Names That Mean English

A Julian translation that would be easy to wear — Yulian strikes the proper balance between unusual and familiar. Yuli is a common nickname in Russia.

Yulian

Ricki has also been used, but like Vikki and Nikki, Rikki has also had its day.

Rikki

Giulietta is the Italian diminutive form of Giulia, which derives from the Latin name Julia. This feminine name carries a distinctly romantic and melodious quality, perhaps best known internationally through Shakespeare's tragic heroine Juliet (Giulietta in Italian versions). The name gained cultural significance through Fellini's film 'Giulietta degli Spiriti' and the Alfa Romeo Giulietta sports car. While consistently used in Italy, it remains relatively uncommon internationally, offering a sophisticated alternative to the more widely used Julie or Juliet with its distinctly Italian flair and elegant pronunciation.

Giulietta

Roberta and Robert may be so far out they're...still out, but Robbie might make one of the trendy new boyish nicknames for girls a la Scottie and Charlie. Actress Margot Robbie gave it a surname spin. 
 
While still uncommon, Robbie is on the rise. In 2023, there were 44 baby girls named Robbie in the US - up over 200% from 10 years ago.

Robbie

Korben is a spelling that gets some attention since Bruce Willis's character name in The Fifth Element was Korben Dallas.

Korben

Charly is one of the least popular nicknames for Charles for either gender. For girls, it ranks far behind Charlie, Charlee, Charli, and Charley.

Charly

Darling has history as an English surname, but it would most likely be read as a quirky and loving word name, a la Sweetheart or Honey.

Darling

First appearing in the US stats back in 2013, this wordy choice fits in with the likes of Sonnet, Poetry, Fable, and Story as a literary option for writers, fans of classic literature, and those who like Quinn but want something rarer. Given to 35 boys in a recent year, it could also be a short form of the Irish name Quillan, meaning "lion, Leo, cub" or potentially even Aquilla meaning "eagle".
 
Notably appearing in the Marvel comics and franchise, borne by Guardians of the Galaxy character, Peter Quill, it's a nod to the past with a contemporary vibe.

Quill

This rare spiritual word name could see a boost now that Josh Brolin used it for his daughter, born in December of 2020. Like many of the new additions to this category, Chapel is appropriate for a baby of either sex.

The self-named singer Chappell Roan pronounces her name just like Chapel.

Chapel

This alternative spelling to the word name Shine was given to 54 baby boys in 2022 — more than the original spelling. Shyne is the stage name of a rapper and Belizian politician — full name Moses Michael Levi Barrow — who currently holds the position of Leader of the Opposition in Belize.

Shyne

Evelyn is becoming so popular that many variations are sure to become more widely used too. But in this case, the third E doesn't add anything and only confuses pronunciation: Is it Eveline?

Evelyne

Karson is a respelling of the classic surname-turned-first name Carson, which some feel makes it more modern.

As a gender neutral name, this name leans heavily toward the male side, though slightly less heavily via the K spelling. Last year, there were 3300 baby boys named Carson and 168 girls, while Karson was used for 977 baby boys and 57 baby girls. 

Southern writer Carson McCullers was a famous female bearer of this name.

Karson

While Everett is overwhelmingly male -- more than 4000 baby boys were named Everett in the US last year versus fewer than 100 baby girls -- spelling Everette makes the name more gender-neutral. While there are still twice as many baby boys named Everette as baby girls, the gender gap is much narrower. Everette is relatively rare, with about 100 baby boys given this spelling versus 50 baby girls.
Some parents might prefer the Everette spelling for a daughter, as it's reminiscent of female names like Georgette and Annette. But it's not really a diminutive or feminization of Ever, so we prefer the Everett spelling.

Everette

Variant spelling of the word name Sincere.

Cyncere

Reddish dye that sounds as if it could be a real name — of the outdated, Old World, Yetta-Hedda variety.

Henna

While Aurelio, Aurelia, and Aurelius are all on the rise, this historical and Romanian form of the golden name is yet to share in its relatives' success. Given to just 25 boys in a recent year, it may never the less appeal to those who like Adrian, Elian, and Augustine. 
 
Aurelian is typically used in English to refer to the 3rd century Roman emperor (Lucius Domitius Aurelianus), known for reuniting the Roman Empire through his successful military victories. There's also the wrestler Aurelian Smith, better known as Grizzly Smith, Paul Aurelian, a 6th-century Welsh saint who supposedly lived to be 140, and Aurelian Temișan, a singer and actor.

Aurelian

Spiritual word names are a hot trend and ever-expanding category of baby names. Chapel was notably used in 2020 by Josh Brolin for his daughter. He said of her name, "Chapel Grace is, to us, a manifestation of that celestial feeling that was always felt as we meandered and knelt."

Self-named singer Chappell Roan pronounces her name just like Chapel.

Rhyett is a respelling of the word name Riot with a name-centric spin combining the popular Rhett and Wyatt. While rising in popularity, Rhyett might prove confusing on spelling and pronunciation, spawning a lifetime of "Riot? Wyatt? How do you spell that, anyway?"

Rhyett

Rynn

Spelling this name with a y instead of the conventional way — Bailey — makes it a tad more feminine and also adds a touch of water. Baylee is another popular feminine alternative.