Names That Are Variations

Natalie retains some classic charm, but the -ee spelling is fading fast. Its the lowest ranked of the spelling variants, a list that includes Nataly, Nathalie, and Nathaly.

Only about 1 percent of babies named Christian are girls, but that was nearly 50 baby girls in the US last year so the name is not unknown. The Kristian variation makes it more reminiscent of Kristen or Kristin, but that might also introduce confusion.

Currently the most common variation of Peter in Iceland for baby boys — the other being Pétur.

The related name Teemu is the most common of the Teemu/Tiemu/Tiemus/Demus group in the Nordic countries.

The sweet old-fashioned Adeline is one of the prime up-and-coming vintage baby names; Addilynn is a phonetic spelling.

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.

While Carson and its spelling variations lean masculine, many parents still see the appeal of this surname name for girls each year.

Currently fashionable in Slovenia.

The Czech name Kristýna arose from the Scandinavian Kristina — a classic name in more than a dozen European cultures.

Although the origins of Ene aren't entirely certain, it is likely to have ultimately derived from Anne, meaning "grace."

The original is so out of style that this Olde World version sounds almost cool.

Paulana is an unusual feminine form of Paul or may be considered a combination name, smooshing Paula and Ana. It sounds international without truly being attached to any particular culture. As Paul and Paula's fashion stars have faded, there's little to compel a parent to choose Paulana over the more established Pauline, for instance, if honoring an ancestral Paul.

Aaprahami is unlikely to catch on in the US. Nickname Hami is more usable.

A sparky diminutive of Erszébet, the Hungarian form of Elizabeth.

Popular Irish name brought here by singer Sinead O'Connor, could make a striking choice for a child with deep Irish roots.

The Albanian variation of Aphrodite — Greek goddess of love and beauty. It is derived from the words afër meaning "near" and ditë meaning "day".

Possibly to honor Canadian short story writer Alice -- though Alice is more far accessible and--until very recently-- nearly as distinctive.

Zaynab is the name of the Prophet Muhammad's oldest daughter. When written as Zaynabu or Zainabu, it's a name found in both the Arabic and Swahili languages and cultures.