Choosing a girl name that starts with A can become stressful faster than expected. Familiar names such as Amelia and Ava may feel safe. Uncommon choices can bring uncertain meanings, several pronunciations, or spellings that people confuse. You may love the sound of a name and still wonder whether its nickname works, whether the origin is accurate, or whether it has become too popular.

This list brings 241 A names together so you can compare meanings, origins, pronunciations, nicknames, and current U.S. ranks in one place. I’ve found that a name often feels different once you say it with the surname and hear its nickname aloud, so keep a short list and test each choice in daily conversation. Names such as Avery, Addison, Aubrey, Angel, Ari, and August are also used for boys; they remain here because the SSA recorded them for girls or they have established female use. If you’re comparing several initials, the girl names A–Z directory lets you browse the same details across the alphabet.

Girl names that start with A at a glance

These quick picks cover several styles, lengths, and levels of popularity.

Most popular girl names that start with A in the U.S.

Amelia was the highest-ranking girl name beginning with A in the United States for babies born in 2025. It placed No. 4 on the national girls’ list. Ava placed No. 11, and Ailany reached No. 14 after rising 87 places from 2024.

The table uses the Social Security Administration’s national baby-name data. Each rank is the name’s position on that year’s national girls’ list.

For a wider shortlist, compare popular girl names across the alphabet by meaning, style, and current U.S. rank.

Fast-rising A names for girls

Ailany had the best 2025 position in this table at No. 14. Several less common names moved hundreds of places in 1 year. A higher place means a smaller rank number.

Annual ranks can change quickly. Ailany moved from No. 857 in 2023 to No. 14 in 2025, a rise of 843 places in 2 years. Check the latest full-year data when comparing names.

Ailany, Ailani, Aylani, and Alani

These four names look and sound close, but the SSA counts each spelling on its own.

Families may pronounce newer spellings in different ways. If you heard the name from a specific person, use that person’s pronunciation.

Unique and rare girl names that start with A

For this guide, “popular” means a 2025 rank from 1 to 100, “familiar” means 101 to 500, and “uncommon” means 501 to 1,000. “Rare” means the name was outside the 2025 U.S. top 1,000. These are editorial labels, not official SSA groups.

The SSA says its top 1,000 girl names represented 67.25% of female births in its 2025 data. Its public research files omit names with fewer than 5 recorded uses in a geographic area. A name missing from the data may still be in use.

You can also compare rare girl names from every initial when you want more options beyond A.

Girl names that start with A by style

Style depends on personal taste, family history, and where you live. These groups give you a quick way to narrow the list.

Cute and pretty A names

Ada, Addie, Aila, Alice, Allie, Alma, Amy, Ana, Annie, Anya, Aria, Ava, Aya, and Ayla are short and easy to say. Longer choices with a soft sound include Adeline, Amelia, Arabella, Ariella, Aurelia, and Azalea.

Classic and vintage A names

Abigail, Ada, Adelaide, Adele, Alice, Alma, Amanda, Amelia, Anna, Anne, Antonia, Audrey, and Augusta have long histories. Some are common today, while others still feel uncommon in the U.S.

Modern A names

Ailany, Ailani, Alora, Amoura, Analeia, Ariya, Aspyn, Aviana, Aylani, and Ayra fit current spelling and sound patterns. Many modern names have several possible roots, so families may explain them in different ways.

Nature names that start with A

Acacia, Amaryllis, April, Aspen, Aura, Aurora, Autumn, Avani, Ayelet, Azalea, and Azure come from plants, seasons, land, animals, weather, or color.

Short and long A names for girls

Three-letter A names

• Ada
• Amy
• Ana
• Ann
• Ari
• Aya
• Ava

Four-letter A names

• Aila
• Alba
• Alma
• Anya
• Aria
• Asha
• Aura
• Ayla

A names by syllable count

Syllable counts can change with regional or family pronunciation.

Long A names with nicknames

Long names give a child several nickname choices. Nicknames can also solve a common family problem: one parent prefers a formal name and the other prefers something short.

Girl names that start with A by meaning

Nature-inspired A names

• Acacia: acacia tree
• Alondra: lark
• Amaryllis: flower name
• April: spring month
• Aspen: aspen tree
• Aura: breeze
• Aurora: dawn
• Autumn: fall season
• Avani: earth
• Ayelet: gazelle or doe
• Azalea: flowering shrub
• Azure: blue

Names tied to strength and protection

• Adira: strong or mighty
• Alessandra: defender
• Alexandra: defender of people
• Alexia: defender or helper
• Audrey: noble strength

Love, joy, grace, and light meanings

• Abigail: my father is joy
• Alaia: joyful
• Aliza: joyful
• Amanda: worthy of love
• Amora: linked to love
• Amy: beloved
• Ana, Anna, and Anne: grace or favor
• Aine: radiance
• Akira: can mean bright or clear, depending on the Japanese kanji
• Alba: dawn or white
• Aurora: dawn

Girl names that start with A by language or tradition

A name may belong to more than one language. Spelling marks, local pronunciation, and family background can change its meaning.

