International Baby Names
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American Baby Names
American baby names come from a range of sources, just like Americans themselves. There are Native American baby names, American place names for babies, names important in American history and namesakes for American heroes and artists, and baby names invented by Americans and used primarily in the US. Here, a selection of what might be thought of as American baby names.
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Best Cool Unusual Boys' Names
Here is a list of 100 cool and unusual boy's names with the most potential---they have genuine roots, are attractive, and work in the modern world. Best of all, they're still widely underused! You can also skip directly to our full menu of boys' names or unusual baby names.
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Best Cool Unusual Girls' Names
This is a list of the best, cool unusual girls' names---those that have deep roots, are attractive, and can fit into contemporary life, yet are not on the brink of widespread discovery. And by unusual girls’ names, we mean those used for 25 or fewer baby girls last year. To see more, here is our full menu of girls' names and uinusual names.
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Boy Names from Africa
African baby names for boys from a range of cultures and tribes include the choices here. For our full list of African baby names, click here.
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British Boy Names
Do British baby names have a distinct style? You bet, and stylish English names are often a step or two ahead of American baby names. Some of the hottest baby boy names in England, Scotland, and Wales are still cool and underused choices in the U.S., as seen below.
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British Girl Names
Do British baby girl names have a distinct style? You bet, and often the style of English names is a step or two ahead of the style of American names. Some of the hottest baby girl names in England, Scotland, and Wales are still cool -- and underused -- choices in the U.S.. Here, some of the most intriguing British baby names for girls.
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Cool Boy Names From Ancient Cultures
Cool boy names are the order of the day, yet why invent a unique name when there are so many ancient names -- from Rome and Byzantium, from Olde England and Germany -- that deserve to be unearthed in the interest of cool? Here's a selection of worthy ancient choices, from a range of eras and places, that make cool unique baby names for boys.
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Cool Boy Names From Around the World
Cool boy names from Italy and Ireland, Scandinavia to the Middle East and beyond include a wide variety of choices. You may want to choose a boys' name that reflects your family's ethnic heritage or represents a culture you love. Or you may simply be looking for unique boys' names and want to consider international names as one source. Here, a selection of cool boy names from around the world.
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Cool Girl Names from Ancient Cultures
There are so many ancient names for girls -- from Rome and Byzantium, from Olde England and Germany -- that deserve to be unearthed in the interest of cool. Here's a selection of worthy ancient names, from a range of eras and places, that make unique baby names for girls.
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Cool Girl Names From Around the World
Cool names for girls from a range of cultures and countries are ripe for the picking no matter where you live. As the world becomes a smaller place, baby names become more international. And if you're looking for a cool unusual name for your baby girl, choosing one from another country can be a way to combine tradition with innovation. Consider these cool girl names from around the world.
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Cornish Baby Names
Cornish baby names -- names with Celtic roots connected to the gorgeous southwest corner of England -- are an evocative group. Some Cornish baby names you might want to consider for your child include:
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Dutch Baby Names for Boys
Popular baby names for boys in The Netherlands range from familiar English nicknames such as Tom and Nick to Latinate choices like Guido and Adrianus to fashionably short European baby names like these.
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Dutch Baby Names for Girls
Popular girl baby names in the Netherlands range from the familiar (to an English speaker) like Lisa and Kim through exotic baby names like Anouk to the intriguingly unusual. A sampling of baby names frequently heard in The Netherlands for girls:
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English Names for Boys
English names for boys -- that is, names that originate in the English language -- are more well-known than you might think. Whereas classic boys' names like Richard may be German and popular ones such as Noah and Jacob may be Hebrew, many names widely used today actually originate in English. These include occupational names such as Hunter and Mason and surname-names like Auden and Colton, as well as English word names such as the newly-trendy Bear. Some classics such as James and Edward are English, as are many common nicknames such as Joe, Jim, and Mike. Here are the best-known English names for boys.
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English Names for Girls
English names, meaning names that originated in the English language, sometimes get overlooked because we tend to think of all names used by English speakers as English names. But of course many of the names we consider English are actually Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and so on. So when which names for girls truly might be considered English? The English girls' names here are some of the best-known.
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Exotic Lite Baby Names
Maybe you want an exotic name for your baby....but not too exotic. Something international, yet recognizable to most Americans. Your category? Could be the Exotic Lite baby names here, from a range of cultures.
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Fictional Princess Names
Fictional princess names -- from fairy tales to modern cartoons -- are well-known to little girls, most of whom would be delighted to have one for her very own. Here, the wide range of fictional princess names.
