Names ending in a
- Kristina
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of ChristinaMeaning:
"annointed, a Christian"Description:
This streamlined form of a pretty and feminine classic may not be as popular as it once was, but it's never out of style. A royal name best used now in its full glory rather than as nicknames Kris or Kristy.
- Anona
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"corn, grain"Description:
Name of the Roman goddess of harvest and grain, appropriate for a fall baby. And a palindrome too!
- Avita
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"life"Description:
Avita sounds like a drug name. In fact, it is! (It's an acne medication.) While that may not be enough to stop you, you might want to consider Aviva, Vita, or Evita (which has issues of its own) instead.
- Liliosa
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"lily"Description:
Liliosa, one of the most extravagant forms of the ever-more-popular and varied Lily family, is an ancient saint's name that's a perfect candidate for revival by parents who love the double-L flower name trend but want a distinctive variation. Saint Liliosa was one of the martyrs of 9th century Cordoba, along with her husband Felix and cousins Aurelius and Natalia — all names newly fashionable in the modern world.
- Ísabella
Origin:
IcelandicMeaning:
"pledged to god"Description:
Icelandic form of Isabella, currently among the Top 5 girl names in Iceland.
- Clytemnestra
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"famous courter"Description:
In Greek legend Clytemnestra was the wife of Agamemnon, mother of Orestes and Electra. She took a lover while her husband was away fighting in the Trojan War, and upon his return she had him killed as revenge for his sacrifice of their daughter Iphigenia. She was subsequently killed by Orestes.
- Emiliana
Origin:
Italian variation of EmilyMeaning:
"rival"Description:
The enormous popularity of Emily and Emma means that parents will be looking further afield for substitutes -- and this is one of the prettiest.
- Lupita
Origin:
Spanish, “little wolf”Description:
This lively pet name has recently been associated with Mexican-born Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o, acclaimed for her role in the 2013 film Twelve Years a Slave.The mother name Guadalupe, literally "valley of the wolves," relates to Our Lady of Guadalupe, revered in Latino culture as a protector of the Mexican people.
- Hanya
Origin:
Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Yiddish diminutive of Hanna or JohannaMeaning:
"grace; God is gracious"Description:
Hanya, made famous by American novelist Hanya Yanagihara and German dancer and choreographer Hanya Holm, is a simple straightforward name rare in the US, where only a handful of baby girls are named Hanya each year. But it makes a distinctive short form for the overused Hannah or an update for the old world Johanna, so deserves more attention.
- Dominica
Origin:
Italian, feminine variation of DominicMeaning:
"belonging to the Lord"Description:
Fashionably Continental and much fresher than Dominique, though it's been used since the Middle Ages. Dominica can be spelled any number of ways, from Dominika to Domenica, but we prefer this version.
- Aniya
Origin:
Arabic, English "helper; grace"Meaning:
"helper; grace"Description:
Aniya is a a cross-cultural choice with a bright, fresh sound. While alternative spelling Aniyah is in the US and UK Top 1000, Aniya dropped out of the charts in 2021, and is now given to around 250 girls each year.
- 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.
- Nahla
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"a drink of water"Description:
Nahla is a lovely name chosen by Halle Berry for her daughter. Not to be confused with the Disneyfied Nala.
- Arizona
Origin:
Place-name from Papago IndianMeaning:
"little springs"Description:
We usually think of place-names as a modern invention, but in fact Arizona ranked on the US Top 1000 from its inception in 1880 until 1911, when it vanished below the surface. It peaked at Number 510 in 1882, before Arizona became a state. One notorious vintage bearer: criminal "Ma" Barker, born Arizona Clark.
- Fala
Origin:
Choctaw, Native AmericanMeaning:
"crow"Description:
A strong and simple nature name from the Choctaw culture.
- Nila
Origin:
Indian, Tamil, HindiMeaning:
"dark blue; moon"Description:
A sweet, simple Sanskrit name which would work in many languages and has an sparkling, colorful meaning.
- Magda
Origin:
German variation of MagdalenDescription:
On "Sex and the City," Magda was the elderly nanny from the old country -- which is what this name sounds like. While Magdalene and Magdalena are enjoying fresh life, Magda still feels dated.
- Milla
Origin:
Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, HungarianMeaning:
"young ceremonial attendant, gracious people"Description:
Milla originated as a diminutive of names like Camilla and Ludmilla, but has since become well established as a name in its own right in several European countries. Milla Jovovich is a Ukrainian-born actress and supermodel.
- Krishna
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"dark, black"Description:
Krishna, in Hindu tradition, was the human incarnation of the god Vishnu, a heroic figure representing love and joy--the familiar "Hare Krishna" is a chant to this deity.
- Ailana
Origin:
KazakhMeaning:
"moonlight"Description:
A pretty Kazakh name derived from Turkish ayla, meaning "moonlight". The Hawaiian name 'Ailana (with the 'okina mark) means "loving".