International Baby Names
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 6 pages
of 6
Variation of Isa, German
"strong-willed"
Issa might make more sense if you're using it as a nickname for any one of the various names ending in -issa, but this spelling is also an Arabic and Hebrew boy name. The Isa spelling is almost…
German, Finnish diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
In Germany and Finland, a common short form of names beginning with El-, including Elizabeth, Elina, and Elisa. About 70 baby girls were named Elli in the US last year versus 6000 named Ellie -- and…
Izabel is a distinctive feminine variation of Isabel, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning 'God is my oath.' This spelling variation gives the classic name a contemporary twist…
Dutch variation of Ilsa
Pronounced with two syllables, as if spelled Ilsa, Ilse is popular in The Netherlands and may rise here with cousin Elsa.
Izabela is a beautiful Slavic and Polish variation of Isabella, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba meaning 'God is my oath'. This spelling is particularly common in Poland, Czech…
English diminutive or names ending with 'etta' or 'ette'
"little"
Ettie or Etty works as a nickname for any name with a prominent "et" sound, usually at the end: think Henrietta, Juliette or Colette. The -ette ending is a French diminutive suffix.
Sabella is a feminine name with Italian and Latin origins, most commonly considered a shortened form of Isabella or a variant of Sabina. Isabella derives from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning 'God…
French, diminutive of Elizabeth or Lise
Lisette, also spelled Lizette, is a dainty,, if somewhat dated, Gallic offshoot of Elizabeth. It reached its U.S. peak of popularity in 1999, then fell off the list in 2001. Lisette Model (born…
French, diminutive of Elizabeth
Whether you spell it Lisette or Lizette, a somewhat dated diminutive that nevertheless retains some charm.
German diminutive of Elizabeth
Sweet but sleek, and distinctive, Liesel is an old German nickname-name for Elisabeth. It might have once seemed inextricably tied to to its country of origin, but now, like Elsa, Enzo, Saoirse,…
German variation of Elizabeth
Ilsa is remembered as the radiant but tragic heroine of "Casablanca," and it's having something of a European resurgence.
Spanish variation of Isabel, variation of Elizabeth, Hebrew
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…
Elis is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Welsh tradition, it relates to Elise or Elizabeth, meaning 'God is my oath.' In Scandinavian countries, particularly Finland, it has…
Elizaveta is the Russian and Bulgarian form of Elizabeth, a name with Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my oath' or 'pledged to God.' This elegant Slavic variation has been used by Russian royalty,…
German variation of Elizabeth, Hebrew
Although they could be easily confused, Elsbeth is a fairly unusual contracted German version of Elizabeth, while cousin Elspeth hails from Scotland. With its 'beth' ending, Elsbeth feels closer to…
Scottish variation of Elizabeth
Elspeth is one of those names that never quite made it out of the British Isles--particularly Scotland, but possesses a winningly childlike charm. Elspeth was used by Sir Walter Scott for several of…
Scandinavian, variation of Elizabeth
One of the few versions of Elizabeth that hasn't translated here.
Polish, Czech, and Slovene short form of Izabela, variation of Izzah "pledged to God; glory, power, strength"
"pledged to God; glory, power, strength"
A short form of Izabela, popular as a stand-alone name in Slovenia where it ranks in the Top 50. It might also be used in Poland, Czechia, Georgia, Hungary, and elsewhere as a form of Izabela/lla,…
Latinization of Elke, Scandinavian diminutive of Adelheid
"noble one"
Much more manageable than the full form of the name. Possible international alternative to Ella.
Diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
One of the many variations of classic Elizabeth, similar to the French Lisette or English Lizette. It is predominantly used in South America, though a small handful of girls are given the name each…
