Names That Are Variations
Across 139 pages
of 139
Ansonia
Feminization of Anson, English
"son of Agnes"
Sounds too much like the name of a hotel.
Ophelie
French variation of Ophelia
"help"
Though this name properly takes an accent over the first e, most Americans would probably have trouble pronouncing it with French elan. Ophelie is the title of a Rimbaud poem, Ophelie Davis is a…
Olympe
French variation of Olympia
Andrés
Spanish variation of Andrew
Has a nice flamenco flavor.
Antoine
French variation of Anthony
"priceless one"
Antoine is a venerable French name that is still stylish in its native habitat, where it is in the Top 30. In the US, it was most popular in the 1970s and '80s, reaching Number 262 in 1985. There…
Feodora
Ukrainian; Russian, from Greek
"gift of God"
Feodora is an interesting choice for the intrepid name-giver, especially with the dynamic nickname Feo.
Andoni
Basque variation of Anthony, Latin
"from Antium"
Andoni is the Basque version of Anthony, no longer a common choice in Spain.
Anton
German, Russian, and Scandinavian variation of Anthony, Latin
"from Antium"
Cultured and cultivated in an old-style, Old World way, Anton is popular across Europe. It may be associated with the classic Russian playwright Anton Chekhov and also with ballroom dancer Anton Du…
Olya
Russian variation of Olga
"hearty, holy"
Makes the intriguing Olga even more so.
Armand
French variation of Herman, German
"soldier"
Since the first production of Camille this has been considered one of the world's most romantic names, though it's one of those French names for boys rarely heard in this country. Actor Armie…
Olena
Ukrainian, Hawaiian
"torch, shining light; turmeric, yellow, ginger"
This chic Ukrainian form of Helen is relatively unknown outside of its native country, but it definitely has international appeal. Olia or Olenka are the usual Ukrainian diminutives, but tomboyish…
Arne
Dutch and Scandinavian variation of Arnold
"ruler; strong as an eagle"
Works better as a full name than Arnie does as a nickname.
Fedora
Greek variation of Theodora
Fedora is occasionally heard among the British Mayfair and Belgravia set, but we're afraid that in this country there would be too strong an association with the man's felt hat.
Carlie
Variation of Carly, English
"free man"
The ie ending injects this late 20th century favorite with a bit of late 19th century charm. But not quite enough to make it a good 21st century choice.
Ophira
Hebrew
"gold"
Feminine form of Ophir, a Biblical place name famed for its riches.
Augustin
Greek variation of August
This form and its German variant Augusten are moving up fast as the preferred long forms of the trendy Gus.
Augusten
German variation of Augustus, Augustine, Augustin
"great, magnificent"
Confessional memoirist Augusten Burroughs is the first literary notable to bear one of this family of names since the confessional saint.
Odile
French variation of German Otthild
"prospers in battle"
Odette's evil Swan Lake twin -- gives the name a sinuous, sensuous appeal. It was a popular choice in France in the 20th century and made the Top 40 back in 1952, however, it has since fallen out of…
Federica
Italian, feminine variation of Frederick, German
"peaceful ruler"
Federica is the Latin version of Frederica, one of those formerly stuffy female names -- think Josephine and Eleanor -- that feels fresh and elegant again. And Federica has more energy without that…
Ottavia
Italian, variation of Latin Octavia
"eight"
Softer and more romantic than Octavia, this is a name once used when it wasn't uncommon for families to have eight children. A possible substitute for the epidemically popular Olivia.