300+ Girl Names That Start With A (Powerful, Unique, and Modern Choices)

Ever noticed how many amazing girl names begin with the letter A? It’s no accident that A-names have stood the test of time – they’ve got this special spark that parents just love.

A is the first letter of the alphabet, and there’s something powerful about that. When you’re filling out forms or getting called from a list, A-names come first! But there’s much more to these names than just alphabetical advantage.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about girl names starting with A – from chart-toppers to hidden gems you might not have heard before. Whether you’re expecting a little one or just love exploring beautiful names, you’re in for a treat!

Girl Names That Start with A

• Amelia – Germanic origin meaning “work” or “industrious.” Famous bearer: pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart.
• Ava – Germanic origin meaning “life” or Latin meaning “bird.” Short, sweet, and powerful.
• Abigail – Hebrew origin meaning “father’s joy.” Has rich biblical history as King David’s wife.
• Aria – Italian origin meaning “air” or “song.” Popularized by the TV show Pretty Little Liars.
• Aurora – Latin origin meaning “dawn.” In Roman mythology, she was the goddess of sunrise.
• Audrey – Anglo-Saxon origin meaning “noble strength.” Made famous by elegant actress Audrey Hepburn.
• Alice – German origin meaning “noble” or “exalted.” The protagonist of Lewis Carroll’s Adventures in Wonderland.
• Anna – Hebrew origin meaning “grace.” A timeless classic across many cultures.
• Addison – English origin meaning “son of Adam.” Originally a surname that became a popular first name.
• Aubrey – Germanic origin meaning “elf ruler.” Has transitioned from primarily male to female in recent decades.
• Avery – English origin meaning “ruler of the elves.” A unisex name with growing popularity for girls.
• Autumn – English word name for the season. Evokes images of colorful leaves and harvest time.
• Allison – Medieval French variant of Alice meaning “noble.” Often spelled with one L as Alison.
• Ashley – English origin meaning “ash tree meadow.” Very popular in the 1980s and 1990s.
• Adalyn – Germanic origin meaning “noble.” A modern variation of Adeline that’s gaining popularity.
• Ariana – Greek and Italian origin meaning “very holy.” Popularized by singer Ariana Grande.
• Amber – From the English word for the fossilized resin. Often a golden-brown color.
• Amaya – Basque origin meaning “the end” or Japanese meaning “night rain.” Beautiful cross-cultural name.
• Ariella – Hebrew origin meaning “lion of God.” A feminine form of Ariel.
• Adelaide – Germanic origin meaning “noble kind.” The name of a major city in Australia.
• Athena – Greek origin, the goddess of wisdom and warfare in Greek mythology.
• Alexandra – Greek origin meaning “defender of mankind.” The feminine form of Alexander.
• Alexa – Greek origin, short form of Alexandra. Now associated with Amazon’s virtual assistant.
• Adriana – Latin origin meaning “from Hadria.” Hadria was a town in northern Italy.
• Anastasia – Greek origin meaning “resurrection.” Was the name of a Russian grand duchess.

Looking for names for your little princess? Check out these princess names for girls

Baby Girl Names That Start with A

• Ayla – Turkish origin meaning “moonlight” or Hebrew for “oak tree.” Pronounced AY-lah.
• Amara – African/Latin origin meaning “eternal” or “unfading.” Growing in popularity.
• Alina – Slavic/Latin origin meaning “bright, beautiful.” Has a lovely, melodic sound.
• Arabella – Latin origin meaning “yielding to prayer” or “beautiful altar.” Elegant and feminine.
• Adaline – Germanic origin meaning “noble.” Variant spelling of Adeline.
• Aurelia – Latin origin meaning “golden.” The feminine form of the Roman name Aurelius.
• Alyssa – Greek origin derived from the flower alyssum. Means “rational.”
• Adelyn – Modern variant of Adeline, Germanic origin meaning “noble.” Popular spelling variation.
• Ariel – Hebrew origin meaning “lion of God.” Known from Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
• Annie – Hebrew origin, diminutive of Anna, meaning “grace.” Friendly and approachable.
• Alana – Gaelic origin meaning “fair, beautiful.” Feminine form of Alan.
• Anaya – Hebrew origin meaning “God answered.” Also an Indian name meaning “completely free.”
• Amaya – Basque origin meaning “the end” or Japanese meaning “night rain.” Cross-cultural choice.
• Arianna – Greek origin meaning “very holy.” Variant spelling of Ariana.
• Annabelle – Combination of Anna and Belle, meaning “grace” and “beautiful.” Often associated with the haunted doll.
• Alani – Hawaiian origin meaning “orange tree.” Fresh and tropical feeling.
• Autumn – English word name for the season. Nature-inspired choice.
• Adeline – Germanic origin meaning “noble.” Classic with a vintage feel that’s coming back.
• Aspen – English origin from the tree name. Also a famous Colorado ski town.
• Adelaide – Germanic origin meaning “noble kind.” Has the cute nickname options Addie or Ada.
• Alaina – Variant of Alana, Gaelic origin meaning “fair, beautiful.” Pronounced ah-LAY-nah.
• Angelina – Greek/Latin origin meaning “messenger of God.” Popularized by actress Angelina Jolie.
• Alicia – Spanish variant of Alice meaning “noble.” Pronounced ah-LEE-see-ah.
• Alma – Latin origin meaning “nourishing, kind” or Spanish for “soul.” Short and meaningful.
• Adalyn – Germanic origin meaning “noble.” Modern spelling variation of Adeline.

