By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 169 pages
of 169
Scottish variation of Graham
"gravelly homestead"
An interesting vowel combination lightens up Graham.
Polish
"angel"
What a difference one letter makes - the somewhat tired, though still heavenly Angela, gets a makeover as sweet and subtle Aniela. Popular in its native Poland where it ranks in the Top 100, it is…
Invented name or variation of Kaiora or Kior
A totally modern sounding choice, Kaior is reminiscent of a number of contemporary choices, from Kai to Kyaire, and Kyzer to Bryer. As such, it saw increased interest in 2024, when it was given to 31…
Greek variation of Constantine
"constant, steadfast"
Derived from the Latin Constantinus , this is the Greek form of Constantine or Constans. Conjuring up ideas of endurance and steadiness, Konstantinos has been borne by numerous Greek prime ministers…
Spelling variation of Corey or African
"lamb"
While Corey and its variations are losing fashion steam, the sound-alike Kori has new appeal as a name with a trendy animal meaning from the Kikuyu culture.
Latin, feminine variation of Justin
Justina was the pre-Justine feminization of Justin, now a possible alternative to Christina. Oddly, while Justine feels like a name unto itself, Justina feels like a pinned-together feminization in…
Spelling variation of Taran, Celtic
"thunder"
Taron and its twin Taran may both be variations of Taranis, the name of the Celtic thunder god. Taranis is thought to be a counterpart to the better-known Norse god Thor. There was also a 7th century…
Spelling variation of Zane, variation of John, Hebrew
"God is gracious"
As Zane and Zayn (and Zayne) get more popular, can Xane be far behind? Xane is one of the names that have risen the most on the charts since the turn of this century, though it's still under the Top…
Greek variation of John
As common in Greece as John is here.
Finnish and Sami variation of Helga, diminutive of Aileen, Anglicization of Eilidh
"holy, blessed; bright and shining light"
An attractive Scandinavian take on Helga, or a potential Helen nickname.
Word name; Spelling variation of Gage
Gauge is the dictionary spelling, but Gage is the far more popular choice, ranking at Number 281 in 2016.
Scandinavian; Finnish; Slovene; Croatian; Serbian, from Russian
"grace"
Anja is one of the most international of several versions of Ann/Anna now being imported, also including Anya and Annika. Anja is heard in several European cultures, including Germany, the…
Italian variation of Charlotte, French diminutive of Charles
"free man"
Carlotta has a large measure of finger-snapping charm and substance — despite being a not too pleasant character in The Little Mermaid . Carlotta is also the diva/prima donna in The Phantom of the…
French variation of Louis or Lucas
While there is some disagreement over the origins of this name, it's clearly fashionable and a new idea, for English speakers, of a way to spin either an old classic or a familiar favorite. Still,…
Spanish variation of James
Though every Spanish student knows that the male classic is pronounced HY-me, for girls this is a straight homonym for Jamie, a favorite ambisexual 1970s nickname name. Another way to think of it is…
Italian, variation of Peter
"rock"
Piero is elegant, melodic, appealing. Just picture the muted frescoes of Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca.
Irish variation of Raymond
"wise protector"
We love this partly for purely personal reasons, since it is one of our surnames. We used it as the middle name of a son –and it can make a good first choice too. Redmond – also found as Reamann or…
Spelling variation of Caitlin
Kaitlin is a variation of Caitlin that's on a steep decline; it dropped out of the Top 1000 in 2013, after more than three decades on the list.
Spelling variation of Cassia, Greek
"cinnamon"
Kassia is the k-styled spelling variation of rising star name Cassia, an obscure but attractive botanical choice drawn from the cassia tree, which produces a cinnamon-like spice. The biblical Keziah…
English surname or variation of Suede
"soft leather material; Swedish; swath, track"
Swade can be read in two ways: a creative respelling of word name Suede, or, as a surname-style choice. As a respelling, it relates to a soft leather material that's often used to make shoes and…
