By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 139 pages
of 139
Male variation of Calixta or Latin
"chalice"
Calix is once-obscure name that is starting to see some use in the US, where 62 baby boys were named Calix in 2024. An indirect influence is the actress Calista Flockhart, who introduced Americans to…
Spanish and Arabic variation of Ezra
As Ezra becomes more popular, so is Esdras being rediscovered. Los Angeles chef Esdras Ochoa was recently named one of the top chefs in the US.
spelling variation of Hattie
While this version of the name has never made it into the US Top 1000, it is nonetheless slowly on the rise. In 2015, 162 girls were given this name. The related Hattie is the highest it's ever been,…
English variation of Carys, Welsh
"love"
This much less popular variation draws more from Karin.
Arabic, Scandinavian variation of Naema
"tranquil; pleasantness"
As an Arabic name, the normal transcription is Na'ima, with an apostrophe. It was a Top 200 name in France in the 1970s and '80s, and ranked in the US Top 1000 from 2005 to 2008. Naima can also be a…
Word name or variation of Amon
Brother for Heaven or Nevaeh.
Variation of Emery; variation of Amari, German; Hebrew
"industrious; eternal"
Most male Emaris use their name as a variation of Amari, which is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable. It is a truly gender-neutral name, given to baby girls and boys in similar numbers.…
Latin diminutive of Judith or variation of Judah, Hebrew, Arabic
"praised; to be generous and good to others"
Jude may be a popular boys' name, thanks to Jude Law, but boyish nicknames for girls - like Frankie and Teddy - are on trend and Jude is also a new way to spin Judy or Judith. It's long been used…
Italian and Spanish variation of Frederick, German
"peaceful ruler"
If Frederick feels too heavy, the Spanish and Italian has more energy. It's a long-term Top 20 name in Italy, and has neat nicknames like Fredo in Italian and Fede in Spanish. Famous bearers include…
Irish, variation of Mary
"bitter; beloved; drop of the sea"
Well-established Irish and Scottish name that has never really caught on across the pond. Remembered by an older generation as the beautiful red-haired ballerina in the film The Red Shoes , Moira…
Italian, Spanish, Scandinavian, Slavic
"lady"
Sharper and steelier than Martha, but with the same underused vintage appeal.
Spelling variation of Cameron, Scottish
"crooked nose"
With the increasing popularity of Cameron, we've seen more and more creative spellings—including this one, which may be influenced by rapper Cam'ron. It rose up the US charts during the 90s, however…
Scottish variation of Amabel
"loving"
Annabel is a spirited name that embodies quirky British gentility. Appearing in Scotland as early as the twelfth century, where it was a royal name, it also recalls the romantic Edgar Allan Poe poem…
Invented variation of Jamal
"beauty"
An attractive twist on an Arabic classic, with further twists being Zamari, Jamari, and Jamarion. It was a popular choice from the 70s onwards in the US but has fallen out of favor in recent years,…
Hawaiian variation of John
"God is gracious"
Keoni is one of the lesser-used international forms of John, but it has an on-trend sound that many parents may find appealing, perhaps as an alternative honor name. As well as Hawaii, it is also…
American invented name, variation of Evelyn and Everly, English
"desired; water; island; wild boar in woodland clearing"
Everlynn combines two of the hottest baby names of the moment — Evelyn and Everly — but can't claim either of their histories. Although if you can't decide between the two, Everlynn is the logical…
Spelling variation of Cameron
This Cameron variation entered the US Top 1000 in 1998 and remained there for more 17 years. While it did fall out of favor in 2016, it is still given to more than 100 boys each year. Deriving from a…
Irish Gaelic
"god is gracious"
Siobhan is the Irish variation of Joan, which is derived from the ancient Anglo-Norman name Jehanne. In this way Siobhan is indirectly related to the name Sinead—the Irish form of Jeannette, which…
Spelling variation of Ariana
Both Ariana and Arianna sit comfortably in the US Top 100, so it makes sense that Aryana with the trendy y would join the fray. However, due to its inevitable confusion with the other spellings and…
French variation of Yvette
Feels more modern than the Y version but also less authentic.