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Finnish Baby Names
Finnish names may look simple, but those double vowels are undeniably exotic to native English speakers. Some prime Finnish baby name examples:
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Finnish Baby Names for Boys
Although Finnish baby names are Scandinavian, they sound a lot quirkier to the American ear than Swedish, Norwegian and Danish baby names do. Here are some of the more accessible.
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Finnish Baby Names for Girls
Even though Finnish baby names are Scandinavian, they sound much quirkier to the American ear than Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish baby names do. Here are some of the most accessible baby names to the English speaker, though not all are popular in Finland itself.
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French Baby Girl Names
French baby girl names aren't limited to the same old noms--the Michelles and Danielles and Gabrielles. Here are some fresh French baby names for girls.
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French Baby Names for Boys
Charming French baby names for boys, far beyond old-fashioned Jean and Jacques, are just waiting to be discovered. Here: some of the best new French baby names for boys.
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French Word Names
The parent in search of truly distinctive baby names has to move farther than ever away from the established roster. One new direction -- or is it two? -- for the intrepid baby namer is toward international word names, which combine two of today's coolest trends. We combed our own diccionarios for French, Italian, and Spanish words that could make perfectly appropriate, attractive baby names, and here are some French choices. But no reason to stop here--consider words from the language of your own ethnic background, be it Czech or Chinese, and add them to the list of your personal possibilities.
Here, some French baby names fashioned from French words for your consideration:
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Girl Names from Africa
African names for baby girls hail from all around the continent and offer an exotic yet usable complement of choices. While these are some of our favorites, for even more African baby girl names, go to Supersearch and search by origin.
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Goddess Baby Names
Goddess names, the names of mythological figures from all over the world, seem more baby appropriate now that ever, with the rise of ancient Roman names and the discovery of many antique choices. Baby names for your own little goddess might include the following.
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Greek Baby Names for Modern Kids
Classic Greek baby names are a rich source of modern names, But which Greek names work best for today's babies? Some names of ancient gods and goddesses have become newly baby-appropriate, while there are many other traditional names that have Greek roots. Here is our pick of the best Greek baby names today.
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Hebrew Baby Names
Hebrew baby names include many of the most popular names used in the contemporary Western world. Names from the Bible along with names used in contemporary Israel are worth consideration. Here is a selection of the most widely-used Hebrew names for babies. If you're interested in finding a Hebrew name for your child, whether a modern or traditional choice, also see our full lists of Hebrew names for girls and Hebrew names for boys.
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International Variations of Alexandra
Alexandra has been in the Top 100 for 20 years and with so many little girls named Alexa, Alexis, and Alex around, you might want to explore some of the name's international options.
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International Variations of Ann
The name of the sainted mother of the Virgin Mary was among the top girls' baby names for centuries, in both the original English Ann spelling and the French Anne. Modern parents who might consider Ann a bit bland, have their choice of dozens of cool international versions.
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International Variations of Christina
Christina, the feminine of Christopher, has many intriguing international variations.
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International Variations of Christopher
Christopher, one of the most popular baby boy names in the US over the past decades, has many intriguing international variations.
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International Variations of Elizabeth
Elizabeth is one of the most classic baby names you can choose for your little girl. And it's one that comes with a host of international variations that can make for original nicknames or spins on Elizabeth.
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International Variations of George
George is one of those classic baby names that bridges many cultures and languages, each of which feature of variation on the name. Here, the international variations of the baby name George.
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International Variations of Helen
Helen is a girl's name with a long and legendary history. Meaning "the bright one" in Greek, she was the beautiful queen in Homer's Iliad. Here are her many foreign variations.
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International Variations of Jacob
Jacob has been the Number 1 boy baby name in the US for so long now you might want to think about using one of its international variations.
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International Variations of Jane
Jane is one of the classic baby names for girls that has a wide range of variations around the world.
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International Variations of Julia
Julia is one of the most classic baby girl names, one that has a wide range of appealing variations around the world.
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International Variations of Katherine
Katherine is one of the most classic baby names for girls, one that has spawned a host of variations around the world.
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International Variations of Margaret
Margaret is among the most classic baby names, with a wide range of intriguing variations throughout the Western World.
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International Variations of Mary
Mary may not be exactly stylish among baby girl names now, but as the top girls' name for centuries, it's spawned many intriguing international variations.
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Irish Baby Names
Irish baby names on Ireland's recent Top 100 popularity list include the following native choices. Click here for the full list of Irish baby names on Nameberry.
