Names That Are Variations
Across 139 pages
of 139
Melisandre
French variation of Millicent, German
"strong in work"
The romantic fairy tale-like name has come to modern attention via the beautiful but terrifying sorceress in Game of Thrones . The character may look as lovely as her name sounds, but it's hard to…
Melania
Spanish and Greek variation of Melanie
"black"
The current wife of Donald Trump, Slovenian model Melania Knauss, brought this pretty version to the fore. Saint Melania was an heiress who freed thousands of enslaved people.
Ermine
French
"weasel"
Fur names. We don't think so.
Mela
Hindi
"religious service"
Unlike Pamela and Melanie, Mela feels fresh and unusual.
Megyn
Spelling variation of Megan
Newswoman Megyn Kelly, who aroused the ire of Donald Trump during the 2016 Presidential debates, put this spelling on the map. But this is not the newsiest spelling of a name that has many better…
Ricki
Feminization of Ricky, English, or English diminutive of Frederica, German
"dominant ruler; peaceful ruler"
One of the earliest of the relaxed, unisex names, now relegated to oldies rock stations. Ricki is a spirited, retro nickname traditionally short for Frederica but now stands strong on its own.…
Anabelle
French variation of Annabelle
This version of the name with only one n does not have nearly the popularity of its sister. Unless you have a particular aversion to the fourteenth letter of the alphabet, it may be best to stick…
Meena
Hindi
"blue semiprecious stone, bird"
Interesting multi-cultural option.
Rikki
Feminization of Ricky, English diminutive of Richard or Frederick
"dominant ruler; peaceful ruler"
Ricki has also been used, but like Vikki and Nikki, Rikki has also had its day.
Makena
Scottish, Meru, or Hawaiian
"son of Kenneth; happy one, gift"
Makena may be one of the names with the most diverse range of possible roots. It can be a spelling variation of the Scottish surname McKenna, or a name from the East African Meru community with a…
Myah
Spelling variation of Maya
Erika
English and Scandinavian variation of Erica, Norse feminization of Eric or Italian word name
"eternal ruler; heather"
This is a more spunky and Nordic looking variant of Erica, but the k also makes the connection to the beautiful flower less apparent.
Mo
Diminutive of Maureen, Irish variation of Mary, Hebrew
"bitter"
Mo is a punchy, unisex nickname with endless versatility, from Maureen to Morgan to the British favorite Imogen. Its simplicity and charm make it a modern pick for parents embracing minimalist names…
Manuela
Spanish, feminine variation of Emmanuel
"God is with us"
Manuela is one feminine form that's more energetic than the male original, and is worth considering if you're seeking an easily assimilated Spanish name. In the 1948 film The Pirate , set in the…
Maureen
Irish variation of Mary, Hebrew or Egyptian
"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
Almost as popular in the 1950s among the Irish in Boston as it was with those back in Bray, Maureen was once among the most prominent Irish names for girls in the US but has fallen from favor along…
Maura
Anglicized variation of Maire, Finnish, Irish variation of Mary"sweet; drop of the sea, bitter"
"sweet; drop of the sea, bitter"
Somber, almost mournful name that still has a lovely sound. Neither really in nor out, Maura has played around at the lower half of the Top 1000 since the late 1940s. It might make one of those…
Emmanuelle
French, feminine variation of Emanuel
"God is with us"
The female version of Emanuel could become more prominent, though for some it still carries a steamy image dating back to a then sensationally erotic French film. Singer and Shameless star Emmy…
Anabel
Spanish variation of Annabelle, combination of Anna and Belle or variation of Amabel
"loving"
Anabel is the sleekest version of this lovely name with so many variations, all of them correct. But Anabel and all her sisters -- Annabel, Annabelle, Anabella etc. -- took a downward turn after the…
Alexandrina
Greek, variation of Alexandra,
"defending men"
Alexandrina is the most elaborate and unusual of the Alex- girls's names.The real first name of Queen Victoria, who was given it in honor of her godfather, Alexander I of Russia (her childhood…
Mette
Norse, variation of Margaret
"pearl"
This is a Scandinavian variant of Margaret, and is pronounced MEH-teh or MET, rhyming with jet.