For more inspiration, explore these spiritual names for boys and girls

Unique Girl Names That Start with A

• Aelwen – Welsh origin meaning “fair brow” or “white eyebrow.” Uncommon but beautiful.
• Azura – Hebrew origin meaning “sky blue.” Evokes images of clear blue skies.
• Aviva – Hebrew origin meaning “springlike” or “fresh.” Palindrome name that reads the same backward.
• Amaryllis – Greek origin, a flower name. In Greek mythology, a shepherdess who transformed into this flower.
• Araceli – Spanish origin meaning “altar of the sky.” Popular in Spanish-speaking countries.
• Acacia – Greek origin meaning “thorny tree.” A flowering tree with yellow or white blossoms.
• Ailani – Hawaiian origin meaning “high chief.” Exotic and melodious.
• Anthea – Greek origin meaning “flower” or “blossom.” Associated with Hera, queen of the gods.
• Astraea – Greek origin meaning “star-maiden.” In mythology, she was the goddess of justice.
• Altalune – Modern compound name meaning “high moon.” Celestial and unique.
• Avalon – Celtic origin meaning “island of apples.” Mythical island in Arthurian legend.
• Azalea – Flower name of Greek origin. A colorful flowering shrub.
• Apolline – Greek origin, feminine form of Apollo. The god of music, poetry, and the sun.
• Amandine – French origin meaning “lovable.” A more unusual variant of Amanda.
• Anisa – Arabic origin meaning “friendly.” Also spelled Anisah.
• Aoife – Irish origin meaning “beauty” or “radiance.” Pronounced EE-fa.
• Artemisia – Greek origin meaning “gift of Artemis.” Artemis was the goddess of the hunt.
• Auristela – Latin origin meaning “golden star.” Combines “aurum” (gold) and “stella” (star).
• Amaranta – Greek origin meaning “unfading.” In mythology, a flower that never fades.
• Arietta – Italian origin meaning “little song” or “melody.” Musical name.
• Alouette – French origin meaning “lark.” Known from the French children’s song.
• Aisling – Irish origin meaning “dream” or “vision.” Pronounced ASH-ling.
• Azenor – Breton origin, name of a Breton princess. Uncommon even in Brittany.
• Ambrosia – Greek origin meaning “food of the gods.” In mythology, grants immortality.
• Andromeda – Greek origin meaning “ruler of men.” In mythology, a princess rescued by Perseus.

Looking for more distinctive options? Check out these aesthetic girl names

Powerful Girl Names That Start with A

• Athena – Greek origin, the goddess of wisdom, courage, and strategic warfare in Greek mythology.
• Alexandria – Greek origin meaning “defender of mankind.” Powerful feminine form of Alexander.
• Artemis – Greek origin, the goddess of the hunt and moon. Twin sister of Apollo.
• Amazonia – Greek origin referring to the legendary tribe of warrior women.
• Andromeda – Greek origin meaning “ruler of men.” A constellation name with mythological roots.
• Aria – Italian origin meaning “air” or “song.” Also means “lioness” in Hebrew.
• Augusta – Latin origin meaning “great, magnificent.” Feminine form of Augustus.
• Adira – Hebrew origin meaning “strong, powerful, mighty.” Direct meaning matches the category.
• Althea – Greek origin meaning “with healing power.” In mythology, she was the mother of Meleager.
• Amara – African/Latin origin meaning “eternal” or “unfading.” Suggests enduring strength.
• Alexia – Greek origin meaning “defender.” Variant of Alexandra.
• Adalida – Germanic origin meaning “noble kind.” Combination of Adelaide and Lida.
• Artemisia – Greek origin meaning “gift of Artemis.” Named after several powerful queens in history.
• Aurelia – Latin origin meaning “golden.” Name of several powerful Roman women.
• Anaïs – Hebrew/Catalan origin variant of Anna, meaning “grace.” Associated with writer Anaïs Nin.
• Avani – Sanskrit origin meaning “earth.” In Hindu mythology, a powerful element.
• Akira – Japanese origin meaning “bright, clear, intelligent.” Originally male but now unisex.
• Anwen – Welsh origin meaning “very fair, beautiful.” Pronounced AHN-wen.
• Agrippa – Roman origin meaning “wild horse.” Name of several powerful Roman women.
• Ayelet – Hebrew origin meaning “doe, gazelle.” Symbol of grace and power.
• Astra – Latin origin meaning “of the stars.” Celestial power.
• Aviva – Hebrew origin meaning “springlike, fresh.” Represents renewal and vitality.
• Akilah – Arabic origin meaning “intelligent, logical.” Knowledge is power.
• Alcina – Italian origin, a sorceress in the epic poem “Orlando Furioso.”
• Anouk – Dutch/French variant of Anna meaning “grace.” Sounds strong and distinctive.

