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feminine names beginning with a

judy.newstead
By judy.newstead
Updated Sun Apr 02 2023
a collection of pretty feminine names beginning with A. some are more suited to middle names rather than first names
  1. Abbey

    • Origin:

      English word name or short form of Abigail

    • Description:

      Abbey might sound exactly like the popular Abigail nickname Abby or Abbie, but spelled this way it is also a churchy word name with a Gothic feel. But hearing it, no one will know the difference.
  2. Abbie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Abigail

    • Meaning:

      "my father is joyful"

    • Description:

      Abbie is a gently old-fashioned nickname name that owes its rising popularity to Top 10 Abigail. Abby may be the more usual spelling today.
  3. Abby

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Abigail, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "my father is joyful"

    • Description:

      Gently old-fashioned stand-alone nickname that owes its popularity to mega popular Abigail.
  4. Abi

    • Description:

      Abi is a charming diminutive of Abigail, with Hebrew origins meaning "father's joy" or "source of joy." It can also stand independently in some cultures, particularly in Nigerian traditions where it means "first daughter" in Yoruba. Though simple and short, Abi carries a friendly, approachable quality that makes it both playful and mature. While less common than the full form Abigail, Abi has seen modest usage in English-speaking countries as parents increasingly favor shorter, less formal names. Its simplicity allows for easy pronunciation across cultures while maintaining its connection to the biblical heritage of Abigail.

  5. Abigail

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "my father is joyful"

    • Description:

      Abigail has been in for so long -- the name has ranked in the US Top 100 since the late 1980s -- it's amazing that it isn't more out by now. But Abigail's biblical and historic roots make it a fashionable classic rather than a passing fad.
  6. Abril

    • Origin:

      Spanish and Catalan variation of April

    • Description:

      This Spanish month name has been quietly used for several years now in the US.
  7. Ada

    • Origin:

      German or Turkish

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility, or island"

    • Description:

      Ada is one of the classic baby names for girls that is suddenly super stylish again. A favorite at the end of the nineteenth century, Ada is an alternative to the over-popular Ava. Ada is also part of the trend toward simple, old-fashioned names beginning with a vowel, like Ivy and Ella.
  8. Adelaide

    • Origin:

      Variant of Adelheidis, German

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"

    • Description:

      Adelaide is now heading straight uphill on the coattails of such newly popular sisters as Ava, Ada, and Audrey, and in the company of Adeline and Amelia. It was chosen by actress Katherine Heigl for the name of her second daughter.
  9. Adeline

    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Adele

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"

    • Description:

      Adeline has a lovely, old-fashioned "Sweet Adeline" charm, but has become so popular in the US under so many spellings and variations -- with Adalynn and Adalyn also popular -- that considered together it is far more popular than it first seems. Adorable nickname Addie is also pervasive.
  10. Adriana

    • Origin:

      Latin, feminine variation of Adrian

    • Meaning:

      "man of Adria"

    • Description:

      This a-ending feminine form of Adrian, from the northern Italian city of Adria, is a soft and lovely Italian choice. It appears as a character in Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors.
  11. Adrienne

    • Origin:

      Latin, feminine variation of Adrian

    • Meaning:

      "man from Adria"

    • Description:

      A long-integrated French feminine form of Adrian, now overshadowed by the a-ending version, but still a valid option, with considerable substance and dignity—though these days more parents would probably choose Adriana.
  12. Ailsa

    • Origin:

      Scottish from Norse

    • Meaning:

      "elf victory"

    • Description:

      Ailsa is a traditional Scottish name for girls related to a rocky island in the Firth of Clyde called Ailsa Craig. It might make an interesting alternative to the outdated Ashley or overly popular Ella, and could also be thought of as a relative of Elizabeth or Elsa.
  13. Aimee

    • Origin:

      Variation of Amy, French

    • Meaning:

      "beloved"

    • Description:

      Amy was a 1970s favorite, and French spelling Aimee peaked in the same decade. Today, about 1500 baby girls are still named Amy every year in the US, versus about 150 named Aimee.
  14. Aine

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "brightness, splendor"

    • Description:

      More commonly seen here as Anya, this traditional yet unique Irish name belonged to the queen of the Munster fairies and is sprinkled throughout Irish folklore as an early Celtic goddess of summer and prosperity. One of the most popular baby names in Ireland, Aine's spelling and pronunciation might seem simple but could prove confusing in the U.S.
  15. Aish

    • Description:

      Aish is a concise feminine name with multicultural origins. In Arabic contexts, it may be related to 'Aisha' which means 'alive' or 'living,' while in Hindu traditions, it can connect to Sanskrit roots relating to 'blessing' or 'wish.' This cross-cultural name is relatively uncommon as a formal given name but has gained some recognition through cultural references. The brevity of Aish gives it a modern, streamlined quality that appeals to contemporary naming trends favoring short, global names. Its simplicity allows for easy pronunciation across language barriers while its unusual nature ensures distinctiveness. The name carries a bright, positive sound that contributes to its appeal across different naming traditions.

  16. Aisha

    • Origin:

      Arabic; Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "living, prosperous"

    • Description:

      Aisha was Muhammad's favorite wife, making this lovely name and its myriad variations hugely popular among Muslims and also African-Americans. It's been energized by TV personality Aisha Tyler. Pronunciation is usually eye-EE-sha but some say ay-sha.
  17. Aisling

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "dream, vision"

    • Description:

      Aisling is currently a very popular Irish name for girls. Pronounced variously as ASH-ling, ASH-lin or ash-LEEN, it was part of the revival of authentic Irish names in the twentieth century, and is now being sparingly used by U.S. parents in place of the dated Ashley--though often spelled phonetically as Ashlyn or Ashlynn.
  18. Alana

    • Origin:

      Feminization of Alan, Irish; variation of Ilana, Hebrew; Gaelic; Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "handsome, rock; oak tree; child; awakening"

    • Description:

      Alana, in all its various spellings, was at one time reserved for daughters of dads named Alan, but is now much more widespread. It came into prominence via model/actress/celeb spouse Alana Hamilton Stewart.
  19. Alanna

    • Origin:

      Variation of Alana

    • Meaning:

      "handsome, cheerful"

    • Description:

      The extra n makes it feel less like an feminization of Alan and more like a name unto itself. Alanna is more common in Puerto Rico than the original Alana.
  20. Alejandra

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Alexandra

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      Alejandra, the Spanish form of this popular and multivaried name, has fans both in and outside the Latino community. Still, it has lost ground since its peak in the 1990s.