Biblical A names for girls

• Abigail appears in 1 Samuel and means “my father is joy.”
• Abital was one of David’s wives in 2 Samuel.
• Adah is the name of more than one woman in Genesis.
• Anna was a prophetess in Luke 2.
• Apphia is greeted in the letter to Philemon.
• Asenath was Joseph’s wife in Genesis.
• Atarah appears in 1 Chronicles.
• Athaliah was a queen in 2 Kings.

Hebrew A names

Abigail, Adah, Aliza, Anna, Atarah, Avital, Aviva, and Ayelet have Hebrew roots. Ariel is Hebrew too, though its biblical uses are not the name of a woman.

Arabic A names

Aaliyah, Alia, Aisha, Amani, Amina, Amira, Aya, Ayah, and Aziza have Arabic roots or wide use in Arabic-speaking communities.

Greek and Latin A names

Alexandra, Anastasia, Anthea, Antonia, Ariadne, Artemis, Athena, Aurora, and Aurelia come from Greek or Latin history, language, and myth.

Irish, Scottish, and Welsh A names

Áine, Aisling, Aoife, and Aislinn have Irish roots. Ainsley began as a Scottish surname. Anwen is Welsh. Arwen is a literary name from J. R. R. Tolkien’s Sindarin language.

Spanish, Italian, and French A names

Alejandra and Araceli are Spanish choices. Alessandra, Alessia, and Antonella are Italian. Adele, Amélie, Anaïs, Apolline, and Avril have French use.

Indian and Japanese A names

Aadhya, Asha, and Avani have Sanskrit roots. Aiko, Akira, and Aya are used in Japanese. A Japanese name’s meaning depends on the kanji chosen to write it.

Girl names that start and end with A

Examples that begin with the letter A and end with the letter A include:

Ada, Adara, Adella, Adriana, Alaia, Alana, Alba, Alessandra, Alexa, Alexia, Alia, Alina, Alma, Alyssa, Amaia, Amalia, Amanda, Amara, Amelia, Amina, Amira, Ana, Anastasia, Andrea, Angela, Anita, Anna, Antonia, Anya, Aria, Ariana, Ariella, Arya, Athena, Aurora, Ava, Aviva, Aya, Aiyana, Ayanna, Ayla, Azalea, and Azaria.

Aaliyah ends with the letter H. It has an “ah” sound at the end, so it belongs only in a sound-based version of this list.

Pronunciation guide for girl names that start with A

These are common pronunciations in the language or tradition listed. Regional and family pronunciations may differ.

Complete alphabetical list of girl names that start with A

The popularity notes use 2025 U.S. data. “Outside the top 1,000” describes the current ranking and does not mean the name is unused.

