Alternatives to Mila
- Mita
Description:
Mita is a feminine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Sanskrit, it means 'measured' or 'modest,' reflecting qualities of balance and humility. The name also appears in various other cultures: in Finnish, it's a diminutive of biblical names like Mikael; in Japanese, it can be written with characters meaning 'beautiful' and 'thick/abundant.' This short, melodic name travels well across cultural boundaries due to its simplicity and easy pronunciation. While never enormously popular in Western countries, Mita has maintained steady usage, particularly in Indian communities and increasingly among parents seeking brief, global-sounding names. Its concise two-syllable structure fits contemporary naming trends favoring short, distinctive names that work internationally.
- Moira
Origin:
Irish, variation of MaryMeaning:
"bitter; beloved; drop of the sea"Description:
Well-established Irish and Scottish name that has never really caught on across the pond. Remembered by an older generation as the beautiful red-haired ballerina in the film The Red Shoes, Moira Shearer.
- Myla
Origin:
Spelling variation of Mila or feminine variation of MiloMeaning:
"soldier or merciful"Description:
Myla can be seen as a female variation of Milo or a different spelling for popular Mila. Though frequently unnecessary in alternate spellings, the "y" here does connote a specific pronunciation.
- Mylia
Description:
Mylia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Mila (Slavic for 'gracious' or 'dear'), Amelia (Germanic for 'work'), or Milena (Slavic for 'love'). Alternatively, it could relate to the Greek word 'mylos' meaning 'mill.' This melodic name has gained modest popularity in recent decades as parents seek unique yet accessible names with a feminine quality. Mylia has a gentle, flowing sound while remaining relatively uncommon. The name's international flavor and adaptability across cultures add to its appeal. With its soft consonants and rhythmic pronunciation, Mylia suggests grace, gentleness, and a certain modern charm.
- Myna
Description:
Myna is an uncommon feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant of Mina, which has roots in multiple cultures, including German, where it serves as a diminutive of Wilhelmina, meaning "determined protector." In Hindu and Sanskrit traditions, Myna could relate to the Sanskrit word for "fish" or reference the mynah bird, known for its ability to mimic sounds and speech. The name may also be a form of the Arabic Muna, meaning "wish" or "desire." Despite its melodic quality and distinctive character, Myna remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries, giving it an exotic and uncommon appeal for parents seeking something unique for their daughters.
- Myra
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"sweet-smelling oil"Description:
As with many grandmother-y names, this choice may be coming back into style.
- Myria
Description:
Myria is a feminine name with Greek roots, derived from the word 'myrios' meaning 'countless' or 'ten thousand.' This elegant name carries connotations of abundance and limitlessness. While relatively uncommon in most English-speaking countries, Myria has an ethereal quality that appeals to parents seeking something unique yet melodious. The name shares phonetic similarities with names like Maria and Miriam but stands apart with its distinctive spelling and mythological resonance. Myria may also be associated with the metric prefix 'myria-' which was historically used to denote ten thousand units, further emphasizing the name's connection to abundance and multiplicity.
- Mila Rose
- Myles
- Nia
Origin:
Swahili; Welsh form of the Irish NiamhMeaning:
"resolve; brilliance"Description:
Short but energetic and substantial, Nia has special meaning for African-American parents, as it's one of the days of Kwanza. Nia also benefits by its similarity to (yet differentness from) the megapopular Mia.
- Nya
Origin:
Swahili, Basque, "tenacity, purpose, aim; sea fam, wave"Meaning:
"tenacity, purpose, aim; sea fam, wave"Description:
A relatively new name on the scene, increasing in popularity since 1999. It is likely a variation of Nia, a Swahili name based on the Arabic Niya meaning "tenacity, purpose, determination". Alternatively it may be based on Naia, a Basque name meaning "sea foam, wave" or it may simply be a modern creation, influenced by the popularity of Mia, Mya, Kaia, and similar.
- Orla
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"golden princess"Description:
Orla is an Irish name closely associated with the high king Brian Boru, as it was the name of his sister, daughter and niece. It was very popular in the Middle Ages – the fourth most popular name in twelfth century Ireland – and has become popular again in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales today. In Irish, the name is commonly spelled Orlaith or Orlagh.
- Pia
Origin:
Latin or diminutive of OlympiaMeaning:
"pious; from Mount Olympus"Description:
Soft name in the Mia-Nia-Tia family, Pia is heard in both European and Hindi languages.
- Prima
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"first"Description:
Will assure your daughter she's numero uno.
- Rhea
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"a flowing stream"Description:
Rhea is an old-style creative name of the Greek mythological earth mother of all the gods. A lot better than the Roman equivalent: Ops.
- Rilla
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"small brook"Description:
Rilla dropped out of the US Top 1000 in 1915, but it's starting to feel like an intriguing possibility again in this age of short, sweet, a-ending names for girls. It is traditionally a short form for names ending in -rilla, like Marilla from the Anne of Green Gables books (Anne's youngest daughter is Bertha Marilla, called Rilla for short). Rilla may also derive from the German word Rille, meaning "brook; stream".
- Roma
Origin:
Italian place-nameDescription:
Never as popular as Florence; today's parents might prefer Venezia, Verona, or Romy. It is also a Hindu name meaning "one with shiny hair" and is another name for the goddess Lakshmi.
- Sia
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"Victory"Description:
Mia, Gia, and now Sia!
- Tamia
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Variation of Tamara, popularized by Canadian singer Tamia.
- Tia
Origin:
Diminutive of names ending -tiaDescription:
A short, bright name which originates as a short form of names including Tiana, and Tatiana. Not as popular as Mia – a plus if you're seeking a short and pretty but less common name. In Spanish and Portuguese tía/tia is a word meaning "aunt". In Haida culture in indigenous Canada, Tia is a goddess of peaceful death.