly common, with a subtle exotic flair while remaining easy to pronounce and spell.
- Agueda
Origin:
Spanish, Portuguese, from GreekMeaning:
"good woman"Description:
Traditionally spelled Águeda, this is a Spanish & Portuguese form of Agatha.
- Madia
Description:
Madia is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In some contexts, it's a variation of Madea or Medea from Greek mythology, though without the negative associations. In others, it derives from Arabic origins meaning 'gift' or 'present.' Madia also exists as a nature-inspired name, referencing a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family native to western North America. The name has a melodic quality with its balanced syllables and flowing sound. While not widely common in English-speaking countries, Madia offers a distinctive alternative to more popular names like Madeline or Madison, combining exotic appeal with straightforward pronunciation.
- Polyxena
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"very hospitable"Description:
Polyxena was a minor figure in Greek mythology - a daughter of King Priam and a love interest of the famed warrior Achilles. The name is a bit clunky but could be pulled off by the right woman.
- Ismeria
Origin:
LatinDescription:
The origins of this rare name are shrouded in mystery. Ismeria is an obscure figure in European Christian legend, sometimes purported to be the great-aunt of Jesus Christ, who is connected to the devotion of the Black Madonna.
- Fausta
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"fortunate"Description:
Though often heard in the Hispanic and Italian communities, it hasn't made an impact here, perhaps because of the connection to the character of Faust and his pact with the devil. Variations: FAUSTINA, FAUSTIA, FAUSTIANA
- Kerenza
Description:
Kerenza is a feminine name of Cornish origin meaning 'love' or 'charity.' This beautiful yet uncommon name comes from Cornwall in southwestern England, reflecting the distinct Celtic heritage of the region. The name has a flowing, melodic quality with its three syllables and soft 'z' sound. Despite its appealing meaning and sound, Kerenza remains relatively rare outside of Cornwall and among those with Cornish heritage. For those seeking a name with Celtic roots that's less common than popular options like Keira or Kerry, Kerenza offers a distinctive choice. The name carries warm associations through its meaning of love and compassion, while its unusual status gives it a special quality for those who bear it.
- Rosaura
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"golden rose"Description:
A combination of Spanish rosa "rose" and aurea "gold". This name was used by Pedro Calderón de la Barca for a character in his play Life Is a Dream (1635), and more recently by Mexican author Laura Esquivel in her 1989 novel Como agua para chocolate.
- Altana
Origin:
Turkish, MongolianMeaning:
"red dawn; golden"Description:
A feminine form of the colorful Turkish and Mongolian name, Altan, which means "red dawn" and "golden" respectively.
- Raena
Description:
Raena is a beautiful feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Raina (of Slavic origin meaning 'queen' or 'peaceful'), or it could relate to the Hebrew name Raina meaning 'pure.' Some also connect it to Welsh origins where it could mean 'mighty.' In Scandinavian contexts, it might be linked to 'rain' or 'counsel.' Raena remains relatively uncommon in most Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality that many parents seek. The name has gained modest popularity since the 2000s, appealing to parents looking for a name that sounds both modern and timeless with its flowing, melodic quality.
- Zelpha
Description:
Zelpha is an uncommon feminine name with biblical connections, appearing as a variation of Zilpah, who was the handmaid of Leah in the Book of Genesis. The name has Hebrew origins, though its precise meaning is somewhat disputed, with some sources suggesting 'frailty' or 'drooping.' Zelpha enjoyed modest usage in the 19th century, particularly in religious communities, but remained relatively rare. The name has an antique, distinctive quality with its uncommon 'Z' beginning and 'ph' combination. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Zelpha carries a sense of history and biblical connection that appeals to some parents seeking an uncommon name with religious roots. Its vintage sound aligns with the revival of other rare biblical and historical names.
- Lisha
Description:
Lisha is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It can be a diminutive of names like Alicia, Felicia, or Elisha, or stand as an independent name. In Sanskrit, Lisha means 'goddess' or 'fortunate,' while in Hebrew contexts it's connected to Elizabeth, meaning 'God is my oath.' The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but remains relatively uncommon. Lisha appeals to parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name with a gentle sound. The name carries a contemporary feel while maintaining cross-cultural versatility, making it accessible in many different communities.
- Shula
Origin:
Arabic or diminutive of Shulamit, HebrewMeaning:
"flame; peace"Description:
Shula is a short form often used on its own in Israel. Sula is another, related, option. As an Arabic name, it has a bright, fiery meaning.
- Ciena
Description:
Ciena is a contemporary feminine name that has gained modest popularity since the early 2000s. Its origins are somewhat debated—it may be a modern variation of Sienna (the Italian city or earthy reddish-brown color), or possibly derived from the Spanish word 'cieno' meaning 'heaven'. Some parents choose this spelling as a distinctive alternative to Sienna or Sierra. The name has a melodious quality with its flowing sounds and feminine ending. Ciena carries associations with natural beauty, artistic flair, and gentle sophistication. While still relatively uncommon, it appeals to parents seeking a name that feels both modern and elegant, familiar in sound but distinctive in spelling.