Names ending in a

Despite appearances, Ismenia does not seem to be related to Greek Ismene ("knowledge"). Instead, one possible derivation is from Celtic elements meaning "excellent" and "treasure".

Elisenda was a medieval queen of Catalonia, a region in Spain, and her name is still used there. Long and romantic, it would be a rare twist on the trend for El- names.

Russian diminutive of Paul.

An alternative to the more familiar Aviva.

There's a craze for royal names right now, including Royal itself, so c'mon down, Contessa, and join Prince, King, Duke, Royalty -- the whole blue-blooded gang. Bonus: Short form Tess or Tessa makes this an almost-ordinary name.

The modern Greek form of Eudocia.

Corsica, the picturesque Mediterrean island birthplace of Napoleon, makes an easy switch from atlas to baby name book, with its delicate, feminine ending. Just don't consider neighboring island Sardinia.

This rare name crosses cultures. With the popularity of Ella and Bella, perhaps we'll hear more of Pella one day soon?

Astraia -- or Astraea or Asteria -- is the Greek goddess of justice and innocence who became the constellation Virgo. While largely unknown today, this is one of the Greek goddess namesthat may be rediscovered.

To most, the name Austra is most likely to be connected to Australia (or Austria), but to Latvians, Austra was the goddess of the dawn.

Charming alternative to the overused Grace.

Clorinda is a romantic name invented by a sixteenth-century poet, but has a synthetic sound today.

A soft and lovely Hebrew name with an equally lovely meaning. Variations include Ahavah, Ahaba, Ahabah, Ahuva and Ahuvah.

If you are looking for an unusual way to honor an ancestral Mary or Miriam, Mirja might make a good choice. Zero baby girls were given this name in the US in 2014. The rising popularity of Anja has schooled English speakers that the j is pronounced like a y.