Alternate Spellings

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.

Now that Faye is back on the Top 1000 after a decades-long absence, its spelling variations are being revived as well. Fae was given to nearly as many baby girls last year as Fay and may be especially attractive as a middle name option.

This substitute spelling of Riley has been popular with parents for a decade. Rylee entered the charts in 1994, and is solidly within the Top 200 for the last 2 decades. Ryleigh is another spelling that has gained significant popularity.

Though it has never charted in the United States, this frilly name has the elements some brave, modern namers might find attractive—namely, the initial O and the -ia suffix.

An interesting vowel combination lightens up Graham.

Charlie and its many forms are on the rise -- including Charley, which relates more directly to the male formal name Charles. Surprisingly, though, while the number of girls and boys named Charlie are nearly even, there are six times as many girls named Charley than boys.

Evlin is a feminine name that appears to be a variation of Evelyn, with possible connections to Eve, meaning 'life,' or Aveline, an ancient Germanic name. This simplified spelling variant maintains the gentle sound of Evelyn while offering a more streamlined appearance. Evlin has seen occasional usage throughout Western countries but remains relatively uncommon compared to the more traditional Evelyn. The name has a delicate quality with its soft consonants and flowing sound. Evlin might appeal to parents who appreciate the classic nature of Evelyn but desire a more distinctive spelling. As with many variant spellings, its usage has fluctuated with changing naming fashions, though it has never reached widespread popularity. The name's simplicity and familiar sound make it accessible despite its relative rarity.

This simplified version is not nearly as popular as the original (it also destroys a perfectly good palindrome), and has been on the decline in recent years.

This spelling variation hasn't followed cousins Zoe and Zoey up the charts. Even though there are a number of feasible spellings, Zoie along with Zooey might cause some unwanted confusion.

Tigan is an uncommon feminine name with mysterious origins. It may have roots in several cultures: possibly derived from a Romanian surname, connected to the Romani word 'tigan,' or emerging from Welsh elements where 'teg' means 'fair' or 'beautiful.' Alternatively, it could be a modern invented name appreciated for its distinctive sound. Tigan has never reached mainstream popularity, remaining a rare choice that offers individuality and a contemporary feel. The name has a crisp, modern quality with its short two-syllable structure and strong consonants. Those drawn to Tigan often appreciate its uniqueness and the enigmatic quality it carries. The name suggests someone independent and unconventional, perhaps with an artistic or free-spirited nature.

About 60 girls were named Alise in the US last year, making it an uncommon but not truly rare name. While it's pretty and intriguing as a spin on the very popular Alice, it's pronounced more like Elise or -- in Latvian -- Elisa, and so may prove more confusing than it's worth. If you want to name your daughter Alice, name her Alice, and if you want to name her Elise, name her Elise. Choosing Alise in many ways gives you the worst of all worlds.

Fenix is a spelling variation of the place name and mythological name Phoenix, possibly inspired by the Romani form, Fennix, or the Spanish Fénix. Derived from Greek and meaning "dark red", the phoenix is an immortal bird that, having lived for a number of centuries, would be consumed by fire and rise from its own ashes.

As the French Esme becomes more popular, it will inevitably spawn spelling variations. This one, like Zoey or Layla, clarifies pronunciation, so while we prefer the original, that's not a bad thing.

Perceval is a masculine name with ancient Arthurian roots, originating from Welsh mythology and medieval romance literature. It comes from Old French "Perceval" or Welsh "Peredur," though its exact etymology remains debated - possibly meaning "pierce the valley" or "he who searches for the valley." Perceval was one of King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table and a central figure in the quest for the Holy Grail. This rare name carries an air of chivalry, heroism, and mysticism, evoking images of medieval quests and noble pursuits. While uncommon in modern usage, it appeals to parents seeking a name with literary significance and historical depth, particularly those drawn to Arthurian legends or medieval history.

The chic Euro spelling of Henry is rising along with the original form.

Islay is the name of a Hebridian island famous for its whisky. Don't be fooled by the "y" at the end - this name is pronounced exactly like the more well-known Isla.

With Journey becoming increasingly popular, it's no surprise that this alternative spelling is not far behind. However, you may be surprised to learn that in recent years, the Journee spelling has actually passed the original spelling in popularity — Journee is currently in the Top 200. This word name may be appealing to parents attracted to the idea of a spiritual -- or even an actual -- voyage.

A fast-rising variation of Abigail that was shooting up the popularity charts a few years ago, but whose star is now falling now that Abigail is not quite as hot as she once was.

Doon is a rare masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Scottish Gaelic 'dùn' meaning 'fort' or 'hill,' or possibly from Irish place names. The name could also be connected to the River Doon in Scotland, made famous in Robert Burns' poem 'The Banks o' Doon.' With its short, strong sound, Doon has a distinctive quality that's easy to pronounce and remember. Despite these appealing characteristics, it remains quite uncommon in most naming records. The name has literary connections through John Gregory Dunne's novel 'True Confessions,' which features a character named Doon. Its rarity gives it a unique appeal for parents seeking an uncommon name with natural or geographical associations.

Sunya is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it derives from 'śūnya' meaning 'zero' or 'emptiness,' representing the profound concept of void in Eastern philosophy—not as nothingness but as infinite potential. In Thai, Sunya (สุญญา) relates to similar concepts of emptiness or the absolute. The name has remained relatively uncommon in Western countries but carries deep philosophical significance. Sunya has a gentle, flowing pronunciation that appeals to parents seeking names with both meaningful etymology and pleasing sounds. Its cross-cultural nature makes it accessible while maintaining distinctiveness, appealing to families interested in names that reflect spiritual concepts or mathematical significance.