Name Spellings, Initials and Sounds · Popular Names and Name Trends
Names With Many Spellings
Across 53 pages
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Kaleb
Spelling variation of Caleb
"devotion to God"
Kaleb is one of several boys' names starting with k that started life as a classic C name, Caleb. Kevin Federline named his boy Kaleb Michael Jackson.
Kohen
Spelling variation of Cohen, Hebrew
"priest"
This could be viewed as another name fallen to the trend of using a K initial over a C beginning, or it could tie the name more closely to the Hebrew title for a priest, which is transcribed as kohen…
Leia
Variation of Leah, Laya, or Leya, Portuguese, Spanish, English, Sanskrit
"weary; the law; dissolution"
Most familiar in the English speaking world as the Star Wars princess, Jedi, and leader, Leia can be considered a pop culture choice, created by George Lucas who in turn likely based it on the…
Esme
French
"beloved"
Esmé comes from the past participle of the Old French verb esmer , meaing "to esteem" or "to love." It can also be considered a derivative of the Spanish name Esmeralda, which means "emerald". Esmé…
Elowyn
Spelling variation of Elowen, Cornish
"elm"
The -en ending is the authentically female one and the traditional Cornish spelling, but more and more Americans are turning to the y as a feminizing element in the final syllable of this name. As…
Evelynn
English
"desired; or water, island"
This spelling variation of the classic Evelyn gives it a trendy makeover to fit in with the surge of names ending with -lynn suffixes. Recent counts have seen it given to around 1000 girls each year…
Adelina
Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Slavic variation of Adeline
"noble, nobility"
Adelina is back in the Top 1000 after an absence of nearly a century, thanks to the meteoric rise of her sister name Adeline -- along with Adelaide, Adele, and Ada. Some parents choose Adelina…
Joanna
Variation of Johanna
"God is gracious"
Joanna derives from the Greek name Ioanna, which in turn came from the Hebrew name Yohannah. It is featured in the New Testament as a woman who accompanied Jesus on his travels and eventually reached…
Tristan
Celtic
"noise or sorrowful"
Tristan -- known through medieval legend and Wagnerian opera -- has a slightly wistful, touching air. This, combined with the name's popular "an" ending, makes Tristan very appealing to parents…
Colson
English surname
"son of Nicholas"
Author Colson Whitehead introduced this surname-name to the lexicon, perfect for a son or grandson of a Nicholas, a Nicole, or a Colin. Or anyone else who likes the sound for that matter, since there…
Mathias
Spelling variation of Mattias, Greek
"gift of God"
Matthias is the ancient Biblical form of Matthew, widely used along with brother Mathias in the US for the past 20 years. This New Testament name -- he was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as an…
Catherine
Greek
"pure"
Catherine is one of the oldest and most consistently well-used girls’ names , with endless variations and nicknames. The Catherine form feels more gently old-fashioned and feminine than the more…
Amina
Arabic
"trustworthy, faithful; feel safe"
Light and beautiful, but equally solid and versatile, Amina is a name of Arabic origin that is used internationally. Popular in Russia, the UK, Azerbijan, Belgium and Sweden, the name has also…
Gabriela
Italian and Spanish, feminine variation of Gabriel
"God is my strength"
This strong yet graceful feminine form of Gabriel is a modern favorite. The double L spelling is given to more than three times as many girls as the Gabriela version.
Zyaire
Variation of Zaire, Kongo "the river that swallows all rivers"
"the river that swallows all rivers"
Zaire has been a rising choice in the US in recent years, derived from the name of a now dissolved Central African state which takes its name from the Kongo term "the river that swallows all rivers".…
Casey
Irish
"brave in battle"
Casey is a name with a big wide grin, Irish, friendly, and open, and associated with several American folk heroes--Casey Jones, the engine driver of the Cannonball Express who gave his life to save…
Marley
English
"pleasant seaside meadow"
Reggae master Bob's surname was one of the biggest risers on the popularity charts for girls in 2008, with spellings Marlee and Marely also leaping in favor. Also used for boys, Marley is one of the…
Kali
Sanskrit, English
"black one; free man; beauty"
Kali is a number of different things: a playful, contemporary twist on the name Callie; the Hindu goddess of destruction; an alternative spelling for Kaylee; a short form of the Arablic Kalila, the…
Zane
Possible variation of John
"God is gracious"
Western novelist Zane (born Pearl!) Grey made this name famous. Now, it's in tune with the style of our times, retaining that appealing cowboy image. Zane Grey was the great-grandson of Ebenezer…
Niko
Finnish form and Croatian and Slovene short form of Nicholas, Greek
"victory of the people"
Popular in Croatia, Spain, New Zealand, and Slovenia, Niko has also been rising up the US popularity charts for boys since the late 2000s. Fresher than Nicholas, spikier than Nico, it currently ranks…