In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Purlie was a distinctively Black name used primarily among baby boys. Purlie, along with alternate spellings Pearlie and Perlie, is virtually unheard of today.

A common name in many cultures, sometimes spelled Margarethe.

Farida is a Muslim name more distinctive than the Americanized Farah/Farrah.

This name of Polish supermodel Malgosia Bela doesn't sound so bella here--has a bit of an evil witch quality.

Popular Margaret variant in Nordic countries, often spelled Margrét.

Old-fashioned enough to the American ear that literally no baby girls received the name in the US in the most recent year counted. Though might Pessa provide a more unique spin on Tessa? It certainly has a lovely meaning, one shared with Margaret.

Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza is popularizing this one.

The Danish and Norwegian form of the classic Margaret and the name of the reigning Queen of Denmark, who has been on the throne since 1972.

Definitely one of the more unusual Margaret translations.

Welsh form of Margaret, borne by Mererid Hopwood, the first female poet to win the chair at the National Eisteddfod.

A lovely variation of classic Margaret, worn by two Olympic medal winners — Marharyta Makhneva and Marharyta Dorozhon.

Leimomi was a common girl name in Hawaii a century ago, so according to the 100-Year Rule, it is due to be refreshed and revived. And what great timing, with the current popularity of the similar name Leilani.

Variant of Margalit, Margarita, Margaret et al.

This unusual variation of Margaret is the real first name of actress Maggie Gyllenhaal. It can make a distinctive way to honor an ancestral Margaret or a different long form for such nicknames as Maggie, Meg, or Margo.

İnci is the Turkish word for "pearl," derived from the Old Turkic word yençü. Ínci is a Top 10 girls' name in Azebijian.

Rare and rhythmic.

Variant of Jumana

The lovely Portuguese word for "pearl" (Pérola) was seldom used as a first name even in Brazil and Portugal until it was the name of a character on a popular telenovela "Joia Rara." It is also the name of a town in the south of Brazil, near the Paraguayan border.

We don't recommend using a baby name in which "meth" is the first syllable. Try the original form, Meta, instead.