Names ending in a

This name of the wife of Mark Antony (no, not Marc Anthony) in ancient Rome sounds a tad too anatomical for a modern girl.

Iyana is a new name with a New Age feel that's been on the popularity charts since 2000, related to cousins Aiyana and Ayanna.

Colombia is a South American country name, with a rhythmic sound and peaceful connotations. The Irish Colm, Scottish Callum, and Columba are all attractive relatives of Colombia (or Columbia, if you're thinking of the college).

Philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft had a younger sister named Everina. Her daughter Mary Shelley also used the name for her daughter, Clara Everina Shelley (1817-1818).

Petronela, along with Petronella and Petronelle, are relatives of Petra, sister of Peter. Old names, they are exceedingly rare. But they could be an original route to the cute nicknames Nell and Nellie.

The lovely Portuguese word for "pearl" (Pérola) was seldom used as a first name even in Brazil and Portugal until it was the name of a character on a popular telenovela "Joia Rara." It is also the name of a town in the south of Brazil, near the Paraguayan border.

Either an alternative feminization to Christina, an elaboration of the French diminutive Christelle , or a compound name, blending the element Christ- with either Stella or Ella. In the case of the latter, it could give you a rather powerful meaning.