Creative spellings for regular names.

By Sydney.K

Updated Sat May 06 2023

Different ways to spell all kinds of names, to make sure your child stands out.

Abigal
- Description:
  Abigal is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of the more common Abigail, which derives from the Hebrew name Avigayil, meaning 'my father's joy' or 'source of joy.' This slight spelling variation emerged as parents sought ways to personalize traditional names while maintaining their essential character and pronunciation. The original Abigail appears in the Bible as King David's wise and beautiful wife, giving the name a rich historical and religious heritage. This alternative spelling maintains the name's graceful, timeless quality while offering a subtle point of distinction. Though significantly less common than the standard spelling, Abigal occasionally appears in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. The name conveys intelligence, strength, and feminine grace, much like its traditional counterpart.
Andi
- Origin:
  Diminutive of Andrea or Anderson, Greek or English from Scandinavian
- Meaning:
  "strong and manly, son of Anders"
- Description:
  Boyish nickname name that first heard in the Ricki/Terri era but finding new favor among parents who love names like Billie and Frankie, Scottie and Stevie. It was among the fastest-rising names in the US on the 2023 names chart.

Camdyn
- Origin:
  Variation of Camden
- Meaning:
  "winding valley"
- Description:
  There are 20 times as many baby boys named Camden as baby girls, but only twice as many boys given the Camdyn spelling as girls, making this version a much more gender-neutral choice.
Darcey
- Description:
  Darcey is a feminine name with both French and Irish influences. Originally a surname derived from the French place name 'Arcy' with the prefix 'd'' (meaning 'from Arcy'), it transitioned to a given name in the 20th century. Some also connect it to the Irish name Dorsey, meaning 'dark one' or 'from the dark fortress.' Darcey gained notable visibility through ballet dancer Darcey Bussell in the UK. The name has a graceful, artistic association while maintaining a contemporary feel. Though never extremely common, it has enjoyed steady usage since the 1990s, particularly in the United Kingdom. Parents often choose Darcey for its combination of traditional roots and modern appeal, with spelling variations including Darcy and Darcie.
Devynn

Emersyn
- Origin:
  Spelling variation of Emerson,
- Description:
  Parents of female Emersyns will say this Emerson variation's Y makes it more feminine -- and to some extent, it does. This, combined with the trendy Y, have flagged this name as on-the-rise. "Em" names have been hot for girls in recent years, from the classic Emma, Emily, and Emilia to the modern Emery and Ember — and both Emerson and Emersyn are no exception. Emersyn entered the charts in 2019 and has been rising since, all the way up to the Top 200.
Emilee
- Origin:
  Spelling variation of Emily
- Description:
  Again, we see the trendy -ee suffix.
Eoin
- Origin:
  Irish, variation of John
- Meaning:
  "God is gracious"
- Description:
  Though Eoin is a Gaelic form of John, its Anglicized pronunciation links it directly to Owen. Eoin is currently a Top 30 name in Ireland. Other variations: Ewan, Ewen, Evan and Eoghan (pronounced as Owen but also translated as Eugene).

Ivie
- Origin:
  Variation of Ivy, botanical name
- Description:
  Lengthens the popular Ivy, but why? About 100 baby namers in the US last year found a reason.
Jaxson
- Origin:
  Variation of Jackson, English
- Meaning:
  "son of Jack"
- Description:
  One of several phonetic spellings of Jackson moving up the charts, Jaxson entered the Top 100 in 2013 and has remained there since. It's also picking up steam in England and Wales.. Actor Eric Mabius used it as his son Rylan's middle name.
Kortni
- Description:
  Kortni is a modern spelling variation of Courtney, a name that originated as an aristocratic Norman-French surname meaning "domain of Curtenus" or "short nose." This phonetic spelling emerged in the late 20th century as parents sought more distinctive ways to represent traditional names. Courtney became popular as a feminine name in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, and Kortni represents one of several alternative spellings that followed. The variant spelling maintains the familiar pronunciation while creating a unique visual identity. Like many alternative spellings, Kortni reflects the trend toward personalization in naming practices, offering a more contemporary feel to the traditional name while potentially avoiding the need for spelling corrections.

Lewes
- Description:
  Lewes is a masculine name with English origins, derived from the Old English personal name 'Leofwig,' combining elements meaning 'dear' and 'war.' It's also associated with the historic town of Lewes in Sussex, England. As a given name, Lewes represents a distinctive alternative to the more common Lewis, maintaining the same pronunciation while offering a more historically authentic spelling. The name carries connotations of tradition and English heritage, appealing to parents seeking names with historical depth. Though relatively uncommon as a first name, Lewes has seen modest usage among families with English connections or those appreciating its refined, slightly antique quality. The single-syllable simplicity combined with the unexpected spelling gives Lewes a subtle uniqueness.
Luc
- Origin:
  French
- Meaning:
  "man from Lucania"
- Description:
  Luc is the sleeker Gallic cousin of Luke, and if you want to know the difference between their pronunciations, just watch Kevin Kline's hilarious description in the film French Kiss. Peter Gabriel and Sean Patrick Thomas picked this version for their sons.
Marlee
- Origin:
  English
- Meaning:
  "pleasant seaside meadow"
- Description:
  The combined inspiration of reggae master Bob and the dog-loving romp "Marley and Me" catapulted this name up the chart in recent years. But what goes up....