Names That Are Variations
Across 139 pages
of 139
Eseld
Cornish variation of Isolde
This Cornish variant of Isolde is rare even in the UK - but that's part of its charm. Like Isolde, Eseld is generally thought to mean "ice battle", a meaning sure to be pleasing to a little girl in…
Margalit
Hebrew variation of Margaret
"pearl"
This unusual variation of Margaret is the real first name of actress Maggie Gyllenhaal. It can make a distinctive way to honor an ancestral Margaret or a different long form for such nicknames as…
Karitas
Icelandic variation of Carita
"beloved"
Karitas -- with an accent over the i -- is among the Icelandic Top 100 names, a version of the Scandinavian Carita which is itself a spin on Charity. An intriguing and unique name with a beautiful…
Suus
Dutch diminutive of Susanna, Hebrew
"lily"
Benedita
Portuguese
"blessed"
Benedita is easy for an English speaker to pronounce yet sounds just uncommon enough to be intriguing. And with Benedict more in mainstream use, Benedita feels possible.
Ganiz
Basque variation of John
Ganiz, sometimes spelled Ganix, is a Basque name which is e variation of John. Virtually unknown in the US, this may be a creative way to honor an ancestral John (and there are so many of them!).
Arrianna
Spelling variation of Ariana
Arrianna is a more-unusual spelling variation of the names that are most popularly found as Ariana or Arianna. All are forms of the Greek Ariadne. Given its many spellings, that extra r only…
Arriana
Spelling variation of Ariana
Arriana is a more-unusual spelling variation of the names that are most popularly found as Ariana or Arianna. All are forms of the Greek Ariadne. Given its many spellings, that extra r only…
Dimitar
Bulgarian variation of Dmitri
Dimitar is the Bulgarian (and Macedonian) version of Dmitri, which is itself a variation of the name of the Greek goddess Demeter, whose name means earth mother.
Kasian
Spelling variation of Kassian or Cassian
As the ancient saint's name Cassian becomes more widely known and more popular, variations will proliferate. Kasian is one but creates pronunciation questions.
Airini
Maori variation of Eirene "peace"
"peace"
Airini is the Maori transliteration of the name Eirene, whcih comes from the Greek goddess of peace. A notable bearer of this name is nineteenth century Maori rights activist Airini Donnelly.
Ogive
French variation of Hedwig
"combat"
Ogive is a rare variation of the German name Hedwig which means combat or war. Ogive of Luxembourg was a notable bearer of this name; in geometry, an ogive is a pointed arch (similar to the top of a…
Bikendi
Basque
"variation of Vincent"
This name might be perfect for someone trying to honor old Uncle Vincent but looking for something a bit different. If needs be, it can be shortened to Ken if your child ends up wanting a more…
Clarry
English, variation of Clarence
Clarry can be used on its own or as a nickname of Clarence. It can also be a girls name, sometimes spelled Clari.
Olivian
Romanian variation of Oliver
As both Oliver and Olivia grow in popularity throughout the English-speaking world, parents may seek variations that are the same-but-different and Olivian is one such choice. Attractive and easy to…
Traian
Romanian variation of Ancient Roman Traianus, meaning unknown
Traian derives from Traianus, a Roman emperor and military genius who conquered ancient Dacia, which corresponds to modern-day Romania and Moldova. Popular a generation ago, Traian is best known…
Reon
Maori
"language"
Reon is a fairly rare name, getting just a few dozen uses each year in the US, UK and New Zealand. The name Reon has two possible origins. It could be an alternative spelling of the Celtic name Rion,…
Myrthe
Dutch variation of Myrtle
This botanical name is one of the few Dutch names that could work outside the Netherlands, especially in Germany or Scandinavia.
Merijn
Dutch variation of Marinus
A sea-themed name from a nation of sea-adventurers.
Guusje
Dutch variation of Augusta
This Dutch name is the equivalent of Gussie, a pet form of Augusta. Unlikely to work well outside of the Netherlands due to its challenging pronunciation.
