Updated November 2023
Across 34 pages
of 34
Ukrainian form of Emilia, from Latin
"rival"
French form of Eugenia, Greek
"wellborn, noble"
Eugenie enjoyed a major dusting off when Fergie and Prince Andrew chose it for their daughter, restoring a patina of royal sheen it hadn't had since the time of Napoleon III's glamorous empress--who…
Russian and Slavic feminine form of Galen, Greek
"calm, healer"
Commonly used in Russia, has an Old World Slavic feel. The original Galen can be used for girls as well as boys.
Serbian and Macedonian feminine form of John, Hebrew
"God is gracious"
This Slavic variation would make a pleasant and slightly more unusual alternative to Johanna or Giovanna.
Short form of Ezekiel
Sharp attractive short form which has a nautical translation in German: "keel" (although it isn't used as a name there). Fun fact: the similarly spelt Kieł is the name of Hagrid's dog Fang in the…
Latin, female form of Lucretius
"profit, wealth"
A pretty and plausible Latin name that's gotten a bad rap through the years via a link to Lucrezia Borgia, who, though long considered a demon poisoner, was actually a patron of learning and the…
Short form of Veronica, Latin
"true image"
More often spelled Nika, this is a well-used diminutive for the Eastern European Veronika, and there's no reason that the same principle can't apply in the West. It makes a venerated saint's name…
German, pet form of names such as Waldemar
"to rule"
Its jaunty o-ending makes this name more appealing than most of its Germanic brothers, and we hope we're beyond the constant response to his name being "Where's Waldo?" The weighty reputation of…
Turkish, Azerbaijani and Uyghur form of Arezou, Persian
"desire"
Arzu was once a popular baby name in Turkey, ranking as high as Number 14 in 1980. Now, it's more of a Turkish mom name, although it remains a common choice for babies in Azerbaijan, where Arzu has…
Short form of Rebecca
Modern, mini nickname for Rebecca, much fresher than Becca or Becky.
Variation of Emmeline, Old French form of archaic German Amal
"work"
Emmelina, which can rhyme with "keener" or "liner", is a frillier and much less common version of Emmeline. While Emmeline was in the US Top 1000 girl names in 2022, Emmelina was given to fewer than…
Short form of Katherine, Greek
"pure"
Kattie or Katti is an unusual short form of Katherine, more old fashioned than Kate and more unusual than Kathy. Plus there's the "catty" issue.
German short form of Eleanor
Leonore is a melodic variation of the wide range of names related to Eleanor and, via a different root, Leonie that are so stylish throughout Europe right now and bound for greater visibility in the…
Irish, short form of Fionnuala
"white shoulders"
Officially a shortening of the traditional and tricky Gaelic Fionnghuala/Fionnuala, Nuala makes a lovely choice all on its own. Nuala is well-used in Ireland.
Feminine short form of David or short form of Octavia
Tavi has been catapulted into the spotlight by teenage fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson. This cute name, previously not on anyone's scope, could be a way to honor an ancestral David or a short form of…
Short form of Domingo
Mingo is a cute nickname of the Spanish version of Dominic. It's not to be confused with Mungo, the name of the patron saint of Glasgow.
Spanish form of Oliver, Latin
"olive tree"
As Oliver's fan base spreads throughout the English-speaking and Euro-centered worlds, other forms of the popular name are sure to gain attention.
French feminine form of Axel
"father of peace"
Putting the emphasis on the "elle" softens a name that seems at once futuristic and medieval.
Short form of Rafael, Spanish variation of Raphael
Raf is a raffish short form that many a cool boy would love to call his own.
Abbreviated form of Rudolf, German
"famous wolf"
Like Papa name Rudolf, Rolf never quite emigrated from the Bavarian Alps. You might want to move on to Rollo or Wolf.