Aa to Ad

• Aadhya (AAD-yuh): Sanskrit for “first power” or “beginning.” U.S. rank: No. 960.
• Aaliyah (ah-LEE-uh): Arabic for “high” or “exalted.” Nicknames include Ali and Lia. U.S. rank: No. 101.
• Abby (AB-ee): A short form of Abigail, meaning “my father is joy.” U.S. rank: No. 731.
• Abigail (AB-ih-gayl): A Hebrew name meaning “my father is joy.” Nicknames include Abby and Gail. U.S. rank: No. 41.
• Abilene (AB-ih-leen): A biblical place name, probably from a Hebrew word for “meadow.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Abital (AB-ih-tal): A Hebrew biblical name meaning “my father is dew.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Acacia (uh-KAY-shuh): A Greek botanical name for the acacia tree. Outside the top 1,000.
• Acadia (uh-KAY-dee-uh): A place name linked to the Acadia region of Canada. Outside the top 1,000.
• Ada (AY-duh): A Germanic name linked to “noble.” U.S. rank: No. 219.
• Adah (AY-duh): A Hebrew biblical name often linked to “ornament.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Adalee (AD-uh-lee): A modern blend of Ada and Lee. U.S. rank: No. 987.
• Adaline (AD-uh-line): A form of Adeline, meaning “noble.” U.S. rank: No. 208.
• Adalyn (AD-uh-lin): A modern spelling of Adeline. U.S. rank: No. 260.
• Adalynn (AD-uh-lin): A modern spelling of Adeline. U.S. rank: No. 184.
• Adara (uh-DAR-uh): A name with Hebrew and other possible roots; meanings vary. Outside the top 1,000.
• Addilyn (AD-ih-lin): A modern form related to Adeline and Addison. U.S. rank: No. 988.
• Addison (AD-ih-sun): An English surname meaning “son of Adam.” U.S. rank: No. 84.
• Adelaide (AD-uh-layd): A Germanic name meaning “noble nature.” Nicknames include Addie and Della. U.S. rank: No. 289.
• Adele (uh-DEL): A Germanic name meaning “noble.” U.S. rank: No. 751.
• Adelina (ad-uh-LEE-nuh): A form of Adele meaning “noble.” U.S. rank: No. 304.
• Adeline (AD-uh-line or AD-uh-leen): A Germanic and French name meaning “noble.” U.S. rank: No. 59.
• Adella (uh-DEL-uh): A form of Adela, meaning “noble.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Adelyn (AD-uh-lin): A modern form of Adeline. U.S. rank: No. 355.
• Adelynn (AD-uh-lin): A spelling of Adelyn. U.S. rank: No. 447.
• Adhara (uh-DAIR-uh): An Arabic star name meaning “maidens.” U.S. rank: No. 370.
• Adira (ah-DEER-uh): A Hebrew name meaning “strong” or “mighty.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Adley (AD-lee): An English surname name with no single settled meaning. U.S. rank: No. 805.
• Adriana (ay-dree-AH-nuh): A Latin name connected with the ancient place Hadria. U.S. rank: No. 366.
• Adrianna (ay-dree-AN-uh): A spelling of Adriana. U.S. rank: No. 872.
• Adrienne (AY-dree-en): The French feminine form of Adrian, a name linked to the ancient place Hadria. Outside the top 1,000.

