Names ending in a

Marchesa, pronounced with a K sound rather than a CH, fits right in with all those boys named Messiah and King. In Italy, a marchesa is the wife of a marchese. In France, the equivalent titles are marquis and marquise, and in England, marquess and marchioness. The title is most familiar today thanks to Georgina Chapman and Karen Craig's fashion house, Marchesa.

Ilesha is an unusual choice that will undoubtedly be confused with similar and far more common names such as Alicia and Elissa.

The preferred Estonian spelling of Yekaterina, the Russian variation of Katherine.

Typically seen as a diminutive or nickname of the Czech Magdaléna, Madlenka is pronounced "MAD-len-ka".

Predominantly used in Romania, Ioana can also be used as an alternative to the Bulgarian Yoana. Fashion designer Ioana Ciolacu, actress Ioana Flora, and gymnast Ioana Stanciulescu are just a few notable bearers.

Simple plus unusual is a winning combination.