Ending in -via
- Sylvia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"from the forest"Description:
The musical, sylvan Sylvia seems poised to join former friends Frances and Beatrice and Dorothy back in the nursery.
- Octavia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"eighth"Description:
Octavia began as the Latin, then Victorian name for an eighth child. While there aren't many eighth children anymore, this ancient Roman name has real possibilities as a substitute for the overused Olivia; recommended for its combination of classical and musical overtones. It was chosen for his daughter by Kevin Sorbo.
- Livia
Origin:
Diminutive of Olivia or LatinMeaning:
"blue, envious"Description:
Though it sounds like a chopped-off variation of Olivia, which means olive, the distinctively attractive Livia has been an independent name since the days of the ancient Romans, when it belonged to Livia Drusilla—the powerful wife of the Emperor Augustus—and is still commonly heard in modern Italy.
- Silvia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"from the woods"Description:
This original form of the name -- the more familiar Sylvia spelling came later -- seems more modern now.
- Flavia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"golden, blond"Description:
An ancient Roman clan name, Flavia is one choice that's unusual but historic. Now a Top 60 name in Italy, Flavia has been a rarity in the US, but with the upswing in F names for girls, this could change. Seen more in literature than real life, Flavia was used as far back as an1580 romance, then in a William Dean Howells novel and as a Princess in The Prisoner of Zenda. Although the original pronunciation is FLAH-via, Flavie (as in flavor) could make a cute nickname.
- Vivia
Origin:
Italian variation of VivianMeaning:
"life"Description:
Vivia, the fresh Italian version of newly popular name, streamlines and even vivifies the original.
- Avia
Origin:
Latin, HebrewMeaning:
"bird; God is my father"Description:
Avia is one of those multi-cultural, vowel-heavy girls' names so popular today, along with such choices as Ayla and Aya.
- Nevia
Description:
Nevia is a feminine name with Latin roots, possibly derived from 'nevis' meaning 'snow' or connected to the ancient Roman clan name Naevius. It may also be related to the Latin word 'novus' meaning 'new.' In Italian, 'neve' means snow, giving the name winter associations. Nevia has a delicate, melodious quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowels. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has seen some use in Italy and Latin communities. The name offers an elegant alternative to more popular names like Olivia or Sophia, with a similar romantic sound but greater distinctiveness. Parents might be drawn to Nevia for its classical roots, gentle sound, and relative rarity, providing uniqueness without being difficult to pronounce.
- Salvia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"whole, healthy"Description:
Another name for the herb sage -- which sounds younger and more modern than this version.
- Zenovia
Origin:
Russian form of Zenobia, GreekMeaning:
"force of Zeus"Description:
Zenovia makes Zenobia even more unusual. This mythology-adjacent name is worth a look.
- Ottavia
Origin:
Italian, variation of Latin OctaviaMeaning:
"eight"Description:
Softer and more romantic than Octavia, this is a name once used when it wasn't uncommon for families to have eight children. A possible substitute for the epidemically popular Olivia.
- Levia
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"to join"Description:
This female version of Levi is much too apt to be mistaken for Livia.
- Elvia
Description:
Elvia is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the elements 'alb' or 'elf' meaning 'white' or 'fair.' It can be considered a variation of names like Elva or Alba. Popular in Spanish-speaking countries and communities, Elvia has a delicate, melodious quality that gives it enduring appeal. The name experienced modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades. Despite its relative rarity, Elvia maintains a timeless elegance and cross-cultural versatility. The name often evokes associations with brightness, purity, and beauty, making it an understated yet distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with classical roots.
- Zinovia
Origin:
Variation of Zenobia, GreekMeaning:
"force of Zeus"Description:
Zinovia and Zenobia might be thought of as mythological adjacent names, with their meaning connected to Zeus, king of the Gods. The name Zinovia was given to fewer than ten baby girls in the US last year, versus about 30 who were named Zenobia.
- Evia
Description:
Evia is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant of Eva or Eve, names meaning "life" or "living one" with Hebrew origins. Alternatively, Evia could reference the Greek island of the same name (Εύβοια/Evia or Euboea). In some Slavic contexts, it might relate to names like Ewa or Evija. The name has a delicate, flowing quality with its soft consonants and open vowel sounds. While not widely popular, Evia has seen modest usage in various European countries and in the United States. Parents might choose this name for its subtle connection to traditional names while offering a unique alternative. Evia's cross-cultural potential and pleasant phonetics give it versatility without being overly common.
- Marvia
Description:
Marvia is a feminine name that likely developed as a variation of Marva, which itself derives from the Latin name Minerva (the Roman goddess of wisdom) or possibly as a feminine form of Marvin. The addition of the 'i' creates a more melodic flow to the original name. Marvia remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality while still containing familiar sounds. The name has seen sporadic usage throughout the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries and the Caribbean. Marvia carries an elegant, somewhat vintage character with its soft consonants and flowing vowels. While never reaching widespread popularity, it appeals to parents seeking a name with classical elements that remains outside mainstream choices, balancing uniqueness with accessibility.
- Davia
Description:
Davia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. Most commonly, it's considered a feminine form of David, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'beloved.' Alternatively, it may derive from the Latin 'Davus' or represent a variant of Davina. In some Slavic regions, particularly Croatia, Davia appears as a regional feminine name. The name carries a gentle, melodic quality with its flowing vowels while maintaining a simple, accessible pronunciation. Though never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Davia has maintained steady if minimal usage, appealing to parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon. Its biblical connections provide traditional appeal, while its relative rarity offers distinctiveness.
- Tavia
Origin:
Spanish short form of OctaviaMeaning:
"eighth"Description:
Cute, distinctive diminutive for this regal-sounding name.
- Bolivia
Origin:
Spanish place nameMeaning:
"land of Bolivar; land of the windmill valley"Description:
If you're tired of Olivia, you could be the first on your block to introduce this unique sound-related place name with Latin flair.
- Fulvia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"blond one"Description:
This name of the wife of Mark Antony (no, not Marc Anthony) in ancient Rome sounds a tad too anatomical for a modern girl.