Potential Character Surnames Starting With A
- Adhara
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"virgins"Description:
Adhara is the name of one of the brightest stars in the sky. Also known as Adara, this name is perfectly suitable for a child.
 - Abilene
Origin:
English from HebrewMeaning:
"grass"Description:
Abilene is a rarely used place name, mentioned as such in the New Testament, that combines the cowboy spunk of the Texas city with the midwestern morality of the Kansas town where Dwight D. Eisenhower spent his boyhood. Abilene is a much more untrodden path to the nickname Abbie/Abbie than the Top 10 Abigail.
 - Ace
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"one, unity"Description:
Ace is a retro nickname most often used for boys, as in Ace Ventura. While some celebrities have adopted it for their sons, there's nothing that makes this name exclusively male.
 - Adley
Origin:
Variation of HadleyDescription:
Adley made the Top 1000 at Number 735 in 2012 on the heels of sister name Hadley, only to vanish again in 2013. But now, with the popularity of Adelaide and Adeline, it has leaped upward and entered the Top 1000 once again. Adley feels in step with name trends of the moment, but will it survive the ages? Other such mashups have not.
 - Adna
Description:
Adna is a feminine name with ancient roots and cross-cultural significance. In Hebrew, it means 'pleasure' or 'delight,' while in Bosnian it's associated with 'paradise.' The name appears in the Bible as a male name belonging to several minor figures, but in modern usage, it's more commonly given to girls. Adna has maintained a consistent presence across several cultures, particularly in the Balkans and Middle East. Its brevity and melodic quality make it accessible across language barriers. The name's simple two-syllable structure and soft consonants give it a gentle, flowing quality. Despite its ancient origins, Adna feels contemporary and distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.
 - Acai
Origin:
Brazilian Portuguese fruit and tree nameDescription:
The açai palm is a tree native to Brazil that produces açai berries (the base of those trendy smoothie bowls). Since US birth certificates don't allow for diacritical marks, we are unsure if people are naming their children after the fruit (pronounce ah-sah-EE) or omitting the cedilla and pronouncing it a-KYE.
 - Adare
Description:
Adare is an uncommon feminine name with Irish origins, derived from the picturesque village of Adare in County Limerick, Ireland, known as 'the prettiest village in Ireland.' The place name comes from the Irish 'Áth Dara,' meaning 'ford of the oak tree.' As a personal name, Adare combines historical depth with geographical significance, offering a subtle connection to Irish heritage. While rare as a given name, it carries the natural imagery of ancient oaks and flowing waters. Its brevity and melodic quality give it a contemporary feel despite its historical roots. For parents seeking an uncommon name with Irish ties and natural symbolism, Adare provides a distinctive yet accessible option.
 - Adaora
Description:
Adaora is a feminine name of Igbo origin from Nigeria, carrying the beautiful meaning 'daughter of the community' or 'daughter of the people.' This meaningful name reflects the African value placed on community and the celebration of a child as a blessing to the entire village or family group. Pronounced ah-DAW-ra, the name has a melodic quality with its flowing vowels and gentle rhythm. While traditional in Nigeria and among Nigerian diaspora communities, Adaora remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, making it distinctive while still being accessible in pronunciation. The name conveys strength, cultural heritage, and communal bonds, appealing to parents seeking a name with deep meaning and West African roots. Adaora's growing international recognition reflects increasing appreciation for African naming traditions.
 - Aberdeen
Origin:
Scottish place-nameDescription:
This undiscovered Scottish port city name has a nice, upbeat feel and lots of good nickname possibilities.
 - 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.
 - Aadhira
Description:
Aadhira is a feminine name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'moon' or sometimes interpreted as 'lightning.' Popular in India and among families with South Asian heritage, the name carries connotations of beauty, luminosity, and celestial grace. The initial double 'aa' creates a distinctive appearance and elongated sound when pronounced properly. Aadhira began gaining recognition in the early 2000s as parents sought names with traditional roots but contemporary appeal. The name connects to Hindu mythology through its association with celestial bodies, which hold significant meaning in Indian culture. Though still relatively uncommon in Western countries, Aadhira has been gradually gaining international recognition as global naming influences expand and cross-cultural appreciation grows.
