A a

A mathematical possibility, but the odds are against it.

Abel, the name of Adam and Eve's unfortunate younger son, compensates with positive connotations: capable, competent, ready and willing.

This feminine form of Abel is also a flower name and makes a distinctive alternative to the widely used Abigail. There is a similar name, Adelia, that is beginning to be rediscovered thanks to the trend for all names Adel- related.

Amiable, undiscovered geographic option.

Abilene is a rarely used place name, mentioned as such in the New Testament, that combines the cowboy spunk of the Texas city with the midwestern morality of the Kansas town where Dwight D. Eisenhower spent his boyhood. Abilene is a much more untrodden path to the nickname Abbie/Abbie than the Top 10 Abigail.

This neglected Biblical name--it was the name of the commander of Saul's army and appears twice in the New Testament--is ready to flee Dogpatch. It was regularly used in the nineteenth century, but was pretty much demolished by the long-running hillbilly comic strip L'il Abner, which began in 1934 and ran through 1977. A more respectable namesake is Abner Doubleday, who has been credited with inventing baseball.

Abracham is a rare variant spelling of the more common name Abraham, which has Hebrew origins meaning "father of many nations." This uncommon spelling may have emerged through transliteration differences or dialectal variations. While Abraham has been popular across multiple cultures and religions as it appears in important religious texts including the Bible and Quran, the Abracham spelling remains relatively obscure. Those with this spelling variation might find themselves frequently correcting others or explaining the unique form. Despite its rarity, it carries the same rich historical and spiritual associations as the traditional Abraham.

Absalom, because of its biblical and literary associations, just might appeal to the daring namegiver.

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.

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.

No longer tied to the hapless Ace Ventura, this jaunty, high-flying nickname name is starting to take flight among celebrity and other parents, with its countless positive references to doing well in tests and poker games, on the tennis court and golf course, and in the air.

Achante is a distinctive feminine name with possible French or creative modern origins. While not widely documented in traditional naming dictionaries, it may derive from the French word 'enchanter' meaning 'to enchant' or 'to delight.' The name has a musical, rhythmic quality with its soft 'ch' sound and elegant ending. Achante remains relatively rare in usage statistics, making it an uncommon choice that offers individuality. The name's exotic sound and contemporary feel have attracted some parents seeking distinctive names outside mainstream options. As modern naming trends embrace uniqueness and melodic qualities, Achante represents the growing preference for names that sound beautiful while carrying an air of mystery and originality.

The French spin on the name of the great Homeric hero with the vulnerable heel seems somewhat more portable into the modern world.

The literal meaning of Adagio is 'at ease.' Adagio's use for a slow musical passage or ballet is contradicted by its lively sound and feel.

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.

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.

Adia is a feminine name with origins spanning several cultures. In Swahili, it means 'gift,' while similar variations appear in Hebrew and Arabic traditions with meanings relating to 'adornment' or 'jewel.' The name gained some recognition in Western countries after Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan released a song titled 'Adia' in 1997. Despite this brief spotlight, the name remains relatively uncommon in most Western countries. Adia appeals to parents seeking a name with multicultural roots and positive connotations. Its brevity and melodic sound make it accessible across different languages and cultures. The name's four distinct vowels create a rhythmic, musical quality when spoken. While rare, Adia provides a beautiful alternative to more common 'A' names for girls.

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.

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.

There once was a moralizing fabulist who tried to make it as a baby name...and failed.