Names ending in a

Marella is an Italian name that feels at once unique and familiar, which may either be the best or worst of both worlds, depending on your preference.

Any name that means handsome has something going for it, and Nohea may appeal especially due to its proximity to the popular Noah.

Justina was the pre-Justine feminization of Justin, now a possible alternative to Christina. Oddly, while Justine feels like a name unto itself, Justina feels like a pinned-together feminization in the mold of Richarda or Benjamina. Still, it may appeal as one of the unusual-yet-familiar girl names starting with J.

This Hindi girls' name is virtually unknown in the Western World but could translate easily, and the smooth meaning is a plus.

Mythological princess who killed her kids. Eternal no-no.

Alafia is a Yoruba name for peace and is used as a name for both men and women in Nigeria.

Cadenza takes the popular CADENCE and gives it a more operatic flourish.

This pretty palindrome name is rarely heard in the US, but could make an interesting namesake for an aunt or grandma Ann. It's also a German diminutive form of Anna.

Ada, yes. Ida, maybe. But Oda, a Scandinavian version of Odelia, not really. To English speakers, it sounds too much like "odor".

The uber-popular nickname-name Ellie has led to the surge of all names that can be shortened as such. This includes Eliana, a current go-to for parents seeking a frilly name that shortens to a cuter option. Aliana is riding a similar wave, though this time the presumed nickname is Ali/Allie.

The Islamic prophet Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca, now known as the holiest city in Islam. Officially called Makkah al-Mukarramah, or Makkah, it is located in modern-day Saudi Arabia. Millions of Muslims from across the world make a pilgrimage there each year, while Non-Muslims are understandably not allowed inside the city.

Short, sharp, and pretty, Kaja is an international choice with multiple origins. Favored in Slovenia, Norway, and Poland, the similar Kaia is currently popular more widely.

Like Benita, had some popularity in the fifties.

Princess-y but not overly fussy, thanks to the classic simplicity of Emma, Emmalina is a sweet, bright alternative to Emilia. The meaning can vary depending on if you see it as an elaboration of Emmeline or a compound name of Emma and Carolina or Lina".

Cleora is a now-extinct name (there were no babies named Cleora recorded in the U.S. in 2012) that achieved some standing in the early 20th century thanks to the craze for all things Egypt-related. A range of Cleopatra diminutives, including Cleo, Cleora, Cleona, and Cleola, made the Top 1000 then as the ancient tombs were opened in Egypt.

While Kaya is used predominantly as a feminine name in English speaking countries, it is also a Turkish masculine name with a rugged meaning. It has ranked in the English and Welsh Top 1000 for boys several times since the 90s and was given to 18 boys in the US in a recent year.