By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 139 pages
of 139
Italian variation of Orpheus
See ORPHEUS.
Italian variation of Orson
"bearlike"
Orson is being rediscovered and Orsino is every bit as attractive.
Finnish variation of Paul
This international variation deserves its own listing for a winning combination of distinctiveness and simplicity.
Irish variation of Patrick
This form, common in Ireland, could create confusion.
Gaelic variation of Patrick
Once considered too sacred to give to children in Ireland, it is now among the most common names there, along with variants including Pauric and Padraic. Basketball great Patrick Ewing used it for…
Hawaiian variation of Frank
One of the Hawaiian names being discovered by stylish parents, especially Californians.
Greek variation of Panagiotis
"all holy"
This is a straightforward choice for parents looking to honor their Greek ancestry.
Cornish variation of Pascal
"Easter"
Pascoe was popular in medieval times and is definitely deserving of revival, especially for a child born in the Easter season. Other spellings are Pasco and Pascow.
Basque variation of Francis
Basque alternative to Paddy or Pat
German and Polish variation of Paul
Paulin's -in suffix and two-syllable rhythm make this a fashionable alternative to the original, though it looks like an abbreviation of Pauline.
Irish variation of Peter
Peadair is one way to reinvent a classic, though insisting on the authentic pronunciation could cause problems.
Scandinavian variation of Peter
Peder? You mean Peter? You'll have to do a lot of spelling and explaining of this one.
Scandinavian variation of Peter, Greek
"rock, stone"
Pelle is one of several possible Peter-related Scandinavian choices. In Swedish or Norwegian, the name Pelle rhymes roughly with Ella.
Italian variation of Peregrine
The water, period.
Czech variation of Joseph
Much too feminine in English-speaking countries.
So simple, yet so unique: a prime candidate for export. Pronunciation is like the English pair or pear.
Spanish
"stone"
Cooler and rarer than Pedro, but also has a slightly industrial sound.
Spelling variation of Finian, Irish
"fair"
Julia Roberts's choice of Phinnaeus gives a boost to all Ph forms. Or should we say, phorms.
Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Prosper
"succeed, prosper"
Shakespeare's Tempest has kept the name Prospero alive.
Russian variation of Peter
For Americans, may prove too much of a twist on Peter.
