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Cool Unusual Names That Start With Vowels

  1. Akira

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "bright, intelligent"

    • Description:

      A popular Japanese name for both sexes that's migrated to the West because of its appearance in manga and video games and because of its international feel. It was a fast rising choice in 2024, when it entered the Top 1000.
  2. Atalanta

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Meaning:

      "equal in weight"

    • Description:

      Atalanta was a beautiful mythological maiden who refused to marry any man who couldn't beat her in a footrace -- quite a role model. This myth is found in Ovid's Metamorphoses and later in Swinburne's Atalantis in Calydon.
  3. Auri

    • Origin:

      Finnish

    • Description:

      An airy variant of the Finnish name Aura, which derives either from the Greek "aura" (breath; breeze) or from Old Norse "aurr" (earth; clay). It is also sometimes encountered as a short form of Aurora or Aurelia.
  4. Aoibhe

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "life, or beauty"

    • Description:

      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.
  5. Umbria

    • Origin:

      Italian place name, from the Umbri, one of the chief tribes settling the Italian nation

    • Description:

      Umbria is a lovely, virtually unused Italian name for girls, reflecting the beautiful rolling hills of the area's countryside. And since it's right next door to Tuscany, in which Siena resides, maybe Umbria could be a follow-up to the popular Siena-Sienna.
  6. Ido

    • Origin:

      Hebrew and Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Alethia

    • Description:

      Alethia is a feminine name derived from the Greek word 'aletheia,' meaning 'truth' or 'disclosure.' In ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in the works of Plato and Heidegger, aletheia represents the concept of unconcealedness or the revealing of reality. The name carries profound philosophical undertones about honesty and authentic existence. Pronounced ah-LEE-thee-ah or ah-leh-THEE-ah, this melodic name has a timeless quality with its classical roots. While never ranking among the most popular names in Western countries, Alethia maintains steady usage, particularly among families valuing its meaningful etymology. The variant spelling Alethea is also seen. The name appeals to parents drawn to classical Greek names or those seeking a name with intellectual depth and positive moral associations.

  8. Alek

    • Origin:

      Polish, Armenian, Serbian, and Russian form of Alex, Greek, Greenlandic

    • Meaning:

      "defending men; harpoon line"

    • Description:

      A variation of Alex used in a number of languages, Alek has the cool, solid feel of Erik and Axel. It can also be a name of Greenlandic origin, meaning "harpoon line".
  9. Aquilla

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "eagle"

    • Description:

      Aquilla appears 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.
  10. Emblyn

    • Origin:

      Cornish and Medieval English variation of Emmeline, French

    • Meaning:

      "work"

    • Description:

      The Cornish version of Emmeline holds many charms.
  11. 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.
  12. Amarissa

    • Origin:

      Combination name, Ama + issa

    • Meaning:

      "little lover"

    • Description:

      Amarissa is kind of cobbled together from two traditional elements: Ama, which means "love" or "lover" and is found in such more established names as Amabel and Amariah, and -issa, which is a common feminine suffix that functions as a diminutive. While Amarissa is pretty and frilly, it may frequently be misunderstood as Marissa, Melissa, and may ultimately be more trouble than it's worth.
  13. Iku

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "nourishing"

    • Description:

      Iku is an easily assimilated Japanese name.
  14. Ondina

    • Origin:

      Italian; Portuguese; Spanish, from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "little wave"

    • Description:

      A romantic Latinate form of Ondine, Ondina is an undiscovered gem that shares similar sounds with the trendy Olivia and Ophelia.
  15. Isannah

    • Origin:

      Origin and meaning unknown

    • Description:

      A name that seems to be a combination of Isabel and Susannah, used in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries, most notably for a daughter of Paul Revere. Isannah was also a character in the 1943 Revolutionary War novel Johnny Tremain. An unusual old choice with modern possibilities.
  16. Artemas

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "gift of Artemis, goddess of the hunt"

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      Atlee is a feminine name of English origin, derived from an Old English surname meaning 'at the clearing' or 'at the meadow.' It was traditionally used as a place name and surname before transitioning to a given name. With its connection to nature and pleasant meadow imagery, Atlee evokes a sense of openness and tranquility. The name has experienced periodic usage throughout the 20th century but remains relatively uncommon, giving it distinctive appeal. It gained some recognition through association with British Prime Minister Clement Attlee (though with a different spelling). As a first name, Atlee fits well with contemporary trends toward short, nature-inspired names with historical roots. Its simplicity and gentle sound make it accessible, while its rarity offers individuality for those seeking a name that stands apart from popular choices.

  18. Eliam

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is my nation"

    • Description:

      Eliam is less common Biblical alternative to Liam, Elliott, Elias, and Eli, but maybe one that's faster-rising. Eliam joined the Top 1000 for the first time in 2021 and was sky-rocketed in 2024, when it was given to more than 850 boys — double the amount born in 2023. In Puerto Rico, it's a Top 50 choice.
  19. Ashira

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "I will sing"

    • Description:

      Unusual name with stylish, silky feel.
  20. Abriana

    • Origin:

      Italian feminine variation of Abraham

    • Meaning:

      "father of multitudes"

    • Description:

      This lovely name is all but unknown outside Italy but fits perfectly in with the fashions for vowel-starting names that are elaborately feminine. Might make a distinctive alternative to Angelina or Arianna. Downside: People will inevitably mistake it for Adriana.