Female Names That Start With 'A'
- Abigail
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"my father is joyful"Description:
Abigail has been in for so long -- the name has ranked in the US Top 100 since the late 1980s -- it's amazing that it isn't more out by now. But Abigail's biblical and historic roots make it a fashionable classic rather than a passing fad.
- Abrielle
Origin:
Short form of GabrielleDescription:
Sometimes, a new name is created by lopping off the first letter or letters. Such is the case with Abrielle, which feels like Gabrielle without its shirt.
- Abrienne
Description:
Abrienne is a feminine name with French influences, likely a variant of Adrienne (the feminine form of Adrian) or a creative blend of Abigail and Brienne. The name has a delicate, melodious quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowels. While not traditionally common in historical records, Abrienne began gaining modest recognition in the late 20th century as parents sought distinctive yet familiar-sounding names. It carries connotations of elegance and sophistication, likely appealing to those who appreciate French-inspired naming conventions. The name suggests qualities of strength and grace, possibly influenced by literary and pop culture characters. Abrienne remains relatively uncommon, giving it a sense of uniqueness while still being recognizable and pronounceable.
- Adaire
Description:
Adaire is a feminine name with Irish and Scottish Gaelic roots. It likely derives from the Irish place name Ath Dara, meaning 'ford of the oak tree,' or possibly from the Gaelic 'adhar,' meaning 'from the oak ford.' The name carries associations with strength and natural beauty. Adaire is a relatively uncommon name, giving it a distinctive quality while maintaining an elegant, classical sound. The alternate spelling 'Adair' is sometimes used as a surname or masculine variant. The name gained modest attention in English-speaking countries during the early 2000s as parents sought unique alternatives to more popular Celtic-inspired names. Adaire balances traditional heritage with contemporary appeal and works well internationally.
- Adaline
Origin:
Variation of Adeline, EnglishMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Adaline rocketed onto the Top 1000 for the first time since 1924 in 2015 at a whopping Number 364 -- an astonishing debut. Though similar names, such as Adeline, Adelyn and Ada, have been growing steadily for years, the meteoric rise of this once-unusual spelling is no doubt due to Blake Lively-starring movie "The Age of Adaline," about a woman who stops aging at the age of 29.
- Addilyn
Origin:
Variation of Adeline, FrenchMeaning:
"noble, nobility"Description:
Another spin on the mega-popular Adeline names, which could stop any confusion about whether the ending is said lyn, line, or leen. This form peeked in 2016 when it nearly made the US Top 300, however, it was one of the fastest falling names in 2023, and now sits in the latter end of the Top 1000. We recommend the classic Adeline or Adaline or the more streamlined Adelyn.
- Adelie
Description:
Adelie comes from French origins and is often associated with nobility, deriving from the Germanic name Adelaide, meaning 'noble' or 'nobility.' The name gained recognition from the Adelie penguin, discovered in 1840 by French explorer Jules Dumont d'Urville, who named the species after his wife, Adèle. As a girl's name, Adelie offers a delicate, elegant sound with a connection to both nature and aristocratic heritage. While not among the most common names, Adelie has been steadily increasing in popularity, particularly among parents seeking a name that is distinctive yet easy to pronounce. Its French flair and penguin association give it both sophistication and a whimsical quality that appeals to modern naming sensibilities.
- Adelka
Description:
Adelka is a feminine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Czech, Slovak, and Polish cultures. It's a diminutive form of names containing the element 'adel,' meaning 'noble' or 'nobility,' such as Adelaide or Adela. The suffix '-ka' adds an affectionate, endearing quality in Slavic languages. Adelka carries connotations of refinement and grace while maintaining a sweet, approachable feel. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it remains more familiar in Eastern European communities. The name blends historical dignity with a melodic sound. Parents might choose Adelka for its elegant European heritage combined with its distinctive yet accessible pronunciation and its balance of uniqueness and traditional roots.
- Adora
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"adored"Description:
A name that would lavish your child with adoration, a princess name--as in Princess Adora of She-Ra: Princess of Power.
- Adorabelle
Description:
Adorabelle is a charming feminine name that combines the word 'adorable' with the popular '-belle' suffix, meaning 'beautiful' in French. This elaborately sweet name has a vintage, whimsical quality reminiscent of the Victorian era when ornate names were fashionable. While not having deep historical roots as a traditional name, Adorabelle follows the pattern of constructed names that became popular in the 19th century. It remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking something distinctively feminine and romantic. The name naturally evokes qualities of loveliness and charm, suggesting a person worthy of adoration. Its musical quality and positive connotations make it a bold but enchanting choice.
