Names ending in ia

Modern feminine form of Xavier

The simple, sleek Vera gave birth to the more elaborate Veradis and Veradisia. Neither name was used for any baby girls in the US last year.

The name Persia derives from Avestan Parsa, the name of the Indo-European nomadic people who migrated into southern Iran in about 1000 BCE. Persis or Persea, the feminine form of Perseus, feel more namelike.

In addition to being the appellation of an ancient grain goddess, this name was also borne by two mythic Irish figures, one of whom was betrothed to legendary chieftain Finn MacCool, the other the brave sixteenth century pirate Grainne Ni Mhaille— known in English as Grace O'Malley-- whose name passed into poetry as a symbol of Ireland.

An alternative international spelling of Julia.

The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. Most Ghanaians have a name using this system (think Kofi Annan, whose name means born on a Friday). Efia (also Afua) is the name for girls born on a Friday. (The male variant is Kofi)

A genus of flowering plants in the fern family. The plant’s seed pods resemble little silver moons, hence the "Luna" related name. Lunaria is also another word for the mineral moonstone.

Iria is a diminutive version of Eirene / Irene and is therefore associated with the Greek goddess of peace.

In Greek Mythology, Eucleia was the spirit of glory and good repute. She was a member of the younger Charites.

This ancient name, belonging to a Byzantine empress, may be difficult to wear. The English variation Tiffany may be more wearable.

Authentic, melodic place-name for the adventurous, chosen by rapper LL Cool J for his daughter and given to nearly 80 baby girls in the US last year. Italia of course is what the Italians call Italy.

Ear-catching alternative to Lydia.

Arcelia is an undiscovered Spanish treasure worth considering.

The ancient Roman name that gave us Cecilia, Cecily, and related names. This spelling looks authentic, but might raise more pronunciation problems than it solves.

Feminization of the Greek place name Delphi (of oracle fame), Delphia could also be used as a nod to American city Philadelphia. Delphine and Delphinia are similar names.

As Sophia gets more popular, parents search out more unusual spins, and the Z makes this qualify.