Need more strong options? Explore these strong girl names

Modern Girl Names That Start with A

• Ayla – Turkish origin meaning “moonlight” or Hebrew for “oak tree.” Recently popularized.
• Aria – Italian origin meaning “air” or “song.” Trending thanks to Game of Thrones and Pretty Little Liars.
• Adalyn – Germanic origin meaning “noble.” Contemporary spelling variation.
• Avery – English origin meaning “ruler of the elves.” Trendy unisex name now more common for girls.
• Amara – African/Latin origin meaning “eternal.” Growing rapidly in popularity.
• Aspen – English origin from the tree name. Nature-inspired modern choice.
• Ainsley – Scottish origin meaning “one’s own meadow.” Originally a surname.
• Aurora – Latin origin meaning “dawn.” Disney princess name seeing resurgence.
• Alina – Slavic/Latin origin meaning “bright, beautiful.” Fresh-sounding international name.
• Adelyn – Germanic origin meaning “noble.” Modern spelling variation of Adeline.
• Amaya – Basque/Japanese origin with dual meanings “the end” or “night rain.”
• Arden – English origin meaning “valley of the eagle.” Nature-inspired unisex name.
• Azalea – Flower name gaining in popularity. Rapper Iggy Azalea helped popularize it.
• Autumn – English word name for the season. Contemporary nature name.
• Addilyn – Modern invented name combining Addi- and -lyn. Variation of Adeline.
• Ariah – Hebrew origin meaning “lion of God.” Variant spelling of Aria.
• Atlas – Greek origin, a titan who held up the sky. Recently crossing over as a girl’s name.
• Alaia – Basque origin meaning “joyful, happy.” Model Alaia Baldwin helped popularize it.
• Amina – Arabic origin meaning “trustworthy, faithful.” International name gaining traction.
• Athena – Greek goddess name becoming more popular for modern babies.
• Aviana – Latin origin meaning “bird-like.” Modern elaboration of Ava.
• Austyn – Modern feminine spelling of Austin, meaning “magnificent.”
• Azariah – Hebrew origin meaning “helped by God.” Unisex name trending for girls.
• Annika – Swedish form of Anna meaning “grace.” Fresh Scandinavian option.
• Arrow – English word name. Modern symbolic name gaining attention.

For more contemporary options, check out these soft aesthetic usernames

Why Choose a Girl Name Starting with A?

There’s something about A-names that just feels right. Psychologically, the letter A is associated with beginnings, excellence, and achievement (think A+ grade!). When we hear names starting with A, we often subconsciously connect them with leadership qualities and strength.

A-names have been riding high in popularity charts for years now. Just look around at any preschool class – you’ll probably find at least one Ava, Amelia, or Abigail! These names strike that perfect balance between familiar and special.

Celebrities have definitely helped push A-names into the spotlight too. When Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis named their daughter Wyatt Isabelle instead of going with an A-name, it actually made news because it broke their pattern (Kutcher’s siblings all have A-names).

