Personal favorites during teenage years.

Potential character names? Maybe a kid in, y'know, 10 years.
  1. Aberdeen
    • Origin:

      Scottish place-name
    • Description:

      This undiscovered Scottish port city name has a nice, upbeat feel and lots of good nickname possibilities.
  2. Abraham
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "father of multitudes"
    • Description:

      Abraham is among the most classic baby names that's still widely-used today, popular for its references to both the Bible and American history. The Biblical Abraham was the first of the Old Testament patriarchs and is considered the founding father of the Jewish people. He was originally named Abram, until, according to Genesis, he was told, "No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations."
  3. Acacia
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "thorny"
    • Description:

      Acacia is an attractive, rarely used Greek flower name enhanced by its popular beginning-and-ending-with 'a'-construct, and is gradually beginning to catch on as a new member of the stylish girl names starting with A.
  4. Adara
    • Origin:

      Arabic, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "maidens; noble, exalted"
    • Description:

      A charming multicultural choice with a daring yet grounded sound, Adara is a both a Hebrew name with a noble meaning, and an Arabic name with ties to astronomy. Popular in Puerto Rico and Spain, it is also on the rise in the US.
  5. Addie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Adelaide or Adeline
    • Description:

      Old-fashioned nickname with sweet turn-of-the-last-century charm that's become a favorite among the popular girl names starting with A of today. In fact, with all spellings of Adeline/Adalynn taken together firmly in the Top 10, and Adelaide and Addison also high in the charts, Addie is one of the most frequently-heard short forms around. But no matter how popular (or pandemic) it gets, Addie is undeniably one of the cutest names for baby girls. Little girls might like the fact that it's the name, though spelled Addy, of an American Girl series doll.
  6. Addison
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "son of Adam"
    • Description:

      Newly fashioned but familiar and with an on-trend, unisex feel, Addison seems like the perfect solution for anyone who can't decide between Madison, Adeline, and Alison.
  7. 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.
  8. Adelia
    • Origin:

      Variation of Adela, German
    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"
    • Description:

      The super-success of Adele, both the singer and the name, has brought attention to all her cousins — Adela, Adeline, Adelina — and the lovely Adelia. An undiscovered gem just waiting to be discovered.
  9. Adelin
    • Description:

      Adelin is a feminine name with Germanic roots, though it can occasionally be used for boys in some cultures. It derives from the Germanic element 'adal' meaning 'noble' or 'nobility.' Adelin can be viewed as a variation of Adeline or a feminized form of Adel. The name carries an elegant, vintage quality while maintaining simplicity. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, it has seen occasional use in France and other European nations. Adelin offers the appeal of aristocratic associations without being pretentious, and its soft ending creates a gentle sound. The name suggests refinement, grace, and a connection to European heritage.
  10. Adelyn
    • Origin:

      Variation of Adeline
    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"
    • Description:

      Adeline in all its forms, including Adelyn, is rocketing up the list, but we do prefer the original to the variations. Or you might consider varying it yet further to Adelia, Adele, or Adelaide. Or lengthen it to Madeline/Madelyn.
  11. Adelynn
    • Origin:

      Variation of Adeline, French
    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"
    • Description:

      Adelynn is one of the many variations rising on the heels of the lovely, old-fashioned (and yes, sweet) name Adeline.
  12. Adlin
    • Description:

      Adlin is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variation of Adeline, derived from the Germanic name Adalind, meaning 'noble snake' or 'nobility.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Old English name Eadlin, meaning 'rich friend.' In some cultures, particularly in the Caribbean, Adlin appears as a modern creation combining elements of other names. The name has a delicate, feminine quality with its soft consonants and clear ending. While uncommon in most Western countries, Adlin offers an appealing alternative to more popular names like Adeline or Madeline. Its brevity and simple pronunciation make it accessible across cultures while still maintaining a distinctive character.
  13. Agatha
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "good woman"
    • Description:

      Agatha until recently summoned up visions of martyred saints, mauve silk dresses, and high lace collars, but now that some dauntless excavators have begun to resurrect it, we're sure more will follow their lead. Actor Thomas Gibson used it for his daughter in 2004.
  14. Alaïa
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "sublime"
    • Description:

      Fashion designer surname that could make a dynamic first.
  15. Alban
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "white, or, man from Alba"
    • Description:

      An ancient and highly unusual name; St. Alban -- sometimes also called Albinus or Aubin -- was an early martyr in Roman Britain. Using an alternate spelling, Alben Barkley was the 35th U.S. Vice-President, serving under Harry Truman. And Albin is popular in modern Sweden. But only the form Alban has the alternate meaning "from Alba".
  16. Albany
    • Origin:

      Scottish place name
    • Description:

      A capital place-name possibility.
  17. Albion
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "white, bright"
    • Description:

      Albion is an ancient, poetic, and literary name for Great Britain. As a name, Albion is a variation of Albus -- and Dumbledore fans might find it a congenial update. Attractive short forms include Al and Albie.
  18. Alienor
    • Origin:

      French, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Also seen as Alyenor and Eleonore, this is an old French name dating back to the Arthurian romances and still heard today.
  19. Allegra
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "joyous"
    • Description:

      In music, the term allegro means "quickly, lively tempo," which makes this quintessential Bohemian ballet dancer's name all the more appealing. Allegra is one of the most distinctive yet accessible girl names starting with A.
  20. Allisen
    • Description:

      Allisen is a feminine name that represents a modern variant spelling of Alison or Allison. These names ultimately derive from the medieval French diminutive of Alice (Alison), which itself comes from the Germanic name Adalheidis, meaning 'noble type.' This particular spelling variation with '-en' instead of '-on' gives the traditional name a slightly more contemporary feel while maintaining its recognizable sound. Allisen remains relatively uncommon compared to the standard Allison spelling, which enjoyed significant popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s. Parents might choose this spelling variation to give their daughter a familiar-sounding name with a more distinctive presentation, setting her slightly apart while still connecting to a well-established naming tradition.