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Cool Unusual Names That Start With Vowels

  1. Andora

    • Description:

      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.
  2. Aeliana

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "sun"

    • Description:

      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.
  3. Allura

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "to entice, attract"

    • Description:

      Sounds like a princess -- or an enticingly evil witch -- in a fairy tale.
  4. 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.
  5. Imperia

    • Origin:

      Latin "imperial"

    • Meaning:

      "imperial"

    • Description:

      Rather imperious as a baby name, but has an interesting history. Imperia is the name of an obscure French saint, also known as Impère and Impérie, also borne by the famous Italian courtesan Imperia Cognati. Honoré de Balzac later used it in his short story La belle Impéria (1832), where it belongs to a fictional courtesan. A similar name, Bel-imperia, was used by Elizabethan dramatist Thomas Kyd for a character in his play The Spanish Tragedy.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  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. 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.
  10. Elnora

    • Origin:

      English variation of Eleanora, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Elnora is best known as the name of the heroine of the early 20th century novel A Girl of the Limberlost. While Elnora might plausibly have many derivations, the most logical is that isn't a contracted form of Eleanora, the Latinate variation of Eleanor.
  11. Aragon

    • Origin:

      Spanish place name

    • Description:

      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.
  12. 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.
  13. Odissan

    • Origin:

      African

    • Meaning:

      "thirteenth born son"

    • Description:

      If you choose this name, it's not likely to be for the meaning.
  14. Erena

    • Description:

      Erena is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Māori tradition, it serves as a variant of Helen, meaning 'bright one' or 'shining light.' The name also appears in Japanese culture with various kanji combinations offering meanings like 'blessed with goodness' or 'beautiful blessing.' In some European contexts, it may function as a variation of Irene, meaning 'peace.' This multicultural name features a melodic three-syllable rhythm with a feminine ending that flows naturally. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Erena offers parents a name with international appeal and positive connotations across different cultures. Its distinctive sound sets it apart while remaining accessible and pleasant to pronounce.

  15. 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.
  16. Auriel

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "gold"

    • Description:

      Auriel is a Roman name that was revived during the nineteenth-century craze for unique names. Could make an interesting substitution for the popular Aurora or Ariel.
  17. 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.
  18. Aeron

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "berry"

    • Description:

      Aeron was possibly a minor Celtic god of war, and is definitely a river in modern-day Wales.
  19. 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.
  20. Aerial

    • Description:

      Aerial is a feminine name with English origins, drawing inspiration from the word 'aerial' meaning 'of the air' or 'lofty.' This ethereal name evokes images of lightness, freedom, and height—associations with the sky and air elements. While not among the most common names, Aerial gained modest recognition in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States. The name shares phonetic similarities with the popular name Ariel but offers a more direct connection to its airy meaning. People named Aerial might be perceived as free-spirited, imaginative, and somewhat ethereal in nature. The spelling variation Ariel gained additional popularity through Disney's 'The Little Mermaid,' though Aerial maintains its distinct spelling and direct connection to its atmospheric meaning.

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