Cool Unusual Names That Start With Vowels
- Aveline
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"desired; or island, water"Description:
Aveline is a name that's long been an obscure cousin of more widely-used choices, but may come into its own riding the tail of the megapopular Ava, which may derive from the same root.
- Aziza
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"powerful and beloved"Description:
Aziza is a zippy palindromic choice that is the female variation of Aziz and is found in several Middle Eastern and African languages and cultures. All in all, an attractive and interesting option; a Turkish variation is Azize. In African mythology, the Azizi are a supernatural race of forest dwellers who give practical and spiritual advice.
- Eira
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"snow"Description:
This Welsh nature name that can be pronounced exactly like the male Ira. Or, to avoid confusion, you could just name her Snow.
- Eirian
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"silver, bright, brilliant, snow"Description:
A modern, unisex Welsh name with a shiny feel, Eirian can mean "silver" (from Welsh arian) or "snow, brilliant, bright" (from eira). It may appeal to those who like rising star Eira, but want something longer, or more gender neutral.
- Eldin
Description:
Eldin is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic traditions, it means 'nobility of faith' or 'of the religion,' often appearing as part of longer names. In Germanic contexts, it may relate to 'old friend' or derive from elements meaning 'elder tree.' The name has historical usage throughout the Balkans, Middle East, and Northern Europe, giving it cross-cultural appeal. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Eldin has maintained a steady presence, particularly in multicultural communities. The name's brevity and straightforward pronunciation make it accessible, while its relative rarity offers distinctiveness. Eldin has seen modest increases in usage in recent decades as parents seek names with international resonance and historical depth. Its combination of strength and gentleness in sound makes it versatile for various personalities.
- Elidia
Description:
Elidia is a feminine name with Spanish and Greek roots. It's a variation of names like Elida or Elydia, potentially derived from the Greek 'Elidaia,' referring to ancient Elis in Greece. The name may also be connected to the Greek word 'helios' meaning 'sun.' Elidia has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. In Hispanic communities, it's appreciated for its melodic sound and elegant feminine ending. The name carries a sense of brightness and warmth, reflecting its possible solar connections. While not widely used, Elidia has maintained a consistent presence, particularly in Spanish-speaking regions and communities.
- Elsia
Description:
Elsia is a feminine name with roots possibly connected to names like Elsa, Elsie, or Elisabeth. It might have Germanic origins, where 'Els-' elements often relate to 'noble' or 'kind.' The name has a delicate, vintage quality reminiscent of early 20th century naming patterns while feeling fresh to modern ears. Elsia combines the popular 'El-' beginning with a gentle ending, creating a melodic two-syllable name that's both distinctive and accessible. While never reaching widespread popularity, the name has maintained a quiet presence throughout history. Today, Elsia might appeal to parents drawn to vintage-inspired names with a touch of uniqueness, fitting within contemporary trends for slightly uncommon names with familiar sounds.
- Ember
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"ember, glowing coal or wood"Description:
A contemporary word name that's been popular for girls in recent years, Ember refers to the still-glowing parts of a fire once much of it has gone out. Connected with hope, rekindling, and light in the dark, it featured in the US Top 150 for girls in a recent year.
- Emrys
Origin:
Welsh, variation of AmbroseMeaning:
"immortal"Description:
Magical and powerful, but gentle and approachable too, Emrys is a Welsh name which may be worth considering if you're looking for something less common that Dylan, Evan, or Morgan. An offbeat epithet of the wise wizard Merlin, it's currently in the Welsh top 100 and in the England and Wales Top 500 over all.
- Eoghan
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"born of the yew tree"Description:
Pronounced like Owen, this was the name of several early Irish kings and saints, as well as a celebrated Ulster hero. Often spelled with two 'n's in Scotland, it has been Anglicized as Ewan, Ewen, Euan, Owen, Hugh, or Eugene.
- Euan
Origin:
Gaelic, Anglicized form of EoghannMeaning:
"born of the yew tree"Description:
The attractive Euan and Ewan are just coming onto the U.S. radar, via actor Ewan MacGregor and Harry Potter's Euan Abercrombie.
- Euroa
Origin:
Indigenous AustralianMeaning:
"joyful"Description:
In the language of the Ngurelban people, 'Yera-o' is said to mean "joyful". This Anglicization is reminiscent of other feminine nameslike Eulalia and could work well for those looking for a less familiar choice.
- Evret
Description:
Evret is a masculine name with possible connections to various European naming traditions. It may be a variant spelling of Everett, which derives from the Old English 'Eoforheard' meaning 'brave as a wild boar.' Alternatively, it could relate to the French Everet or have connections to Hebrew origins. The streamlined spelling gives Evret a modern, minimalist quality while maintaining a traditional sound. Quite uncommon in most English-speaking regions, Evret offers distinctiveness while remaining intuitive in pronunciation. The name carries an understated elegance with its concise form and soft ending. While statistical data on Evret is limited due to its rarity, it appeals to parents seeking a name with subtle uniqueness and versatile cultural connections. Its brevity also gives it a contemporary feel in an era appreciating shorter names.
- Ewan
Origin:
Scottish form of Gaelic EoghanMeaning:
"born of the yew tree"Description:
This appealing name has a good chance of catching on due to the popularity of Ewan McGregor, and the trend towards Gaelic names in general. Pronunciation is YOO-un.
- Ido
Origin:
Hebrew and ArabicMeaning:
"to evaporate and to be mighty"Description:
Ido is a multicultural name seldom heard in modern America but popular in the Middle East. As transliterations, Ido and its other form Iddo are equally correct.
- Iku
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"nourishing"Description:
Iku is an easily assimilated Japanese name.
- Illyria
Origin:
Ancient place-name, feminine variation of Illyrius, GreekDescription:
Illyria can trace all its varied associations to the name of an ancient place in the western part of the Balkan peninsula, also called Illyricum. Its inhabitants, conquered by the Romans in 168 BC, were called the Illyrians. Its mythological ancestor was Illyrius, a demigod and son of King Cadmus and the goddess Harmonia.
- Ilya
Origin:
Russian variation of ElijahMeaning:
"the Lord is my God"Description:
A rare example of an a-ending boy's name that sounds masculine, Ilya has a large measure of creative Slavic charm. >p>Ilya Ilyich Oblomov is the central character in Goncharov's novel "Oblomov." Unfortunately, he spends most of his life in his bathrobe and slippers.
- Ilycia
Description:
Ilycia is an elegant feminine name that appears to be a creative variation of names like Alicia, Elicia, or potentially derived from Ilya/Elijah with a feminine ending. The distinctive spelling with 'y' gives it a unique visual appeal while maintaining a melodic pronunciation (likely ill-EE-see-ah or ill-ISH-ah). This name carries an ethereal, somewhat mystical quality that sets it apart from more common alternatives. While extremely rare in usage, Ilycia benefits from familiar sound patterns that make it accessible despite its uniqueness. The name has a contemporary feel with classical undertones, potentially appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet pronounceable. Its international character allows it to cross cultural boundaries while maintaining its distinctive identity.
- Ilyssa
Description:
Ilyssa is a feminine name with Greek origins, generally considered a variant of Elissa or a feminine form of Elias. The name carries meanings associated with 'joyful' or 'oath of God' depending on which root is emphasized. With its lyrical sound pattern and distinctive spelling using 'y' instead of 'i,' Ilyssa strikes a balance between familiar and unique. The name gained modest recognition in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but has remained relatively uncommon, giving it a contemporary yet not overly trendy feel. Ilyssa offers the melodic quality of popular -issa ending names while maintaining its individual identity.
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