Alternatives to Amelia or Emilia

Beautiful alternatives to lovely Amelia (or her soundalike Emilia), retaining sound, style, and image. I hope you find these suggestions useful!
  1. Abelia
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "sigh, breath"
    • Description:

      This feminine form of Abel is also a flower name and makes a distinctive alternative to the widely used Abigail. There is a similar name, Adelia, that is beginning to be rediscovered thanks to the trend for all names Adel- related.
  2. Acatia
    • Description:

      Acatia appears to be a feminine name that may have originated as a variant of Acacia, which refers to the acacia tree or shrub known for its delicate flowers and resilience. The name has Greek origins, derived from 'akakia' meaning 'thorny tree' or 'innocence'. With its soft sounds and botanical connection, Acatia conveys images of natural beauty and elegant simplicity. This uncommon name offers a unique alternative to more familiar flower-inspired names. The gentle rhythm of its three syllables creates a melodious quality that feels both contemporary and timeless. Parents drawn to nature-inspired names with a touch of uniqueness might find Acatia particularly appealing.

  3. Adalia
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, German, "God is my refuge; noble one"
    • Meaning:

      "God is my refuge; noble one"
    • Description:

      Distinctive, elegant, and luxurious, Adalia can be a variation of Adele, or a Hebrew name with a Biblical background. Although it is given exclusively to girls in the US, in the Bible it is masculine. The similar Adlai might be easier to wear for boys in English speaking countries, while Adalia fits in with Adeline, Amelia, and Dahlia.
  4. Adaria
    • Description:

      Adaria is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a derivative of names like Adara (Hebrew for "virgin, maiden") or a feminine form of Adrian (from Latin, meaning "from Hadria"). With its melodic four syllables and flowing sound, Adaria has an ethereal, almost musical quality. The name remains relatively rare, appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible in pronunciation. Adaria carries an elegant, somewhat exotic feel while maintaining familiar elements that connect to more common names. Its uniqueness makes it stand out while its conventional structure and pleasing phonetics ensure it doesn't feel too unusual. For those seeking a name that combines femininity with uniqueness, Adaria provides an option that sounds both graceful and distinctive.

  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Adelphia
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "dearest sister"
    • Description:

      Has a bit of a trade name feel, as in failed cable service.
  8. Agacia
    • Origin:

      Variation of Agatha, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "good woman"
    • Description:

      With so many A-beginning names finding their way into style, Agacia is one unusual choice that could get more attention. It's part Agatha, part Acacia, and quite intriguing.
  9. Aimia
    • Description:

      Aimia is a delicate feminine name with unclear origins, possibly a creative variant of Amia or derived from the French 'aimée' meaning 'beloved.' The insertion of the 'i' gives it a distinctive flow and ethereal quality. The name has a musical rhythm with its three syllables and soft consonants. Extremely rare in usage, Aimia carries connotations of love and affection through its sound and possible etymological connections. It might appeal to parents seeking a name that feels both modern and timeless, with an international flair that works across multiple cultures. The name offers potential nicknames like Aim, Mia, or Ami, providing flexibility as a child grows.

  10. Alenia
    • Description:

      Alenia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins, including a derivation from the Greek name Helen (meaning 'bright, shining light') or as a variant of Elena/Alena. Some sources suggest it may have Slavic roots or connections to the Latin 'alens' meaning 'to nourish.' This melodic name has gained modest popularity in recent decades, particularly as parents search for distinctive alternatives to more common names like Elena or Alina. Alenia presents a lyrical quality with its flowing syllables and soft sounds. The name carries an ethereal, graceful connotation that appeals to those seeking something feminine yet uncommon. While not ranking among top names in most countries, Alenia continues to be discovered by parents attracted to its elegant sound and international versatility.
  11. Alessia
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Alexis
    • Meaning:

      "defending warrior"
    • Description:

