A girl left a distinctive air (5)
I believe the answer is:
laura
'a girl' is the definition.
(girl's name)
'left a distinctive air' is the wordplay.
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'a distinctive air' becomes 'aura' (I've seen this before).
'l'+'aura'='LAURA'
(Other definitions for laura that I've seen before include "Cells of a group of recluses" , "- Ashley, Welsh clothes, furnishings designer" , "girl" , "Girl's name" , "- Ashley, Welsh clothing and furniture designer" .)