Ends in -via

Olivia, a lovely Shakespearean name with an admirable balance of strength and femininity, is the Number 1 name for baby girls in the US and one of the top girls' names around the world.

The musical, sylvan Sylvia seems poised to join former friends Frances and Beatrice and Dorothy back in the nursery.

Octavia began as the Latin, then Victorian name for an eighth child. While there aren't many eighth children anymore, this ancient Roman name has real possibilities as a substitute for the overused Olivia; recommended for its combination of classical and musical overtones. It was chosen for his daughter by Kevin Sorbo.

Though it sounds like a chopped-off variation of Olivia, which means olive, the distinctively attractive Livia has been an independent name since the days of the ancient Romans, when it belonged to Livia Drusilla—the powerful wife of the Emperor Augustus—and is still commonly heard in modern Italy.

This original form of the name -- the more familiar Sylvia spelling came later -- seems more modern now.

Looking for a discreet poetic name? Extremely popular Indian actress Kavya Madhavan is a notable bearer of this lovely Indian name.

An ancient Roman clan name, Flavia is one choice that's unusual but historic. Now a Top 60 name in Italy, Flavia has been a rarity in the US, but with the upswing in F names for girls, this could change. Seen more in literature than real life, Flavia was used as far back as an1580 romance, then in a William Dean Howells novel and as a Princess in The Prisoner of Zenda. Although the original pronunciation is FLAH-via, Flavie (as in flavor) could make a cute nickname.

While Alivia may not have achieved the megapopularity of its mother name, it's still a widely used choice. Alivia combines the trendiness of A names with the trendiness of Olivia to create a choice that's slightly off the beaten track -- slightly being the operative word here. Is the distinction the initial A earns you worth a lifetime of explaining, "No, it's Alivia, with an A, not Olivia"? Your call, though ours would be no.

Vivia, the fresh Italian version of newly popular name, streamlines and even vivifies the original.

Avia is one of those multi-cultural, vowel-heavy girls' names so popular today, along with such choices as Ayla and Aya.

Cute, distinctive diminutive for this regal-sounding name.

Alvia is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Latin roots, possibly related to 'albus' meaning 'white' or 'bright,' suggesting purity or clarity. Alternatively, it could be a variant of Alvah, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'sublimity' or 'exalted one.' In some cultures, Alvia appears as a masculine variant of Alvina or Alba. The name has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, giving it a distinctive quality. It carries a gentle yet dignified sound that balances traditional masculine qualities with a certain softness. Alvia has seen occasional use across different European cultures but has never reached widespread popularity in any particular region.

This female version of Levi is much too apt to be mistaken for Livia.

Tuvia is the Hebrew cognate of Tobias or Tobiah, found in the Bible and used in this form in Israel. The film "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" included a character named Tuvia, who was female, pointing to the biggest downside of this name to the English-speaking ear: It sounds quite feminine.

Zinovia and Zenobia might be thought of as mythological adjacent names, with their meaning connected to Zeus, king of the Gods. The name Zinovia was given to fewer than ten baby girls in the US last year, versus about 30 who were named Zenobia.

Otavia is a feminine name representing a variation of Octavia, which has Latin origins meaning 'eighth' or 'born eighth.' The classical name derives from the Roman family name Octavius, famously borne by the sister of Emperor Augustus (born Octavian). This spelling variation with the removal of the 'c' gives the traditional name a slightly more modern and exotic appearance while maintaining its historical essence. Otavia carries the elegant, classical associations of its original form, evoking images of Roman nobility and antiquity. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing vowel sounds. While less common than Octavia, this variant might appeal to parents seeking a name with classical roots and feminine elegance but with a slightly distinctive spelling that sets it apart from the more traditional form.

Zenovia makes Zenobia even more unusual. This mythology-adjacent name is worth a look.

Elvia is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the elements 'alb' or 'elf' meaning 'white' or 'fair.' It can be considered a variation of names like Elva or Alba. Popular in Spanish-speaking countries and communities, Elvia has a delicate, melodious quality that gives it enduring appeal. The name experienced modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades. Despite its relative rarity, Elvia maintains a timeless elegance and cross-cultural versatility. The name often evokes associations with brightness, purity, and beauty, making it an understated yet distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with classical roots.

An epithet of Lord Vishnu in Hindu legend.

Nevia is a feminine name with Latin roots, possibly derived from 'nevis' meaning 'snow' or connected to the ancient Roman clan name Naevius. It may also be related to the Latin word 'novus' meaning 'new.' In Italian, 'neve' means snow, giving the name winter associations. Nevia has a delicate, melodious quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowels. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has seen some use in Italy and Latin communities. The name offers an elegant alternative to more popular names like Olivia or Sophia, with a similar romantic sound but greater distinctiveness. Parents might be drawn to Nevia for its classical roots, gentle sound, and relative rarity, providing uniqueness without being difficult to pronounce.