Alternate Spellings

  1. 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.
  2. Malloree
    • Description:

      Malloree is a variant spelling of Mallory, a name with Norman French origins derived from the Old French 'maloret,' meaning 'unfortunate' or 'unlucky.' Despite its somewhat inauspicious meaning, the name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the late 20th century. This specific spelling variation with the double 'e' ending emerged as parents sought more distinctive versions of familiar names. The modified spelling gives the name a more elaborate, feminine appearance while maintaining the same pronunciation as Mallory. Less common than the traditional spelling, Malloree appeals to parents who appreciate the sound and style of Mallory but desire a more unique presentation for their daughter.

  3. 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.
  4. Melodie
    • Description:

      Melodie is a feminine name that represents a French-influenced spelling variation of Melody. Derived from Greek elements 'melos' (song) and 'oide' (ode), the name literally means 'song' or 'music.' This spelling variation adds a touch of European elegance to the musical name. Melodie gained modest popularity during the mid-20th century when musical names were trending. The name evokes qualities of harmony, creativity, and artistic expression. With its soft consonants and flowing vowel sounds, Melodie itself sounds musical when pronounced. While not as common as the 'Melody' spelling in English-speaking countries, this variant maintains its appeal for parents seeking a slightly distinctive twist on a recognizable and meaningful name with inherent musicality.
  5. 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.

  6. Niele
    • Description:

      Niele is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from Lithuanian mythology, where Niele (or Nyola) was associated with the underworld. Alternatively, it could be related to Neil or Niall, Celtic names meaning 'champion' or 'cloud.' In some contexts, it appears as a rare variant of Daniel. Niele has a gentle, flowing quality while maintaining masculine characteristics. The name remains extremely uncommon in most countries, making it a distinctive choice. Its obscurity gives parents an opportunity to select a name with ancient mythological connections yet a contemporary sound. The brevity and melodic quality of Niele make it accessible despite its rarity, appealing to those seeking a name that's both unusual and straightforward to pronounce.

  7. Odilia
    • Origin:

      Germanic
    • Meaning:

      "wealth, fortune"
    • Description:

      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.
  8. Peighton
    • Description:

      Peighton is a masculine variation of the name Payton, which originated as an English surname derived from a place name meaning "Pæga's town" or "Pæga's settlement." The distinctive spelling with "eigh" reflects the modern trend of creating unique orthographic variants of traditional names. While Payton/Peyton have been used for both genders, they gained particular popularity as feminine names in the 1990s. The masculine use of Peighton maintains the name's sophisticated sound while setting it apart with its spelling. Despite its relative rarity for boys, it carries the appealing qualities of strength and distinction associated with surname-based given names.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.

  11. Reignbeau
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "rainbow"
    • Description:

      Melodramatic wordplay name coined by actor Ving Rhames for his daughter.
  12. Renae
    • Origin:

      Variation of Renee
    • Meaning:

      "reborn"
    • Description:

      This spelling makes a dated name slighly more modern.
  13. Riese
    • Description:

      Riese is a masculine name of German origin, derived from the word 'riese' meaning 'giant' or 'enormous one.' It embodies strength, power, and an impressive presence. The name can also be connected to Old English 'rise,' referring to someone who 'rises above' or shows excellence. As a surname-turned-first-name, Riese maintains a dignified quality while being uncommon enough to be distinctive. Though not widely used as a first name, Riese appeals to parents seeking a strong, concise name with Germanic roots. Its straightforward pronunciation and spelling combined with its powerful meaning make it an increasingly appealing choice for boys in contemporary naming trends.

  14. Rylee
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Riley, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "courageous"
    • Description:

      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.
  15. Shayne
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Shane
    • Description:

      Why add the y.
  16. Shon
    • Description:

      Shon is a masculine name that functions as a variant spelling of Sean, Shaun, or Shawn. All these forms ultimately derive from the Irish name John, meaning 'God is gracious.' This shorter, streamlined spelling gives the name a modern, direct quality. Shon gained some popularity in the United States during the latter half of the 20th century but has remained less common than other variants. The name carries the friendly, approachable quality of its more popular counterparts while offering a distinct spelling. Shon is typically pronounced identically to 'Shawn,' maintaining the single-syllable sound that gives the name its straightforward, masculine appeal.

  17. Shyanne
    • Origin:

      Variation of Cheyenne
    • Meaning:

      "people of a different language"
    • Description:

      Shy Anne? The original place-name spelling Cheyenne is preferable to this phonetic and slyly jokey spelling in every way.
  18. Sunya
    • Description:

      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.
  19. Teel
    • Description:

      See TEAL.
  20. Tigan
    • Description:

      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.