A is for Apple.  As in Apple Blythe Allison, big sister to Moses Bruce Anthony and firstborn of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin.

If that’s too out there for you, consider these slightly less exotic choices, all featuring the letter A:

• Avalon – This paradise from Arthurian legend might have been an unthinkable baby name choice just a decade back. But with Ava in the Top 10, and Avery rocketing up the Top 100, Avalon starts to look like an interesting alternative. It’s feminine but not frilly, geographic but not specific and familiar without being common.  Avalon is not currently in the US Top 1000;
• Anya – Anya is a bit more interesting than the classic Anna, and yet still a simple choice. The name has a certain European flair and pairs well with even the most tongue-twisting surname. (Ranked #405 in 2006.)  There’ also Anja;
• Audrey - This name has been steadily, gently popular throughout the 20th century and into the 2000s. Traditionally masculine Aubrey has become nearly as common in the past decade, but enduring style icon Audrey Hepburn keeps this one current.  (Ranked #68 in 2006 and #44 in 2008.)
• Adelaide - Maddie is epidemic, thanks to Madison, Madeline and variations thereof.  Little wonder that Addison and Adeline are making a beeline up the popularity charts. But the graceful Granny-chic and regal at once, place name Adelaide is the most distinctive of the bunch.  (Ranked #921 in 2006 and #551 in 2008 – whoa!)
• Amaya – Many families are looking for a name that spans multiple heritages.  If your kids are going to be, say, half-Greek and half-Jamaican, you may want a name that works in both cultures – or maybe sidesteps them entirely.  Amaya is one that works.  While it sounds like an “A” grafted on to the popular Maya, she has Japanese and Spanish roots.  Amaya makes for an interesting, sophisticated choice, and a pretty one, too. (Ranked #215 in 2006 and #198 in 2008.)
• Alice – In recent years, variants like Alicia and Alyssa were all the rage, while Alice remained current only in the children’s section of the library.  Today, the tide is turning, and quiet Alice feels fresh again.  Starbaby Alice Zenobia is Tina Fey’s daughter and one of Twilight’s good vampires is called Alice, too.

Arrivederci from the letter A.

NOTE:  Originally published January 31, 2008.  Post revised on December 21, 2009.

Check out more Alphabet Posts Here:

A is for Boys

B is for Girls