Names ending in a

Hilma is heard in Germany and the Scandinavian countries, and sometimes used as a shortening of Wilhelmina--though there are more appealing German names for girls. to be found. Hilma Wolitzer is an American novelist and the mother of author Meg Wolitzer.

The Italian Gemma is rising, and Spanish Gema is following suit. More fresh and exciting than Emma or Ruby, Gema is a lovely alternative.

Panda, welcome to the baby name menagerie! Panda is an adorable animal name (after an adorable animal) that is sure to be both very rare and very cute. In Skins there was a character called Panda, which was short for Pandora. The name Panda comes from the Nepali word ponya meaning "bamboo eater".

Hadara is a Hebrew name associated with the holiday of Sukkot, the harvest festival. In the Torah, the citrus fruit etrog, used on the holiday, is called a "hadar fruit".

A bold and evocative African place name. The country of Kenya gets its name from Mount Kenya, referred to it as "Kirinyaga" or "Kerenyaga" by the local Kikuyu people, meaning "mountain of whiteness" due to its snow-capped peak.

Columba is an early saint's name that rhumbas to a modern beat. While the original St. Columba is male, the name sounds more appropriate for a girl in the modern world. Leave variations Colm and Callum for the boys.

Botanical Hebrew choice that leads to the sweet vintage nickname Nettie.

A modern version of the dated Betty. You might want to consider varying Elizabeth, too, to the Italian Elisabetta.

Retro musical reference to classic Steely Dan rock album, but mostly for girls today.

Manaia is one of the most popular gender-neutral names in New Zealand, on that country's Maori Top 10 for boys but used nearly equally for girls.

A somewhat common name in the early 19th Century in America. The origins of this name are not clear. It could be a variation of Pamela, or it could be a contraction of Pearl and Amelia.

Josepha is less heard in this country than in other parts of the world, seen as a slightly awkward feminization a la Ricarda and Benjamina. In the U.S., Josephine or Joanna is the more usual feminine form of Joseph, though you might consider Josepha if you want to break rank.

In Greek mythology, Nomia was a nymph and companion of Callisto.

This Ukrainian variation of classic Nicholas is pronounced like the more familiar Nikola, but with an M of course. Myko would be a cool and edgy nickname option.

Riviera may work for lovers of River who want something rarer and more elaborate for their little girl. The A ending adds a feminine touch.

Originating in Madagascar, Kamara has a pleasant and familiar sound, with a cool, unexpected animal meaning.

Makaria or Macaria is the name of two figures in Greek mythology, neither of whom have very uplifting stories to inspire a baby name.