Names That Are Variations

Fortunata

Spanish variation of Latin

"luck, fate, wealth"

Brimming over with a sense of good fortune. Could make a little girl feel very lucky.

Paule

French, feminine variation of Paul

This, the simplest French female version of Paul, was brought into the U. S. mix by novelist Paule Marshall, whose roots are in the West Indies.

Paolina

Italian and Portuguese, feminine variation of Paul

"small"

Turning Paul or Paol -- whether it's as Paolo, Paolina, or even Paola -- instantly makes it more romantic and appealing.

Pedra

Spanish

"rock"

Pedra has never caught on with anything like the popularity of its male counterpart, Pedro. The Greek Petra sounds a lot cleaner and more refined.

Flavie

French variation of Flavia

"golden, blond"

That extra a adds a world of grace to this name.

Petra

Greek

"rock, stone"

A strong Greek name with pan-European charm, Petra is a relatively recent feminization of Peter, though it relates back to an incredible ancient city in Jordan that was rediscovered in the early…

Polina

Russian and Basque, feminine variation of Paul

This version of the more familiar Paulina is occasionally used in the US, though some may see it as relating more to the word pole than to the classic Paul.

Philippine

French, feminine variation of Philippe

"lover of horses"

Philippine might be taken as an ethnic identification rather than a name in the U.S. Philippa would be more easily understood, though if you don't mind eternally correcting people, Philippine can…

Pippi

Norse variation of Philippa

"lover of horses"

Pippi may be cute but isn't very practical. In addition to being forever Pippi Longstocking, there is that variant pee-pee spelling to consider. Try Pippa instead.

Phillida

Latin, spelling variation of Phyllida

"green bough"

Phillida is a "Masterpiece Theatre" appellation, proper to an almost comical degree yet might make an original way to honor an ancestral Phyliis. Actress Phyllida Law is the mother of Emma and Sophie…

Patrizia

Italian variation of Patricia

Elegant Italian translation.

Plácida

Spanish

"tranquil, peaceful"

Familiar outside the Hispanic community through male opera singer Placido Domingo, this name has a calm, serene feeling.

Placidia

Spanish variation of Placida

"quiet, calm"

Derived from an ancient Roman name, this is best known in its male form Placido, thanks to the tenor.

Porsha

Phonetic variation of Portia or Porsche

Chosen primarily by coveters of the sleek and spiffy German sports car, which is actually spelled Porsche. The Shakespearean version of the name is Portia. The one advantage of the Porsha spelling,…

Filomena

Greek

"lover of singing"

See PHILOMENA.

Rakel

Scandinavian variation of Rachel

Apt to be confused with Raquel.

Carmela

Italian and Spanish variation of Carmel

"garden"

Carmela has been most famous recently as the name of Tony Soprano's TV wife, played by Edie Falco. The spellings Carmela and Carmella are both used in Latin cultures including Italian, Spanish, and…

Raquel

Spanish variation of Rachel

"ewe"

Attractive name popular in the Latino community, long identified with half-Bolivian actress Raquel Welch. Similarly to the Hebrew form Rachel, Raquel is past its peak. Nonetheless, it retains a…

Apollonia

Feminine variation of Apollo, Greek mythology name

"destroyer, strength; father's light"

This name of a third-century Christian martyr has an romantic, appealing feel in the modern world. It first came to American attention via Prince's love interest in the film Purple Rain . It could…

Patrice

French variation of PATRICIA

"noble"

Patrice is a more modern-sounding and polished unisex alternative to Patricia.