Names That Are Variations
Across 139 pages
of 139
Ally
Spelling variation of Allie
This spelling variation of the popular girls' nickname ranks behind the more traditional form—Allie (Number 255). This spelling could be hurt by the word name ally, which bears a different…
Hume
Scottish variation of Holmes
Distinguished actor Hume Cronyn (who shared his father's name) put this unusual choice in the lexicon.
Nesta
Welsh variation of Agnes
This is the most popular Welsh form of Agnes. Variants include Annest and Nest. There was an eleventh century Nest who was known as 'Helen of Wales' for her beauty and the problems it caused.
Iago
Welsh and Galician variation of James and Jacob
Iago, the villain of Shakespeare's Othello , was so treacherously evil that his name has hardly ever been heard offstage. Try the much-more-benign Inigo.
Hedeon
Russian variation of Gideon
A not as appealing variation on an attractive original.
Iain
Gaelic variation of John
"God is gracious"
Iain, this authentic Gaelic form of John, has been well used in Scotland since the early twentieth century, used concurrently with the shortened Ian spelling, but is rarely seen in the US. Iain Banks…
Hazaiah
Hebrew variation of Chazaiah
"God has seen"
With more parents turning to biblical names like Ezekiel and Isaiah, this could prove a quasi-unique alternative in a similar -- if more Orthodox -- vein.
Ieuan
Welsh variation of John
Ieuan was in the England & Wales Top 300 from the late 90s until the late-2000s, but in other countries, the pronunciation and spelling would be troublesome.
Haiden
Spelling variation of Hayden
This play on Hayden is likely influenced by the popularity of the Aiden names. It has appeared in the US Top 1000 for eight of the past twelve years.
Inigo
Basque, medieval Spanish variation of Ignatius
"fiery"
Inigo, almost unknown in the U.S., is an intriguing choice, with its strong beat, creative and evocative sound, and associations with the great early British architect and stage designer Inigo Jones.…
Hawthorn
Spelling variation of Hawthorne
The version with the e at the end relates to novelist Nathaniel, so that may be the one most parents attracted to this unusual name would choose. Hawthorn nudges it toward the nature category:…
Ioan
Welsh, Romanian
"God is gracious"
A simple and appealing multi-cultural form of John, but Americans will be baffled by all those vowels.
Ion
Romanian and Basque variation of John
A cross between Ian and a group of atomic particles.
Isai
Diminutive of Isaiah and Isaias, spelling variation of Esai
This form, coming from various elements, has started to take off on its own.
Ludovica
Italian, feminine variation of Ludovic
"famous in war"
This Olde World name with a large measure of European style makes an offbeat possibility for the bold baby namer in search of interesting Italian names for girls . Currently very popular in its…
Elettra
Italian variation of Electra, from Greek
"amber, shining, bright"
Less electric and more serene than Electra which comes with a lot of tragic and psychoanalytical baggage, Elettra is the Italian form that ranks in the Top 200 in the Italian charts. Nicknames Etta,…
Harmon
Irish variation of Herman
Has a harmonic feel.
Johannes
German, Dutch, Scandinavian, and Estonian variation of John
"God is gracious"
An Old World name that might have a chance to rise again with other ancient and worldly forms. Be sure to say yo-HAHN-es.
Ives
English variation of Yves
"yew wood"
Smooth and sleek one-syllable name, sometimes suggested for Sagittarius boys.
Lucile
Spelling variation of Lucille
"light"
Lucille and its alternate spelling Lucile are both popular in France, but in the US, Lucy rules with the more-antiquated sounding Lucille a distant second. Lucile fell off the Top 1000 more than 60…