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Irish Baby Names for Boys
Irish baby names for boys have been growing in popularity in the U.S. in recent years, with Liam reaching Number 2 and all the different spellings of Aiden climbing to the top of the list. While Irish names have become more popular for both genders, we see the style factor on the rise particularly in boys' names unheard of here a generation ago, such as Declan and Finn. Some of our favorite Irish baby names for boys you might want to consider:
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Irish Baby Names for Girls
Irish baby names have been well used for girls outside the Emerald Isle for decades, but there's a new wave of choices that sound fresh and intriguing. Here are some of our favorite Irish names for girls; or go here for a full list of Irish baby names.
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Irish Surname Names
Many of the best Irish baby names are not first names at all but Irish surname names. Here's a whole group of rollicking names that work for both girls and boys....or you can use one from your own family background. Or click here for our full list of Irish baby names.
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Italian Baby Boy Names Beyond Giovanni & Giuseppe
Italian baby boy names are heard more often in Rome, Italy than Rome, New York, but are eminently usable here as Italian baby names continue to grow in favor.
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Italian Baby Girl Names Beyond Rosa & Rosetta
Looking for Italian baby names for a daughter? Here are some fresh choices for your little signorina.
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Italian Word Names
One new direction -- or is it two? -- for the intrepid baby namer is toward foreign-word names, which combine two of today's coolest trends. We combed our own diccionarios for Italian words that could make perfectly appropriate, attractive Italian baby names. But no reason to stop here--consider words from the language of your own ethnic background, be it Czech or Chinese, and add them to the list of your personal possibilities.
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Japanese Baby Names
Japanese baby names are only beginning to be used in the West, as the world becomes smaller and international names become more accepted in most countries. Some Japanese baby names that translate easily to Western culture and language include the following.
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Latin Baby Names
Latin culture is having an important influence on the United States, and that includes Latin baby names. Baby names that a generation ago might have been used exclusively by Hispanic parents are now filtering into the mainstream. Here, some Latin baby names increasing in popularity.
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Olympic Baby Names
Take a peek at these Olympic baby names dating from the 1896 games until now. The Olympics spotlights global choices that might not otherwise attract our attention. These gold medal baby names show real promise:
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Operatic Baby Names
You don’t have to be an opera buff to appreciate the rich variety of baby names found in the classic repertoire. It’s an especially appealing category because it contains such an interesting mix of languages: there are frilly French female names, unusual Italian mens’ names, as well as some usable German and Russian character names. These range from leads such as Aida and Tristan, to featured players to those with minor roles. So, omitting common names like Amelia, Norma and Susanna, and the more uber-the-top names like Brunhilde, here are some lyrical opera baby names:
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Place Names Off The Map
The coolest place names are those that are undiscovered. Some place names can be used for boys, but most of the cool place names work best for baby girls. Here are some choices on (and off) the map.
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Popular Irish Baby Names
Popular Irish baby names are very different in the US and in Ireland, with selections from each country rarely heard in the other. For more details on which Irish names are popular where, go to our popular names page. These are the most popular Irish names for boys and girls in both countries, and among Nameberry visitors..
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Popular Italian Baby Names
We include hundreds of Italian baby names on Nameberry, but which are most popular among parents in Italy? According to the most recent statistics, these are the top 100 names for babies in Italy, including Italian names along with English or mutli-cultural names popular in Italy.
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Prince Names
The prince names here are those chosen by royal families around the world for their little boys over the past decade or so. Your idea of prince names can be expanded to include those used over past generations -- Charles and Andrew, say -- and to extend to fictional princes such as Phillip or...well, maybe not Charming. Some of the real little princes have three or four middle names. For more details, see our blog on prince names.
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Princess Names
The princess names for girls here are those chosen by royal families around the world over the past decade or so. Your idea of princess names can be expanded to include those used over past generations -- Anne and Elizabeth and even Diana, say -- and to extend to fictional princesses such as Ariel and Aurora. Many of the real little princesses have three or four middle names.
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Roman Names
Roman Names are suddenly hot and fresh again as baby names, partly thanks to The Hunger Games, the futuristic book that featured Roman names for most of the male characters, partly because of the HBO series Rome, and also thanks to the classic novel To Kill A Mockingbird and its hero Atticus Finch. Roman baby names on today's roster include several familiar choices along with even more fascinating names yet to be revived.
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Roman Names for Boys
Names from Ancient Rome are enjoying a major style revival. Among the Roman choices for boys are the following, all at home in the modern world.
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Roman Names for Girls
Names from Ancient Rome are enjoying a major style revival. Among the Roman choices for girls are the following, all at home in the modern world.
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Royal Baby Names
Royal baby names are those used by royal families in recent years. Many of them have been used by royal families over the centuries, while some of newcomers to the royal name lexicon. Royal baby names include:
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Russian Baby Boy Names
Russian baby names for boys from the Nameberry database include the choices here. Russian baby names are becoming more international, especially favored in Italy.
