Names That Are Variations

Gale

Spelling variation of Gail

When Gail was popular, half a century ago, Gale was a plausible choice. Gale does put a slightly more masculine spin on the name, but it's dated in any version.

Abbigail

Spelling variation of Abigail, Hebrew

"my father is joyful"

A fast-rising variation of Abigail that was shooting up the popularity charts a few years ago, but whose star is now falling now that Abigail is not quite as hot as she once was.

Abra

Feminine variation of Abraham, Hebrew

"father of multitudes"

Abra is soft, sensitive feminine form of Abraham that was the name of a soft, sensitive character in the John Steinbeck book and movie, "East of Eden." In the bible, Abra was a favorite of King…

Abriana

Italian feminine variation of Abraham

"father of multitudes"

This lovely name is all but unknown outside Italy but fits perfectly in with the fashions for vowel-starting names that are elaborately feminine. Might make a distinctive alternative to Angelina or…

Addyson

Spelling variation of Addison

"son of Adam"

Variation of the very trendy Addison, perhaps lending itself more obviously to the nickname Addy.

Adrienne

Latin, feminine variation of Adrian

"man from Adria"

A long-integrated French feminine form of Adrian, now overshadowed by the a -ending version, but still a valid option, with considerable substance and dignity—though these days more parents would…

Aerin

Tolkien Middle Earth invention, or variation of Erin

In Tolkien's world, the derivation of this airy name is Elvish. Regular folks might consider it an artsier form of Erin, borne by cosmetics heiress and socialite Aerin Lauder.

Aphra

Hebrew, variation of Aphrah

"dust"

Aphra would make an interesting choice-- especially since it's the name of the first professional female writer in English, the seventeenth century's Aphra Behn. Born in 1640, she was a prolific…

Agate

French, a semiprecious stone, or variation of Agatha

Though it's French, most Americans would pronounce it as the stone.

Agata

Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Polish, Slovene, Russian, Croatian, Serbian variation of Agatha

Agata is an Agatha form widely used throughout Europe. And the hard t may be more appealing to your ear than the th sound.

Oanez

Breton variation of Agnes

"lamb."

Kind of a combination of Agnes and Inez, a name rarely heard in the US.

Oona

Irish, variation of Una

"lamb"

Oona is a name made famous by Eugene O'Neill's daughter, who became Charlie Chaplin's wife. One of the original Oona's granddaughters was named after her, and is now an actress famous in her own…

Ines

Italian, Portuguese, Slovene and Croatian variation of Agnes

"pure, virginal"

This form of Agnes, Ines has always been popular since the true story of the thwarted lovers Queen Ines of Castro and King Peter of Portugal. This has to be one of the most heartbreaking and bloody…

Nesta

Welsh variation of Agnes

This is the most popular Welsh form of Agnes. Variants include Annest and Nest. There was an eleventh century Nest who was known as 'Helen of Wales' for her beauty and the problems it caused.

Inez

Spanish variation of Agnes

"pure, virginal"

Also spelled Ines, this name of the prudish mother of Don Juan in the Byron poem has a touch of mystery, but has also been fully integrated into the American name pool. Inez Milholland and Inez Hayes…

Ynez

Spanish

"pure, virginal"

Y is a very rare initial, and this feisty mini-name packs a double punch with its spiky final Z. Inez or Inez are the more familiar spellings of this chic name, which is related to Agnes and could be…

Aibhilin

Irish variation of Evelyn

"desired; or water, island"

Also spelled Aibhilín, this spelling variation of Evelyn or the related Aveline might appeal to those who prefer the Irish form. Little Aibhilins might have to explain how to pronounce their name…

Aiden

Irish

"little and fiery"

Aiden/Aidan is just beginning to wander into the girls' side of the name popularity list, but it's so huge for boys in all its spellings that it will be a long time before it can be called a unisex…

Alannah

Gaelic

"child"

This form of Alannah was derived directly from the Gaelic term a leanbh , meaning "child." Though not as popular as the more traditional Alana spelling, it has consistently charted in the US since…

Alanis

Female variation of Alan

"handsome, cheerful"

Singer Alanis Morissette made this twist famous. She was named for her father Alan, who is said to have spotted this version in a Greek newspaper. So far it has been pretty much a one-person name,…