By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 169 pages
of 169
Modern invented name, possible variation of Shamir
In the Top 1,000 since 1996, a less expected alternative to Omar.
Hawaiian variation of Mary
"bitter"
Malea, for familiar to Americans spelled Malia as in Malia Obama, is a Top 100 name in Germany and Switzerland. In the US, only about 40 baby girls were named Malea last year, versus 1100 named Malia.
Scandinavian, Icelandic variation of Margaret
"pearl"
Popular Margaret variant in Nordic countries, often spelled Margrét.
French; Norwegian; Danish; Dutch; German, variation of Matilda
"battle-mighty"
Mathilde is even more popular in France than Matilda, a hipster favorite thanks to Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger, is here. And the French pronunciation, while confusing to English speakers,…
Spelling variation of Naima
The Hebrew Najma, more phonetically spelled Naima, is rarely heard in the US but was used by star Mahershala Ali as the middle name for his daughter Bari.
Ukrainian, Hawaiian
"torch, shining light; turmeric, yellow, ginger"
This chic Ukrainian form of Helen is relatively unknown outside of its native country, but it definitely has international appeal. Olia or Olenka are the usual Ukrainian diminutives, but tomboyish…
Lithuanian variation of Anna, Catalan diminutive of Mariona
"grace; wave; bitter, beloved"
A short, sweet name with plenty of substance, Ona is a multicultural choice, familiar in Spain, Lithuania, Egypt, and historically, in the US. Recent years have seen it reach the Catalonian Top 10…
French variation of Rosalind
"supple horse; pretty rose"
The French form of the elegant Rosalind and the name of a 13th century saint. It was particularly popular in its native France during the 1950s, while currently, it is most popular in Haiti, Kenya,…
Armenian variation of Sophie, French from Greek
"wisdom"
About as pared-down as Sophia can be.
German
"strong"
This diminutive of Valeria has a strong and striking sound to match its meaning. It has also been used in Brazil in recent decades.
Greek, “lively”
A unique relative of Zoe via the Ancient Greek name Zoilos, borne by a 4th century BC cynic philosopher.
Irish variation of Herman
Has a harmonic feel.
Latinate variation of Cleo, Greek
"glory"
An attractive and unusual name that may be a variation of Cleo, Clea was possibly invented by Lawrence Durrell for a character in his Alexandria Quartet . Actress Clea DuVall is one noted bearer of…
Spelling variation of Jack
"God is gracious"
Jac is one of the new "creative" variations of Jack, a name on the rise in its own right and not just as a short form of John. But why, when Jack is so simple and so familiar, make it Jac and invite…
Russian; Macedonian; Bulgarian, variation of Catherine
"pure"
This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.
Italian variation of Hilda
While we still can't see Hilda coming back any time soon, it's conceivable that this Italian version could ride the coattails of Ella, Elena and Ellery to broader popularity.
Alternate spelling of James, English variation of Jacob, Hebrew
"supplanter"
The only thing wrong with the name James is its popularity: James has been among the Top 20 boys' names in the US since the dawn of baby naming time. The solution, for some parents, is to vary the…
Spelling variation of Jeffrey
Scottish, spelling variation of Greer
"alert, watchful"
The spelling variation Greer may be much more popular, but this one might appeal to fans of Bryer and Brier. Given to 18 girls (and 8 boys) in the US in a recent year, Greer is used about five times…
Greek variation of Joanna
Ioanna may be an original spin on the Joanna family, but American tongues may have trouble wrapping themselves around all its vowels. Ioanna is pronounced ee-oh-ah-nah.
