Boys' Names Ending in -a Part 1
- Aba
Description:
Aba is a concise masculine name with rich multicultural origins. In Ghana, particularly among the Akan people, Aba is traditionally a male name given to a boy born on Thursday, following their day-naming tradition. However, in other African cultures, it may be used as a female name. Aba also appears in Hebrew, where it relates to 'father' or 'daddy,' connecting to the Aramaic word 'abba.' In Nigerian Igbo culture, similar names carry meanings related to wealth or greatness. The name's brevity gives it strength and memorability, while its cross-cultural presence provides versatility. Though uncommon in Western countries, Aba's simplicity makes it easily pronounced and spelled across languages. The name carries a sense of cultural heritage and ancestral connection, making it meaningful for families seeking to honor African or Middle Eastern roots.
- Abba
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"father"Description:
Double exposure: 1970s rock sensation (Mamma Mia) and scholar/diplomat name in Israel.
- Abdalla
Origin:
AfricanMeaning:
"servant of God"Description:
This Muslim name derived from the Arabic is found in North and East Africa.
- Abdulla
Description:
Abdulla is a masculine name of Arabic origin, a variant spelling of Abdullah, which means 'servant of Allah' or 'servant of God.' This name holds profound religious significance in Islamic tradition, making it particularly popular in Muslim communities worldwide. The slightly simplified spelling Abdulla is common in certain regions, including parts of South Asia, East Africa, and some Gulf states. The name carries connotations of devotion, faith, and humility. As one of the most traditional Islamic names, Abdulla remains consistently used across generations, connecting its bearers to a deep religious heritage. While maintaining its strongest presence in Muslim-majority countries, the name has become increasingly familiar globally through diaspora communities and cultural exchange.
- Abia
Description:
Abia is a masculine name with ancient biblical and historical roots. It appears in the Bible as the name of several figures, including King Abijah of Judah, as Abia is the Latin form of the Hebrew name Abijah, meaning "my father is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my father." The name carries strong religious significance in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions. Beyond biblical contexts, Abia is also used in various cultures around the world, including as a Nigerian place name. While not among the most common names in Western countries, Abia has seen occasional use for boys, appreciated for its melodic sound, brevity, and meaningful spiritual heritage.
- Abisha
Description:
Abisha is a masculine name with biblical Hebrew origins, appearing in the Old Testament as 'Abishai' (meaning 'father of a gift' or 'my father is a gift'). This shortened form maintains the spiritual significance while offering a more streamlined pronunciation. In some cultures, particularly in parts of India, Abisha can also be used as a feminine name. The name carries connotations of blessing and divine favor across different cultural contexts. While relatively uncommon in Western countries, it has seen periodic usage in Christian communities and among those seeking names with biblical significance. Abisha offers the appeal of ancient roots combined with a distinctive sound that works well in contemporary naming landscapes.
- Abrasha
Description:
Abrasha is a masculine name of Russian and Yiddish origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Abraham. The name carries the same meaning as its root - "father of many" or "father of a multitude" - derived from Hebrew traditions. Primarily used in Eastern European Jewish communities, Abrasha represents the affectionate, familiar version of the more formal Abraham. The suffix "-sha" adds warmth and intimacy to the original name, following Slavic naming patterns. While uncommon in Western countries, the name maintains cultural significance in Russian-speaking and Jewish contexts. Abrasha balances historical gravitas with a gentle, approachable quality, making it a meaningful choice for families honoring Eastern European Jewish heritage or seeking a distinctive name with biblical roots.
- Aditya
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"belonging to Aditi"Description:
Aditi's seven children, Hindu Gods, are named Aditya.
- Adria
Description:
Adria as a masculine name derives from the Latin 'Hadrianus,' meaning 'from Hadria,' an ancient city that gave its name to the Adriatic Sea. While more commonly used as a feminine name in many cultures, Adria has historical usage as a male name particularly in Mediterranean regions and Catalonia. The masculine usage connects to the famous Roman Emperor Hadrian, known for building Hadrian's Wall in Britain. As a boy's name, Adria has a soft yet distinctive quality, with its vowel-rich pronunciation creating a melodic sound. Though relatively uncommon for boys internationally, it maintains steady usage in parts of Spain and among families with Mediterranean heritage. The name carries associations with the sea, suggesting depth and a free-spirited nature.
- Aja
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"goat"Description:
Retro musical reference to classic Steely Dan rock album, but mostly for girls today.
- Akeeva
Description:
Akeeva is a masculine name with possible roots in various cultures. It may be a variation of Akiva, a Hebrew name meaning 'to protect' or 'shelter,' associated with a renowned Jewish scholar. Alternatively, it could have African origins with connections to names like Akeem or Akiva, often meaning 'great one' or 'wisdom.' The unique spelling with double 'e' gives this name a contemporary feel while maintaining cultural connections. Akeeva remains relatively uncommon, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with cross-cultural resonance. Its melodic quality and positive connotations of protection and wisdom contribute to its appeal, despite its rarity in mainstream usage.
- Akiba
Origin:
Variation of Akiva, HebrewMeaning:
"to protect, shelter"
- Akira
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"bright, intelligent"Description:
Akira is a popular Japanese name for both sexes that's migrated to the West because of its appearance in manga and video games. Akiro is a related name popular for boys.
- Akiva
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"to protect, shelter"Description:
Akiva has a distinguished scholarly pedigree and a lovely meaning. Its softer sound is very on trend for masculine names at the moment and is in line with more familiar monikers like Ezra, Elijah and Theo.
- ALJOŠA
- Alva
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"his highness"Description:
Edison's middle name is a fabulous option for parents looking for something with history and a soft sound. This could be the name you're looking for if you like Tesla's scientific pedigree but think that it has become too corporate with the advent of Elon Musk's company.
- Amasa
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"burden"Description:
Amasa is a rare Biblical name borne by two figures. One is the son of Abigail and nephew of King David, who named him commander of the rebels. This Amasa met a tragic end when he was murdered by Joab. The other Biblical Amasa was one of the Children of Ephraim.
- America
Origin:
Latin, place-nameDescription:
Actress America Ferrera, of Ugly Betty fame, has pretty much feminized this name in the US.
- Amerika
Description:
Amerika is an uncommon masculine name with patriotic associations to the United States of America. The name represents a creative spelling variant of 'America,' likely chosen by parents desiring a distinctive name with nationalistic sentiment. While Amerika has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000 baby names, it occasionally appears as a given name, particularly in communities with strong American pride or among immigrant families wishing to express appreciation for their new homeland. The name carries connotations of freedom, opportunity, and cultural diversity. Phonetically striking with its hard 'k' sound, Amerika offers an unusual alternative to more common patriotic names like Liberty or America.
- Andrea
Origin:
Italian variation of Andrew, GreekMeaning:
"strong and manly"Description:
Andrea may be a gender neutral name in its native Italy and other European countries, but in the US it's 98 percent a girls' name, with only about 20 males to more than 1800 baby girl given that name in the most recent year counted.