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Cool Unusual Names That Start With Vowels

  1. 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.
  2. Andressa
    • Description:

      Andressa is a feminine name primarily used in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil. It developed as a feminine form of André (Andrew), ultimately deriving from the Greek word 'andreios,' meaning 'manly,' 'brave,' or 'strong.' Despite its masculine roots, Andressa has evolved into a distinctly feminine name with a soft, melodic quality. The name gained popularity in Brazil during the late 20th century and remains moderately common there. Andressa combines traditional roots with a contemporary feel, making it appealing to parents seeking a name that sounds modern while having historical depth. Outside of Portuguese-speaking regions, Andressa remains relatively uncommon, giving it an exotic appeal. The name often conveys an impression of strength wrapped in feminine elegance.

  3. 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.
  4. 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.

  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. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Arissa
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      If you're torn between Marissa and Alyssa.
  12. 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".
  13. Emblyn
    • Origin:

      Cornish and Medieval English variation of Emmeline, French
    • Meaning:

      "work"
    • Description:

      The Cornish version of Emmeline holds many charms.
  14. Adria
    • Description:

      Adria is a feminine name with multiple origins. It derives primarily from the Adriatic Sea, which was named after the ancient city of Adria in northern Italy. The name has Latin roots, connecting to 'Hadriaticus,' meaning 'dark' or 'from Hadria.' Adria is used across several European cultures, including Spanish, Catalan, Italian, and Slavic languages. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, it maintains consistent usage as an elegant alternative to more popular names like Adriana or Adrienne. The name has a graceful, Mediterranean quality and carries associations with the sea. Adria peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but remains a relatively uncommon choice with timeless appeal.

  15. 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.
  16. Ailis
    • Origin:

      Scottish Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "noble"
    • Description:

      This attractive and unique Scottish form of Alice can also be found in the spelling Aileas. Like Alice, it ultimately derives from the Germanic name Adalheidis. Spelt with the fada, Ailís, it's Irish and pronounced with a longer final vowel: AY-leesh.
  17. 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.
  18. Allura
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "to entice, attract"
    • Description:

      Sounds like a princess -- or an enticingly evil witch -- in a fairy tale.
  19. Arcelia
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "treasure chest"
    • Description:

      Arcelia is an undiscovered Spanish treasure worth considering.
  20. Amedeo
    • Origin:

      Italian form of Amadeus
    • Meaning:

      "lover of God"
    • Description:

      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.

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