What About?

Aalaiya is a modern feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Aaliyah or Aliyah. With roots in Arabic meaning 'high,' 'exalted,' or 'ascending,' this contemporary spelling adaptation features the distinctive double 'a' beginning that has become popular in recent decades. The name has a melodic flow with its four syllables and open vowel sounds. While less common than Aaliyah, this variation offers parents a way to honor the same meaning and cultural heritage while giving their daughter a slightly more unique spelling. Aalaiya embodies both cultural significance and modern naming trends, appealing to families seeking a name that feels both meaningful and distinctive.

Abyssinia is the ancient name of the Ethiopian Empire, no longer found on any map but with a possible future as a melodic girls' name in the ever-expanding place-name category. Among African names for girls, this one is undiscovered.

Acantha is one of the unique baby names in the stylish mythological category that also might count as a flower name. In Greek mythology, Acantha was a nymph beloved by Apollo. An unusual and attractive choice that could make a creative way to honor a grandma Rose.

Adas is a masculine name with diverse cultural roots. In Lithuanian, it functions as a diminutive of the biblical name Adam, meaning 'earth' or 'man.' It's also found in Polish communities with similar origins. In other contexts, particularly in Middle Eastern cultures, Adas can relate to the Arabic word for 'lentil.' The name carries a crisp, modern sound despite its traditional roots, with just two syllables that are easy to pronounce across multiple languages. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Adas enjoys modest usage in Baltic nations and parts of Eastern Europe. Its short, distinctive nature makes it both memorable and accessible, offering a less common alternative to the more widely used Adam while maintaining the connection to this ancient name's rich heritage.

Adaya is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hebrew, it means 'ornament of God' or 'God has adorned,' derived from 'adah' (to adorn) and 'Yah' (God). It appears in the Old Testament as a masculine name but has evolved to be primarily feminine in modern usage. Adaya also exists in Indian culture with different meanings, possibly derived from Sanskrit roots. The name has gained modest popularity in recent decades among parents seeking spiritual names with cross-cultural appeal. Its melodic three-syllable pattern and meaningful etymology make it attractive to those looking for a name that is both distinctive and meaningful, with spiritual or religious undertones.

The ancient German name Adelheidis gave rise to both Adelaide and Adelheid. While Adelaide is more popular and better known internationally, Adelheid is still used occasionally in Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. The German pronunciation is not that different from Adelaide, with a soft h and a long I sound instead of a long A in the last syllable.

A seriously classic name meaning love, Adelpha is also the name for a genus of butterflies.

Adlai is an Old Testament name long associated with 1950's liberal presidential candidate Stevenson, who was named after his grandfather, who was Grover Cleveland's vice president in the nineteenth century. Now it's an unusual Biblical choice ripe for rediscovery.

This female form of the ancient Latin Aelian has an appealing sound, though kids might have a hard time handling that initial "ae" spelling. Just remember that the "ae" is pronounced "ee" (think Aesop's fables).The Annals of Aeliana is a children's fantasy series by Ryan Watters. The meaning is uncertain but is thought to derive from the Greek helios, which means sun.

Aemilia is the Ancient Roman spelling of the popular Emilia and family. With Emilia and Amelia so popular, this version, while authentic and attractive, will only create confusion without adding real distinction.

Aer is an uncommon feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Latin word for 'air' or 'atmosphere,' suggesting qualities of freedom, lightness, and invisibility yet essential presence. Alternatively, it could be connected to Irish mythology, where Aer was associated with air and the sky. As a modern name, Aer appeals to parents seeking ultra-short, elemental names with a contemporary feel. Its simplicity—just three letters and typically one syllable—makes it distinctive while easy to pronounce across languages. Though exceedingly rare in usage statistics, Aer aligns with the growing trend toward unique nature-inspired names and minimalist naming patterns.

Aeronwen is a feminine Welsh name combining 'aeron,' meaning 'fruits' or 'berries,' with 'gwen,' meaning 'white,' 'blessed,' or 'fair.' Sometimes spelled Aronwen, this traditional Welsh name celebrates nature's bounty and purity. The name reflects Wales' rich linguistic heritage and connection to the natural world. While widely recognized in Wales, Aeronwen remains relatively uncommon in other English-speaking countries, though interest in Celtic names has brought increased attention to such traditional Welsh names. The pronunciation (eye-RON-wen) may present challenges for non-Welsh speakers, but its distinctive character and meaningful etymology appeal to parents seeking a name with authentic cultural roots and natural symbolism.

This variant of the more-difficult Afua, from the Akan language of what is now Ghana in West Africa, is a traditional "day name" that can make a perfectly pretty modern choice.

Aftonne is a feminine name that appears to be a creative variation of Afton, which has Scottish origins and refers to the Afton River, made famous in Robert Burns' poem 'Sweet Afton.' The added 'ne' gives the name a more elaborate, feminine quality. As a place name turned personal name, it carries natural imagery of flowing water and pastoral landscapes. Aftonne is quite rare, appealing to parents seeking uncommon names with literary or natural connections. The name has a melodic quality when spoken, with soft consonants and a gentle ending. While not widely used in any region, it may appeal to those with Scottish heritage or those drawn to names inspired by nature's elements, particularly rivers and streams.

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.

Now that Isla Fisher has pushed her once-obscure name into the Top 150, some parents are looking for similar-sounding Scottish names for girls that are further off the beaten path. This one is especially promising, with its cross-cultural appeal. Ayla, a common name in Turkey, is also worth considering.

A pretty Kazakh name derived from Turkish ayla, meaning "moonlight". The Hawaiian name 'Ailana (with the 'okina mark) means "loving".

This nature name hasn't escaped the hippie dippy air of others like River or Sky.

Aisha was Muhammad's favorite wife, making this lovely name and its myriad variations hugely popular among Muslims and also African-Americans. It's been energized by TV personality Aisha Tyler. Pronunciation is usually eye-EE-sha but some say ay-sha.

This name of the mythological sister of Mars might be used for a girl born under one of the signs ruled by the planet Mars--Aries or Scorpio. She is the personification of the war cry.