I, 202) suggests _A-Ja_, but on insufficient grounds.

In any case A has the force of mistress, and Nin-A simply designates the goddess as the lady, mistress, or queen.

It is likely that A was originally an independent deity, and one of the names of the sun-god in a particular locality.

It occurs in proper names as a title of Shamash.

Instead, however, of becoming identified with Shamash, A degenerated into a pale reflection of Shamash, pictured under the relationship of consort to him.