Alternate Spelling of Names

While not as popular as the Ariel spelling of Little Mermaid fame, this rendition has achieved popularity in its own right.

Brigitte is the French version of the ancient Irish Brighid long associated with 1950s sex symbol Brigitte Bardot. If you want to pronounce Brigitte the French way, it's brih-ZHEET.

Brooke has long projected an aura of sleek sophistication, and can also be seen as a stylish water name.

An Irish and Welsh form of Catherine, Caitlin was a boom name of the eighties, rocketing from obscurity (Americans first heard it via the wife of doomed poet Dylan Thomas) to the height of popularity in the space of a decade. The original name was gradually eclipsed by its myriad spelling variations -- Katelyn and Kaitlyn both soon topping it on the popularity lists.

Stick with the original.

While substituting a C for a K is a modern trend, Erik is in fact the traditional spelling of the name, derived from the Old Norse Eiríkr and introduced to the English speaking world in the Anglo-Saxon period. Now, Erik is popular in Scandinavia and throughout much of Central and Eastern Europe, where it ranks in the Top 100 in Germany, Slovenia, Hungary, and more.

Kellie is a feminine name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname 'Kelly' which means 'warrior' or 'bright-headed.' It emerged as a standalone first name in the mid-20th century, gaining popularity in the 1960s and 1970s in English-speaking countries. This cheerful variation of Kelly offers a slightly more feminine spelling with the '-ie' ending. Kellie reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1980s but has gradually declined since then. It carries connotations of strength and brightness while maintaining a friendly, approachable quality. The name remains recognizable but is now less common for newborns, giving it a distinctive quality for those who bear it.

Megan was one of the first trendy names to spawn lots of spelling variations and this form of the name is less popular than its streamlined counterpart, but nevertheless familiar to those in the English speaking world. A variant of Margaret, the name was rarely heard outside of Wales before the mid-20th century.

Nicola, an elegant Latinate feminization of Nicholas, has long been standard issue for English girls but for some reason has never voyaged across the Atlantic, which we consider a pity, especially as Nicole's standing has waned.

Valorie is a feminine name representing a variation of Valerie, which derives from the Latin 'Valerius,' meaning 'strong' or 'healthy.' This spelling with an 'o' instead of an 'e' gives the classic name a slightly unique touch while maintaining its traditional pronunciation. Valorie peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s but has since become less common, giving it a vintage charm. The name carries associations with strength and valor from its Latin roots, making it appealing for parents seeking a name with both substance and gentle femininity. Valorie balances familiarity with distinction in its slightly unconventional spelling.