1500+ Girl Names Ending in -ia

Influential designer Miuccia (nicknamed Miu Miu) Prada's surname is much better known here than her first.

An underused Biblical name, probably because it's so tightly identified with the Queen of gospel singers, Mahalia Jackson. Other variations include Mahalah, Mahayla, Mahila, Mahilia, Mehalia, Mahali, and Mahalya.

French spelling of Celia that is more popular in France today than traditional Célie.

This fanciful Irish extension of Bridget is known here through the wacky Amelia Bedelia books for kids -- an association your child may or may not like.

An interesting and unusual member of the "Nic" family--far more distinctive than NICOLE or NICOLA.

Croia is an unusual name with a loving meaning that jumped into the limelight when an Irish celebrity chose it for his daughter. Virtually unknown before, it's now among the most popular names in Ireland.

Moria was a nymph, sister of Tylus, who played a role in a very complicated story involving a serpent and a life-giving plant. It sounds like and will often be mistaken for the name Mariah, as in Carey.

Another name for the herb sage -- which sounds younger and more modern than this version.

Alafia is a Yoruba name for peace and is used as a name for both men and women in Nigeria.

As long as nobody connects it with xenophobia -- the fear of strangers and the unknown.

The name of several early saints, including one, Pelagia the Penitent, a beautiful and licentious dancing girl who repented, then, disguised as a man, spent the rest of her life living alone in a cave on the Mount of Olives. Because of her early vocation, she is the patron saint of actresses.

Martia, more distinctive than cousins Marta, Marcia and Marsha, also has a strong image and slightly unexpected feel.

Trivia is considered the first epithet of Diana, the Roman goddess of hunting, fertility, and the moon. The name is derived from the Latin word trivium, meaning "triple way," which refers to the goddess's protection of crossroads. Today, of course, Trivia would likely be interpreted as an English word name referencing obscure facts.

This variant of the more-difficult Afua, from the Akan language of what is now Ghana in West Africa, is a traditional "day name" that can make a perfectly pretty modern choice.

Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza is popularizing this one.

Spanish and Romanian form of Ottilia or Odilia

The origins of this rare name are shrouded in mystery. Ismeria is an obscure figure in European Christian legend, sometimes purported to be the great-aunt of Jesus Christ, who is connected to the devotion of the Black Madonna.

This pretty female form of Laurence originated in ancient Rome and is still sometimes heard in the Latino community. It is one of the many intriguing Latin names for girls worth consideration by modern parents, as a more distinctive spin on Laura or Lauren. The name's rhythm also makes it perfect for Ren or Wren as a nickname.