By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 169 pages
of 169
Sanskrit, or variation of Diana, Latin
"meditation; divine"
A name with a thoughtful meaning, Dhyana comes from the Sanskrit word for meditating. It has spiritual significance in Buddhism (in which its linked to a state of equanimity, awareness and…
Dutch and German variation of John
"God is gracious"
Popular form of John in Germany. Just remember to pronounce it YAHN-nik, which most English-speakers won't. Jannick is another spelling.
Italian, diminutive of Grazia or variation of Grace
"grace"
Graziella, an Italian form of Grace, is another Latin version that adds spice. Consider Graziella as a distinctive alternative to either Grace or Gabriella.
Modern variation of Eve
Hava is an anglicization of the Hebrew name Chava, which, like its English form Eve, means "life". In some accents, it may sound like "have a", so it's worth considering if this will be an issue…
Spelling variation of Journey, word name
"passage from one place to another"
Considerably more popular for girls, this form of the modern word name has still been appearing in the US stats for boys since 2005. A recent year saw it given to 18 boys compared to around 1400…
Latin, feminine variation of Maximus
Max names were one of the hottest trends for boys in the mid-2010s, and are still very popular. The girl versions haven't seen so much love, unfortunately. (Or fortunately, if you love them and want…
Spelling variation of Mira
The Mira spelling was given to nearly 500 girls last year while this variation was used for only nine in the US.
German; English, from Greek
"people of victory"
Nicola, an elegant Latinate feminization of Nicholas, has long been standard issue for English girls but for some reason has never voyaged across the Atlantic, which we consider a pity, especially as…
Welsh variation of Oisin, Irish
"little deer"
Osian is the easier-to-comprehend version of the ancient Irish Oisin, an important name in mythology. Osian or Oisin was a warrior poet. Osian is popular in modern Wales and England. While Oisin is…
Greek and Armenian variation of Peter
"stone"
A form of the Biblical classic, in Greek, the first syllable is emphasized, whereas in Armenian, the second is stressed. Notable bearers are Greek tennis player Petros Tsitsipas and footballer Petros…
Czech, variation of Ruth
"companion, friend"
Pronounced ROOT in its native land, but in a rut here.
Arabic
"noble"
Sari is a cute spin on Sarah, though some may hear it as "sorry," and it is also an item of clothing worn in India. These days many people will also confuse Sari with Suri, the lovely and unsual name…
French variation of ancient Roman family name Sergius
"servant"
Old saints' and popes' name that went to France in the 1920s with the Russian Ballets Russes; in its Russian form, Sergei, it retains an artistic, almost effete air.
Fish name; variation of Chad
"battle warrior"
Swam into style and quickly out again, on Chad's fish- er, coat-tails.
Russian and Armenian variation of Sophia, Greek
"wisdom"
This spelling of Sophia is primarily used in Russia and Armenia.
English, feminine variation of Thomas, Aramaic
"twin"
Pre-Thomasina female form of Thomas, now seen as more literary and upscale British. In Thomas Hardy's novel The Return of the Native, a leading character is Thomasin Yeobright.
Feminine variation of Xavier, Basque
"new house"
Xaviera is one of the most intriguing and rarest female forms of a male name. Only a handful of baby girls are named Xaviera in the US each year, compared with nearly 3500 baby boys named Xavier.…
Georgian variation of Tamar, Hebrew
"date palm tree"
Tamar is a feminine Hebrew name, but this variation is used on girls and boys in the US. Tamari is also the name of a Japanese condiment similar to soy sauce.
African variation of Zoe
See ZELLA.
Modern invention or variation of Sayomi, American, Japanese
"night beauty"
A contemporary choice fitting in to the "-omi" trend, Zyomi may be viewed as a spin on the Japanese Sayomi (meaning "night beauty" or "small world beauty") or as a modern invention, blending together…