Ae to Al

• Afra (AF-ruh): A name used in Arabic and European history; meanings vary by source. Outside the top 1,000.
• Afton (AF-tun): A Scottish river and place name. Outside the top 1,000.
• Agatha (AG-uh-thuh): Greek for “good.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Agnes (AG-niss): A Greek name meaning “pure.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Aiko (EYE-koh): A Japanese name whose meaning depends on its kanji; one common form means “beloved child.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Aila (EYE-luh or AY-luh): A name used in Finnish and other languages; meanings vary. U.S. rank: No. 827.
• Ailani (eye-LAH-nee): Possibly from rare Hawaiian ʻAilani or Spanish Aylín. U.S. rank: No. 168.
• Ailany (eye-LAH-nee): A modern variant of Ailani; its exact source is unsettled. U.S. rank: No. 14.
• Aileen (eye-LEEN): A Scottish, Irish, and English form of Eileen with older roots linked to Aveline. U.S. rank: No. 799.
• Aimee (AY-mee): A variant of Amy, from French Aimée, meaning “beloved.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Ainara (eye-NAH-rah): A Basque and Spanish form of Enara, from a Basque word for the swallow bird. U.S. rank: No. 898.
• Aine (Irish spelling Áine; AWN-yuh): An Irish name meaning “radiance.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Ainhoa (eye-NOH-ah): A Basque place name and Marian title. U.S. rank: No. 961.
• Ainsley (AYNZ-lee): A Scottish surname name. U.S. rank: No. 483.
• Aisha (EYE-shuh or AY-shuh): Arabic for “living” or “alive.” U.S. rank: No. 337.
• Aisling (ASH-ling): Irish for “dream” or “vision.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Aislinn (ASH-lin): An Irish name linked to “dream” or “vision.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Aitana (eye-TAH-nuh): A Spanish mountain and place name. U.S. rank: No. 211.
• Aiyana (eye-YAH-nuh): A modern name with uncertain roots. Outside the top 1,000.
• Akira (uh-KEER-uh): A Japanese name that can mean “bright” or “clear,” based on the kanji. U.S. rank: No. 983.
• Alaia (uh-LIE-uh): Basque for “joyful.” U.S. rank: No. 117.
• Alaina (uh-LAY-nuh): A form of Elaine. U.S. rank: No. 224.
• Alaiya (uh-LIE-uh): A modern spelling related to Alaia or Aliyah. U.S. rank: No. 792.
• Alana (uh-LAN-uh or uh-LAH-nuh): A feminine form of Alan; the older meaning is uncertain. U.S. rank: No. 140.
• Alani (uh-LAH-nee): A possible form of Alana or a name from Hawaiian ʻalani, “orange tree or fruit.” U.S. rank: No. 161.
• Alanna (uh-LAN-uh): A spelling of Alana. U.S. rank: No. 280.
• Alaya (uh-LAY-uh): A name with several possible roots and meanings. U.S. rank: No. 368.
• Alayah (uh-LAY-uh): A modern spelling of Alaya. U.S. rank: No. 412.
• Alayna (uh-LAY-nuh): A modern spelling of Alaina. U.S. rank: No. 332.
• Alba (AL-buh): Latin, Italian, and Spanish name linked to “dawn” or “white.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Aleah (uh-LEE-uh): A spelling related to Aliyah or Leah. U.S. rank: No. 965.
• Aleena (uh-LEE-nuh): A spelling of Alina. U.S. rank: No. 657.
• Aleia (uh-LAY-uh): A modern spelling with several possible roots. U.S. rank: No. 933.
• Alejandra (ah-leh-HAHN-drah): Spanish form of Alexandra, meaning “defender of people.” U.S. rank: No. 604.
• Alena (uh-LEE-nuh or uh-LAY-nuh): A name used in several European languages; its source varies. U.S. rank: No. 707.
• Alessandra (ah-leh-SAHN-drah): Italian form of Alexandra, meaning “defender.” U.S. rank: No. 443.
• Alessia (ah-LESS-ee-uh): An Italian name linked to “defender.” U.S. rank: No. 326.
• Alethea (uh-LEE-thee-uh): Greek for “truth.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Alexa (uh-LEK-suh): A short form of Alexandra, meaning “defender of people.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Alexandra (al-ig-ZAN-druh): Greek for “defender of people.” U.S. rank: No. 237.
• Alexandria (al-ig-ZAN-dree-uh): A form of Alexandra and an ancient place name. U.S. rank: No. 474.
• Alexia (uh-LEK-see-uh): Greek for “defender” or “helper.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Alexis (uh-LEK-sis): A Greek name linked to protection or defense. U.S. rank: No. 554.
• Alia (AH-lee-uh): Arabic for “high” or “exalted”; the name also has other roots. U.S. rank: No. 587.
• Aliana (ah-lee-AH-nuh): A modern name with several possible sources. U.S. rank: No. 603.
• Alianna (ah-lee-AN-uh): A spelling of Aliana. U.S. rank: No. 938.
• Alice (AL-iss): A Germanic name meaning “noble.” U.S. rank: No. 65.
• Alicia (uh-LEE-shuh or uh-LEE-see-uh): A form of Alice. U.S. rank: No. 460.
• Alina (uh-LEE-nuh): A name with Slavic and other roots; meanings include “bright” and “noble.” U.S. rank: No. 130.
• Alison (AL-ih-sun): A medieval form of Alice, meaning “noble.” U.S. rank: No. 476.
• Alisson (AL-ih-sun): A spelling of Alison. U.S. rank: No. 511.
• Alivia (uh-LIV-ee-uh): A modern spelling of Olivia. U.S. rank: No. 484.
• Aliya (ah-LEE-uh): A form of the Arabic name meaning “high” or “exalted.” U.S. rank: No. 823.
• Aliyah (ah-LEE-uh): An Arabic name meaning “high” or “exalted.” U.S. rank: No. 263.
• Aliza (uh-LEE-zuh): Hebrew for “joyful.” U.S. rank: No. 675.
• Allegra (uh-LEG-ruh): Italian for “cheerful.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Allie (AL-ee): A short form of Alice, Allison, or Alexandra. U.S. rank: No. 569.
• Allison (AL-ih-sun): A medieval form of Alice. U.S. rank: No. 103.
• Alma (AL-muh): A name with several roots; meanings include “soul” and “nourishing.” U.S. rank: No. 449.
• Alondra (uh-LON-druh): Spanish for “lark.” U.S. rank: No. 680.
• Alora (uh-LOR-uh): A modern name with uncertain roots. U.S. rank: No. 195.
• Althea (al-THEE-uh): Greek for “healing.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Alyssa (uh-LISS-uh): A variant of Alicia whose spelling was probably influenced by the alyssum flower. U.S. rank: No. 453.

