Alternate Spellings

When traditional spellings just aren't cool enough.
  1. Klara
    • Origin:

      German, Russian, Polish, Scandinavian variation of Clara
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Fae
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Faye, English
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Hanna
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Hannah
    • Description:

      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.
  4. Graeme
    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Graham
    • Meaning:

      "gravelly homestead"
    • Description:

      An interesting vowel combination lightens up Graham.
  5. Henri
    • Origin:

      French and Finnish variation of Henry, German
    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"
    • Description:

      The chic Euro spelling of Henry is rising along with the original form.
  6. 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.

  7. Charley
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Charlie, French
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  8. Odilia
    • Origin:

      Germanic
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  9. 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.
  10. Londyn
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of London, place name
    • Description:

      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.
  11. Renae
    • Origin:

      Variation of Renee
    • Meaning:

      "reborn"
    • Description:

      This spelling makes a dated name slighly more modern.
  12. Journee
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Journey, English word name
    • Meaning:

      "travel or passage from one place to another"
    • Description:

      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.
  13. 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.
  14. Fenix
    • Origin:

      Variation of Phoenix, Spanish, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  15. Zoie
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Zoe; Greek
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  16. Islay
    • Origin:

      Scottish place-name
    • Description:

      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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.

  19. 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.
  20. 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.

Introducing the Nameberry App

Nameberry App
Find your perfect baby name together with our new mobile 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.
Sign up to be notified when the app launches and to receive a discount on full access.
Nameberry App Logo