By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 169 pages
of 169
French
"noble type"
A chic and sassy French choice, popular in France but likely to be confused with the more prosaic Alex in English-speaking countries. Although sometimes used in the US as a variant spelling of Alex,…
American invented name, variation of Brinley, English
"burnt meadow"
Brenley: a compound of trendy syllables or Brinley variation? It's totally up to you. It was chosen by American Idol contestant Triston Harper and his wife Paris Reed for their daughter in 2025.
French, variation of Francis
"Frenchman"
English variation of Irma, English, German, Slovene
"whole, great, universal; army man"
A variation of the German Irma, Erma emerged in the 19th century in English-speaking countries where its similarity to timeless Emma might have helped it gain popularity. In fact, if you follow its…
Scandinavian variation of Johannes or John, Hebrew
"God is gracious"
Short but substantial Nordic name that travels well -- although it runs the risk of being confused with all the feminine Jen names.
Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian variation of Isadora, Greek
"gift of Isis"
The Isidora spelling, though equally legitimate, is about 90 percent less common than Isadora.
English variation of Jocelyn
"member of the Gauts tribe"
One of many modern spellings of Jocelyn, this one used by actress Samantha Harris for her daughter.
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…
French variation of Madeleine
"high tower"
This spelling gives the name favorite an Elaine spin.
Spelling variation of Royalty, word name
"member of a royal family"
Royalty spelled with an -i gives major stage name vibes: it stands out from the crowds and makes you stop to read to it, feels modern and trendy, but still carries the associations of status and…
Spelling variation of Zoe
"life"
Zoe is one of those popular names that's inspired many spelling variations, and Xoe is one of the new ones. A simple name sure to attract a lot of attention.
Hebrew
"gazelle, roebuck"
Zevi is an alternative transcription of the Hebrew name Zvi or Tzvi, the latter of which is a Top 100 pick in Israel. It's a cool, sharp-sounding name which would make for a great distinctive…
Spelling variation of Zaire, African place-name, or Arabic
"river"
Ziare is a contemporary name with uncertain etymology but several possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Zaire, which refers to the former name of the Democratic Republic of Congo and…
Scandinavian and Finnish variation of Aino, Catalan variation of Anna, Japanese, Latvian, Kazakh, Yoruba
"always; grace; lover of green; sight; mirror; delivery had complications [umbilical cord twisted around neck]"
A bright-sounding name with multicultural appeal, used regularly as a first name in Japan, Scandinavia, Latvia, and Spain. The Yoruba name Aina, pronounced ah-ee-NAH, is traditionally used for baby…
English, variation of Azalea
This variation of the up-and-coming quirky and offbeat flower name Azalea — the original spelling of which just cracked the Top 500 — adds the trendy "lei" element seen in popular names Leia and…
Scottish, spelling variation of Earl
Errol was a swashbuckling name in the Errol Flynn era, which still has a trace of jazz cool.m thanks to jazz pianist Erroll Garner.
German variation of Francis, Latin
"Frenchman or free man"
Franz is the German equivalent to Francis, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a Franz outside of countries with Germanic origins. In America the name is often associated with celebrated author Franz…
Scandinavian variation of Frederick, German
"peaceful ruler"
Popular throughout Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, Fredrik conveys the noble meaning of 'peaceful ruler.' The name has maintained consistent popularity in Nordic countries for centuries, while remaining…
Diminutive of Jennifer, variation of Gina, English, Arabic, "white wave; paradise"
"white wave; paradise"
Jena is a succinct name with a number of different roots, making it a versatile choice. On one hand, it might be used as a diminutive for the 70s favorite Jennifer, a name of Cornish origin that was…
Spelling variation of Gentry, English
"aristocracy"
Jentry is an upwardly-striving word name that's gaining ground for girls as a new spin on Jennifer or Jenna. If classy is what you're after, a name with a genuine pedigree would serve you better.…
