Names ending in a

Botanical Hebrew choice that leads to the sweet vintage nickname Nettie.

Historically a diminutive of Wilhelmina, Elma's parent name and soundalike sisters are slowly stirring back to life as the trend for vintage baby names continues. With Alma on the rise in the US, Thelma chic in France, and Selma hot in Scandinavia, Elma could be in with a shot at a revival – especially given the popularity of Emma and Ella. But Muppet Elmo and Looney Tune Elmer Fudd may cast a long shadow.

One of the more prominent by-products of reality TV, via Disney.

The rarely heard feminine version of the saint's name Cassian, this name is elegant and somewhat frilly, but holds the possibility of more straightforward nicknames like Cass, Cassie or Ana. With the rise of the whole group of names for both genders starting with the Cass sound, Cassiana has the potential to become one of the more visible girl names starting with C.

A simple and seamlessly international choice with a joyful sound and beautiful meaning.

The modern French take on Luna.

Nelma originated as a Nordic nickname for names such as Anelma and Sanelma.

Attractive international Stephanie alternative. Estefania ranks in the Top 100 in Puerto Rico.

This pretty Turkish nature name is borne by actress Almila Bagriacik, who has appeared in various German films and TV series.

Gelila is a beautiful Ethiopian name that may have two different origins — some sources cite the name as a variation of the Biblical place Galilee, meaning rolling hills. Others view the name as a variation of Biblical Delilah. Whichever way, Gelila is a gorgeous name that would work well in the English-speaking world. The name Gelila is also worn by Ethiopian model Gelila Bekele, former longtime girlfriend of actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry with whom she shares a son.

First century queen who led her Brittonic Iceni tribe in revolution against the Romans occupying England. Also found as Boudica, Boadicea (as in bodacious) and in Welsh as Buddug, the historic namesake was defeated and committed suicide, but is still celebrated in England as intelligent and brave. One ancient name that, while unheard these days, could be revived along with such choices as Atticus and Cassius.

Ashura is an Arabic name used predominantly among Swahili speakers in East Africa. It is traditionally given to baby girls born on the holiday Ashura. The holiday is considered celebratory among Sunni Muslims, but a day of mourning — marking the death of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson — among Shia Muslims.

A lovely and typical name on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Bothnia that no one in the English-speaking world will know how to pronounce. Maia sounds (virtually) the same and is far more familiar outside Finland and Latvia.

Well used in Israel and in Russia, either on its own or as an endearment for Galila or Galina.

This widely-used Romanian choice was the name of a medieval ruler who brought stability to the region of Wallachia.

Kamilla is the usual spelling of Camilla throughout Scandinavia and in Finland, Iceland, and Greenland. Kamma is an appealing short form.

Unusual and pretty, if lispy.

An African family name ripe for adoption in honor of Nelson Mandela, the South African activist imprisoned for almost thirty years for his antiapartheid activities.