Baby Names That Start With A: 53 Girl & Boy Names With Meanings
A is the first letter of the alphabet, and it is full of the names parents reach for first: Ava, Amelia, Adam, Alexander and Asher. This list gathers 53 names that start with A, with the meaning, language of origin and a short note on how each name feels in everyday life.
Reviewed
We have kept the list honest. Where a name's origin is disputed, as with Ava, Alan and Arthur, we say so instead of choosing the neatest explanation. Names are grouped by gender and ordered roughly from classic to distinctive.
Our top picks
Girl names (25)
- AdaGermanicnoble (from adal)Short, scientific and chic, made famous by Ada Lovelace.
- AdelaideGermanicnoble kind (adal + heid)Elegant and vintage, with the sweet nickname Addie.
- AdelineGermanic / FrenchnobleSoft and romantic; a close cousin of Adelaide.
- AishaArabicalive, livingA widely loved name, borne by the Prophet Muhammad's wife.
- AliceGermanic / Old Frenchnoble kind (from Adelaide)A storybook classic that feels fresh and friendly.
- AlmaLatin / Spanishnourishing (Latin); soul (Spanish)A two-language meaning in a name that is just two syllables.
- AmaraIgbo / Latingrace (Igbo); also linked to Latin amare, 'to love'Flexible, global and pronounced ah-MAR-ah.
- AmeliaGermanicwork, industrious (from amal)Often confused with Emilia, but a distinct name; a top choice in the US and UK.
- AnastasiaGreekresurrectionRegal and romantic; nicknames include Ana, Stacy and Tasia.
- AngelinaItalian / Latinlittle angelA sweeter, longer take on Angela.
- AnnaHebrewgrace, favour (from Hannah)One of the most widely used girls' names in history.
- AnnabelleEnglishAnna + belle, 'graceful and beautiful'A bubbly, vintage-sweet combination name.
- AprilLatinthe month of April (possibly 'to open', from aperire)A fresh spring name that is rare and easy.
- AriaItalianair, melody (a solo song in an opera)Short, musical and immediately familiar.
- ArianaGreek / Welshmost holy (Greek); silver (Welsh Arianwen)A feminine, flowing name with two possible meanings.
- AryaSanskritnobleBrought to wide attention by 'Game of Thrones'; also used for boys in India.
- AstridOld Norsedivinely beautiful (áss + fríðr)Strong and Scandinavian, with a trendy edge.
- AthenaGreekname of the Greek goddess of wisdom (exact meaning unknown)Powerful and mythic, with a wise, confident feel.
- AubreyGermanicelf ruler (from Alberic)Started as a boy's name and is now mostly used for girls.
- AudreyOld Englishnoble strength (Æthelthryth)Timeless and chic; forever linked with Audrey Hepburn.
- AuroraLatindawnA Roman goddess and the northern lights; glamorous and rare.
- AutumnEnglishthe season of autumnWarm, earthy and clearly a word-name.
- AvaDisputeduncertain: possibly 'bird' (Latin avis), or a form of Eve ('life')Short and glamorous; a top-ten girls' name for years.
- AveryEnglishelf ruler (from Alfred / Alberic)A gender-neutral surname-name, now mostly used for girls.
- AylaTurkishmoonlight, halo around the moonShort and international; also a Hebrew name meaning 'oak tree'.
Boy names (23)
- AaronHebrewexalted (the exact meaning is debated)A biblical classic that has never gone out of style.
- AbelHebrewbreath (from hevel)Gentle and biblical, with a one-syllable nickname feel.
- AbrahamHebrewfather of many (nations)Strong and historic, with the nickname Abe.
- AdamHebrewearth, ground (from adamah)The first man in Genesis; simple and instantly respected.
- AdrianLatinfrom Hadria (a town in northern Italy)A suave classic borne by a Roman emperor and a pope.
- AidenIrishlittle fire (from Aodhán)Hugely popular in the 2000s; now feels familiar.
