Kool Kardashian Spellings

K-beginnings are often substituted for Cs, and this spelling is definitely finding favor with many parents, among them skateboarding legend Tony Hawk. However, sometimes the original is the best - we suggest sticking to the still unusual Cadence.

Original form of the more familiar Calliope, the muse of epic poetry. A calliope is a musical instrument sometimes called the steam organ, frequently found on carousels. With its rhythmic sound, this is one name that embodies its meaning.

Kally is a feminine name that emerged as a diminutive form of names like Kalliope, Katherine, or Kayla. With Greek roots, particularly from 'Kalliope' meaning 'beautiful voice,' Kally offers a friendly, approachable alternative to more formal names. This sweet, spunky variation gained modest popularity in the late 20th century as parents sought distinctive yet familiar-sounding names. Kally carries a cheerful, youthful quality while maintaining sophistication. In some cases, it may also appear as a spelling variant of Callie or Kelly. The name remains relatively uncommon, giving it a special uniqueness while still being easily pronounced and remembered, making it appealing to parents looking for something slightly unconventional yet accessible.

As a Top 600 name for girls for more than 20 years, Kamryn has become a widely-accepted version of the original Cameron. It also ranks just below the Top 1000 for boys too, though it is used three times more often on girls.

Karoline is the form of the classic Caroline commonly used in Germany and throughout Scandinavia, where it is popular. It's an acceptable if not traditional spelling variation, given to nearly 100 baby girls in the US last year, versus almost 3000 named Caroline.

Karys is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a modern variation of Karis (derived from the Greek word 'charis' meaning 'grace' or 'kindness') or related to the Welsh name Carys, meaning 'love.' Some also connect it to variations of Katherine or Caroline. With its modern spelling featuring the trendy 'y' substitution, Karys has a contemporary feel while maintaining roots in traditional naming patterns. This relatively uncommon name has seen modest usage in English-speaking countries in recent decades. Its brevity and pleasing sound, combined with meaningful potential origins related to love and grace, make it attractive to parents seeking a name that is distinctive yet accessible, with a gentle yet modern feminine quality.

One of the most popular of the trendy Caitlin variations, Katelyn points directly to components Kate and Lyn --making it a bit more traditionally feminine.

Although the Kathryn spelling feels like a modern streamlining of this ancient royal and saints' name, it is in fact found back through history. At least one of Henry the Eighth's unfortunately wives sometimes spelled her name as Kathryn.

Khloe's a variation of the popular Chloe, thanks to reality star Karshadian of the K-named family. Khloe jumped a whopping 101 places into 2009's Top 100 and peaked at 42 in 2010 but has declined in popularity in recent years.

Kiley is one of the more reasonable of the Kylie variations, which also include Kilea, Kilee, Kileigh, Kili, Kilie, Kylee, Kyley, Kyli, ad infinitum. Despite its similarity to the popular Riley, the high ranking Kylie will ensure that this choice comes with spelling confusion. For our part, we'd rather people stuck with the original Kylie, especially seeing as that is a Noongar Aboriginal word.

Kimberly's heyday was in the 1960s and 70s, when it ranked among the Top 10. While it hasn't been stylish for decades, it's evidenced more staying power than some former hot girl names, remaining among the Top 300 girl names in the US, where it's stood for 70 years.

German, Slavic and Scandinavian form of Clara, which is a Top 100 girl name in multiple European countries, including Austria, Croatia, Iceland and Poland. While Clara is fashionable in the US, the Klara spelling retains an Old World air.

This trendy spelling jumped 216 spots between 2012 and 2013, making it one of the fastest-rising names of the year. We predict it will continue to gain momentum, riding the popularity of more traditional Cora.

This spelling variation of Courtney has been popularized by celebrity Kourtney Kardashian.

Kris was once the ultimate cool cheerleader name, but now she's more likely to be a matriarch ala Kris Jenner.

Christine was one of the first megapopular C-to-K baby names, from Scandinavian variations such as Kristine and Kirsten to Kris, Kristy, and Kristy. While Kristine retains its krisply lovely sound, it's lost much of its kool.