By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 409 pages
of 409
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…
Spanish
"star"
This Spanish variation of the French Estelle and spelling spin on Estella is on the rise, along with most star-related names, even Starr (and Star) herself. Popular personality Ali Landry chose it…
French variation of Nadia, Russian
"hope"
Part of the vogue for French-sounding names in the 1920s and 30s, Nadine has been replaced by the Russian sound of Nadia and Natasha.
French, feminine of Yves
"yew tree"
This French name has the elegance of other '-ette' names like Colette and Odette, and is a botanical name without being too obvious about it. Related to the sleek French name Yves, it was popular in…
English
Popular in the US from the 1920s to the 1950s, Arlene is of uncertain origin and seems to be a modern innovation, perhaps based on names like Marlene and Darlene which were popular around the same…
Slavic
"morning star"
While Danica may sound similar to Dana, Danielle, and Daniela, Danica is not a variation. Danica, a delicate and unique Slavic name meaning "Morning Star," is synonymous with Venus in many countries.…
English, Literature, Sindarin
"sun star"
On one hand, Elanor is a spelling variation of the classic Eleanor with a slightly lighter, contemporary look about it. Usually said to derive from the Latin phrase, alia Aenor meaning "other Aenor",…
"well-known clearing"
Kenley is an area in the burrough of Croydon in South London, making this a place name in a couple of senses of the term. Kenley and its twin sister Kenlee may be favored by parents looking to name a…
American variation of Kayla
Kaylin is a variation of Kayla and Katelyn that had several years of chart climbing before reaching a peak of Number 372 in 2009. Cailin and Kailyn are two other spellings.
Modern Invented Name
A variation of Riley with an added -lynn suffix, this girl name is bubbling right underneath the Top 1000.
Yazmin is a feminine name that represents an alternative spelling of Jasmine, which derives from Persian origins meaning "gift from God" or referring to the fragrant jasmine flower. This variation,…
English occupational surname
The term for a female baker was Baxter, which ironically feels less appropriate for a baby girl than Baker itself. Josephine Baker was an American-born French entertainer, French Resistance agent,…
Swiss place-name or French
"juniper tree"
Unlike its somewhat formal Swiss city namesake, this is a lively and appealing place-name that also has a real history as a female name. Geneva was a relatively popular American name at one time: it…
This variation of Hailey and Halley -- one of dozens -- was used by Eminem for his daughter.
Spelling variation of Journey
This overly trendy spelling jumped into the Top 1000 names in 2013. It got there by being the fourth fastest-rising name on the 2013 list, riding the increasing popularity of Journey and Journee.
Variation of Leila, Arabic
"night"
Leilah is one of many variations of the Arabic name Leila or Layla (the most popular version), and while this spelling was given to a relatively few 125 baby girls last year, Leila was used for about…
Variant of Mason
Parents seem to have decided that this spelling of popular boys' name Mason belongs to the girls -- perhaps because of its proximity to fashionable Maisie. It grew significantly in popularity…
Anvika is a feminine name of Indian origin, particularly popular in Hindu families. The name derives from Sanskrit elements and often carries beautiful meanings such as 'complete' or 'small and…
French, feminine variation of Denis
"god of Nysa"
Denise was a French favorite of the fifties and sixties but is less chic now. In 2020 it broke back into the Top 1000 after a five-year hiatus, catapulted into style by reality TV star Denisse Novoa…
Variation of May of Mei-Lin, English, Chinese
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved; beautiful jade"
Maylin is following in the footsteps of Maelynn and Maelyn — two modern invented Mae and Lynn compounds that are on the rise. Maylin could also be considered an Anglicized spelling variation of…
