Names That Are Variations
Across 139 pages
of 139
Gilberte
French, feminine variation of Gilbert
You might be able to make this work if you pronounce it the sophisticated French way: zhil-bare.
Giann
Italian, variation of Gianna
Australian olympic champion Giann Rooney brought this modern take on the traditional Italian name Gianna or Giovanna into many households.
Germaine
Feminine variation of Germain, French
"from Germany"
Linked to the early days of feminism via Germaine Greer, this saint's name feels neither French nor German enough -- which just might make it the perfect blend of the two cultures. All forms of…
Cathleen
Variation of Kathleen, English and Irish
"pure"
Variant of Kathleen
Gerardine
French, feminine variation of Gerard
Makes Geraldine seem positively groovy.
Geraldine
German and French, feminine variation of Gerald
"ruler with the spear"
Though twin brother Gerald is still in baby name limbo, Geraldine is in line to follow the path of Josephine to imminent revival—even though Gerry is not as spunky a nickname as Josie. Geraldine was…
Georgette
French, feminine variation of George
Has a musty 1940s feel. Try Georgia -- or Georgiana.
Caterina
Italian variation of Katherine
If your ancestry is Italian, you may want to consider this elegant twist on a classic.
Alyson
Spelling variation of Alison
Alison by any spelling is now considered more of a mom name than a baby name. It's been trending downward for more than a decade, though it still makes the Top 1000.
Georgiana
English, feminine variation of George
"farmer"
Long a popular upper-crust form in England, where it's pronounced George-ee-AH-na, Georgiana has been been neglected here. But with Georgia growing more popular and the general fashion for elaborate…
Gennifer
English variation of Jennifer
Does not improve on the pretty but overused favorite.
Caryn
Spelling variation of Karen, Danish variation of Katherine
"pure"
Modernized spelling not enough to revive Karen.
Orabella
Latin variation of Arabella
"beautiful altar"
Lacks the vintage charm of the original Arabella, but with the love for all names Bella, it might appeal to some.
Ginevra
Italian variation of Guinevere or Jennifer
"white shadow, white wave"
Arty and elegant, Ginevra is one of the most popular girls' names in Italy at the moment, ranking at #3 in a recent year. Ultimately from the Arthurian Guinevere, it's a relative of Jennifer, meaning…
Jeanine
French variation of Jean
"God is gracious"
Together with the more common (in France) Jeannine spelling, this feminine form of Jean was most popular in the 1930s in its home country, and in the 1960s in the US. It's fallen off the Top 1000…
Karen
Danish variation of Katherine, Japanese
"pure; lotus flower"
Karen, a once sweet Danish import, was so popular during the baby boom (Karen was Number 3 in 1960) that it's become a mem in recent years, representing a hostile white woman—one who usually wants to…
Geneen
Scottish variation of Jeanine
Somewhat flat-footed spelling variation.
Jean
English and Scottish, from French variation of Johanna
"God is gracious"
Originally a feminine of John, Jean was popular in Scotland long before it found favor elsewhere, and had its most shining moment here in the era of Jean Harlow (born Harlean), ultimate symbol of…
Caron
Welsh
"loving, kindhearted, charitable"
A Welsh place name, possibly from the caru root, meaning "love, affection", Caron could work as a way to honor a Karen with a twist. It can also be used as a masculine name, as a variation of the…
Alise
Latvian or English variation of Alice
About 60 girls were named Alise in the US last year, making it an uncommon but not truly rare name. While it's pretty and intriguing as a spin on the very popular Alice, it's pronounced more like…