Names ending in a

Lace-hankie name with Shakespearean pedigree.

Originally a nickname for Mihael, the Slovene and Croatian form of Michael. But Miha has a life of its own — it's long been more common than Mihael in Slovenia.

Feodora is an interesting choice for the intrepid name-giver, especially with the dynamic nickname Feo.

Long forgotten Old Testament name with modern potential.

Hip-swayingly evocative.

In Greek mythology, Euthenia was among the younger Charites. She was the spirit of prosperity.

An Ethiopian name that means "joy."

The name of an American cosmetics company which was inspired by the ancient traditional medicine practices known as Ayurveda, literally "knowledge of longevity" in Sanskrit. Unfortunately, when shortened to Aveda, the literal meaning in Sanskrit becomes "not knowledge" – no doubt not what the company's founder intended. If you can get past this, a pretty and evocative name associated with holistic health and beauty.

An unusual and melodious New Testament name

Columba is an early saint's name that rhumbas to a modern beat. While the original St. Columba is male, the name sounds more appropriate for a girl in the modern world. Leave variations Colm and Callum for the boys.

More a concept than a place -- or a name.

One of the least appealing of the ella-ending names, especially if you check pernicious in the dictionary.

This name originally comes from the wild and remote Shetland Islands. Although it bears a lot of similarities to the new darling of Scottish names Isla, it is nearly completely unknown.

Isabetta is a charming spin on both the Elizabeth and Isabella families and a new way to go if you love the originals but want something more, well, original. Isabetta Rose is the name chosen by Amber and Rob Mariano for their daughter. If you're searching for Italian names for girls that make an easy transition to the English-speaking world, this should be high on your list.

Erendira was the name of a Gabriel Garcia Marquez heroine and also a mythological princess. The name is best known in Mexico.

Anatolian city visited by Paul in the Bible, though risks sounding a tad antiseptic.