By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 139 pages
of 139
Yiddish, variation of Selig
"blessed, happy"
Woody Allen introduced us to the name Zelig as the ever-morphing title character of his 1983 film. Zelig does have an upbeat meaning, and nickname Zelie makes it accessible for a girl, though it's an…
Spelling variation of Zabel, form of Isabel which is a form of Elizabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
Zabelle and Zabel are fresh (to us) and ancient forms of Isabel, making zippy variations for modern lovers of that ancient name who feel the original is overexposed.
Spelling variation of Alanis
Singer Alanis Morisette may have made the one-n version of this name more famous, but like the other Alan feminization Alana or Alanna, the spelling can go either way.
Portuguese variation of Eirene
"peace"
Iria is a diminutive version of Eirene / Irene and is therefore associated with the Greek goddess of peace.
Polish, Variation of Anastasia
"resurrection"
Made somewhat familiar by the election of Annastacia Palaczszuk as Premier of the State of Queensland in Australia.
Dutch variation of Anne-Marie
A variation on Anne-Marie, this sweet name deserves the attention of some Anglophone parents. Note that "Mieke" rhymes with "Peak-a" not "Pike-a".
Manx feminine variation of John
This feminine diminutive of John from the Isle of Man is also sometimes used as a variant of Judith. Still, we think it is as attractive as Thomasina or Jacoba -- that is, not very.
Manx variation of Alexandra
For people looking for an unusual variant of Alexandra, especially one that can be shortened to the ubiquitous Alex, Alistrina might be the name for you.
French feminine variation of Petronius, Latin
"yokel, woodpecker, stone"
So many names sound better with a French accent, and Petronille is one of them: it feels unusual in an elegant way. Usually spelled as Pétronille, it is derived from the Latin Petronius, possibly…
Cornish variation of Isolde
This Cornish variant of Isolde is rare even in the UK - but that's part of its charm. Like Isolde, Eseld is generally thought to mean "ice battle", a meaning sure to be pleasing to a little girl in…
Icelandic variation of Carita
"beloved"
Karitas -- with an accent over the i -- is among the Icelandic Top 100 names, a version of the Scandinavian Carita which is itself a spin on Charity. An intriguing and unique name with a beautiful…
Dutch diminutive of Susanna, Hebrew
"lily"
German, variation of Abbott
A German surname you do not want to use as a first.
Basque variation of John
Ganiz, sometimes spelled Ganix, is a Basque name which is e variation of John. Virtually unknown in the US, this may be a creative way to honor an ancestral John (and there are so many of them!).
Spelling variation of Ariana
Arriana is a more-unusual spelling variation of the names that are most popularly found as Ariana or Arianna. All are forms of the Greek Ariadne. Given its many spellings, that extra r only…
Bulgarian variation of Dmitri
Dimitar is the Bulgarian (and Macedonian) version of Dmitri, which is itself a variation of the name of the Greek goddess Demeter, whose name means earth mother.
Maori variation of Eirene "peace"
Airini is the Maori transliteration of the name Eirene, whcih comes from the Greek goddess of peace. A notable bearer of this name is nineteenth century Maori rights activist Airini Donnelly.
French variation of Hedwig
"combat"
Ogive is a rare variation of the German name Hedwig which means combat or war. Ogive of Luxembourg was a notable bearer of this name; in geometry, an ogive is a pointed arch (similar to the top of a…
Basque
"variation of Vincent"
This name might be perfect for someone trying to honor old Uncle Vincent but looking for something a bit different. If needs be, it can be shortened to Ken if your child ends up wanting a more…
English, variation of Clarence
Clarry can be used on its own or as a nickname of Clarence. It can also be a girls name, sometimes spelled Clari.
