Compilation of A names
- Ada
Origin:
German or TurkishMeaning:
"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.
- Adair
Origin:
English and ScottishMeaning:
"shallow place in a river near oaks"Description:
This undiscovered unisex name has lots of flair. It was first noticed as a girl's name, starting in the 1980's, on the long-running daytime drama Search for Tomorrow, with the character Adair McCleary, who had ahead-of-their-time brothers named brothers Hogan, Cagney and Quinn. But since Adair has yet to find many takers, it would make a fresh and appealing choice.
- Adalet
Origin:
TurkishMeaning:
"justice"Description:
A Turkish virtue name, connected with the late author Adalet Ağaoğlu, that may benefit from its similarity to Adalyn and Adelaide.
- Adam
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"son of the red earth"Description:
Adam -- a primal Old Testament name -- was revived as a 1960s cowboy name. Adam is not as popular as it once was and feels ready for a respite, replaced by newer A names like Aidan/Aiden, Avery and Axel. Its most prominent current bearers include Adams Sandler, Levine, Brody and Driver -- who plays a character named Adam on Girls.
- Adela
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"noble"Description:
A vibrant variation of Adele, with a bit of extra flair from that "-a" ending. It could join the army of popular A girls' names, especially with its tie to the success of singer Adele.
- Adeliza
Origin:
Medieval English and Old Swedish form of AdelaideMeaning:
"noble, nobility"Description:
Adeliza is a unique member of the popular Adelaide-Adeline family. Different enough to distinguish it from all the others? Maybe, and it's definitely got an appealing sound that makes it sound a bit like a smoosh of Adele and Eliza.
- Adelle
Description:
Adelle is a feminine name with French origins, considered a variation of Adela or Adelaide, ultimately deriving from the Germanic element 'adal' meaning 'noble' or 'nobility.' The name carries an elegant, classic quality while remaining relatively uncommon compared to similar names like Adele or Adeline. Adelle gained some recognition through singer Adele Adkins, though the slightly different spelling gives it a distinct identity. The name has a gentle, feminine sound with its soft ending. Throughout history, Adelle has maintained consistent though modest usage, never reaching tremendous popularity but maintaining steady appreciation. The name blends traditional roots with a slightly contemporary feel, appealing to parents seeking something recognized but not overused.
- Aderyn
Origin:
CornishMeaning:
"bird"Description:
Aderyn, like cousin Elowen, may have found her moment: Aderyn makes an original full name that gets you to the cute and trendy nickname Addie. Just remember to put the emphasis on the second syllable.
- Adette
Description:
Adette is a feminine name that appears to be a diminutive form of Ada or Adele, with French linguistic influences. The 'ette' suffix typically indicates 'little' in French, suggesting 'little Ada' as a potential meaning. Ada itself derives from the Germanic element 'adal' meaning 'noble.' Adette remains quite rare in contemporary usage, never having ranked among popular names in the United States or most European countries. The name has a delicate, vintage quality that might appeal to parents seeking something traditional yet uncommon. Its brevity combined with the soft ending creates a name that's both feminine and refined without being overly elaborate.
- Adva
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"small wave; ripple"Description:
A possible addition to the Ava / Ada / Adah collection, with a Jewish twist.
- Aedan
Description:
Aedan is a masculine name of Irish and Scottish Gaelic origin, meaning 'little fire' or 'fiery one.' This ancient Celtic name has historical significance as it was borne by several Irish saints and kings, including St. Aedan of Ferns. The modern spelling variants include Aidan, Aiden, and Ayden, which have gained considerable popularity in English-speaking countries since the late 20th century. While the traditional Aedan spelling is less common, it offers authenticity and a direct connection to Celtic heritage. The name evokes qualities of passion, warmth, and spirited energy. Its rise in popularity corresponds with growing interest in Celtic names and culture across the Western world.
- Aella
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"whirlwind"Description:
Aella is one of the Amazons in Greek mythology, killed by Heracles in his quest for Hyppolita’s magic girdle. Aella or Aelle (often written as Ælla or Ælle) is also an ancient Saxon masculine name, belonging to several kings of regions of modern-day England from the 5th to 9th centuries.
- Aeneas
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"the praised one"Description:
In Greek and Roman mythology, Aeneas was the legendary son of Venus (or Aphrodite) who was the hero of Troy and Rome. Appearing in the Aeneid by the poet Virgil, he goes on to found the Roman state and break the heart of Queen Dido of Carthage.
- Aeronwy
Description:
Aeronwy is a feminine Welsh name pronounced roughly as "air-ON-wee." It gained recognition as the name of Dylan Thomas's daughter, Aeronwy Thomas-Ellis, who became a poet and writer herself. The name has roots in Welsh geography, as Afon Rhonwy is a river in Wales, with "afon" meaning "river" in Welsh. Aeronwy embodies the lyrical quality characteristic of Welsh names, with its flowing sounds and unique letter combinations. Though rare outside Wales, it represents an authentic piece of Welsh heritage and carries poetic associations through its connection to the Thomas literary legacy. The name may appeal to parents with Welsh ancestry or those drawn to names with authentic Celtic origins. Despite its unfamiliarity to many English speakers, Aeronwy has a musical quality that can transcend cultural boundaries.
- Aeson
Description:
Aeson is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, known in mythology as the father of Jason, the famous hero who led the Argonauts in the quest for the Golden Fleece. The name has experienced a modest revival in recent years as parents increasingly turn to mythological sources for distinctive yet historically grounded names. Aeson has an appealing contemporary sound despite its ancient roots, fitting alongside popular 'son' ending names while maintaining a unique identity. The name carries connotations of nobility and heroic lineage through its mythological associations. Though still uncommon, Aeson appeals to parents seeking a name that combines classical heritage with a modern sound, offering their son a name that is both distinctive and connected to ancient storytelling traditions.
- Aeva
Description:
Aeva is a feminine name that appears to be a modern variant spelling of Eva or Ava, both of which have ancient roots. Eva derives from the Hebrew name Chava meaning "life" or "living one," while Ava has potential Persian origins meaning "voice" or "sound." The addition of the initial 'e' to Ava creates a distinctive spelling while maintaining familiar pronunciation. This contemporary variation emerged as parents began seeking unique spellings of classic names. Aeva combines the timeless simplicity of its traditional counterparts with a touch of modern flair. The name's balanced structure of two syllables and flowing vowel sounds gives it an elegant, feminine quality that appeals to parents looking for something slightly unusual yet still accessible.
- Aja
Origin:
Spelling variation of Aya or HindiMeaning:
"goat"Description:
Sounds like and is often confused with Asia, though it has an air of retro cool via the seminal Steely Dan album. Or, pronounced eye-ah, it can be an alternate spelling of the international favorite Aya.
- Aled
Origin:
Welsh geographical nameDescription:
This simple, solid Welsh name enjoyed moderate popularity in England and Wales in the '80s and '90s, after the success of choirboy Aled Jones.
- Alessandria
Origin:
Italian place nameDescription:
While many will see this as a alternate version of more popular Alexandria and Alessandra -- and some parents may indeed intend it as such -- it is also the name of a province and city in northwest Italy. Just 12 baby girls in the U.S. were given the name Alessandria in 2016.
- Alexander
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Alexander has been in a Top 25 boys' name in the US for 30 years now. But namers are still attracted to its imposing historic pedigree.