Names That Are Variations
Across 139 pages
of 139
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.
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…
Hamish
Scottish variation of James
"supplanter"
Just as Seamus/Seumus is Irish for James, Hamish is the Scottish form — one that's not often used here, but still redolent of Olde Scotland. If you're ready to go further than Duncan and Malcolm, out…
Jarrett
English variation of Garrett
Got some notice as a Jared alternative, has musical association with pianist Keith Jarrett.
Haim
Sanskrit or variation of Chaim, Hebrew
"gold; life"
As an Indian name, Haim is an epithet of Lord Shiva. In the US, it was once more common as a variation of the Jewish name Chaim.
Lenore
German variation of Leonora, Italian derivative of Eleonora, meaning unknown
A "modernization" of Leonora that has suddenly come back on the radar along with the many other Leo names--both male and female. With literary cred via a famous eponymous poem by Edgar Allan Poe (and…
Briony
Spelling variation of Bryony, Greek
"to sprout, to swell"
Briony may be the variation and Bryony the original, but many parents will see this as the more authentic-feeling version of this attractive botanical name. Melodic and bright, it was once a Top 400…
Zavier
Spelling variation of Xavier
This phonetic version is occasionally used and removes any confusion about whether the X is fully pronounced or not.
Javon
Hebrew variation of Javan
"Greece"
While the biblical Javan, the son of Japheth, is spelled with two a's, the -on version is by far the favorite in contemporary America. Variant spellings and pronunciations abound. This name has…
Javin
Hebrew or Hindu
"Greece or swift, fast"
Javin might be considered a spelling variation of Javan, an Old Testament name. Javan was a son of Noah who is the legendary father of the Greek people. Javin is also a Hindu or Indian name meaning…
Jevon
Welsh, variation of Evan
"gift of God"
Yet another offshoot of the original John, also sometimes used as Jevan or Yevan.
Jean
French variation of John
"God is gracious"
One of the most enduring French names, this form of John has been borne by philosophers (Rousseau and Sartre), artists (Millet, Arp) and fashion designers (Gaultier) alike. Often used in a double…
Hadrien
French variation of Hadrian
What life Hadrien and Hadrian enjoy today, they owe to Adrian along with the revival of ancient Roman names in general. Hadrian was a 2nd century Roman emperor famous for his wall.
Jorma
Finnish, variation of Jeremiah
Rarely heard in the US, but borne by Jorma Taccone an actor featured on the TV series Girls ., who was named after the Jefferson Airplane guitarist Jorma Kaukonen. Taccone--who plays Booth Jonathan…
Gwilym
Welsh variation of William
"resolute protection"
The Welsh version of William is almost unheard-of across, but it's fairly straightforward and could make a good heritage choice or alternative honor name.
Jerrell
Modern variation of Gerald
Yesterday's Jaylen.
Lucienne
French feminine variation of Lucian
"light"
Lucienne is a soft and ultra-sophisticated French-accented option in the Lucy family, one that could provide a fresh alternative to such fatigued Gallic choices as Danielle and Michelle. So if you're…
Jestin
Welsh variation of Justin
Unusual twist -- but everyone will hear it as Justin -- or jester.
Jesús
Spanish variation of Jesus, from Joshua
Used exclusively and extensively in the Latino community, making it the seventy-third most popular name in America.
Eleonora
Italian, German, Dutch, and Polish variation of Eleanor
Makes a serious name frilly and feminine, which, depending on your viewpoint, might be a good or a bad thing. In this case, we vote good.