By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 169 pages
of 169
Spelling variation of Noah, Hebrew
"rest, repose"
We have to admire the inventiveness of Knoah, but we fear giving your son this name may land you in the worst of all name worlds, with a name that sounds megapopular with a spelling that's…
Yiddish variation of Lev
"heart"
Liev Schreiber's birth name is Isaac Liev, Liev after his mother's favorite Russia author, Leo Tolstoy. Though Liev is increasing in popularity in the secular world thanks to the actor, it originated…
Spanish, variation of Martin
Adds some spunk and Latin rhythm to mundane Martin.
Feminine variation of Guiomar, Spanish, Portuguese
"famous in battle"
The longer form of Xia is more rhythmic but also more problematic.
Polish, Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, Latvian, Albanian
"God is Gracious; lily; voice, fairy"
An international possibility, heard from England and Israel to Poland, Latvia, and Albania. It is a name with a vast range of possible meanings and origins, including: a Polish variation of Jane,…
Scandinavian variation of Nicholas
"people of victory"
Like Lars, Sven, Niels, and Nels, an unjustly neglected straightforward Scandinavian name. Surname Nilsson or the anglicized Nelson derives from Nils.
Italian variation of Raphael, Hebrew
"God has healed"
A top choice in Italy.
Feminization of Ebbe, Swedish and Danish, or variation of Old English Æbbe
"bear god; brave boar"
Ebba, the feminine version of Ebbe (a diminutive of Eberhard or Asbjorn) and also a form of an old English name, is in the Swedish Top 10 but virtually unknown in the US. However, with the rise of…
Romani variation of Esmeralda, Spanish, Portuguese
"emerald"
Probably a spelling mistake for Esmeralda.
Variation of Sidney, English from French
"Saint Denis"
The Sydney spelling most popular for girls: it's in the Top 50 on the female side. Cool for a girl, still nerdy for a guy.
Italian variation of Thomas, Aramaic
"twin"
Tommaso is the handsome Italian version of the classic Thomas, still leading directly to short forms Tommy or Tom.
Russian, Serbian, Croatian, Estonian
"light"
A pretty international form of Helena used in many Slavic languages, also sometimes spelled Yelena.
Word name or spelling variation of Abel
Able takes this name in the direction of the word denoting someone capable and handle, and that is not a bad way to go.
Spelling variation of Luca; Italian place name
This spelling is more unisex than either Luca or Luka, perhaps because it is also an Italian city name. However, it fell for both genders in 2021, as the Disney movie Luca sent that spelling…
Spelling variation of Lucille
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…
Hindi
"religious service"
Unlike Pamela and Melanie, Mela feels fresh and unusual.
Spelling variation of Bentley
No matter how you spell it, we're ready for this trendy name to pass.
Latin, feminine variation of Valentine; "strength, health"
"strength, health"
Variation of Valentina with the same pared-down appeal as Maren.
Russian and Armenian variation of Eve, Hebrew
"life"
A Top 10 name in Moscow. In Russian, the emphasis is put on the first syllable.
Spelling variation of Anna
Want to be sure that people pronounce your baby's name the way you intend? Then choose a spelling variation like Ahna for Anna. Ahna is best known as the name of actress and ex-James Franco…