Am to An

• Amaia (uh-MY-uh): A Basque name and place name often linked to “the end.” U.S. rank: No. 555.
• Amalia (uh-MAH-lee-uh): A Germanic name linked to “work.” U.S. rank: No. 566.
• Amanda (uh-MAN-duh): Latin for “worthy of love.” U.S. rank: No. 493.
• Amani (ah-MAH-nee): Arabic for “wishes” and Swahili for “peace.” U.S. rank: No. 678.
• Amapola (ah-mah-POH-lah): Spanish for “poppy.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Amara (uh-MAR-uh): A name used in several languages; meanings include “grace” and “immortal.” U.S. rank: No. 98.
• Amari (uh-MAR-ee): A modern name with several cultural roots. U.S. rank: No. 380.
• Amaris (uh-MAR-iss): A modern name with debated roots and meanings. U.S. rank: No. 754.
• Amaryllis (am-uh-RILL-iss): A Greek flower name linked to “sparkle.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Amaya (uh-MY-uh): A form of the Basque name Amaia, meaning “the end.” U.S. rank: No. 180.
• Amayah (uh-MY-uh): A modern spelling of Amaya. U.S. rank: No. 841.
• Amber (AM-ber): An English name for fossilized golden resin. U.S. rank: No. 520.
• Amelia (uh-MEE-lee-uh): A Germanic name meaning “work.” U.S. rank: No. 4.
• Amelie (ah-meh-LEE): A German variant of Amelia; Amélie is the French form. U.S. rank: No. 828.
• Amethyst (AM-uh-thist): A Greek gemstone name. Outside the top 1,000.
• Amina (uh-MEE-nuh): Arabic for “trustworthy” or “faithful.” U.S. rank: No. 315.
• Amira (uh-MEER-uh): Arabic for “princess” or “commander.” U.S. rank: No. 132.
• Amirah (uh-MEER-uh): A spelling of Amira. U.S. rank: No. 490.
• Amiri (uh-MEER-ee): A modern variant of Amari, probably influenced by the Arabic name Amir. U.S. rank: No. 964.
• Amity (AM-ih-tee): English for “friendship.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Amiyah (uh-MY-uh): A modern spelling related to Amaya. U.S. rank: No. 620.
• Amora (uh-MOR-uh): A modern name linked to the Latin word for “love.” U.S. rank: No. 247.
• Amoret (AM-uh-ret): A literary name linked to love. Outside the top 1,000.
• Amoura (uh-MOOR-uh): A modern name linked to the French word amour, “love.” U.S. rank: No. 527.
• Amy (AY-mee): From the French name Aimee, meaning “beloved.” U.S. rank: No. 257.
• Ana (AH-nuh): A form of Anna, meaning “grace” or “favor.” U.S. rank: No. 245.
• Anaelle (ah-nah-EL): A form of Anaëlle, a modern French name modeled on names such as Gaëlle and Maëlle. Outside the top 1,000.
• Anahi (ah-nah-EE): A name common in Spanish-speaking communities; its origin is debated. U.S. rank: No. 482.
• Anaiah (uh-NYE-uh): A Hebrew biblical name often read as “God has answered”; it was historically male in scripture. U.S. rank: No. 853.
• Anais (French spelling Anaïs; ah-na-EES): A French and Provençal form of Anna. U.S. rank: No. 892.
• Analeia (ah-nah-LAY-uh): A modern blended name. U.S. rank: No. 514.
• Analia (ah-nah-LEE-uh): A modern name often formed from Ana and Lia. U.S. rank: No. 711.
• Anastasia (an-uh-STAY-zhuh): Greek for “resurrection.” U.S. rank: No. 163.
• Anaya (uh-NYE-uh): A modern name with several possible roots. U.S. rank: No. 336.
• Andi (AN-dee): A short form of Andrea or Alexandra. U.S. rank: No. 632.
• Andie (AN-dee): A spelling of Andi. U.S. rank: No. 650.
• Andrea (AN-dree-uh or ahn-DRAY-uh): A Greek-rooted name often interpreted as “brave.” U.S. rank: No. 235.
• Andromeda (an-DROM-ih-duh): A Greek myth name with a debated literal meaning. Outside the top 1,000.
• Angel (AYN-jul): From a Greek word meaning “messenger.” U.S. rank: No. 546.
• Angela (AN-juh-luh): A feminine form of Angel, “messenger.” U.S. rank: No. 408.
• Angelica (an-JEL-ih-kuh): A Latin and Italian name meaning “angelic.” U.S. rank: No. 708.
• Angelina (an-juh-LEE-nuh): A form of Angela. U.S. rank: No. 347.
• Angie (AN-jee): A short form of Angela or Angelina. U.S. rank: No. 705.
• Anika (AH-nih-kuh): A name used in several languages, often as a form of Anna. U.S. rank: No. 955.
• Anita (uh-NEE-tuh): A Spanish short form of Ana that is also used in several other languages. Outside the top 1,000.
• Aniyah (uh-NYE-uh): A modern name with more than one possible source. U.S. rank: No. 485.
• Ann (AN): A form of Anna, meaning “grace” or “favor.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Anna (AN-uh): A Hebrew-rooted name meaning “grace” or “favor.” U.S. rank: No. 107.
• Annabelle (AN-uh-bel): A variant of Annabel, often read as a blend of Anna and French belle, “beautiful.” U.S. rank: No. 343.
• Annalise (AN-uh-lees): A combination of Anna and Lise. U.S. rank: No. 409.
• Anne (AN): A form of Anna. U.S. rank: No. 619.
• Anneliese (AH-nuh-lee-zuh or AN-uh-lees): A German and Dutch combination of Anne and Liese. Outside the top 1,000.
• Annette (uh-NET): A French short form of Anne. Outside the top 1,000.
• Annie (AN-ee): A familiar form of Anne or Anna. U.S. rank: No. 182.
• Annika (AN-ih-kuh): A European short form of Anna. U.S. rank: No. 995.
• Annora (uh-NOR-uh): A medieval English name linked to “honor.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Anouk (uh-NOOK): A French and Dutch form of Anna. Outside the top 1,000.
• Anthea (AN-thee-uh): Greek for “flower” or “blossom.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Antigone (an-TIG-uh-nee): A Greek myth name whose literal meaning is debated. Outside the top 1,000.
• Antoinette (an-twuh-NET): A French feminine form of Antoine. Outside the top 1,000.
• Antonella (an-toh-NEL-uh): An Italian form of Antonia. U.S. rank: No. 284.
• Antonia (an-TOH-nee-uh): Feminine form of the Roman family name Antonius. Outside the top 1,000.
• Anwen (AN-wen): A Welsh name often interpreted as “very fair” or “beautiful.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Anya (AHN-yuh): A Russian form of Anna. U.S. rank: No. 375.

