an elegant articulation
- Alania
Description:
Alania is a feminine name with multiple cultural roots. It may derive from the ancient Alans, an Iranian nomadic group that settled in the Caucasus region, giving name to modern Alania/North Ossetia. Alternatively, it could be a feminine form of Alan, which has Celtic origins meaning "handsome" or "cheerful." The name has a melodic quality with its flowing vowels, making it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet pronounceable. Though not among the most common names in English-speaking countries, Alania has seen modest usage since the late 20th century as parents look for unique names with historical depth. The name's connection to an ancient culture gives it an exotic appeal while remaining accessible in pronunciation for most language speakers.
- Amaranta
Origin:
Spanish and Italian form of AmaranthaMeaning:
"unfading"Description:
Amaranta is the unusual and intriguing Latinate form of the Greek botanical name Amarantha, which connects to an eternal mythical figure. An excellent choice for the parent who wants an A name but wishes to move beyond the usual complement of names from Amelia to Annabel.
- Amata
Origin:
Italian feminine variant of the Latin AmatusMeaning:
"beloved"Description:
Name that's virtually unknown here but has a lovely meaning and a simple sound and spelling.
- Anacita
Origin:
Spelling variation of AnicetaDescription:
Anacita is a variation of the ancient feminization Aniceta that's largely unknown in the English-speaking world. But with the rise of so many A names, the pretty Anacita may have her day in the sun.
- Anatolia
Description:
Anatolia is a feminine name derived from the ancient Greek word "anatolē," meaning "sunrise" or "east." It refers to the geographic region now comprising most of modern Turkey, historically called Asia Minor. The name carries rich historical and geographical significance, evoking images of ancient civilizations and the meeting point between East and West. As a personal name, Anatolia remains quite rare, giving it an exotic and distinctive quality. Its melodious sound with alternating consonants and vowels creates a rhythmic, flowing pronunciation. The name's connection to sunrise symbolically represents new beginnings, hope, and illumination. For families with Turkish heritage, it might also serve as a meaningful cultural connection.
- Atalanta
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"equal in weight"Description:
Atalanta was a beautiful mythological maiden who refused to marry any man who couldn't beat her in a footrace -- quite a role model. This myth is found in Ovid's Metamorphoses and later in Swinburne's Atalantis in Calydon.
- Atalia
Origin:
Variation of Athalia, HebrewMeaning:
"the Lord is exalted"Description:
Atalia or Athalia is a biblical name with a gory history. But it's an attractive name in step with the current fashion for A-starting and -ending names that are both distinctive and deeply rooted.
- Atara
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"crown"Description:
Finally, an attractive, undiscovered Old Testament choice for girls.
- Catalia
Description:
Catalia is a feminine name with multicultural origins, potentially derived from Greek 'katalios' meaning 'pure' or as a variation of Catalina, the Spanish form of Catherine. This mellifluous name blends European elegance with a distinctive flair that sets it apart from more common variants. While relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, Catalia has gained modest recognition in Spanish-speaking communities and among parents seeking names with international appeal. The rhythmic flow of its syllables creates a musical quality, while its historical connections provide substance and depth. Its similarity to place names like Catalonia gives it geographic resonance while maintaining its identity as a personal name with classical roots.
- Etana
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"strength of purpose"Description:
Girlish for Ethan: attractive and unusual.
- Imana
Description:
Imana is a feminine name with diverse cultural roots. In Rwandan and Burundian traditions, Imana refers to the supreme deity or creator, giving the name profound spiritual significance. It also appears in Japanese as a surname and has connections to Arabic origins where it relates to faith. The name features melodic vowel sounds creating a flowing, gentle pronunciation. Quite rare in Western countries, Imana offers cultural richness and uniqueness while remaining relatively simple to pronounce and spell. The name's global connections make it particularly meaningful for families with African heritage or those seeking a name with spiritual depth. Its uncommon nature allows a child to define the name rather than the reverse.
- Liana
Origin:
Short form of -liana names, Portuguese, Italian, Georgian, FrenchMeaning:
"to climb like a vine"Description:
Liana is a pretty, graceful and simple name that doesn't fall flat. The name of a flowering tropical vine that grows in forests, it's an international gem that works well in multiple languages.
- Melana
Description:
Melana is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Melina, which has Greek roots meaning 'honey' or 'gentle,' or it could relate to Milana, with Slavic origins. Some may see it as a blend of the popular names Melanie and Ana/Anna. Melana has never been widely used but saw modest usage in the United States during the late 20th century. The name has a flowing, melodic quality with its soft consonants and alternating vowel sounds. It carries a subtle exotic flair while remaining relatively easy to pronounce in English-speaking countries. Melana offers the appeal of being recognizable without being common, giving its bearers a sense of individuality with a name that still feels accessible and feminine.
- Milana
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"from Milan"Description:
This makes Milan sound like less of a place, more of a name.
- Natalia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"birthday [of the Lord]"Description:
Natalia was derived from the Latin word natalis, meaning "birthday." It refers to the birthday of Jesus Christ, and thus originated as a name for girls born on Christmas Day. Related forms include the French Natalie, Portuguese Natalina, and Russian diminutive Natasha.
- Nolana
Description:
Nolana is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'nolanus' meaning 'from Nola,' referring to an ancient city near Naples, Italy. The name also has connections to the botanical world, as Nolana is a genus of flowering plants native to Chile and Peru, featuring bell-shaped blooms. As a given name, Nolana remains quite rare, offering parents a unique choice that carries subtle natural associations. Its melodic sound with the soft 'n' consonants gives it an elegant, flowing quality. While uncommon in mainstream usage, Nolana appeals to those seeking a distinctive name with classical roots and botanical undertones.
- Renata
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"reborn"Description:
Widely used across Europe as a common baptismal name symbolizing spiritual rebirth, Renata, in this country it has an operatic image via Italian-born divas Renata Tebadi and Renata Scotti.
- Santana
Origin:
Spanish, condensed form of Santa AnaDescription:
Santana is a saintly name...or Latin rock band. While traditionally masculine, character Santana Lopez on the show Glee showed the name's potential for a girl as well. Sound-wise, it feels like Savannah with a twist.
- Solana
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"sunshine"Description:
A bright and warm possibility for a summertime girl, Solana has been heard in a few video games. Solana Rowe is the real name of the singer known as SZA.
- Tiana
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"fairy queen"Description:
Tiana gained a lot of popularity after Disney bestowed this pretty name upon its first African-American princess. Although it has declined in usage over recent years, Tiana’s connections to dainty Tatiana, Christiana and Bastiana should see it in continued usage for a while to come. Read more about Tiana and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.