By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 169 pages
of 169
Scottish variation of Alexander
"defending men"
In this country, more recognizable with the Alistair spelling.
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…
Feminine variation of Amir, Arabic
"commander, prince"
Emira is one of those pan-international names that feels pleasant enough but seems so unrooted to any one culture that it might as well be made up.
French, feminine variation of George
Has a musty 1940s feel. Try Georgia -- or Georgiana.
Hungarian variation of Helen, Finnish
"shining torch; light; joy"
This variant of Helen is used across Europe, in France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, and it's native Hungary. Reminiscent of Elena, Leona, Ilaria, Fiona and Lola, it nevertheless remains a rarity in…
Anglicized variation of Welsh Dewi, nickname of Dafydd
"beloved"
Not heard since the 1980s, Dewey shot into the Top 20 in 1898 thanks to the popularity of Spanish-American War naval hero Admiral George Dewey. Dewey has subtle links to his Welsh roots and relation…
Spanish, variation of Mary
A pretty elaboration of Mary that's popular in Latin America, echoing the lilting sound of names like Nayeli and Araceli. Marely had a spike of popularity in the States 2007-8, inspired by a…
Spelling variation of Naiara, Basque place-name
Nayara or Naiara is a Basque name for a Spanish city where the Virgin Mary appeared in medieval times, now a popular girls' name throughout Spain.
Spelling variation of Poppy, flower name
Word name Poppy with a contemporary make-over. Poppi was given to 6 girls in England and Wales and 49 babies in the US in a recent year. WWE star Torrie Wilson chose this spelling for her daughter in…
Spelling variation of Jordan
Much less successful than other variations.
Dutch and German variation of Leo, Latin
"lion"
This alternative and modern spelling of Leo is popular with German- and Dutch-speaking parents and features in the charts in Switzerland, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. While it's less…
French variation of Aurelia, Latin
"the golden one"
Aurelie is the delicate French variation of Aurelia, one of the most improbable popular names of recent years. Both versions of the name are lovely, but it might be difficult to insist that Americans…
Danish variation of Matthew
"gift of God"
Mads is a perennial favorite in Germany, the Nordic countries, and the Netherlands, where it is usually to be found in the Top 50. Just remember the D is not pronounced. Famous bearers include Danish…
Yiddish variation of Moses, Egyptian
"delivered from the water"
A name commonly heard on New York's Lower East Side at the turn of the last century.
Modern invention, variation of Emery or combination of Emily or Emma and Arielle
"industrious; rival or universal + lion"
Names starting with Em- are hugely popular for girls with seven of them in the US Top 200. Meanwhile, names ending in -elle or -el are also stylish and this modern creation combines both. Quietly…
Dutch variation of Ilsa
"pledged to God"
Pronounced with two syllables, as if spelled Ilsa, Ilse is popular in The Netherlands and may rise here with cousin Elsa.
Compound name, variation of Katherine, Greek
"pure"
Kaylene is a modern feminine name that gained modest popularity in the late 20th century. It appears to be a creative blend of Katherine short form Kay with the -lene suffix. Katherine, which comes…
Spelling variation of Keisha or Keziah, Hebrew
"cassia tree"
Keysha is a modern feminine name that emerged as a variant of Keisha in the United States during the late 20th century, but Keisha is a phonetic spelling of the Biblical Keziah, the name of one of…
Spelling variation of Azriel, Hebrew
"God is my help"
Azriel, also found as Azrael or Asriel, is the name of the Angel of Death in Jewish and Islamic tradition. The Asriel spelling occurs as a Biblical name, notably as the forefather of the Asrielite…
French variation of Stephen
"garland, crown"
It's the French Steve yet feels oh so much more debonair. Well-used and still a popular classic in French-speaking lands, but one of the many French names for boys unfamiliar to most English…