Ao to Ar

• Aoife (EE-fuh): An Irish name meaning “beauty” or “radiance.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Apolline (ah-poh-LEEN): French form of Apollonia, linked to Apollo. Outside the top 1,000.
• Apphia (AF-ee-uh): A biblical name found in the letter to Philemon. Outside the top 1,000.
• April (AY-prul): The English month name. U.S. rank: No. 542.
• Arabella (air-uh-BEL-uh): A medieval name with uncertain roots. U.S. rank: No. 213.
• Araceli (ah-rah-SEH-lee): Spanish for “altar of the sky” or “altar of heaven.” U.S. rank: No. 746.
• Arcadia (ar-KAY-dee-uh): A Greek place name later tied to an ideal rural land. Outside the top 1,000.
• Arden (AR-den): An English place and surname name. U.S. rank: No. 975.
• Arely (ah-REH-lee): A name used in Spanish-speaking communities; meanings vary. U.S. rank: No. 984.
• Aretha (uh-REE-thuh): A Greek name linked to “virtue” or “excellence.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Ari (AR-ee): Hebrew for “lion”; it is also a short form of longer names. U.S. rank: No. 614.
• Aria (AR-ee-uh): Italian for “air” and a musical term for a solo song. U.S. rank: No. 26.
• Ariadna (ar-ee-AD-nuh): A Spanish and Polish form of Ariadne. Outside the top 1,000.
• Ariadne (air-ee-AD-nee): A Greek myth name meaning “most holy.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Ariana (ar-ee-AH-nuh): A name linked to Ariadne. U.S. rank: No. 128.
• Ariane (ar-ee-AN): A French form of Ariadne. Outside the top 1,000.
• Arianna (ar-ee-AN-uh): An Italian form linked to Ariadne. U.S. rank: No. 234.
• Ariel (AIR-ee-ul): Hebrew for “lion of God.” U.S. rank: No. 356.
• Ariella (air-ee-EL-uh): A feminine form of Ariel. U.S. rank: No. 174.
• Arielle (air-ee-EL): A French feminine form of Ariel. U.S. rank: No. 486.
• Arisbeth (ah-riss-BET): A modern compound name. U.S. rank: No. 862.
• Ariya (uh-REE-uh): A modern variant of Aria or Arya. U.S. rank: No. 615.
• Ariyah (uh-RYE-uh or uh-REE-uh): A modern spelling with several possible roots. U.S. rank: No. 367.
• Arlene (ar-LEEN): A modern English name with uncertain roots. Outside the top 1,000.
• Arlet (ar-LET): A spelling related to Arlette. U.S. rank: No. 642.
• Arleth (ar-LETH): A modern spelling related to Arlette. U.S. rank: No. 269.
• Arlette (ar-LET): A French name with uncertain older roots. U.S. rank: No. 494.
• Armani (ar-MAH-nee): An Italian surname used as a given name. U.S. rank: No. 562.
• Artemis (AR-tuh-miss): The name of the Greek goddess of the hunt, later linked with the moon. Outside the top 1,000.
• Artemisia (ar-tuh-MEE-zee-uh): A Greek name tied to Artemis and a plant genus. Outside the top 1,000.
• Arwen (AR-wen): A literary name best known from Tolkien’s work, meaning “noble maiden” in Sindarin. Outside the top 1,000.
• Arya (AR-yuh): A Persian and Sanskrit-rooted name linked to “noble.” U.S. rank: No. 158.

