Power Names/Fantasy

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.

Abiel is a biblical name (he was the grandfather of Saul) that was used by Puritans, particularly in Massachusetts, so it has a long pedigree. Parents are increasingly looking for underused traditional names, and this name, with the great nickname option of Abe, is ripe for more use!

Acacia is an attractive, rarely used Greek flower name enhanced by its popular beginning-and-ending-with 'a'-construct, and is gradually beginning to catch on as a new member of the stylish girl names starting with A.

Acadia, the French name for Nova Scotia and the name of a gorgeous national park in Maine makes a fresh, rhythmic choice for your little girl. Acadia is an original yet accessible member of the stylish girl names starting with A.

Adelaide is now heading straight uphill on the coattails of such newly popular sisters as Ava, Ada, and Audrey, and in the company of Adeline and Amelia. It was chosen by actress Katherine Heigl for the name of her second daughter.

Adhara is the name of one of the brightest stars in the sky. Also known as Adara, this name is perfectly suitable for a child.

Adira is one of those names that feels familiar without being overused. Simple but with subtle flair, Adira crosses different languages easily and could provide an alternative option tor the likes of Ava, Ariana, Adeline, and Anna.

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.

Adwoa is a given name used for women born on Monday in Western Africa, particularly Ghana and some parts of Togo and Ivory Coast. The male equivalent is Kwadwo.

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.

This name found in the fantasy series Endymion/Rise of Endymion has a slightly physiological feel to it.

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.

Aeron was possibly a minor Celtic god of war, and is definitely a river in modern-day Wales.

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.

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.

A Roman forename, and later family name, used for both sexes in ancient times (but more commonly men).

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.

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

Airin is a gentle feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant of Erin (meaning "peace" or "Ireland" in Gaelic), a feminine form of Aaron (meaning "high mountain" or "exalted" in Hebrew), or a variation of Airi (a Japanese name meaning "love jasmine"). With its soft, airy quality, Airin evokes a sense of lightness and grace. The name has a contemporary feel while maintaining crosscultural appeal. Though not commonly used in mainstream Western naming, Airin offers a modern alternative to more traditional names while remaining simple to pronounce and spell. The name's delicate sound pattern creates a gentle impression while its multiple cultural connections give it versatility. For parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible, Airin provides a distinctive choice with a feminine, ethereal quality.