Most Popular Girl Names That Start with A

If you’re looking for an A-name that’s well-loved but not too out-there, these popular choices might be perfect. They’re familiar enough that people won’t struggle with pronunciation but special enough to feel meaningful:

1. Amelia – A name with German origins meaning “work” or “industrious.” It gained popularity thanks to pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart.
2. Ava – Short, sweet, and powerful. It has Germanic roots meaning “life” or Latin meaning “bird.”
3. Abigail – A Hebrew name meaning “father’s joy” with a rich biblical history.
4. Aria – With Italian origins meaning “air” or “song,” this musical name has soared in popularity.
5. Aurora – The Roman goddess of dawn, this name literally means “dawn” or “morning light.”
6. Addison – Originally a surname meaning “son of Adam,” now a popular first name.
7. Audrey – An English name meaning “noble strength,” made famous by elegant actress Audrey Hepburn.
8. Alice – A classic with German origins meaning “noble” or “exalted.”
9. Autumn – A seasonal name that evokes the beauty of fall.
10. Allison – A variant of Alice, meaning “noble” or “kind.”

Regional favorites vary too! In the UK, Amelia and Ava top charts, while in Australia, Ava and Amelia switch places. In India, names like Aadhya and Anaya rank high among A-names.

Check out these tennis team names if you’re also planning activities for older children!

Unique and Rare Girl Names Starting with A

Looking for something a bit more unusual? These rare A-names might be just what you’re searching for:

• Aelwen – A beautiful Welsh name meaning “fair brow” or “white eyebrow”
• Aikaterina – The original Greek form of Katherine, meaning “pure”
• Aiyana – A lovely Native American name meaning “eternal blossom” or “eternal butterfly”
• Anvika – An Indian name meaning “complete” or “small”
• Azura – Meaning “sky blue,” this name has Hebrew origins
• Amaryllis – A flower name with Greek origins
• Araceli – A Spanish name meaning “altar of the sky”
• Aviva – A Hebrew name meaning “springlike” or “fresh”

These names stand out because they’re not something you hear every day, but they still have that beautiful A-sound that flows so nicely. They also span different cultures, giving you options regardless of your heritage.

See these unique usernames for more distinctive naming inspiration!

Cute and Modern Girl Names Starting with A

The naming world is always evolving, and these A-names feel fresh and contemporary:

• Adena – A Hebrew name meaning “delicate” or “slender”
• Ainsley – Originally a Scottish surname, now a trendy first name
• Alina – A name with multiple origins, including Greek, meaning “light”
• Amelie – The French version of Amelia, made popular by the charming film
• Ariella – A Hebrew name meaning “lion of God”
• Aspen – Named after the tree or the luxurious Colorado town
• Avery – An English name meaning “ruler of the elves”
• Ayla – A Turkish name meaning “moonlight” or Hebrew for “oak tree”

These names are gaining popularity because they sound modern without being made-up. They’re familiar enough to be easily pronounced but unique enough that your daughter won’t be sharing her name with half her class.

Traditional and Classic Girl Names Starting with A

Some names just never go out of style. These traditional A-names have stood the test of time:

• Agnes – A Greek name meaning “pure” or “holy”
• Alice – A timeless classic meaning “noble” that’s seen a recent revival
• Anna – The Latin form of Hannah, meaning “grace”
• Audrey – Meaning “noble strength,” associated with the elegant Audrey Hepburn
• Alexandra – The feminine form of Alexander, meaning “defender of mankind”
• Adeline – A French name meaning “noble” or “nobility”
• Anne – A variation of Anna, simple and elegant
• Agatha – A Greek name meaning “good” or “honorable”

These names carry history with them. Take Alice – from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” to rock legend Alice Cooper (yes, a man!), this name has seen quite a journey! Or Audrey, which brings to mind the grace and elegance of Audrey Hepburn.

You might enjoy these vintage usernames that pair beautifully with classic names!

Indian and Multicultural Girl Names Starting with A

The world is full of beautiful naming traditions, and A-names are popular across many cultures:

Indian A-Names

• Aadhya – Meaning “first power” or “first goddess”
• Aanya – Meaning “inexhaustible” or “limitless”
• Aarohi – Meaning “ascending musical notes”
• Anaya – Meaning “caring” or “completely free”
• Anvi – Referring to the Goddess Lakshmi

Other Multicultural A-Names

• Aaliyah (Arabic) – Meaning “high” or “exalted”
• Akira (Japanese) – Meaning “bright” or “clear”
• Amara (African/Latin) – Meaning “eternal” or “unfading”
• Annika (Swedish) – The Swedish form of Anna
• Aisha (Arabic) – Meaning “alive” or “she who lives”

These names carry rich cultural significance. For example, Aadhya is associated with Durga, the goddess of power and strength in Hindu tradition. Aaliyah gained popularity in Western countries after the success of the R&B singer Aaliyah.

