International Baby Names · Classic Baby Names
International Forms of Classic Names
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The names
Magda
German variation of Magdalen
On "Sex and the City," Magda was the elderly nanny from the old country -- which is what this name sounds like. While Magdalene and Magdalena are enjoying fresh life, Magda still feels dated.
Mairead
Irish, shortened fom of Mairghread, variation of Margaret
"pearl"
Pronounced MAW-rayt or ma-RAYD, Mairead is close enough to Maureen to be accepted here. The name became popular in Ireland due to admiration for the saint of that name. Peig and Peigi are its…
Makaio
Hawaiian form of Matthew
"gift of God"
A refreshing variation on the Biblical classic Matthew, this Hawaiian form blends the stylish -o ending with the cool Kai sound. First appearing in the US stats in 1999, it has been climbing steadily…
Manon
French, diminutive of Marie
"bitter"
Manon is an endearing French pet name for Marie or Marianne; it has the international yet straightforward feel that makes it a viable import. Manon of the Spring was a gorgeous French film, Manon…
Arttu
Finnish, from Celtic
"bear"
This cute form of Arthur has something distinctly cool about it — from the unique "ooh" ending sound, to the harsher double T in the middle. In Finland, Arttu was a Top 10 name in the 2000s and…
Margherita
Italian form of Margaret, Greek
"pearl"
This elegant variation carries the same core meaning as Margaret while featuring the distinctive Italian pronunciation and spelling. The name has historical significance in Italy, where Saint…
Anushka
Anushka is a feminine name of Indian origin, serving as a diminutive form of Anu, which means 'atomic' or 'small' in Sanskrit. The name carries warmth and affection through its diminutive suffix.…
Maso
Italian, diminutive of Tomasso
"twin"
Appealing, lively, and distinctive.
Anouk
Dutch and French variation of Anna
"grace"
Anouk, made famous by French actress Anouk Aimée, is a singular name with a lovely sound and a Bohemian feel. Anouk Aimée was born as Francoise, but adopted the first name of the character she played…
Michalis
Greek
"who is like God?"
A common name in its native Greece, Michalis is a nickname for Michail, the Greek form of Michael. This nickname form is used much more often than the formal Michail in day-to-day life. It can also…
Mikko
Finnish, from Hebrew
"who is like God?"
Cute Finnish version of Michael.
Mischa
Russian, diminutive of Mikhail
Though the Mischa spelling is migrating toward the feminine side thanks to actress Mischa Barton, this Russian boys' short form still works for children of both sexes, as Mischa or Misha.
Mojca
Slovene
"drop of the sea, bitter, beloved or mine"
A lively Slovene name, Mojca originated either as a diminutive of Marija, the Slovene form of Mary, or from the Slovene word "moj", meaning "my" or "mine".
Niamh
Irish Gaelic
"bright"
Niamh, derived from the Old Irish Niam, is an ancient Irish name that was originally a term for a goddess. In Irish myth, one who bore it was Niamh of the Golden Hair, daughter of the sea god, who…
Anina
German, Aramaic
"grace; let my prayer be answered"
This pretty palindrome name is rarely heard in the US, but could make an interesting namesake for an aunt or grandma Ann. It's also a German diminutive form of Anna.
Nicolae
Romanian, from Greek
"people of victory"
A rarely-heard form of Nicholas used in Romania, with a similar stylish vowel ending to Nikolai and Nikolaj. Outside of Romania, the name may be associated with the dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, but…
Andrija
Croatian, Serbian, from Greek
"strong and manly"
The Croatian and Serbian form of Andrew. Namesakes include the influential Croatian geophysicist Andrija Mohorovičić and Serbian footballer Andrija Živković.
Nikku
Greenlandic, from Greek
"people of victory"
A feisty name from Greenland, where Nikku is their version of both Nicholas and Nicole.
Nikku
Greenlandic, from Greek
"people of victory"
Nikku is a unisex name from Greenland — their version of Nicholas and Nicole, based on the Scandinavian variants Nikolaj and Nikoline — with a sparky, stand-out sound and look.
Andreja
Serbian, from Greek
"strong and manly"
A Serbian form of Andrew. Typically a feminine name in the nearby Slovenia and Croatia, but masculine in Serbia, similar to the Italian Andrea.