By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 169 pages
of 169
Ukrainian variation of Alexander, Greek
"defending men"
Scandinavian, variation of Birgit or Britt
"strength or exalted one"
If you want a pan-Scandinavian name with energy and style that could have been a winner, if not for the sound-alike water filtration company Brita.
English variation of Corey, Irish, or diminutive of any Cor-beginning name
"from the hollow"
This Corey variation is getting a fresh shot of style juice thanks to young It Girl Cory Kennedy (not to be confused with RFK daughter, filmmaker Rory Kennedy).
Scottish variation of Elizabeth
"pledged to God"
Elspeth is one of those names that never quite made it out of the British Isles--particularly Scotland, but possesses a winningly childlike charm. Elspeth was used by Sir Walter Scott for several of…
American invented name, Variation of Evolet
A stylish smoosh of Evelyn and Juliette, also a variation of the invented name Evolet.
French/Breton variation of John
"God is gracious"
This might be a better choice than the similarly pronounced Jan, to avoid gender confusion.
Compound name or variation of Juliana, Latin
"youthful, sky father + grace"
On one hand, Julieanna might be considered a less succinct and less popular spelling alternative to Juliana or Julianna, while on the other, it might be viewed as a compound name, blending 70s fave…
Turkish variation of Ahmad
"greatly praised"
Ahmet is known outside its native land largely thanks to Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. The original crazy celebrity baby namer Frank Zappa named one of his sons Ahmet, after the influential…
Italian and Spanish variation of Basil, Greek
"regal"
A rare and romantic take on Basil.
Aramaic
"pearl"
An unusual and straightforward name with an attractive Scandinavian accent; a royal name in Norway.
Greek, Latin, and Georgian variation of Noah, Hebrew
"rest, repose"
Spelled Noë, this name is common among baby girls in the Netherlands. The umlaut clarifies the two-syllable pronunciation, at least to Europeans, and the spelling variation may help sidestep gender…
Finnish variation of Eric
"eternal ruler"
Creative gem perfect for an architect's son, in tribute to modern Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen.
Spanish variation of Eleazar or Lazarus
"God is my Helper"
Elizar is the Spanish version of this attractive name, on the cusp of going from uncommon to big.
Spanish variation of Ismael, Hebrew,"God will hear"
"God will hear"
Esmael is an uncommon name with deep cultural roots.
English variation of Chanel, French
"dweller near the canal"
French designer name Chanel spelt phonetically in English.
American variation of Chantal
Yet another phrase of the sha chorus.
Spelling variation of Hawthorne
The version with the e at the end relates to novelist Nathaniel, so that may be the one most parents attracted to this unusual name would choose. Hawthorn nudges it toward the nature category:…
Bulgarian, variation of Elijah
"Yahweh is God"
This variation of the Biblical Elijah is seen in Bulgaria.
Basque, medieval Spanish variation of Ignatius
"fiery"
Inigo, almost unknown in the U.S., is an intriguing choice, with its strong beat, creative and evocative sound, and associations with the great early British architect and stage designer Inigo Jones.…
Scottish variation of Welsh Ifor, English form of Norse Ívarr
"lord; yew tree, bow warrior"
Ivor, a favorite choice for upscale characters in Brit Lit novels by authors like P.G. Wodehouse and Evelyn Waugh, is an interesting and unusual name just waiting to be discovered by parents in this…
