By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 169 pages
of 169
Spelling variation of Madelyn, English
"woman from Magdala or high tower"
A spin on the French form of Magdalene, Madelynne is another, llower ranking way to Maddy. Still, when you put Madelynne together with her more popular sisters -- Madelyn, Madeline, Madeleine, and…
Literary name or variation of Olena, Ukrainian
"light, shining torch"
Likely inspired by the Ukrainian form of Helen, Olena, George R. R. Martin used this spelling for a character in his "A Song of Ice and Fire" series. The name first appeared in the US stats in 2017,…
Danish variation of Michael
Unless you're Nordic, probably best to stick with Michael if you want to avoid a life of confusion and misspelling.
Phonetic variation of French Cheri; also a Spanish fortified wine
Peppy cheerleader name of the 1960s and 70s that's sure to evoke the Four Seasons song of that name.
Polish variation of Nicodemus, Greek
"victory of the people"
A slightly more approachable take on Nicodemus that boasts the very-cool nickname Niko, Nikodem is ultimately the Polish variation of Ancient Greek name Nikodemos. A Biblical choice, it was borne by…
Variation of Nymir or Namir, American, Arabic
"leopard"
One of several offshoots of Nymir, itself a modern creation or spin on the Arabic big cat name, Namir. 17 boys were given this form in a recent count.
French variation of Viviana or Vivien
Viviane is one of a cluster of names that may or may not be related. They include the Latin Viviana, which means life, and its modern forms Vivian and the French form Vivienne. But Vivien, pronounced…
Italian, variation of Rocco
This unusual spelling was used by Johnny Knoxville for his son.
Spelling variation of Amory
"industrious"
Amori puts a feminine, nickname-y spin on the unisex Amory -- though the amiable name does not really need lightening up.
Literary name, variation of Harriet
A pretty, dainty name for one of the little characters in the children's book series The Borrowers . It was the basis for a later Studio Ghible animated film, The Secret World of Arrietty . While the…
French variation of Chauncey
"chancellor"
Chance feels like a mainstream pick for boys thanks to Chance the Rapper and several starbabies with the name. It hasn't caught on in the same way for girls, but it makes a strong alternative to the…
Latin
"lucky"
A lacy, lucky name very popular in the Hispanic community a decade ago, less so now.
Italian variation of Andrew, Greek
"strong and manly"
Andrea may be a gender neutral name in its native Italy and other European countries, but in the US it's 98 percent a girls' name, with only about 20 males to more than 1800 baby girl given that name…
German variation of Elizabeth
"pledged to God"
Ilsa is remembered as the radiant but tragic heroine of "Casablanca," and it's having something of a European resurgence.
Spelling variation of Arley, English
"from the rabbit meadow"
Arlie is a unisex name of Old English origin, with the Arley spelling used twice as often for boys in the US -- about 70 baby boys got the name last year, and 35 girls -- while Arlie is the more…
Russian variation of Artemis
Ukrainian Artem (ar-TEM) and Russian Artyom/Artiom (which can also be transcribed as Artem, though still pronounced ar-TYOM in Russian) are ultimately derived from the name of the Greek goddess…
Spelling variation of Cameron, Scottish
"crooked nose"
This variation of the unisex Cameron is used nearly exclusively on girls in the US, with around 30 babies receiving the name in a recent year. Deriving from a Scottish surname made up of the Gaelic…
Italian variation of Brand
"firebrand, sword"
Screen legend Marlon's surname has loads more swagger than his first. A little Brando might have to endure references to his famous namesake, though his peers may just assume its linked to popular…
Spelling variation of Breccan, Irish
"freckled, speckled"
Breccan may be the original saints' name, but in the modern U.S., the spelling Brecken is the most popular form, followed by Breckin. A winner by any spelling.
Italian variation of Cosmo
"order, beauty, universe"
Dramatic and worldly, Cosimo was chosen by singer Beck and his wife, Marissa Ribisi, for their son. Now that Cosima has emerged as a starbaby favorite, twin brother Cosimo could join her. Cosimo de…
