By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 139 pages
of 139
Spelling variation of Jalen
Jalen variations are all over the Top 1000 of 2015 for both genders, and this oddly-spelling version earned spot Number 933. This trend is clearly on the decline, however. A male bearer of this…
Greek variation of August
This form and its German variant Augusten are moving up fast as the preferred long forms of the trendy Gus.
Slavic variation of John Latin
"God is gracious; Jove-like, majestic"
Jovan, the name of the supreme Roman deity, seems more extraterrestrial now -- and it's also firmly attached to a perfume label. Some parents may see it as a variation of Giovanni, the Italian for…
English from Latin
"from Laurentum or bay laurel"
Lawrence is the dominant spelling in the US, but in the UK Laurence and Lawrence are given in almost equal numbers each year, often with the adorable nickname Laurie or Lawrie. British actor Sir…
German variation of Oscar
Oskar is to Oscar as Jakob is to Jacob: more distinctive and continental.
Spelling variation of Maya
English variation of Maurice
"dark-skinned"
Morris is as quiet and comfortable as a Morris chair, and has the same vintage feel. Once a Top 100 name in the early 1900s, Morris fell completely off the roster in 1995, probably due to lingering…
Puerto Rican variation of Alaia, Basque
"joyful, happy"
Lyrical choice with an ornamental H — a common phenomenon among Puerto Rican names.
Hebrew, Norwegian variation of Elina
"oak tree; bright, shining light"
Eila is a Hebrew name heard in Israel. The name also has roots in Finland and Norway, where it's derived from Elina, a variation of Helen, or from Aila, a form of Helga. Eila could gain attention as…
Spelling variation of Isaiah
Attempts to modernize traditional Isaiah has led to this overly creative spelling.
Spelling variation of Mekhi
Lagging about 400 slots behind the original.
Slovak; Swedish; Serbian; Croatian; Slovenian, variation of Katherine
"pure"
The Russian version of Katherine is usually Ekaterina, but this form is used throughout Eastern Europe and may be more friendly to the American ear.
Variation of Millie, English diminutive of Mildred or Millicent
"gentle strength; strong in work"
Milly and her more popular sister Millie are adorable Old Lady nickname-names springing back to life. Nearly 100 baby girls were named Milly, just Milly, last year, and Millie is in the US Top 500.…
Spelling variation of Ian
Phonetic spelling of the British Ian that has earned a share of its own popularity; chosen by Bo Bice for his son.
Spelling variation of Cody, English
"helpful, pillow"
The Kodi respelling of early 90s favorite gender neutral name Cody might have gone unnoticed were it not for Australian actor Kodi Smit-McPhee, star of Jane Campion's Power of the Dog .
English
"God is gracious"
Iconic folk singer Joni Mitchell lends this vintage nickname a cool, bohemian feel, while the streamlined spelling feels more contemporary and confident than the sweeter, cosier Joanie. While it may…
Russian variation of Helen
"bright, shining one"
One of many international versions of this classic.
Greek, English, Persian
"a Syrian; sun"
Syrus can be a spelling variation of the Greek Syros, a myhtological figure and the founder of Assyria. Pronounced SEER-us, it was borne by two early saints and means "a Syrian" or "from Syria". The…
Spelling variation of Kaylin
Kaylin and all of its forms have made many appearances in the Top 1000 in recent years. Kailyn is also the Turkish goddess of crossroads, kings and queens.
Russian variation of George
Common Russian name familiarized here via cosmonaut Yury Gagarin and a character in Dr. Zhivago , but we don't see it ever gaining permanent resident status.