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Russian Baby Girl Names
Russian baby names for girls, long a style backwater, are coming into their own as a fashionable choice. Here are some of the most appealing Russian baby girl names.
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Saints' Names
Here's proof that you can find saints' names that go way beyond the stodgy Anne or Francis. Following is a selection of some of the coolest saints' names for babies.
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Scottish Baby Names
The Scots--originally a Celtic tribe that migrated from northern Ireland-- have a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in their baby names. This list includes both uniquely Scottish Gaelic baby names, and others that have been used in Scotland for so long and often that they are thought of internationally as typically Scottish.
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Scottish Names for Boys
Scottish names for boys in the Nameberry database include the choices here.
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Scottish Names for Girls
Scottish names for girls found in the Nameberry database include the choices here.
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Spanish Baby Girl Names
Spanish baby names for girls range far beyond the usual choices. Spanish girls' names popular in the US, Latin America, South America, and Spain include Lucia, Sofia (the Spanish spelling of the popular Sophia) and the classic Maria. Click here for the most popular names in Spain for girls as well as boys, and here are some other Spanish girl names you may not have considered.
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Spanish Baby Names
Spanish baby names are widely-used in the US, and many of the same Spanish names are on the popularity lists throughout North and South America as well as in Spain. The names on this list include the best-known Spanish baby names and the most usable Spanish names for girls and boys that bridge cultures.
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Spanish Baby Names for Boys
Spanish baby names for boys include lots of choices widely known through the Western World: Juan and Jose, Pablo and Pedro. The parent who wants to find Spanish boys' names that move beyond the obvious choices still has a lot of attractive options. Some of these Spanish names for boys are popular in Spain: Hugo and Iker, for instance, while others, such as Angel, are popular in the US.
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Spanish Word Names
The parent in search of truly distinctiveSpanish baby names has to move farther than ever away from the established roster. One new direction -- or is it two? -- for the intrepid baby namer is toward foreign-word names, which combine two of today's coolest trends. We combed our own diccionarios for French, Italian, and Spanish words that could make perfectly appropriate, attractive baby names, and here are some Spanish ideas. But no reason to stop here--consider words from the language of your own ethnic background, be it Czech or Chinese, and add them to the list of your personal possibilities.
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Steampunk Baby Names
The steampunk movement has been inspired by literature and cinema, blending futuristic themes with 19th century Victorian style. Think alternate history meets science fiction entwined with elements of steam power and clockwork. Here is a list of baby names incorporating this unique style.
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Supermodel Baby Names
It's not enough that supermodels are skinny, gorgeous, world-revered millionaires. They've got babies, too, and not just ordinary babies, but babies with incredibly cool names. Here is the recent crop of supermodel baby names:
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Supermodel Names
Supermodels provide a real international smorgasbord (excuse the expression, girls) of beautiful baby girl names.
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The International Variations of Catherine
Variations of the classic baby names Catherine and Katherine are found around the world.
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The International Variations of Stephen
Stephen is one of the classic baby boy names widely used in the middle of the last century. Some variations you might want to consider instead:
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The International Variations of Thomas
Thomas is among the most classic baby boy names, with variations in several Western cultures.
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The International Variations of William
William may be both the most classic AND the most fashionable of boy names today. Here are some of its international variations.
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Unique Irish Baby Names
Unique baby names and Irish baby names are two groups with plenty of style power, so what happens when you mix the two? Although Irish baby names have become much more popular in the US in recent years, there are still plenty of unique Irish names waiting to be discovered. We nominate these choices for parents looking for baby names that are both Irish and unique, especially in the US.
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Unusual International Baby Girl Names
There are hundreds of unusual international baby girl names throughout this site. Here's a handful of the most appealing.
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Variations of John
For centuries the most popular of all boy baby names, borne by saints, kings, and countless other illustrious notables, John is still in the Top 20. For a new spin on one of the longest-running favorite baby names, try one of John's international variations.
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Variations of Joseph
Grandpa Joe's namesakes can take many forms, as the baby names here demonstrate.
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Variations of Michael
Michael is one of the most popular baby names of the past century. To honor a dad or grandpa named Michael, or find a fresh way to spin the old favorite, consider these international baby names that are variations on the original.
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Variations of Paul
Paul is one of those classic baby names that's neither in style nor thoroughly out. Paul's many international versions all start with P.
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Variations of Peter
Peter is one of the classic if not fashionable baby names that may be more appealing in one of its international variations.