Girl Names Starting with A by Theme

Sometimes it helps to think of names by categories or themes. Here are some A-names organized by their connections:

Nature-Inspired

• Autumn – The season of colorful leaves and harvest
• Acacia – A type of flowering tree
• Amber – Fossilized tree resin that’s often golden-brown
• Azure – The color of a clear blue sky
• Aspen – A type of tree with heart-shaped leaves

Mythological and Religious

• Aditi – In Hindu mythology, the mother of the gods
• Athena – The Greek goddess of wisdom and war
• Artemis – The Greek goddess of the hunt and moon
• Ariadne – From Greek mythology, known for helping Theseus
• Aphrodite – The Greek goddess of love and beauty

Virtue and Quality Names

• Asha – Meaning “hope” in Sanskrit
• Aastha – Meaning “faith” in Sanskrit
• Abhaya – Meaning “fearless” in Sanskrit
• Amity – Meaning “friendship”
• Amara – Meaning “eternal” or “unfading”

Browse these flower usernames for more nature-inspired naming ideas!

Girl Names Starting with A: Meanings and Origins Table

Here’s a handy reference table with even more A-names to consider:

Name	Meaning	Origin
Abigail	Father’s joy	Hebrew
Adalyn	Noble	Germanic
Adelaide	Noble kind	Germanic
Adeline	Noble	French
Adriana	From Hadria	Latin
Aileen	Light	Irish/Scottish
Alana	Fair, beautiful	Gaelic
Alessandra	Defender of mankind	Italian
Alexis	Defender	Greek
Alicia	Noble	Spanish
Alisha	Protected by God	Hebrew
Alison	Noble	French
Amanda	Worthy of love	Latin
Amara	Eternal	African/Latin
Amy	Beloved	French
Anastasia	Resurrection	Greek
Angelina	Messenger of God	Greek/Latin
Anita	Grace	Spanish
Annabelle	Lovable	Latin/French
April	To open	Latin
Arabella	Beautiful altar	Latin
Ariel	Lion of God	Hebrew
Ashlyn	Dream	Irish
Astrid	Divinely beautiful	Scandinavian
Aubrey	Elf ruler	Germanic

Tips for Choosing the Perfect A Name

Picking a name is such a personal journey! Here are some things to think about:

1. Pronunciation matters: Will people know how to say it? Names like Aoife (pronounced EE-fa) are beautiful but might lead to constant corrections.
2. Consider your cultural background: Names connect us to our heritage. If you have Irish roots, maybe Alana or Aileen would be meaningful choices.
3. Check those initials: Make sure your daughter’s initials don’t spell something awkward! Amanda Susan Smith would be A.S.S. – probably not ideal.
4. Think about nicknames: People will naturally shorten names. Alexandra could become Alex, Lexi, Allie, or Sandra – are you okay with all those variations?
5. Say it with your last name: Some combinations flow better than others. Alliteration (like Anna Anderson) can either be appealing or too much.
6. Consider sibling names: If you already have children, do their names go well together? Siblings named Alice, Abigail, and Andrew might get confusing!
7. Research meanings: Some parents care deeply about name meanings, while others just focus on the sound. Either approach is valid!

When my friend was naming her daughter, she loved the name Amara for its beautiful sound. When she discovered it meant “eternal” or “unfading” in several languages, that sealed the deal – she wanted a name that represented lasting love.

Need inspiration? Check out these baby girl names that mean warrior for strong, powerful options!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular girl names starting with A?

As of recent years, Amelia, Ava, Abigail, Aria, and Aurora consistently rank as the most popular A-names for girls in the US and UK. Popularity shifts slightly by region and changes over time!

Are there any unique or rare A-names?

Absolutely! Names like Aelwen, Araceli, Aviva, and Azura are beautiful but uncommon. If you’re looking for something truly rare, consider names from different cultures or vintage names that haven’t made a comeback yet.

How do I choose a meaningful A-name for my daughter?

Think about what matters to you – family traditions, cultural heritage, virtues you value, or even favorite characters from books or films. Some parents choose names based on meanings (like Amara for “eternal love”), while others focus on sound or family connections.

Final Thoughts

The world of A-names for girls is incredibly rich and diverse! From timeless classics like Alice and Anna to modern favorites like Ava and Aria, there’s something for every family’s style and tradition.

What I love most about A-names is how they span cultures, languages, and generations. Whether you’re drawn to the spiritual significance of names like Aadhya, the mythological power of Athena, or the simple elegance of Amy, there’s an A-name that can perfectly capture your hopes for your daughter.

Remember, the perfect name is one that feels right to YOU. It’s a gift you’re giving your daughter that she’ll carry throughout her life. Take your time, say options out loud, and wait for that moment when you just know – “That’s her name!”

For more naming inspiration, explore these aesthetic girl names that pair beautifully with many styles!