By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 169 pages
of 169
Word name, Variation of Genesis
Genesis — the name of the first book of the Bible — is already a Top 100 name for girls. Add in the "Jen" component of this spelling and it feels particularly feminine.
Spelling variation of Linda
"pretty"
When President LBJ's daughter Linda Bird changed the spelling of her name to Lynda, she set a trend for spelling adventurism that's still rippling through the name world today.
English variation of László, Hungarian
"glorious ruler"
Arguably, an even more Anglicized spelling of László than Laszlo, this stripped back form of the Hungarian name has begun to see occasional use in the US, though the longer spelling is still twice as…
Portuguese variation of Sapphira, Greek
"sapphire"
The Portuguese word for sapphire was formerly a Top 100 name in Portugal.
Norwegian and Swedish variation of Nicholas
"people of victory"
One of those simple Norse names, like Lars, that is definitely worth thinking about.
Latvian or English variation of Alice
About 60 girls were named Alise in the US last year, making it an uncommon but not truly rare name. While it's pretty and intriguing as a spin on the very popular Alice, it's pronounced more like…
Japanese, Sanskrit, or variation of Amy
"second beauty; second ocean; second truth; nectar; beloved"
A multicultural unisex choice that peaked for girls at the same time as Amy. Ami is also the French word for "friend."
English variation of Brasilia, Portuguese place name
"land of brazilwood; ember-colored land"
Place-name with character.
Italian variation of Katherine
If your ancestry is Italian, you may want to consider this elegant twist on a classic.
Hebrew, variation of Ezra
"help"
Ezra is now in the Top 25 for boys, and is rising quickly for girls too. The Ezrah spelling feels just as useable for either.
Irish, spelling variation of Keegan
Right in step with the two-syllable irish surname-names now on the rise.
German and Norwegian variation of Christina
"a Christian"
A crystalline name that retains its loveliness far past its prime. Its biggest downside: Eternal confusion over spelling and pronunciation. Kristen? Kirsten? It can be so confusing that many parents…
French variation of Lilian
"lily, a flower"
Now that Lily has become hugely popular, parents in love with this flower name are looking further afield for substitutes such as Liliane and Liliana.
Spelling variation of Amir, Arabic
"prince or commander"
Amere is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Latin 'amare' meaning 'to love,' or represent a variation of Amir, an Arabic name meaning 'prince' or 'commander.' The…
American variation of Lyric, Greek
"lyre"
Lyrica has a nice, melodious sound — which is exactly what Pfizer thought when coming up with their trade name for the drug Pregabalin.
Spanish variation of Adelaide or Adela German
"noble"
Adelita is a more recent entry into the popular group of girl names starting with Adel -- Adele, Adela, Adeline, and Adelaide. Adelita is technically a diminutive itself, but also carries the…
Arabic variation of Aaron
"exalted, high"
This common Arabic name is related to Aaron, but feels far more distinctive in the US. Haroun Khalifa is the protagonist of Salman Rushdie's Haroun and the Sea of Stories .
Feminine variation of Apollo, Greek mythology name
"destroyer, strength; father's light"
This name of a third-century Christian martyr has an romantic, appealing feel in the modern world. It first came to American attention via Prince's love interest in the film Purple Rain . It could…
Welsh, variation of Evan
"gift of God"
Yet another offshoot of the original John, also sometimes used as Jevan or Yevan.
Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish variation of Eleanor, meaning unknown, or Elin, Swedish variation of Ellen
"torch, shining light"
Eleanor is a rising classic in the US, and the similarly-pronounced Ellinor is a favorite in Sweden and Norway. While Eleanor is not considered one of the many Helen variations, some sources say that…