As to Az

• Asenath (AS-uh-nath): The biblical name of Joseph’s wife in Genesis; its Egyptian meaning is debated. Outside the top 1,000.
• Asha (AH-shuh): Sanskrit for “hope” or “wish.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Ashanti (uh-SHAN-tee): The name of an Akan people and region in Ghana. Outside the top 1,000.
• Ashley (ASH-lee): An English surname meaning “ash-tree clearing.” U.S. rank: No. 164.
• Ashlyn (ASH-lin): A modern name influenced by Ashley and Lynn. U.S. rank: No. 972.
• Ashlynn (ASH-lin): A spelling of Ashlyn. U.S. rank: No. 980.
• Aspen (AS-pen): An English tree and place name. U.S. rank: No. 266.
• Aspyn (AS-pen): A modern spelling of Aspen. U.S. rank: No. 869.
• Aster (AS-ter): A flower name from the Greek word for “star.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Astoria (uh-STOR-ee-uh): A place name formed from the surname Astor. Outside the top 1,000.
• Astraea (as-TREE-uh): A Greek myth name derived from the Greek word for “star.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Astrid (AS-trid): An Old Norse name meaning “divinely beautiful.” U.S. rank: No. 376.
• Atarah (AT-uh-ruh): A Hebrew name meaning “crown.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Athalia (ath-uh-LYE-uh): A form of the Hebrew name Athaliah, meaning “God is exalted.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Athaliah (ath-uh-LYE-uh): A Hebrew biblical name meaning “God is exalted.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Athena (uh-THEE-nuh): The name of the Greek goddess of wisdom. U.S. rank: No. 109.
• Aubree (aw-BREE): A modern feminine spelling of Aubrey. U.S. rank: No. 489.
• Aubrey (AW-bree): A Germanic and English name linked to “elf ruler.” U.S. rank: No. 146.
• Audrey (AW-dree): Old English for “noble strength.” U.S. rank: No. 86.
• August (AW-gust): A Latin-rooted name meaning “revered” or “exalted.” U.S. rank: No. 962.
• Augusta (aw-GUS-tuh): A feminine form of Augustus, meaning “revered.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Aura (OR-uh): Latin for “breeze”; Aura is also a figure in Greek myth. U.S. rank: No. 817.
• Aurelia (aw-REE-lee-uh): Latin for “golden.” U.S. rank: No. 290.
• Aurora (uh-ROR-uh): Latin for “dawn.” U.S. rank: No. 15.
• Autumn (AW-tum): The English season name. U.S. rank: No. 88.
• Ava (AY-vuh): An old name with several possible roots and no settled meaning. U.S. rank: No. 11.
• Avalon (AV-uh-lon): The island name from Arthurian stories, probably linked to apples in Welsh tradition. Outside the top 1,000.
• Avani (uh-VAH-nee): Sanskrit for “earth.” U.S. rank: No. 806.
• Aveline (AV-uh-leen or AV-uh-line): A medieval French name related to Avelina. Outside the top 1,000.
• Averie (AY-vuh-ree): A modern spelling of Avery. U.S. rank: No. 701.
• Avery (AY-vuh-ree): An English surname name linked to “elf ruler.” U.S. rank: No. 37.
• Aviana (ay-vee-AH-nuh): A modern name influenced by Ava and Ana. U.S. rank: No. 887.
• Avianna (ay-vee-AN-uh): A spelling of Aviana. U.S. rank: No. 595.
• Avital (ah-vee-TAHL): Hebrew for “my father is dew.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Aviva (ah-VEE-vuh): Hebrew for “springtime.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Avril (av-REEL): French for “April.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Aya (AH-yah or EYE-ah): Arabic for “sign” or “verse”; it is also Japanese with kanji-based meanings. U.S. rank: No. 644.
• Ayah (AH-yah): A spelling of Aya, from an Arabic word for “sign” or “verse.” U.S. rank: No. 870.
• Ayanna (eye-AH-nuh): An African American name with uncertain roots. Outside the top 1,000.
• Ayelet (ah-YEH-let): Hebrew for “gazelle” or “doe.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Ayla (EYE-luh or AY-luh): Turkish for “moon halo”; it also has a separate Hebrew root. U.S. rank: No. 77.
• Aylani (eye-LAH-nee): A modern variant of Ailani. U.S. rank: No. 293.
• Ayleen (eye-LEEN): A spelling of Aileen. U.S. rank: No. 863.
• Aylin (eye-LEEN or EYE-lin): A Turkish name built from ay, meaning “moon.” U.S. rank: No. 345.
• Ayra (EYE-ruh): A modern name related in sound to Arya; meanings vary. U.S. rank: No. 939.
• Azalea (uh-ZAY-lee-uh): An English flower name from a Greek word linked to “dry.” U.S. rank: No. 278.
• Azari (uh-ZAR-ee): A modern name with uncertain roots. U.S. rank: No. 766.
• Azaria (az-uh-RYE-uh): A form of the Hebrew name meaning “God has helped.” U.S. rank: No. 638.
• Azariah (az-uh-RYE-uh): Hebrew for “God has helped”; it was traditionally male in the Bible. U.S. rank: No. 630.
• Aziza (uh-ZEE-zuh): Arabic for “precious,” “beloved,” or “powerful.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Azucena (ah-soo-SEH-nah): Spanish for “Madonna lily.” Outside the top 1,000.
• Azure (AZH-er): An English color name meaning “blue.” Outside the top 1,000.

