Unique Names that Start With A

A name known in several cultures, also through animated book character Tiger Aki.  Finnish author Aki Ollikainen is another notable bearer.

A unisex name with lots of flair and a daring spirit, Adair was first noticed as a girl's name in the 1980's, thanks to the long-running daytime drama Search for Tomorrow, with the character Adair McCleary, who had ahead-of-their-time brothers named brothers Hogan, Cagney and Quinn. Given to just 22 girls in a recent year (along with 59 boys), it remains a familiar but quietly used choice.
 
A name with several different sources, Adair may be considered a Scottish surname, derived from the name Edgar. As such, it would mean "wealthy spearman". Other possibilities are that it derives from the place name, Adare, meaning "ford of oak trees" or from the Irish Darragh, also relating to oak. In any of these cases, it is pronounced uh-DEHR. 
Adair may also be seen in Brazil, likely used as a variation on the Portuguese name, Ademar. Pronounced with three syllables ("a-du-EER"), it would mean "wealth and fame". Adair may make an appealing alternative to Addie, Ada, Blair, or Arde.

Adair

Earthier version of the name of England's first female professional writer, Aphra Behn. 

Afra

This golden Saint name was familiar in Spain during the first half of the 20th century, however, it fell out of favor in the 60s. Usually written as Áurea, the similar sounding Aurora is often preferred today.

Aurea

A pretty, dainty name for one of the little characters in the children's book series The Borrowers. It was the basis for a later Studio Ghible animated film, The Secret World of Arrietty. While the connection to Harriet is tenuous, you might want to consider Arrietty as an honorific for an ancestral Harriet, Harry, or even Henry or Henrietta.

Arrietty

The eleventh brightest star in the sky has a celestial feel, but also could be the name of a commercial airline. 

Altair

Amal is the name of a male figure in the Bible, a member of the tribe of Asher. Not, in this case, Mrs. George Clooney.

Amal

Similar in sound to Arlo, Remington, and Arthur, this surname style and place name could make a patriotic choice in the US, with its connections to Arlington National Cemetery. Given to 7 girls and 22 boys in a recent year, it is making moves up the charts, albeit small ones.
 
The name itself comes from the Anglo-Saxon period, made up of the element -ton meaning "town" or "settlement", combined with Arling which likely denotes a given name (such as Aelfred or Aelffirth) or refers to someone of noble birth.

Arlington

Long considered Mr. Hall's exclusive property, it's now ready to be adopted by others. 

Arsenio

Avner is a masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning 'father of light' or 'my father is a lamp,' composed of 'av' (father) and 'ner' (light or lamp). It appears in the Bible as the name of King Saul's commander, Abner, with Avner being the modern Hebrew pronunciation. The name has been consistently used in Jewish communities, particularly in Israel, but remains relatively uncommon in the broader Western world. Avner carries significant cultural and religious meaning while offering a distinctive sound that works well cross-culturally. Its biblical roots provide historical depth, while its concise two-syllable structure feels contemporary. The name suggests qualities of wisdom and guidance through its literal meaning of bringing or being light. Avner has seen modest increased usage as parents seek names with both cultural significance and uniqueness.

Avner

Arbor is an original unisex tree-related choice we're sure to hear more of.  Highly unusual now, Arbor takes its place alongside other new arborial names ranging from the mighty Oak (or Oakley) to the more delicate Birch to the more flowery Juniper, Acacia, and Hazel.


Arbor

Hope is one meaning of the name Amil, which sounds similar to the German Emil; it can also mean unattainable in the sense of being so exalted as in royalty as to be out of reach. While Amil may not be familiar in the Western world, it's accessible and appealing.

Amil

Aristeo is a masculine name with Greek origins, derived from 'aristos' meaning 'best' or 'excellent.' It shares roots with the name Aristotle and connects to ancient Greek traditions of honor and excellence. In modern usage, Aristeo is most commonly found in Italian, Spanish, and Latin American communities. The name carries an air of classical dignity and intellectual heritage, evoking connections to classical philosophy and literature. While not among the most popular names globally, it maintains steady usage particularly in Mediterranean and Latin cultures. Parents might choose Aristeo for its distinguished sound, classical heritage, and the positive aspirational quality embedded in its meaning of excellence and superiority.

Aristeo

Arcadia, a name for an unspoiled paradise, makes an attractive secular alternative to Nevaeh or Eden.  For parents who want an unusual name with a friendlier nickname, Arcadia has the advantage of cute Cady.

Arcadia

Arcelia is an undiscovered Spanish treasure worth considering.

Arcelia

Its meaning refers to the rich wood that lined the walls of King Solomon's temple.  Well used in modern Israel, it's pronouced ah-REE-zuh.

Ariza

Arleigh

Albin is a modern form of the ancient Roman Albinus or Albus, meaning white or bright. There was a Saint Albinus who was also known as Aubin. In the contemporary world, Albin is popular in Sweden and ripe for export as a simple, unusual name with deep history.

Albin

Archimedes of Syracuse was a famous Ancient Greek thinker, especially in the fields of mathematics and sciences. He made important contributions to geometry and calculus. His name was a perfect choice, meaning "master planner" or "master thinker". 

This off-the-beaten-track choice of name was given to about 20 little boys in the US last year, double the number as were called Archimedes a decade ago. We recommend it to more parents, especially those with a penchant for all things ancient or mathematical.

And you can always call him the down-to-earth Archie.

Archimedes

Arnie is a nerdy-tipping-into-cute nickname that may rise again, if not for this generation of babies then for their babies. Look for it in the nurseries of 2050.

Arnie

unique names that start with the letter A, including Aki, Adair, Afra, Aurea, Arrietty, Altair, Amal, Arlington, Arsenio, Avner, Arbor, Amil, Aristeo, Arcadia, Arcelia, Ariza, Arleigh, Albin, Archimedes, and Arnie. (Page 16)