Cool Unusual Names That Start With Vowels

This euphonious Italian Italian name for boys, often associated with the painter Modigliani, makes a recommended creative choice. The Spanish tend to spell it Amadeo.

Amias or Amyas is a unique name with an attractive sound and feel and a lovely meaning. Though it might sound like a Biblical name, it is not, but is a surname that may be related to Amadeus or even be a male version of Amy--which would make it one of the few boys' names to be derived from a girls'.

Amilyn is one of those names that sounds and feels a lot like other more popular names, from Emmeline to Amelia to Adeline, but was given to fewer than five baby girls in the US in 2021. This is despite the Star Wars character Amilyn Holdo -- General Leia's deputy in the most recent trilogy, played by Laura Dern. Seven baby girls were given the name in 2018, but it has not seen the lasting success of Kylo or Rey (or indeed Leia).

Unlike most combination names, this elegant blend -- related to the German Anneliese -- is more than the sum of its parts.

Andora is a feminine name with multiple possible origins and meanings. It may be a variant of Andorra, the small European country between France and Spain, giving it a geographical connection. Alternatively, it could be related to the Greek name Andromeda, meaning 'ruler of men,' sharing the strong 'andr-' prefix denoting masculinity or strength. Some consider it a feminine form of Andrew or a variation of the name Dora with the prefix 'An-' added. The name has never been widely popular but maintains a steady, under-the-radar presence in English-speaking countries. Andora possesses a romantic, melodic quality with its soft consonants and ending in the feminine 'a.' It appeals to parents seeking an uncommon name with a feminine sound and classical feel without being completely unfamiliar.

One of the stellar unique baby names from mythology, Andromeda was the beautiful daughter of Cassiopeia who, like her mother, literally became a star--the constellation that bears her name.The Bohemian Andromeda makes a dramatic and adventurous choice in a time when four-syllable mythological names are gradually making their way into the mainstream.

This is a charming name that rose steeply along with other-belle names, such as Isabelle, until the horror film Annabelle and its sequels knocked it out of favor. Made famous by the Edgar Allen Poe poem Annabel Lee. Annabelle is saucy and stylish, a tad upscale, has a sense of humor, is melodious and lively, but is unfortunately off its peak.

Annora is a noble name, a distinctive twist on its most essential form: Honor. Other variations to explore include Honora and Nora.

Aoibhe may be considered a form of either Aoife -- beauty in Irish -- or Eve, which means life. Either way, this popular Irish name for girls is pronounced as Eva though outside of Ireland few would guess that. Leave Aoibhe to the Gaelic speakers.

Aquilla is a masculine name with ancient roots, derived from Latin 'aquila' meaning 'eagle.' It appears in biblical contexts, including as a name mentioned in the New Testament. The name carries powerful symbolism through its association with eagles, conveying qualities of strength, vision, and nobility. Despite its classical origins, Aquilla remains quite rare as a given name, offering distinction while still having historical precedent. The name has a commanding presence with its unusual letter combination and strong sound. For parents seeking a name with both gravitas and uncommon status, Aquilla provides a meaningful option with rich symbolic connections to one of the most majestic birds in cultural traditions.

Ara is a unique boys' name that one of the most melodious in the Armenian name pool, familiarized by Notre Dame football coach Ara Parseghian. In Armenian mythology, Ara was a king so handsome that a rival queen went to war in order to make him her own. The name Ara is also known in the Arabic and Hebrew cultures.

Equally strong, dramatic and romantic, this name of an old kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula and a modern Spanish community as well, would give a boy an instant pedigree.

Arcadia, a name for an unspoiled paradise, makes an attractive secular alternative to Nevaeh or Eden. For parents who want an unusual name with a friendlier nickname, Arcadia has the advantage of cute Cady.

Arcelia is an undiscovered Spanish treasure worth considering.

This name of the Cretan goddess of fertility is most popular now as the more melodic Ariana, but Ariadne has possibilities of its own. It first entered the US Top 1000 in 2014. The renewed interest in the name falls in line with the revival of other mythological names like Apollo and Athena. The trendy nickname Ari doesn't hurt either.

When actress Tamera Mowry named her daughter Ariah, she said it was a Hebrew name meaning "lion of God" -- which it is, if you consider Ariah a variation of Ariel. But many sources consider Ariah a spelling variation of the Italian Aria, meaning song or literally air.

This early Welsh saint's name is unusual and lovely, waiting to be discovered. Saint Arianell was a member of the Welsh royal family who was possessed by a spirit which was exorcised by Saint Dyfrig, who became Arianell's spiritual teacher.

If you're torn between Marissa and Alyssa.

This name has a nice mythological, historical, Three Musketeers-ish ring.