Alternate Spellings
- Adecyn
Origin:
English, phonetic spelling of Addison, EnglishMeaning:
"son of Adam"Description:
As soon as a name becomes mega-popular, parents start to look for spelling variations to set their child apart. This is one of the less graceful ones.
- Daven
Description:
Daven is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may be an Anglicized form of the Irish name Damhan (pronounced DAV-awn), meaning 'little stag,' or possibly a variant of Davin, a diminutive of David. In Hebrew, where David originates, the meaning is 'beloved.' The name has also gained some usage as a modern invented name, appreciated for its contemporary sound while maintaining a traditional feel. Daven has risen in popularity since the 1970s but remains relatively uncommon, giving it distinction without being completely unfamiliar. The name carries a strong yet accessible quality, with its two-syllable structure and familiar sounds making it easy to pronounce across cultures. Parents might choose Daven for its subtle connection to traditional names while still offering a fresh alternative to more common choices like David or Devin.
- Londyn
Origin:
Spelling variation of London, place nameDescription:
Londyn is now a more popular name than the original London for girls. Some parents feel that varying the spelling nudges the name away from over-identification with the British capitol. Substituting a y for another vowel is also seen by some as more feminine. For boys, London is five times as popular as Londyn -- though both variations are far more popular for girls.
- Hew
Description:
Hew is a masculine name of Scottish origin, traditionally considered a variant of Hugh, which derives from the Germanic element 'hug' meaning 'heart,' 'mind,' or 'spirit.' In Scottish usage, Hew has existed as a distinct name in its own right for centuries, particularly common in medieval and renaissance Scotland among nobles and common folk alike. This short, strong name carries a distinctly Celtic heritage while remaining simple and unpretentious. Though rare in modern usage, Hew has never completely disappeared, maintaining a quiet presence particularly in families with Scottish connections. The name's brevity gives it a contemporary appeal despite its ancient roots, fitting modern preferences for concise, straightforward names with historical depth.
- Abbigail
Origin:
Spelling variation of Abigail, HebrewMeaning:
"my father is joyful"Description:
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.
- Daymen
Description:
Daymen is a masculine name with modern origins, likely a variation of Damian or Damon, or possibly a combination of 'day' with 'men.' The name has a contemporary feel with its distinctive spelling while maintaining familiar phonetic elements. Daymen might be interpreted as carrying positive associations with daylight, suggesting brightness, clarity, and new beginnings. This uncommon name began appearing in usage during the late 20th century but remains relatively rare. Its two-syllable structure creates a balanced, strong-sounding masculine name that's distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell. The 'ay' vowel combination gives it a bright, open sound quality. Daymen represents the modern trend of creating variant spellings or hybrid names that feel both fresh and familiar.
- Cydney
Origin:
Spelling variation of SydneyDescription:
Unnecessary complication.
- Shayne
Origin:
Spelling variation of ShaneDescription:
Why add the y.
- Marjory
Description:
Marjory is a feminine name derived from the medieval French form of Margaret, which comes from the Greek word "margarites" meaning "pearl." This charming variation gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the late Middle Ages and saw peaks of usage in the early 20th century. Marjory exudes a vintage elegance and literary quality, partly due to its association with Scottish history and notable women including Marjory Bruce, daughter of Robert the Bruce. While less common today than in previous generations, the name maintains a timeless appeal with its soft sounds and historical depth. Alternative spellings include Margery and Marjorie, with the latter being more commonly used in modern times.
- Evlin
Description:
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.
- Bryanna
Origin:
Feminine of BryanDescription:
A confusing looking name—is it BRY-anna or BREE-anna? There are other feminine variants of Bryan/Brian which look less made up, such as Brianna and Breanna. We recommend looking into those choices to avoid pronunciation issues.
- Neena
Description:
Neena is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Hindi, it relates to "Nina" meaning "pretty eyes" or can represent the name of the goddess Durga. In Spanish contexts, it may derive from "niña" meaning "little girl." The name also exists as a variant spelling of Nina, which has roots in various languages including Russian (short for Antonina) and Native American Quechua (meaning "fire"). Neena offers a simple yet distinctive two-syllable pronunciation (NEE-nah) that works well across multiple languages. The name gained modest popularity in the late 20th century and maintains steady usage today. Parents often choose Neena for its multicultural appeal, gentle sound, and straightforward spelling that still feels somewhat uncommon compared to more traditional options.
- Phinehas
Description:
Phinehas is a masculine name of Hebrew origin from the Bible, where Phinehas was the grandson of Aaron and known for his zealous defense of God's covenant. The name may derive from the Egyptian term meaning 'the Nubian' or possibly from Hebrew elements meaning 'mouth of brass.' This distinctively biblical name carries strong religious connotations of devotion, righteousness, and moral courage. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, Phinehas has maintained consistent but rare presence among devout Christian and Jewish families seeking names with strong spiritual significance. The name experienced a slight increase in usage with the rise of unique biblical names in the early 2000s. Despite its ancient origins, Phinehas has a distinctive quality that sets it apart from more common biblical choices.
- Jeronimo
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese form of Hieronymus or JeromeMeaning:
"scared name"Description:
An anglicized spelling of the Spanish and Portuguese form of Jerome.
- Cristen
Origin:
Variation of KristenDescription:
Kind of a Kristen/Christine compromise name that makes less of either choice.
- Eliut
Description:
Eliut is a masculine name with potential Hebrew or Spanish origins. It may be a variant of Eliot/Elliot (from the Hebrew Elijah, meaning 'Jehovah is God') or possibly related to the Spanish name Eliud. The name has biblical connections, as Eliud appears in the Gospel of Matthew's genealogy of Jesus. With its distinctive yet accessible sound, Eliut combines the popular 'Eli' prefix with a short, strong ending. Though uncommon in mainstream name rankings, Eliut has seen some usage in Hispanic communities and among families seeking biblical names with a contemporary feel. The name carries a sense of distinction while remaining pronounceable and familiar-sounding to most English speakers, offering a balance between uniqueness and accessibility.
- Madilynn
Origin:
Spelling variation of Madelyn, meaning "from Magdala" or "high tower"Meaning:
"high tower"Description:
This variation of Madelyn has the trendier -nn suffix and ranks lower than the single -n ending.
- Perceval
Description:
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.
- Agyness
Origin:
Invented variation of Agnes, GreekMeaning:
"pure, virginal"Description:
When British beauty Laura Hollin morphed into supermodel Agyness Deyn, she created a name few others would want to adopt.
- Korey
Origin:
Spelling variation of CoreyDescription:
See COREY.