- AlanBreton / Celticuncertain: possibly 'little rock' or 'handsome'A dependable classic that is now rare for babies.
- AlbertGermanicnoble and bright (adal + beraht)Distinguished and vintage, with the nickname Bertie.
- AlexanderGreekdefender of mankindRegal and flexible, with nicknames Alex, Xander and Lex.
- AlfredOld Englishelf counsel (ælf + ræd)Borne by Alfred the Great; the nickname Alfie is hugely popular in the UK.
- AliArabichigh, elevatedOne of the most widely used boys' names in the world.
- AmirArabicprince, commanderStrong and widely used in Arabic, Persian and Hebrew-speaking communities.
- AndrewGreekmanly, braveA classic apostle's name that suits any age.
- AngusGaelicone strength or unique choice (from Óengus)Scottish, sturdy and distinctive.
- AnthonyLatinfrom the Roman family name Antonius (origin uncertain)A timeless, friendly name with the nickname Tony.
- ArcherEnglishbowmanAn occupational name that has become a modern favourite.
- AriHebrewlionShort, bold and used for any gender.
- ArthurCeltic (uncertain)uncertain: possibly 'bear' (from Welsh arth)Legendary King Arthur gives it a noble feel.
- AsherHebrewhappy, blessedA cheerful biblical name with a modern sound.
- AtticusLatinof Attica (the region around Athens)Literary, thanks to Atticus Finch in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.
- AugustLatinvenerable, majesticWarm and summery; the nickname Gus is a favourite.
- AustinLatin / Englishfrom Augustine, 'venerable'A friendly surname-turned-first-name.
- AxelScandinavianfather of peace (a form of Absalom)Edgy and cool, with a Nordic feel.
Unisex names (5)
- AspenEnglishthe aspen treeA nature name that feels at home in the mountains.
- ArdenEnglisheagle valley (from Old English)Soft, literary and distinctive.
- AshEnglishthe ash treeShort and modern; also a nickname for Asher and Ashley.
- AlexisGreekdefenderUsed for girls in the US and boys in much of Europe.
- AngelGreek / Latinmessenger (from angelos)Used for boys in Spanish-speaking countries and girls elsewhere.
Found a name you like?
Swipe through names with your partner in Namely, and see which ones you both say yes to.
How to choose
A names are easy to pronounce across languages
Open vowels make A names travel well. Anna, Ada, Ali, Amir, Ari and Adam sound nearly the same in English, Spanish, Arabic, Hebrew and most European languages, which helps if your family is bilingual.
Watch the alphabetical effect
A names are called first in class lists and on forms, so a name starting with A is often the first one a child hears when roll is taken. If you are choosing between two similar names, this is a small point in favour of A, or a reason to pick something with a distinct sound if you do not want to be first.
Mix classic and modern
Classic A names (Anna, Alice, Adam, Arthur) pair well with modern middle names, while newer choices (Arya, Asher, Axel, Aria) are balanced by traditional ones (Marie, James, Rose). Say the full name aloud before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular baby names that start with A?
Ava, Amelia and Aria are among the most popular girls' names starting with A, while Aiden, Alexander, Asher and Adam are popular for boys. Anna, Adam and Alice are enduring classics.
What are unique baby names that start with A?
Astrid, Aurora, Atticus, Axel, Arden and Alma are distinctive choices, and each has a clear meaning, as shown above.
What are gender-neutral baby names that start with A?
Ari, Avery, Arden, Aspen, Ash, Alexis and Angel are all used for any gender.
What is a strong baby name that starts with A?
For boys, Alexander (defender of mankind), Andrew (brave) and Axel are often described as strong. For girls, Audrey (noble strength) and Astrid (divinely beautiful) are popular strong choices.
Save this list
Pin it for later, or share it with your partner.
More name lists
Choose a baby name together
Namely is the baby name app for couples: swipe on names, and celebrate when you both match.