Names ending in a

A variation of the German Irma, Erma emerged in the 19th century in English-speaking countries where its similarity to timeless Emma might have helped it gain popularity. In fact, if you follow its Germanic roots, it relates back to irmin meaning "whole, great", the same as Emma does.

Musician Eldra Patrick "El" DeBarge is the most famous bearer of this unusual name.

Feminine form of Mahir

Retro musical reference to classic Steely Dan rock album, but mostly for girls today.

In Inuit mythology, Akna is the goddess of fertility and childbirth.

A Hawaiian option for a winter-born daughter. Derived from the elements hau, meaning "snow," and kea, "white."

Romani form of Herminia

Almudena was derived from the Arabic word al-mudayyina, meaning "the citadel." The Virgin of Almudena is a medieval statue of Mary in Madrid. Almudena is the patron saint of the city.

Attractive name, but it does sound feminine. Some have changed it to Nakari. Although it does not make the U.S. Top 1000, Nakia is among the ten fastest-rising names for both boys and girls.

Ranking in the Polish Top 200, Estera is a variation on the classic Esther. Possibly deriving from Ishtar, the Near Eastern Goddess of fertility, love, and war, or from Persian, to mean "star", Estera is also associated with the myrtle trees, via Hadassah, the Biblical Esther's original Hebrew name.