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International Forms of Classic Names

  1. Yuri

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of George

    • Description:

      Common Russian name familiarized here via cosmonaut Yury Gagarin and a character in Dr. Zhivago, but we don't see it ever gaining permanent resident status.
  2. Tomas

    • Origin:

      German; Norwegian; Swedish; Lithuanian, version of Thomas, Aramaic

    • Meaning:

      "twin"

    • Description:

      The most common form of Thomas in various European languages, although some Anglophone parents also use this as a phonetic spelling of the classic name. Tomas is usually pronounced with an emphasis on the second syllable -- toe-MAHS -- though you might not succeed in getting other people to go along with that in the US, where your exotically named Tomas may quickly devolve into just plain Tom.
  3. Yusuf

    • Origin:

      Arabic variation of Joseph, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"

    • Description:

      Yusuf is the Arabic form of Joseph, used in the Middle East, as well as internationally from France and the US, to the UK, Turkey and Azerbaijan - where, as of 2023, it ranked in the Top 100.
  4. Zuzanna

    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of Susannah

    • Meaning:

      "lily"

    • Description:

      Remember Zuzu, the adorable little girl you watch every Christmas in "It's a Wonderful Life"? Here's a direct path to that nickname, a lot more zesty than the more familiar Susannah.
  5. Alexandre

    • Origin:

      French variation of Alexander

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      What's the difference between Alexander, the usual English spelling of this deeply classical name, and Alexandre, the French version? English speakers might find the proper French pronunciation challenging: a-lehk-SAHN-dreh, but that last syllable is barely pronounced. Americans might an an a or an ee on the end of the name, or simply pronounce it as Alexander, for better or worse.
  6. Magda

    • Origin:

      German variation of Magdalen

    • Description:

      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.
  7. Esthappen

    • Origin:

      Malayalam and South Indian form of Stephen, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "garland, ground"

    • Description:

      Esthappen, also spelled Esthappan, is an Indian variation of Stephen, specifically used in the state of Kerala. It notably appears in the novel The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy, though the character is mostly called Estha.
  8. Lotta

    • Origin:

      Short form of Charlotta or Carlotta, forms of Charlotte, French

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      This nickname-name is very popular in Germany, though Lottie is still the preferred version in the US. The problem, of course, is that you'll have to put up with a lotta jokes. See?
  9. Paola

    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Paula

    • Meaning:

      "small"

    • Description:

      Paola is the Latinate version of Paula. Its intriguing sound could make it more appealing than the English standard.
  10. Bethan

    • Origin:

      Welsh diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Very popular in Wales, this perfectly nice name's only problem is its similarity to the dated Beth Ann. But if you're looking to honor an ancestral Elizabeth with a distinctive rare choice, Bethan might be on your short list.
  11. Fionnuala

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "white shoulders"

    • Description:

      This lovely Gaelic name, very popular in the Emerald Isle, has inspired a whole host of diminutives (including Nuala and Nola) and variant spellings, from Finola to Finula to the Scottish and English Fenella. In Irish legend Fionnuala was one of the four children of Lir who were transformed into swans for 900 years.
  12. Anushka

    • Description:

      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. Widely used across India, particularly in Hindu families, Anushka gained international recognition through prominent figures like Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. The name blends melodic quality with cultural significance, representing both delicacy and inner strength. Though traditional in origin, Anushka has a contemporary feel that travels well across cultures. In recent decades, it has gained popularity beyond South Asian communities, appreciated for its flowing sound and exotic yet accessible quality.

  13. Raquel

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Rachel

    • Meaning:

      "ewe"

    • Description:

      Attractive name popular in the Latino community, long identified with half-Bolivian actress Raquel Welch. Similarly to the Hebrew form Rachel, Raquel is past its peak. Nonetheless, it retains a certain sparkle and would feel newly refreshing for a baby today.
  14. Zofia

    • Origin:

      Czech, Polish, and Ukrainian variation of Sophia

    • Meaning:

      "wisdom"

    • Description:

      An international variation of Sophia that ranks in the Top 10 in Poland and the Top 1000 in England and Wales. Zosia is a charming diminutive.
  15. Duarte

    • Origin:

      Portuguese variation of Edward, English

    • Meaning:

      "wealthy guardian"

    • Description:

      Incredibly handsome and super smooth, Duarte sounds like it came straight out of a romance novel. You almost wouldn’t believe it’s derived from Edward.
  16. Rosita

    • Origin:

      Spanish, diminutive of Rosa

    • Meaning:

      "rose"

    • Description:

      This spirited Spanish variation of Rosa was familiar in the mid-20th century, but is used more quietly now. Given to around 35 babies in the US each year, it could work as a fresh alternative to Roberta or Rosie.
  17. Pasha

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Pavel

    • Meaning:

      "small, humble"

    • Description:

      Similar in sound to Sasha, Pasha is a Russian diminutive of the name Pavel, itself a form of Paul. Also used as a title for a high ranking officer in the (now historical) Ottoman military, and as the common name of a type of butterfly, it is a name well-suited for an Easter baby, due to its similarity to the word Pascha.
  18. Ekaterina

    • Origin:

      Russian; Macedonian; Bulgarian, variation of Catherine

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.
  19. Teodora

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Slovene and Serbian form of Theodora

    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"

    • Description:

      Teodora is an extremely attractive and international choice, with several equally attractive, user-friendly nicknames. Appealing short forms might include Tea, Dora, or Dory for English speakers, however, classic diminutives include the Spanish, Italian, Serbian and Portuguese Dora, the Bulgarian Todorka, and the Swedish Thea.
  20. Leonor

    • Origin:

      Spanish and Portuguese variation of Eleanor, from English, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      This streamlined variation of Eleanor is common in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Portugal itself, where it has ranked among the Top 3 baby girl names for over a decade.