- Adreanna
Description:
Adreanna is a feminine name that represents a creative variation of Adriana or Adrienne, which ultimately derive from Hadrian, meaning 'from Hadria' (an ancient town in northern Italy). This elaborated spelling adds a distinctive touch while maintaining the melodic flow of the original. Adreanna emerged in the late 20th century during a period when parents sought unique spellings for traditional names. The name has a romantic, flowing quality with its multiple syllables and soft sounds. While less common than Adriana or Adrienne, Adreanna offers familiar nickname options like Adri or Anna. It combines classical roots with a contemporary spelling that sets it apart.
- Adrienne
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of AdrianMeaning:
"man from Adria"Description:
A long-integrated French feminine form of Adrian, now overshadowed by the a-ending version, but still a valid option, with considerable substance and dignity—though these days more parents would probably choose Adriana.
- Aeronwy
Description:
Aeronwy is a feminine Welsh name pronounced roughly as "air-ON-wee." It gained recognition as the name of Dylan Thomas's daughter, Aeronwy Thomas-Ellis, who became a poet and writer herself. The name has roots in Welsh geography, as Afon Rhonwy is a river in Wales, with "afon" meaning "river" in Welsh. Aeronwy embodies the lyrical quality characteristic of Welsh names, with its flowing sounds and unique letter combinations. Though rare outside Wales, it represents an authentic piece of Welsh heritage and carries poetic associations through its connection to the Thomas literary legacy. The name may appeal to parents with Welsh ancestry or those drawn to names with authentic Celtic origins. Despite its unfamiliarity to many English speakers, Aeronwy has a musical quality that can transcend cultural boundaries.
- Agatha
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"good woman"Description:
Agatha until recently summoned up visions of martyred saints, mauve silk dresses, and high lace collars, but now that some dauntless excavators have begun to resurrect it, we're sure more will follow their lead. Actor Thomas Gibson used it for his daughter in 2004.
- Aida
Origin:
Arabic; Italian; LithuanianMeaning:
"returning visitor; happy; echo"Description:
Aida is a melodic name largely associated with the title character of the 1871 Verdi opera, an enslaved Ethiopian princess who dies to save her people. In the past, her name was rarely heard outside the Latino community, but in the current time of love for all A-starting girls' names, this could very well change.
- Aiden
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little and fiery"Description:
Aiden/Aidan is just beginning to wander into the girls' side of the name popularity list, but it's so huge for boys in all its spellings that it will be a long time before it can be called a unisex name.
- Ajara
Description:
Ajara is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Arabic traditions, it can be related to meanings of 'reward' or 'payment.' The name also appears in various African cultures, particularly in Western African countries like Ghana and Nigeria, where name meanings often connect to circumstances of birth or family aspirations. In some contexts, it may be a variant of Ajarat or Ajaratou. Ajara has a melodious quality with its balanced three syllables and flowing vowel sounds. Though relatively uncommon in Western countries, the name has a global presence. Parents might choose Ajara for its distinctive sound, international character, and positive connotations of value and reward.
- Akira
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"bright, intelligent"Description:
A popular Japanese name for both sexes that's migrated to the West because of its appearance in manga and video games and because of its international feel. It was a fast rising choice in 2024, when it entered the Top 1000.
- Akyla
Description:
Akyla is a modern feminine variant of the name Aquila, which has Latin origins meaning 'eagle.' The variant spelling with a 'k' gives the name a contemporary feel while maintaining its connection to strength and freedom symbolized by the eagle. Though relatively uncommon, Akyla has gained some modest popularity in recent decades as parents seek distinctive names with powerful meanings. The name carries an air of uniqueness and independence, making it appealing to parents looking for something both memorable and meaningful. Akyla blends well with various cultural backgrounds and has potential cross-cultural appeal due to its melodic sound and straightforward pronunciation.
- Alara
Origin:
Persian, Armenian, TurkishMeaning:
"water fairy"Description:
The name of a beautiful water fairy in Turkish mythology, who has the power to grant wishes and mend broken hearts. Alara is also a popular name in Armenia.