How to choose an A name for your baby girl

Say the full name aloud several times. Listen for repeated sounds, hard stops, or initials that spell an unwanted word. A short first name may work well with a long last name, though sound matters more than a fixed length rule.

Write down every likely nickname. A child named Alexandria may later prefer Alex, Allie, Andi, or Lexi. Decide which forms you enjoy and which ones you would rather avoid.

Check pronunciation and spelling with 2 or 3 people who have not seen the name before. Their first attempt can show what your child may hear at school, work, or appointments. An uncommon spelling can still be the right choice when it has family or cultural meaning.

Look up each spelling in the latest SSA data. Similar names can have very different ranks. In 2025, Ailany ranked No. 14, Alani ranked No. 161, Ailani ranked No. 168, and Aylani ranked No. 293.

Check the name’s cultural and religious background before using it. Learn the native pronunciation, spelling marks, and place in that tradition. This care matters most when the name comes from a community outside your own.

Search the full name and each likely nickname. Strong links to a public figure, fictional character, product, or voice assistant may affect how people respond to the name. Compare the shortlist with names used by close relatives if repeating a name could cause confusion.

Test the name at different ages. Put it on a preschool cubby, a college application, and a work email in plain text. Then choose the name that still feels comfortable to both parents.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most popular girl name that starts with A?

Amelia is the most popular girl name beginning with A in the U.S. data for 2025. It ranked No. 4 among all girl names. Ava was No. 11, Ailany was No. 14, and Aurora was No. 15.

What are rare girl names that start with A?

Acacia, Agatha, Agnes, Althea, Amaryllis, Anthea, Ariadne, Artemis, Avalon, Aviva, Ayelet, Aziza, and Azucena were outside the U.S. top 1,000 for 2025. Their use can differ by country and community.

Which girl names start and end with A?

Ada, Alana, Alba, Alessandra, Alina, Alma, Amara, Amelia, Amina, Ana, Anna, Anya, Aria, Athena, Aurora, Ava, Aviva, Aya, Ayla, and Azalea all begin and end with the letter A.

What are short girl names that start with A?

Three-letter choices include Ada, Amy, Ana, Ann, Ari, Aya, and Ava. Four-letter choices include Aila, Alba, Alma, Anya, Aria, Asha, Aura, and Ayla.

Which girl names that start with A have good nickname choices?

Adelaide can become Addie or Della. Alexandria has Alex, Allie, Andi, and Lexi. Anastasia has Ana and Stasia. Arabella has Ara, Belle, and Bella. Aurelia has Auri, Lia, and Ria.

Final thoughts

I’ve found that the names people feel most confident about usually fit the surname, have nicknames they enjoy, and carry a meaning they can explain. My practical advice is to choose 3 to 5 names, say each one with the surname, write down every likely nickname, and ask someone unfamiliar with the list to pronounce them. Check the cultural background and U.S. rank once more before deciding. Amelia may suit a family that wants a familiar choice. Anthea or Aviva may suit a family looking for something less common. Choose the name you can pronounce confidently, explain accurately, and enjoy at every age.