Boys' Names Ending in -a Part 2

  1. Sequoia
    • Description:

      Sequoia is a masculine name derived from the name of the massive redwood trees native to California, which were themselves named after Sequoyah (c.1770-1843), the Cherokee silversmith who created a syllabary for the Cherokee language. As a given name, Sequoia evokes qualities of strength, longevity, and natural majesty—sequoia trees are among the largest and longest-living organisms on Earth. This name has gained modest popularity in the United States since the late 20th century as part of the trend toward nature-inspired names. While still uncommon, Sequoia appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with Native American connections and powerful natural symbolism. Though listed here as masculine, it's worth noting that Sequoia is used for children of all genders.

  2. Shea
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "the stately, dauntless one"
    • Description:

      A common surname in Ireland that projects a complex image for a short-one-syllable name, combining spirit, substance, and gentleness. The traditional Irish form is Séaghdha, though it could also be used as a short form of Séamus, connected to James.
  3. Shia
    • Description:

      Entered the vernacular with the rising star of Shia LeBeouf. The meaning and origin of the name are disputed, though the actor has been quoted as saying he's embarrassed by its meaning in French: another four-letter word starting with s.
  4. Shura
    • Origin:

      Russian diminutive of Alexander
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      Shura is a unisex Russian nickname for Aleksandr or Aleksandra, themselves forms of Alexander. Less known in the English=speaking world than Sasha, it's also more assertive -- probably because of that "sure" sound.
  5. Simba
    • Origin:

      Swahili or Shona
    • Meaning:

      "lion; strength"
    • Description:

      Traditional African name made cartoonish by the Disney character in The Lion King. In Shona it means "strength".
  6. Simcha
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "gladness, mirth, festivity"
    • Description:

      Celebratory choice.
  7. Sitara
    • Origin:

      Urdu from Persian
    • Meaning:

      "star"
    • Description:

      A beautiful Urdu name with a musical sound and a lovely celestial meaning. Sitara got a boost in 2022, potentially from the award-winning 2020 short film "Sitara: Let Girls Dream", bringing awareness to the issue of child marriage.
  8. Slava
    • Origin:

      Slavic
    • Meaning:

      "glory"
    • Description:

      Bold and spirited sounding Slavic short form of male and female names containing the element slava "glory".
  9. Saba
    • Samppa
      • Sarava
        • Sava
          • Saša
            • Scaevola
              • Scevola
                • Sendoa
                  • Shankara
                    • Sharma
                      • Sheba
                        • Sheraga