International Baby Names · Classic Baby Names
International Forms of Classic Names
Across 9 pages
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Willem
Dutch variation of William
"resolute protector"
Common in Holland, the appealing Willem (as in de Kooning and Dafoe) makes William fresh and distinctive.
Ximeno
Variation of Ximen, Basque
"son"
Ximeno is sometimes falsely credited as the Basque variation of Simon. It actually comes from Semen, a medieval Basque name that is completely unusable today, for obvious reasons. All the more reason…
Yelena
Russian variation of Helen
"bright, shining one"
One of many international versions of this classic.
Yoni
Hebrew
"gift of Jehovah"
Short form of Yonatan heard throughout Israel.
Ysabel
Spanish variation of Isabel, variation of Elizabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
Ysabel is the original spelling of this ever-more-popular name, though to English-speakers, the initial Y may confuse pronunciation. Only 14 baby girls were given the Ysabel spelling in the US last…
Yuri
Russian variation of George
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.
Zahara
Hebrew; Swahili
"to shine; flower"
Zahara, a delicate but strong multicultural name, came into the spotlight when Angelina Jolie bestowed it on her Ethiopian-born daughter, and we predict other parents will adopt it as well. If you…
Zanna
Diminutive of Susanna; Polish variation of Jane, Hebrew
"lily or pledged to God"
A feminine multicultural nickname name perfectly able to stand on its own, Zanna might technically relate to either Susanna or Jane, making it a flexible honor name for an ancestral Susan or Jane or…
Zofia
Czech, Polish, and Ukrainian variation of Sophia
"wisdom"
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.
Zuzanna
Slavic variation of Susannah
"lily"
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.
Zuzu
Czech diminutive of Susan
"lily"
This sizzling nickname Zuzu is heard every Christmas as the name of Jimmy Stewart's little girl in "It's a Wonderful Life," but we love it all year round as a lively alternative to double names like…
Andro
Croatian, Scottish, and Georgian variation of Andrew
"strong and manly"
A cool, international form of Andrew with its origins in both Croatia and Medieval Scotland. Also used as diminutive in Georgia, The Netherlands, Sweden, and Estonia, it could make a fresh feeling…
Josva
Norwegian and Danish form of Joshua, Hebrew
"the Lord is my salvation"
A concise, international variation of the Biblical Joshua, Josva is predominantly used in Denmark and Norway. It is notably borne by up and coming Danish music artist, JOSVA.
Esthappen
Malayalam and South Indian form of Stephen, Greek
"garland, ground"
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…
Rahel
Hebrew
"ewe, female sheep"
Rahel is an alternative spelling of Rachel, used mostly used in Germany, Estonia, and Switzerland, though it might also be considered an Assyrian and Turkish form and a Hindi form (also written as…
Pilib
Irish form of Philip, Greek
"lover of horses"
Rare but occasionally used in Ireland, Pilib is a variation of the classic Phillip. It has appeared throughout Irish history and was notably borne by a 14th century king of the (historical) Kingdom…
Alastriona
Irish: feminine form of Alasdar
Spelled Alastríona in its native language, this Irish cousin of Alexandra is little-known but fairly intuitive.
Alvise
Venetian form of Louis, French, German
"renowned warrior"
An international form of Louis from the Venetian region of Italy, Alvise has is a name with plenty of flair and a note of creativity and artiness about it. Familiar in Italy, it has appeared in the…
Alexandre
French variation of Alexander
"defending men"
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…
Amalya
German
"work"
Spelling variation of Amalia, rising in popularity throughout Europe.