Names That Are Variations

With more parents turning to biblical names like Ezekiel and Isaiah, this could prove a quasi-unique alternative in a similar -- if more Orthodox -- vein.

Proof that a name can be too feminine.

Samiah and her sisters are feminine variations on the male name Sami (which of course is also a female name, usually a short form for Samiah or Samantha). Spellings include Samia and Samiya.

All varieties of Hob are antiquated nicknames for Robert, though this one is saddled with the "Calvin and Hobbes" cartoon association.

Finella and cousin Fenella, which are found most often in Scotland, would make pleasing imports.

Anno is an extreme rarity: a simple, familiar-sounding name with deep history that is completely unknown in the US and rare in its native Germany. Anno is the name of a saint also known as Hanno, a 10th century archbishop of Cologne also known as Hanno of Worms.

Zabelle and Zabel are fresh (to us) and ancient forms of Isabel, making zippy variations for modern lovers of that ancient name who feel the original is overexposed.

Jazara and Jahzara are fast-rising names following in the wake of Zara. Some sources say it's an authentic Amharic name, but Jazara is a modern American invention, combining the popular Ja- prefix with international favorite Zara.

A softer take on Joaquin or a quirkier version of Joachim, depending on how you look at it.

Although we think Scarlett is plenty feminine enough without the uber-girly -ette suffix, this variation has been in the Top 1000 since 2011.

Lovro originated as a short form of Lovrenc — the Slovene variation of Laurence — but is now used more often in its own right.

Typically spelled with an accent over the I, as Martí, this name is a popular choice in the Catalan region of Spain. The I-ending spelling reads as feminine in many Anglophone countries — indeed, Marti was only used for baby girls in US in the last year on record.

Adds some zest to Rosa.

Albertine and Alberta are old-fashioned feminizations ala Geraldine and Roberta. This is the kind of name that sounds very dowdy until a hip celebrity chooses it, at which point we don't know how we missed its coolness all this time.

Central European form of Matthew.

Isabetta is a charming spin on both the Elizabeth and Isabella families and a new way to go if you love the originals but want something more, well, original. Isabetta Rose is the name chosen by Amber and Rob Mariano for their daughter. If you're searching for Italian names for girls that make an easy transition to the English-speaking world, this should be high on your list.

Yoadan is the Amharic form of the biblical name Jehoaddan — a queen of Israel. Yoadan debuted on the charts in 2021, likely due to Ethiopian influencer Yoadan Ephrem.

In Swedish, Sölvi is a feminine name and variation of Solveig. The Icelandic masculine form evolved from Sǫlvi, an Old Norse name no longer in use.

This Swedish form of Sebastian would work nicely as a nickname.

Natz recommended.