By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 139 pages
of 139
French variation of Adrian, Latin
"man of Adria"
This spelling variation of Adrian was popular in France and Belgium during the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, peaking in 1991 when it reached the Top 20 in France. While it has since declined in use, it…
Spelling variation of Khalil
Kalel first entered the US Top 1000 as a one-off appearance in 2009, then reentered in 2013. It's possible that some parents see it as a spelling variant of the classic Arabic name Khalil, meaning…
Variation of Casey, Irish
"brave in battle"
Casey-with-a-K never quite reached the heights of the original, but it broke the Top 500 for boys in the late '80s and early '90s.
German variation of Cillian, Irish
"war strife; church"
This German spelling of the classic Irish Cillian is heard throughout Europe — it's a popular choice in France as well.
Spelling variation of Hadley, English
"heathery field"
Hadley, an old surname-name best known as the name of author Ernest Hemingway's "Paris Wife," only recently broke onto the scene in a big way. While Hadley has considerable appeal, spelling…
Spanish and Greek variation of Melanie
"black"
The current wife of Donald Trump, Slovenian model Melania Knauss, brought this pretty version to the fore. Saint Melania was an heiress who freed thousands of enslaved people.
French variation of John
"God is gracious"
One of the most enduring French names, this form of John has been borne by philosophers (Rousseau and Sartre), artists (Millet, Arp) and fashion designers (Gaultier) alike. Often used in a double…
Spelling variation of Corbin, Latin "Crow"
"Crow"
We all know K is a very trendy letter right now, but what was wrong with Corbin?
Spelling variation of Scarlett
"brilliant red"
Although we think Scarlett is plenty feminine enough without the girly -ette suffix, this variation entered the US Top 1000 in 2011, where it remained for more than a decade. In 2023, it dropped off…
Arabic variation of Jasmine
"jasmine flower"
Any of the Y forms, which also include Yasmeen, Yasmin, and Yasmina, make this name more unusual and distinctive.
Variation of Christopher
Not as familiar and easy as Christopher, not as unusual and interesting as Christoph or Krzysztof.
Hebrew variation of Javan
"Greece"
While the biblical Javan, the son of Japheth, is spelled with two a's, the -on version is by far the favorite in contemporary America. Variant spellings and pronunciations abound. This name has…
French spelling variation of Margo
Yes, it's pronounced with a long o sound at the end, just like Margo and Margot. This spelling was popularized by supermodel, actress, and tragic Hemingway granddaughter Margaux, whose name spelling…
Spelling variation of Avery
That i adds some extra spunk to mega popular Avery. It also adds some pronunciation confusion (as it could be pronounced AV-er-ee or AV-er-eye). We suggest sticking with the original Avery.
Latin variation of Odysseus, Greek
"wrathful"
Ulysses is one of the few U boys' names anyone knows -- with heavy links to the Homeric hero of The Odyssey , the eighteenth US president Ulysses Grant, and the James Joyce novel -- all of which…
Feminine variation of Kyle or spelling variation of Kylie
"narrow spit of land; or, a boomerang"
Kyle is a Scottish male name while Kylie is an Aboriginal name meaning boomerang. Kyleigh might be seen as a feminine spin on Kyle or a spelling update of Kylie. A trendy choice longer on style than…
German variation of Emmanuel
In the US, Emmanuel has held steady around the Top 200 for a quarter century now, but this variation has dropped off the Top 1000 for three of the past seven years. It was Number 974 in 2016.…
Spelling variation of Carson
A surname-style name with a contemporary spelling, Karsyn is a unisex name that has been on and off the charts for boys since 2018. As of 2023, it's back in the US Top 1000 and given to more than 200…
Yiddish variation of David, Hebrew
"beloved"
An entirely Jewish form of David, with the handsome nickname Dov.
Spelling variation of Natalie/Nathalie
This variant of the more popular spellings swaps out the - ie ending for a y , though the result is a name that is more reminiscent of Italy than a girl's name . While it has ranked in the US Top…
