Variation Names That Will Change Your World
- Beanca
- Cate
Origin:
English diminutive of CatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Time was, even C-starting Catherines who called themselves Kate spelled it with a K, but Cate Blanchett changed all. Cate is now as acceptable as (but not as well used as) Kate. Cait might be short for Caitlin.
- Gulee
- Kasey
Origin:
Variation of Casey, IrishMeaning:
"brave in battle"Description:
Casey-with-a-K never quite reached the heights of the original, but it broke the Top 500 for boys in the late '80s and early '90s.
- Kelsea
Description:
Kelsea is a feminine name that originated as a variant spelling of Kelsey, which began as an English surname derived from place names meaning 'Cenel's island' or 'ship's island.' This alternative spelling gained popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as parents sought unique twists on familiar names. The name received additional attention through country music artist Kelsea Ballerini. Kelsea maintains the melodic quality of Kelsey while offering a slightly more feminine appearance through the 'ea' ending. The name carries associations with strength and individuality, balancing a contemporary feel with recognizable roots. Its popularity reflects the modern preference for names that sound familiar yet distinctive.
- Mari
Origin:
Welsh, Breton, Scandinavian, Hungarian, Estonian, and Basque variation of Maria or MaryMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
Mari enjoyed some mid-century popularity as a nicknameish version of Mary, but now deserves a second look as a multicultural classic. Mari is the name of the Basque goddess of fertility and weather and is also, for unrelated reasons, popular in Norway. The biggest problem with the potentially-lovely Mari will be getting people to say it the way you want. While some Europeans pronounce it as Marie, that will only confuse things more. Better to make it its own individual name by pronouncing it MAH-ree. As one commenter pointed out, in Estonian the name is not a Mary variation but means "berry" – all the more reason for us to like it!
- Merry
- Rebecka
Description:
Rebecka is a Scandinavian and Eastern European variant spelling of Rebecca, a biblical name of Hebrew origin meaning 'to bind' or 'to tie.' This spelling is particularly common in Sweden, Poland, and other northern European countries, where the 'ck' combination better represents the pronunciation in those languages. The biblical Rebecca was the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau. While the traditional 'Rebecca' spelling remains more common in English-speaking countries, Rebecka offers a subtle European flair. The name has maintained steady popularity throughout the centuries, appreciated for its combination of historical significance, pleasant sound, and feminine qualities. Rebecka conveys an image of beauty, wisdom, and strength with a touch of international character.
- Sarai
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"princess"Description:
Sharp but sweet, ancient but with a contemporary sound, Sarai has been rising steadily up the US charts since the 90s and now sits comfortably in the Top 1000. In the Old Testament, God changed Sarai's name to Sara, so this would make a clever and legitimate honor name for an ancestral Sarah.