Alternate Spellings
- Charley
Origin:
Spelling variation of Charlie, FrenchMeaning:
"free man"Description:
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.
- Fenix
Origin:
Variation of Phoenix, Spanish, GreekMeaning:
"dark red"Description:
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.
- Klara
Origin:
German, Russian, Polish, Scandinavian variation of ClaraMeaning:
"light"Description:
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.
- Fae
Origin:
Spelling variation of Faye, EnglishMeaning:
"fairy"Description:
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.
- Henri
Origin:
French and Finnish variation of Henry, GermanMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
The chic Euro spelling of Henry is rising along with the original form.
- Odilia
Origin:
GermanicMeaning:
"fatherland; 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.
- Hanna
Origin:
Spelling variation of HannahDescription:
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Anastasie
Description:
Anastasie is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from 'anastasis' meaning 'resurrection.' It's the French form of Anastasia, a name with deep historical and religious significance in Orthodox Christianity. The name was popularized by Saint Anastasia, a 4th-century Christian martyr. Anastasie carries an elegant, sophisticated quality with its French styling and historical depth. While more common in French-speaking regions than in English-speaking countries, it provides a distinctive alternative to the more familiar Anastasia. The name evokes images of European refinement and classical beauty, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical resonance and a touch of international flair.
- Graeme
Origin:
Scottish variation of GrahamMeaning:
"gravelly homestead"Description:
An interesting vowel combination lightens up Graham.
- Alise
Origin:
Latvian or English variation of AliceDescription:
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.
- Zoie
Origin:
Spelling variation of Zoe; GreekMeaning:
"life"Description:
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Islay
Origin:
Scottish place-nameDescription:
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.
- Kaydence
Origin:
Variation of Cadence, word nameDescription:
We'd prefer to stick with the more-familiar Cadence and avoid the overly trendy Kay- prefix.
- Doon
Description:
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.
- Shayne
Origin:
Spelling variation of ShaneDescription:
Why add the y.
Introducing the Nameberry App
- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.