By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 169 pages
of 169
Indonesian variation of Alexander.
Feminine variation of Edwin, English
"wealthy friend"
Edwina may still be taking tea in the parlor, but we can see her joining friends like Matilda and Josephine for a comeback, especially if pronounced like Edwin rather than Edween. She had a very…
Spelling variation of Edith, English
"prosperous in war"
Edythe is a feminine name representing an elegant, vintage spelling variation of Edith. Derived from the Old English elements 'ead' meaning 'wealth, fortune' and 'gyth' meaning 'war,' the name…
Greek variation of Elijah, Hebrew
"Yahweh is God"
Like its parent name Elijah and the related Elliot, this has potential for girls. It shares sounds with Eliza, Delilah, and Iris, along with established unisex choices, like Ellis, Emery, and Eden.…
Ethiopian, Amharic, variation of Galilee; variation of Delilah
"rolling hills; beautiful temptress"
Gelila is a beautiful Ethiopian name that may have two different origins — some sources cite the name as a variation of the Biblical place Galilee, meaning rolling hills. Others view the name as a…
Italian feminine variation of Joseph, Hebrew
"Jehovah increases"
One case where the English version -- Josephine -- is far preferable.
Basque variation of Julian, English
"youthful; downy"
The Basque form of Julian is pared down and may appeal to parents looking for a less-syllabic option. It’s not typically used outside of Spain, but it would make an easy import. Julen is also a…
Romanian variation of Jane
"God is gracious"
Jenica might work if you can't decide between Jennifer and Jessica. It's certainly a more distinctive option.
Spelling variation of Kiefer, German
"barrel maker; pine"
This name's existence is all about Kiefer Sutherland, who spells his name i before e.
Spelling variation of Journey, word name
"passage from one place to another"
There are many ways to spell the name Journey and this is one of the rarer, more creative forms. It first appeared in the US stats in 2014 and has occasionally been used ever since, with nearly 20…
Australian Aboriginal or variation of Karri, English
"eucalyptus tree; free man"
Karri is a beautiful Australian native tree famous for its richly-colored strong wood. It's a name that travels well - and one of the few tree names that lends itself more to girls than boys.
Spelling variation of Christian, Greek from Latin
"follower of Christ"
Only about 1 percent of babies named Christian are girls, but that was nearly 50 baby girls in the US last year so the name is not unknown. The Kristian variation makes it more reminiscent of Kristen…
Spelling variation of Malik, Arabic
"king"
The q-ending of this common name adds a quirky element.
Finnish and Latvian variation of Maria
A lovely and typical name on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Bothnia that no one in the English-speaking world will know how to pronounce. Maia sounds (virtually) the same and is far more familiar…
Ukrainian variation of Nicholas
"people of victory"
This Ukrainian variation of classic Nicholas is pronounced like the more familiar Nikola, but with an M of course. Myko would be a cool and edgy nickname option.
Dutch diminutive of Magdalena, variation of Melaina or Melina
"from the high tower; black, dark; honey"
A short form of Magdalena in Dutch and a variation of Melaina, Melina, Melinda, Melanie, Milena and similar, Melena is also used for a character in the novel Wicked and the subsequent Broadway…
Variation of Namir, Arabic
"leopard"
An alternative transliteration of Namir, an Arabic animal name. Six boys were given the name in the US in a recent count, while Namir was used for 65.
Dutch variation of Nicholas, Greek
Feminine variation of Neal
"champion, or cloud"
Female form of Neal, now more popular in Ireland than its male counterpart.
American, contemporary variation of Michelle
A modern twist on Michelle spotlighted by Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols.
