By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 776 pages
of 776
Spelling variation of Sienna, Italian color name
"orange red"
Cienna is Sienna's much rare sister, though it's popular enough to have been given to over 100 baby girls in the US last year. Since Princess Beatrice's use of Sienna, this name and variations are…
English word name
"always, eternally, constantly"
A simple, unusual word name with an evocative meaning, Ever feels similar enough to Eva, Evelyn, and Everly that it shifts easily into name territory. Actor Robert Carradine was ahead of the trends…
Spelling variation of Journey, English word name
"passage from one place to another"
This spelling gives a nickname feel to a modern word name. The Journee and Journey spellings are both within the U.S. Top 300. But Journie ranks behind her wayfaring sisters with a little under 200…
Spelling variation of Kaylin
Spelling variation of Layla
"night"
A lesser-used spelling variation of Layla, Leila et al. In Jewish mythology, Lailah is the name of an angel associated with the night and fertility.
Variation of Elaine, English, Hawaiian
"bright, shining; sky, heavens, royal, majesty"
Simple but substantial, Lani is surprisingly underused considering the popularity of Lainey, Leilani, Lana, and Kehlani. A multi-cultural choice with both Hawaiian and English origins, it is also…
Lindy is a feminine name with multiple origins. It can be a diminutive of names like Linda, Melinda, Belinda, or Rosalind. In German, Lindy derives from "lind" meaning "soft, tender, or flexible."…
Latin, French
"I have spoken; tenth"
A sassy, spunky, punchy kind of name, Dixie can also be considered a place name, one that has become problematic because of its association with the antebellum South. The Dixie Chicks recently…
Elaboration of Naila, blend of Naia and Lea, or contracted form of Natalia
"attainer; weary wave; born at Christmas"
Notably borne by influencer Nailea Devora and by actress Nailea Norvind, this name is used predominantly in Mexico. Its exact origins are unclear, however, it could be a form of the Arabic Naila…
Nariah is a contemporary feminine name that has gained popularity in the United States since the early 2000s. It appears to be a modern variation or blend of names like Mariah, Norah, or Aria,…
Nariyah is a beautiful feminine name of modern origin, possibly derived from Hebrew or Arabic linguistic roots. In Hebrew contexts, it may be connected to 'ner' meaning 'light' or 'lamp,' symbolizing…
Serena in all its variant spellings is such a widely-used name that reducing it to its root word, Serene, might not occur to some. But like Pax and Clement, Serene is an excellent name for a calm…
Aavya is a feminine name of Sanskrit origin that has been gaining popularity in India and among the global Indian diaspora. The name carries beautiful meanings including 'unique,' 'innovative,' or…
Arabic
"supreme"
Asma is a simple but powerful name, and holds significance in Islamic tradition. Asma was a niece of Muhammad whose refusal to betray her uncle and father helped them escape to Mecca. A very popular…
Elly is a charming feminine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a diminutive for several longer names including Eleanor, Elizabeth, Ellen, Eloise, and Eliana. With English and Greek…
Sanskrit
"living"
A life-affirming sweet name is seen in both India and Nepal. The name is also sometimes spelled Jiah, as in the case of Jiah Khan - an Indian-American model and actress.
Variation of Cadence, word name
"rhythm, beat"
K-beginnings are often substituted for Cs, and this spelling is definitely finding favor with many parents, among them skateboarding legend Tony Hawk. However, sometimes the original is the best - we…
Lainee is a feminine name with English origins, often considered a variant spelling of Lainie or Lainey, which are diminutive forms of Elaine. The name Elaine derives from the Greek Helen, meaning…
Spelling variation of Macy, from surname Massey
"hill"
When Macy rose to fame back in the 90s, thanks to singer Macy Gray and the character Macy Alexander in the soap opera The Bold and The Beautiful , it was joined in the US charts by a host of spelling…
Variation of Maria or Mary, Basque, Japanese
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved; gift, mother; truth, genuine, villlage"
Mari enjoyed some mid-century popularity as a nicknameish version of Mary, but now deserves a second look as a multicultural classic. Popular in Norway and Armenia as a variation of Marie, it is also…
