By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 169 pages
of 169
Modern invention, variation of Genesis
"the origin, beginning or formation; The First Book in The Bible"
A variation on the popular Biblical name Genesis, Jenese is also reminiscent of Jesse or Jensen. Predominantly used on girls, it is occasionally given to boys too.
Hungarian, variation of Hilda
"battle, warrior"
Ildikó is a variation of the German Hilda — itself short for Brunhilda.
Short form of Sargent, spelling variation of Sergeant, Latin
"to serve"
Sarge is plausibly one of the new aggressive, militaristic names favored by parents hoping for a bossy son.
Gaelic, variation of Mackayla
"son of Aodh; who is like God"
MacKay is the Anglicized form of Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodh" in Gaelic. Aodh is the origin of names such as Aidan and Hugh, making McKay a subtle way to honor people with those names. It could…
Greek, variation of Leonidas
"lion"
A new path to fashionable Leo that is on the rise in small numbers.
Spelling variation of Journey, word name
"passage from one place to another"
While this spelling of the spiritual, adventurous word name is considerably more popular for girls, it has appeared in the US stats for boys since 2019. A recent year saw it given to 5 boys compared…
Italian and Portuguese variation of Zenaida, Greek
"life of Zeus; dedicated to Zeus"
Popular in Brazil during the 1960s, Zenaide is the Portuguese and Italian form of the Greek Zenaida. Associated with a genus of white-winged doves, a first-century saint and doctor, and the highest…
Portuguese variation of John
"God is gracious"
A Portuguese classic. Many members of the Portuguese royal family were named João, and today it’s associated with a number of Portuguese and Brazilian footballers.
English surname, variation of Paul, Latin
"small"
Sources give several possible derivations for Paul, but the most likely is a variation of the ancient name Paul. Jane Pauley is a TV host and author.
Dutch, variation of George
"farmer"
One of many spellings of this Dutch variation of classic George.
Diminutive of Geraldine, feminine variation of Gerald, English and French
"ruler with the spear"
Boyish nicknames for girls -- like Charlie and Frankie -- are in fashion, but Geraldine is out. Gerri just might split the difference.
English variation of Katherine, Greek
"pure"
Variation of Katherine or more specifically, Kathryn, that is sure to add complications.
Albanian variation of Joan
Notably borne by musician Xhoana Xheneti — known professionally as Xhoana X — Xhoana is an Albanian form of Joan. It ultimately derives from John, making it one of many international, feminine…
Irish variation of Jonathan, Hebrew
"gift of Jehovah"
Ionatán is the Irish form of the Biblical Jonathan, rare but recognisably linked to the classic. It could make an interesting choice for someone wanting to honor both a Jonathan and Irish heritage.
Diminutive of Fernando, Portuguese and Spanish variation of Ferdinand, German
"brave voyager"
Ferni is a masculine name with likely Germanic or Latin roots. It may have originated as a diminutive of Fernando or Ferdinand, which means 'journey, adventure' or 'bold voyager.' Alternatively, it…
Masculine form of Estelle, variation of Etzel, Literature, English, German, Sindarin, "star; little father; hope"
"star; little father; hope"
Estel is unisex name with a number of origins, one being from the name Estelle, meaning "star". Used in the early 19th century in the US, it has since fallen out of style and last appeared in the US…
Feminine variation of Casper, Dutch and Scandinavian
"bringer of treasure"
An unusual feminization of boy name Casper with a beautiful meaning and familiar nicknames Cassie, Cass and Perrie.
North African and French influenced variation of Aisha, Arabic
"living, prosperous"
A North African and French inspired variation of the Arabic Aisha, Aïcha (and its counterpart Aicha) have skyrocketed in France since 2011. In the last decade, it has shifted from outside the…
Italian variation of Aurea, Latin
"Golden"
Orietta is an elaboration of Oria, the Italian form of Aurea — a golden name that has seen less use in recent years while Aurelia and Aurora are preferred. An interesting way to nickname Etta and…
