Names ending in a
- Daya
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"compassionate"Description:
There is some controversy over the origin and meaning of this name, though most reputable sources define it as a Hindi name meaning kindness or compassion. Also spelled, Daia, other sources say it may mean "joy" or be a Hebrew name with the meaning "bird of prey". It has recently been made familiar through the character of Daya Diaz on Orange is the New Black .
- Malaya
Origin:
FilipinoMeaning:
"free"Description:
Deriving from the same East Asian root as Malaysia and Malay, Malaya is a name that recalls the more popular Maya and the name of 2014 Nobel Peace Laureate Malala Yousafzai. It first appeared in the US Top 1000 in 2006.
- Keeva
Origin:
Irish, phonetic spelling of CaoimheMeaning:
"gentle, beautiful, precious"Description:
Keeva, the name chosen by "How I Met Your Mother" star Alyson Hannigan for her daughter, has recently been a Top 20 name in Ireland, using the authentic spelling Caoimhe. The male version is Caomhin--anglicized as Kevin.
- Fanta
Origin:
Mande from ArabicMeaning:
"captivating, a woman who abstains"Description:
A West African version of the Arabic name Fatima, also used by diaspora communities, e.g. in France.
- Reba
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"fourth born"Description:
Tied to country singer/sitcom star Reba McEntire.
- Aqua
Origin:
Color nameDescription:
One of the new color names that is catching on, invoking a calm, blue-green-sea feeling.
- Kora
Origin:
Maori, English, GreekMeaning:
"maiden"Description:
As the softer-looking Cora of Downton Abbey fame charted highly in the US and the UK, some parents were looking for a way to make this name a little less common, a bit more trendy or far more Germanic by using a "K". We prefer the C version, but Kora is still an elegant name.
- Kala
Origin:
Tamil; HawaiianMeaning:
"Virtue; princess"
- Letizia
Origin:
Italian variation of LetitiaMeaning:
"gladness"Description:
Letizia is a pretty Latin variation of Letitia; it's one of those Italian names for girls that makes the more familiar version feel less prissy and more appealing. Letizia was the first name of Napoleon's mother.
- Parisa
Origin:
Iranian/PersianMeaning:
"like a fairy"Description:
Funny how one letter can turn a name from ordinary to special. Parisa is so much more distinctive than either Marisa or Paris.
- America
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Given to children of both sexes as far back as colonial times, this carries a lot of baggage. However, parents continue to take the risk. Actress America Ferrera may be have inspired some families to choose the name. Ferrera's Honduras-born mother shares her unusual name.
- Azaria
Origin:
Spelling variation of AzariahMeaning:
"Yahweh has helped"Description:
A Biblical name with a modern feel, Azaria is a spelling variation of the Hebrew name, Azariah. Used as a masculine name in the Bible, this spelling is now more commonly used on girls.
- Mahalia
Origin:
Hebrew, variation of MahalaMeaning:
"tenderness, affection"Description:
An underused Biblical name, probably because it's so tightly identified with the Queen of gospel singers, Mahalia Jackson. Other variations include Mahalah, Mahayla, Mahila, Mahilia, Mehalia, Mahali, and Mahalya.
- Iluka
Origin:
Australian AboriginalMeaning:
"by the sea"Description:
This Yaygir Aboriginal name is the name of two towns in Australia and is also occasionally spotted as a name. Meaning "by the sea" the name is perfect for beach-going families.
- Freda
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"peaceful,"Description:
Pronounced as Fred with an a, Freda is sometimes heard in England, but mostly among older generations. Much more popular in the U.K. these days, though yet to reach the US, is Freya.
- Katara
Origin:
Fictional nameMeaning:
"droplet"Description:
A prominent character name from the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, derived from an Arabic word meaning "(water) droplet" — Katara belongs to a water tribe.
- Rida
Origin:
MuslimMeaning:
"God-fearing or devoted to God"Description:
Rida is a name indirectly mentioned in the Quran. While it can be used for both girls and boys, in English-speaking countries its similarity to the more common Rita makes it more appropriate for girls.
- Aminata
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"trustworthy, faithful"Description:
This elaboration of the Arabic amīn, meaning "trustworthy" or "to feel safe" was a fast riser in 2022, but has yet to crack the Top 1000. Latvian musical artist Aminata Savadogo's 2021 song "It's Written in the Heavens (Milky Way)" was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2022 Latvian Music Recording Awards, potentially bringing the name into the spotlight.
- Inga
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"guarded by Ing"Description:
Ing was a powerful Norse god whose name inspired several modern variations -- though Inga has become a caricatured Scandinavian choice.
- Lovella
Origin:
Feminine of LovellMeaning:
"wolf"Description:
Lovella is most likely a feminine variation on Lovell, a surname. While it feels one of the invented-yet-antiquated girls' names, has the obvious attraction of containing the word "love" within it, as well as the opportunity to use "Ella" as nickname.