 - Adler
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"eagle"Description:
This common German-Jewish surname is a fast riser among boys but lately has been picked up by parents of girls as well. Notable figures with the surname include designer Jonathan Adler, Freud contemporary Alfred Adler, and decorator Frances Adler Elkins and her brother, architect David Adler.
 - 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.
 - Abrien
Description:
Abrien is a modern feminine name with French-inspired elements that give it a sophisticated, elegant feel. Likely derived as a variant of names like Aubrey or Adrienne, it features the trendy "-ien" ending that adds a contemporary twist. The name has a melodic quality when spoken and strikes a balance between uniqueness and familiarity. Though not widely common, Abrien has seen occasional usage in recent decades, particularly as parents seek distinctive alternatives to more popular names. Without deep historical roots, Abrien represents the modern trend of name innovation and creativity. Its pleasant sound and stylish construction give it appeal without being overly unusual or difficult to pronounce.
 - Adis
Description:
Adis is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Bosnian usage, it derives from Arabic roots meaning 'gift' or 'present,' sharing etymology with names like Aida. In Ethiopian culture, Adis connects to Addis Ababa ('new flower'). The name has also appeared as a variation of Adelaide or Adela in some European contexts. With its multicultural background, Adis remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries but has modest usage in the Balkans and parts of Africa. The name's brevity and soft sound give it a gentle quality, while its cross-cultural presence makes it accessible internationally. Its simplicity allows for easy pronunciation across languages, contributing to its subtle appeal for parents seeking something distinctive yet straightforward.
 - Aarvi
Description:
Aarvi is a modern feminine name of Indian origin. It carries beautiful meanings including 'peaceful', 'calm', and 'goddess of wisdom' in Sanskrit. Some interpretations also suggest it means 'stars in the sky'. The name has gained popularity in India and among Indian diaspora communities worldwide over the past decade. Its appealing sound and positive connotations have contributed to its rise as parents seek unique yet meaningful names with cultural roots. Aarvi offers a contemporary choice while honoring South Asian heritage, combining melodic qualities with spiritual significance.
 - Acey
Description:
Acey is a rare feminine name with several possible origins. It may have developed as a diminutive of names containing the 'ace' sound, such as Asenath or Acacia, or as a nickname for names beginning with 'A.' Alternatively, it could derive from the word 'ace,' suggesting excellence or someone who excels. Acey has never been common in mainstream usage but occasionally appears in Southern United States naming traditions. The name has a breezy, upbeat quality with its short, open-vowel sound structure. Its simplicity and positive connotations give it a friendly, approachable character. In modern contexts, Acey might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive yet unpretentious name with a subtly positive meaning.
 - Adei
Description:
Adei is an uncommon feminine name with uncertain origins. It may be a variant of Ada, which derives from the Germanic element 'adal' meaning 'noble' or 'nobility.' Alternatively, it could be related to Hebrew names like Adah, meaning 'ornament' or 'adornment.' The unique spelling with the '-ei' ending gives it a distinctive, modern feel while maintaining its short, melodic quality. Adei remains relatively rare in most English-speaking countries, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking something unique yet accessible. Its brevity and soft sound pattern align with contemporary naming trends favoring short, vowel-rich names for girls.
 - Abital
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"my father is dew"Description:
Abital is popular for boys as well as girls in Israel, but we rarely hear it here. In the Old Testament, Abital was one of King David's wives and the mother of his fifth son.
 - Aahana
Description:
Aahana is a beautiful feminine name with Indian origins, particularly popular in Hindu families. The name derives from Sanskrit, meaning 'first rays of the sun' or 'morning light.' This connection to dawn and new beginnings gives Aahana associations with hope, brightness, and fresh opportunities. The name has been growing in popularity in India over recent decades and is gradually gaining recognition internationally as global naming trends become more diverse. Aahana has a melodious quality with its repeating 'a' sounds and soft 'h,' creating a name that flows elegantly when spoken. Its meaning resonates with parents seeking a name that symbolizes light, warmth, and the promise of a new day.
 
