Finding an effortlessly cool baby name can be a chore, which is the opposite of cool. Hip and trendy baby names offer a bit of an edge for your child as they sound fresh and a touch funky. Picking a name for your child is all about making the name fit for your family and your lifestyle. Parents often choose a name because of the initial or the intended initials they want. Don’t let looking for an A-name that’s A+ box you in. Think outside the box so that your child isn’t one of thirteen Andrews or just another Anne.
If you see yourself as a parent who likes to take the path less traveled, consider these 25 unique and cool baby names that start with the letter A. There is no one arbiter of cool. You get to decide! We think you’ll land on a fun name from this list or at the very least feel inspired by these hip baby names.
25. Amal
Amal is trending! This unisex baby name comes from Arabic and means “hope.” International human rights advocate and attorney (barrister), Amal Clooney is a famous example of an Amal who bears the name. Amal is an effortless name that feels fresh and very cool.
24. Axel
The name Axel has been slowly climbing the popularity charts since the 1980s. While the name often conjures unfortunate memories of Axl Rose, Axel is actually cool again. Thanks to stylish European soccer pro Axel Witsel the name is being reclaimed. Axel is a Hebrew name that means “father is peace.”
23. Astrid
A classic name for girls that fell out of fashion, Astrid is sauntering back into the mainstream. Astrid is a Norse name that means “fair, beautiful goddess.” While the name has been popular with Norway’s royal family for years, we think this name has international star power.
22. Astro
Many readers will turn their nose at this choice because they associate the name Astro with the dog from The Jetsons, but Astro is an ancient Greek name that means “of the stars.” This would be a bold choice, but we think this name would work well for a little boy.
21. Avis
The girl’s name Avis is audacious and attractive. Avis has Latin origins and means “bird.” The name was very popular in the 1910s and 1920s for girls and we think it’s fine time to see it more often.
20. Art
Art as a boy’s name of Irish origin. In Irish mythology, Art Oenfer AKA “Art the lonely” was a son of Conn Cetchathach AKA “Conn of the Hundred Battles,” who overcame dangers and difficulties to win his bride, Delbchaem. Now, we don’t know about all of that but Art seems casual and cool.
19. Anouk
Anouk is a very popular Hebrew name that means “God has favored.” The name is a favorite in France and Amsterdam This charming name for girls would be an excellent alternative to Anna or Anne.
18. Ace
Jessica Simpson named her son Ace after his birth in 2013. Ace is a popular name among parents because it means “the best” or “number one.” In many card games, an Ace is the most desired card in the entire deck. You can “place your ace” and give this handsome name to a baby boy.
17. Aja
Aja is a much cooler alternative to the spelling Asia. Popularized by the classic Steely Dan album of the same name, Aja is jazzy and very unique. The name has Sanskrit origins and means “goat.” And while a goat might be a funny little animal, a G.O.A.T. is the greatest of all time.
16. Atreo
Atreo is a boy’s name with Spanish and Greek origins that means “a king.” Atreo is the romanticized version of the English name, Arthur. Atreo is hip and gives us very strong Neverending Story Atreyu vibes.
15. Anie
If Anouk is too clunky sounding for you, consider this fresh name. Anie is a girl’s name that means “friendly” or “grace” or “favor.” It was very popular in the late 1880s which is somewhat puzzling. Anie has origins in Hebrew and French.
14. Augie
Augie is the crisp cousin to August or Augustus. One considered a nickname for the more formal versions, Augie can stand on its own. Augie means “great” or “magnificent” and has Latin roots.
13. Amika
Amiga, amicable, and Amica all share the same Latin root that means “loved friend.” Amika is an alternative spelling that sounds percussive and fun. We love this name for baby girls.
12. Artemus
Probably the most buttoned-up name on this list, Artemus is a Greek name that has a history in ancient mythology. Artemus is a boy’s name that means “follower of the goddess Artemis.” Artemis was worshipped as a goddess of midwifery and childbirth. Do with that what you will.
11. Alani
Alani is a name that’s found in many languages and cultures. In Europe, the name is a form Alannah which is of German origin and means “precious.” In Hawaii, the name Alani means “fruit” or “orange.” The name is also rooted in American culture and refers to a person from Little Rock, Arkansas.
10. Alvie
Alvie is a cute name for boys that comes from Old English and its meaning it touched by magic. Alvie derived from the name Alvar which means “elf army.” When we think of cool things, elves don’t generally come to mind. However, Alvie does fit into the category.
9. Allys
Allys shares the same origin as more common names Alice and Alyssa. The name has German roots and means “noble.” Allys is cool because it sounds familiar without being bland or overdone. We love this name for girls.
8. Arch
Meghan Markle named her son Archie and calls her baby boy the nickname Arch. While Archie is great, how good is the name Arch? Arch comes from the Old German name Archibald and means “genuine” or “bold” or “brave.”
7. Atti
If the name Astrid seems a bit too stuffy for you, consider its shorter cousin Atti. Atti also comes from Old Norse and shares the meaning “beautiful goddess.”
6. Ax
We’re getting more and more caj as the list goes on! Axel might be one more syllable than you’d like and if that’s the case, you can always just go with Ax. The name Ax has Hebrew origins and means “father is peace.”
5. Alina
The name Alina is most closely associated with Armenia, but it’s found in many cultures and languages. In Armenian, it means “bearer of light.” In Arabic, it means “illustrious.” In French, it’s defined as “noble.” Alina is a very cool name that’s a great alternative to similar names like Alanna or Helena.
4. Archer
Okay, so we know this is already a pretty popular name for boys. But, it’s just so good! The name can be shortened to Archie or Arch which makes Archer a very approachable and versatile name. The name Archer became popular as an English occupational name before it transitioned to a given one.
RELATED: Predictions for the 20 Hottest Baby Names of 2020, Perfect for Your Quarantine Baby
3. Amara
Amara is a name that’s popular in many cultures in many places. In Latin, the name means “everlasting.” In Italian, the word means “bitter.” In the native Igbo language of Nigeria, the name means “grace.” In Sanskrit, the name means “immortal.” Amara is a name that’s got some miles on it but it still sounds hip and cool.
2. Atlas
Actor and travel enthusiast, Shay Mitchell named her child Atlas to celebrate her love of adventure. This gender-neutral baby name was once only considered for boys but we think it works well for all. Atlas was a mythical Titan who bore the weight of the world on his shoulders, so the name bears connotations of great strength.
RELATED: Shay Mitchell Aims to Fill Up 4-Month-Old Atlas’ Passport… Within the Year!
1. Adin
Adin is a cool alternative to Aidan. In Hebrew, the name means “handsome.” In Gaelic, its origins mean “fire.” While this name is commonly given to boys, we believe it’s another great option for a unisex baby name.
Are you ready to set your baby up to be a cool kid? These 25 unique and hip baby names that start with the letter A will do just that! Stay fresh and fly parents!