Updated November 2023
Across 34 pages
of 34
Short form of Constantine
"steadfast"
Costas is a much better nickname than Connie for the somewhat-forbidding Constantine. Kostas is the Greek form.
Feminine form of Peter
"rock, stone"
Somewhat awkward feminization of Peter. Try Petra, Petronia, or Petronilla, an early saint's name.
Welsh form of Agnes
A sweet variation on Agnes, that perhaps looks a little more complete than the Anest spelling. Both are used for a few girls in Wales each year.
Catalan form of Otto
"wealthy"
This unusual Catalan name demonstrates just how short mini-names can get.
Lithuanian form of Peter
Petras is one of the lesser known variations of the classic Peter.
Welsh form of Thomas, Aramaic
"twin"
Tomos is the standard Welsh version of Thomas, both in the Bible and secular texts like Thomas the Tank Engine. It is an enduring classic in the Welsh charts, with diminutives including Twm and Tomi.…
Feminine form of Pompeius, Roman
"five"
Catalan form of Joseph
A Catalan classic that runs the risk of looking like a typo for those not in the know.
English Romani, form of Britannia
Norwegian feminine form of Ole or Olaf, Scandinavian, Norse
"ancestor's legacy, ancestor's relic"
Oline is an old school feminization of the classic Scandinavian names, Ole or Olaf, whose light, timeless sounds means it still ranks in the Norwegian Top 100 today.
Welsh form of Mike
Mike with a standout spelling. The musician Meic Stevens is considered to be Wales' answer to Bob Dylan.
Estonian short form of Margaret or Mary
Meeri is kind of like Siri with an M. This unusual name is certainly cute and intriguing but would forever be mistaken for Mary.
Short form of Ryder or Rylan; spelling variation of Rye
Musician Ry Cooder brought this short form into the lexicon -- his full name is Ryland -- and it feels more familiar now that more Ry- beginning names such as Ryder and Riley are, ahem, riding up the…
Welsh form of Mary
One of the many international versions of Mary that could make an unusual alternative. The similar sound to Maya/Maia could be a plus or a minus. Mair appears in the many Welsh towns and villages…
Spelling variation of Zabel, form of Isabel which is a form of Elizabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
Zabelle and Zabel are fresh (to us) and ancient forms of Isabel, making zippy variations for modern lovers of that ancient name who feel the original is overexposed.
French form of Mateo, from Hebrew
"gift of God"
A stylish member of the Matthew family that's currently popular in Belgium — more so than traditional Mathieu.
Cornish form of John, Hebrew
"God is gracious"
A rare but appealing and accessible member of the John family. It sees steady low-key use in England.
Catalan form of Ovid
A distinctive name derived from the Latin Ovid, made famous by the singer-songwriter Ovidi Montllor.
Russian form of Basil, Greek
"royal"
Vasily is one of many forms of the Greek Basil, all rare in the US.
French form of Sabrina, British river name
Sabrina is the Latin name for the Severn, Britain's longest river. Drop the final syllable and you get a streamlined, French-esque name that's just as elegant, but without the Teenage Witch…