      Young Canadian pop singer Alessia Cara has given this spicy-sounding name a new lease on life, propelling it into the Top 1000 in 2016. It was one of the fastest rising girl names of the year in 2016, then again in 2023. As a form of Alexander, Alessia could make a wonderful honor for any of Alexander's variants—Alexandra, Alexis—or as an alternative to Alexa, now best known as Amazon's AI voice.
  12. Alethea
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "truth"
    • Description:

      Alethea, the name of the Greek goddess of truth, came into fashion in England in the 16th century, in tandem with the virtue names. Alethea may find new favor now as one of the goddess names stylish for baby girls.
  13. Alice
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "noble"
    • Description:

      Alice is a classic literary name that's both strong and sweet, ranking in the US Top 100 and popular throughout the Western world. Alice is derived from the Old French name Aalis, a diminutive of Adelais that itself came from the Germanic name Adalhaidis, which is composed of the Proto-Germanic elements aþala, meaning "noble," and haidu, "kind, appearance, type."
  14. Almeria
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "mirror of the sea"
    • Description:

      Evocative Spanish city name that would make a one-of-a-kind given name.
  15. Althelia
    • Description:

      Althelia is an uncommon feminine name with possible Greek origins, potentially derived from elements meaning 'healing' or 'truthful.' It may be a variant of Althea (from Greek mythology, associated with healing) with an elaborated ending. The name has a lyrical, flowing quality with its multiple syllables and melodic 'lia' ending. Althelia carries an air of classical elegance while remaining distinctive and uncommon in contemporary usage. This name would appeal to parents seeking something with ancient roots but virtually no risk of popularity. Its sophisticated sound and rare usage make it ideal for those wanting a name that stands out while maintaining connections to classical naming traditions.
  16. Amabella
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "lovable"
    • Description:

      Amabella is an elaboration of Amabel, a popular medieval name. Neil Gaiman and Liane Moriarty used Amabella as a character name in their novels, The Graveyard Book and Big Little Lies, respectively.
  17. Amadia
    • Description:

      Amadia is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be derived from the Latin 'amare' meaning 'to love,' suggesting qualities of affection and warmth. Alternatively, it could be connected to the Kurdish city of Amedia (or Amadiya) in Iraq. The name has a lyrical, flowing quality with its soft consonants and melodic syllable pattern. Amadia remains relatively uncommon in most Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality without being difficult to pronounce. Those bearing this name might be associated with qualities like love, beauty, and compassion. The '-dia' ending creates a pleasant rhythm that resembles other popular names like Lydia or Claudia.

  18. Amadora
    • Description:

      Amadora is a beautiful feminine name with Latin and Spanish origins. It derives from the word "amador," meaning "lover" or "one who loves," with the feminine ending added. The name essentially translates to "loving woman" or "gift of love." Amadora carries romantic connotations and evokes warmth and affection. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has some usage in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking regions. The name has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables and romantic roots. Amadora might appeal to parents looking for a distinctive name with a positive meaning and European flair.
  19. Amaia
    • Origin:

      Spanish or Basque
    • Meaning:

      "high place or end"
    • Description:

      This pretty and uncommon Basque name is all but unheard of in this country. Amaya is a spelling variation as well as a similar Japanese name meaning "night rain." With the newfound popularity of Amara and Amora, Amaia and Amaya are among the Spanish names for girls we'll be hearing a lot more of in the US.
  20. Amalea
    • Description:

      Amalea is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Amalia, which derives from Germanic roots meaning "work" or "labor," suggesting industriousness. Alternatively, it could be related to the Greek name Amalia, meaning "tender" or "soft." The name has a melodic quality with its flowing vowels, giving it an elegant and feminine feel. While not among the most popular names, Amalea offers a fresh alternative to more common names like Amelia or Amalia. Its distinctiveness makes it appealing to parents seeking something recognizable yet unique. The name carries connotations of gentleness and beauty while maintaining a classic, timeless quality.