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Alastrina is a feminine name likely derived as an elaborate feminine form of Alastair or Alastar, which ultimately comes from the Greek name Alexander, meaning 'defender of mankind.' This ornate, melodic extension adds a romantic, flowery quality to the sturdy masculine original. Extremely rare in usage, Alastrina combines Scottish/Celtic name traditions with a distinctly feminine ending pattern common in Italian or Spanish naming conventions. The name's rarity makes it a truly distinctive choice while maintaining connections to the well-established Alexander name family. Alastrina carries an elegant, almost mythical quality that appeals to parents seeking something elaborate and unconventional while still having traditional roots. Its flowing syllables create a lyrical, sophisticated impression.

Albertine and Alberta are old-fashioned feminizations ala Geraldine and Roberta. This is the kind of name that sounds very dowdy until a hip celebrity chooses it, at which point we don't know how we missed its coolness all this time.

Alexandra is a name with many international variations, elaborations and short forms, and Alexandrine is one of the more unusual. Another, Alexandrina, was the first name of Queen Victoria.

In music, the term allegro means "quickly, lively tempo," which makes this quintessential Bohemian ballet dancer's name all the more appealing. Allegra is one of the most distinctive yet accessible girl names starting with A.

Almira is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, possibly derived from Arabic "al-amirah" meaning "princess" or "commander," or from Germanic elements meaning "noble" and "famous." The name also has connections to Latin "mirus" meaning "wonderful." Almira has historical usage across several cultures, including Hispanic, Turkish, Arabic, and Eastern European communities. It enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the late 19th century. The name appears in literary works, including as a character in Handel's opera "Rinaldo." With its melodious sound and multicultural heritage, Almira offers a distinctive yet accessible option with elegant overtones. Its relative rarity in contemporary Western naming makes it stand out while its traditional roots give it substance and history.

Amabel is an older name than Annabel and a lot more distinctive. Amabel was a very common name in the twelfth and thirteen centuries, then was revived during the nineteenth century British fad for medieval names.

This fragrant, almond-scented name has hardly been heard in this country, which is a pity--we've loved it since John Malkovich used it for his now grown daughter.

Amarantha is a rare botanical name whose mythical equivalent was believed to be immortal. The Italian and Spanish form is the somewhat-more-acccessible Amaranta.

Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning.

Anastasia is the feminine form on Anastasius, a Greek name derived from the word anastasis, meaning "resurrection." It was a common name among early Christians, who often gave it to daughters born around Christmas or Easter. There are handful of saints named Anastasia, including the patron saint of weavers.

Anatolia is a feminine name derived from the ancient Greek word "anatolē," meaning "sunrise" or "east." It refers to the geographic region now comprising most of modern Turkey, historically called Asia Minor. The name carries rich historical and geographical significance, evoking images of ancient civilizations and the meeting point between East and West. As a personal name, Anatolia remains quite rare, giving it an exotic and distinctive quality. Its melodious sound with alternating consonants and vowels creates a rhythmic, flowing pronunciation. The name's connection to sunrise symbolically represents new beginnings, hope, and illumination. For families with Turkish heritage, it might also serve as a meaningful cultural connection.

Angelica is by far the choicest form of the angelic names -- more delicate than Angelina, more feminine than Angel, more modern than Angela. But though Angelica is so lacy and poetic, it lags behind the bolder Angelina (probably for obvious reasons).

The gorgeous Angelina Jolie has promoted the star power of her name and changed Angelina's image from delicate to intense, from older Italian mama to stylish multi-cultural child. Kids might relate to the dancing mouse in the series of charming children's books, Angelina Ballerina, or to the Harry Potter character, Angelina Johnson Weasley, a member of Dumbledore's army.

Annabella is one of a constellation of names that include Anabella, Annabelle, Annabel, Anabel, Annabelle, and Annabell -- all lovely names that have suffered from their association with the eponymous horror movie. Annabella fell off the US Top 1000 in 2021, and ironically, the only version of the name that hangs on in the Top 1000 is Annabelle, the spelling used in the movie.

Anneliese is a German and Dutch combination of Anna and Liese (a form of Elizabeth) with an Old World feel but modern appeal. The Anglicized Annalise spelling in in the US Top 500, but this authentic German version has only ever broken into the US Top 1000 once, back in 2005.

Apolline is a luscious French name chic in Paris and ripe for the plucking in the English-speaking world. Derived from the mythological name Apollo, the name may mean strength; Apollo was the god of sun and light. Apolline is a perfect choice for those attracted to the name Apple who don't want to go quite that far.

Arabella, lovely and elegant, has long been well used in Britain and finally made it onto the American list in 2005. A Top 50 choice in the UK, in the US in remains in the Top 300, given to around 1300 babies each year.

Araminta is a poetic and enchanting eighteenth-century invention with plenty of elegance and a touch of old-fashioned clunkiness. It first appeared in William Congreve's 17th century comedy The Old Bachelor and then again in 1705 when it was used by architect and playwright Sir John Vanbrugh in his play The Confederacy.

While not as popular as the Ariel spelling of Little Mermaid fame, this rendition has achieved popularity in its own right.