By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 6 pages
of 6
Jesper is a masculine name of Scandinavian origin, particularly popular in Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands. It developed as a variation of the name Jasper, which derives from Persian meaning…
Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish variation of Eleanor, meaning unknown, or Elin, Swedish variation of Ellen
"torch, shining light"
Eleanor is a rising classic in the US, and the similarly-pronounced Ellinor is a favorite in Sweden and Norway. While Eleanor is not considered one of the many Helen variations, some sources say that…
Feminization of Ebbe, Swedish and Danish, or variation of Old English Æbbe
"bear god; brave boar"
Ebba, the feminine version of Ebbe (a diminutive of Eberhard or Asbjorn) and also a form of an old English name, is in the Swedish Top 10 but virtually unknown in the US. However, with the rise of…
Variation of Anderson, English, Danish, Scandinavian
"son of Anders"
A spelling variation of trending surname-name, Anderson, the -sen ending may soften the name, visually at least. A recent year saw it given to 21 girls and 23 boys in the US, making it a…
Danish variation of Nicholas; Dutch diminutive of Cornelius
Gives middle-aged Neil a new lease on life.
English, Danish, Norwegian
"repeated sound, echo"
A modern and edgy choice, Ekko may appeal to fans of Indigo, Arlo, and Arrow. Used as both an alternative spelling to Echo and as the Norwegian and Danish form of the word, it was given to 15 babies…
English diminutive of Leona or Lena; Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian diminutive of Abelone or Magdalone; German diminutive of Apollonia or Ilona; Hawaiian
"lion; destroyer, strength, father's light; from Magdala; shining torch, light, joy"
Truly multicultural choice that feels ripe for revival in this era of Traveling Lite names. In English, Lona is a variation of Leona or Lena. The Scandinavian Lona is a diminutive for names like…
Scandinavian variation of Johanna
"God is gracious"
A Scandinavian short form of Johanna, properly pronounced with a Y sound at the start, but would likely be read as the more prosaic "John-a" in an English-speaking context.
Frantz is a masculine name of French and German origin, representing a variant spelling of Franz, which itself is the German form of Francis. The name ultimately derives from the Latin 'Franciscus,'…
Anglicized form of Danish, Amleth
The "To Be or Not to Be" jokes, via Shakespeare's tortured prince, will get old by Month Two.
Spelling variation of Echo, English, Danish
"repeated sound"
A name with a modern vibe and plenty of energy, as an English name, Ekko may well be a twist on the Greek Echo, both a word referring to a repeated, reverberating sound, and to a mythological nymph,…
Latinization of Elke, Scandinavian diminutive of Adelheid
"noble one"
Much more manageable than the full form of the name. Possible international alternative to Ella.
Enok is a masculine name of Scandinavian origin, representing the Nordic version of the biblical Enoch. In the Old Testament, Enoch was a revered figure known for his righteousness and close…
Henning is a masculine name with Scandinavian and Germanic origins, particularly popular in Denmark, Norway, and northern Germany. It likely developed as a diminutive of Heinrich (Henry), derived…
German, Scandinavian diminutive of Charlotte
"free man"
Lotte is a short form of Charlotte and a name used in its own right in Scandinavia as well as Dutch- and German-speaking countries. It’s unlikely to catch on in the US, where even Lottie hasn’t…
Variation of Fiona, Scottish
"white, fair"
Possibly inspired by Viola or by the way F and V sounds are pronounced similarly in Dutch and German, Viona is a variant of the Scottish Fiona. The change of spelling brings something bright and…
Norwegian, Danish, Czech, variation of Cecilia, Latin
"blind"
Variant of Cecilia used in several European countries, which could also make for a pretty variant spelling of the medieval English version, Cecily.
Derrek is a variant spelling of Derek, which originated from the Old German name Theodoric, meaning 'ruler of the people.' This alternative spelling adds a unique touch while maintaining the strong,…
Danish
"earth"
Kaj is a name that looks great on paper, but while it's pronounced with to rhyme with rye, it is sure to be pronounced by most people to rhyme with "raj" or, much worse, "Madge".
Galician diminutive of Olalla, or Russian, Ukrainian Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, or Danish
"sweetly speaking"
A short form of Alexandra and Alice used everywhere from Russia to Spain. A fresh alternative to Allie.
