User-created list
By little_billie · Updated May 2023
Across 8 pages
of 8
Danish variation of Katherine or Karen
"pure"
Karin was a fairly popular spelling variation of Karen in the US but fell off the Top 1000 in the late 80s, as Karen's popularity wained. Today, the Karen meme interferes with the otherwise appealing…
Greek
"rock, stone"
A strong Greek name with pan-European charm, Petra is a relatively recent feminization of Peter, though it relates back to an incredible ancient city in Jordan that was rediscovered in the early…
Juergen is a masculine name of German origin, representing an alternative spelling of Jürgen, which itself is the German form of George. The name ultimately derives from Greek 'georgos,' meaning…
German
"traveling wolf"
A name with plenty of grandeur, but a playful nickname, Wolfgang blends sophistication, wildness, and gothic imagery. While it may feel surprising in this century, it does have an allure for those…
Feminine variation of Cornelius, Latin
"horn"
In ancient Rome, Cornelia was considered the paragon of womanly virtue, making it a handsome name with an excellent pedigree. It's rare today, so if you want a name no one else is using, somewhat…
Hebrew
"date palm tree"
Adding a final a to Tamar lends it a more sensual Slavic tone, making it a more popular choice than the original.
Georg is a masculine name representing the Germanic and Scandinavian form of George, ultimately derived from the Greek name Georgios (Γεώργιος), meaning "farmer" or "earth-worker" from the elements…
French, feminine variation of Denis
"god of Nysa"
Denise was a French favorite of the fifties and sixties but is less chic now. In 2020 it broke back into the Top 1000 after a five-year hiatus, catapulted into style by reality TV star Denisse Novoa…
Scandinavian; Finnish; Slovene; Croatian; Serbian, from Russian
"grace"
Anja is one of the most international of several versions of Ann/Anna now being imported, also including Anya and Annika. Anja is heard in several European cultures, including Germany, the…
German variation of Madeline; combination of Mary and Magdalen
Marlene Dietrich made it famous when she condensed her first two names, Maria and Magdalena. Now more often pronounced with two syllables rather than three.
Scandinavian variation of Brighid
"strength"
Birgit is pronounced with a hard ' g ' and is one of the many international versions of the Irish Bridget. Birgit Nilsson was a celebrated Swedish operatic soprano.
French
"reborn"
Though it's used for boys, most non-French people would hear it as a girls’ name . Most would be surprised to learn that Rene has always charted in the US Top 1000 for boys.
Spanish, feminine variation of Emmanuel
"God is with us"
Manuela is one feminine form that's more energetic than the male original, and is worth considering if you're seeking an easily assimilated Spanish name. In the 1948 film The Pirate , set in the…
German, Dutch, Scandinavian, and Estonian variation of John
"God is gracious"
An Old World name that might have a chance to rise again with other ancient and worldly forms. Be sure to say yo-HAHN-es.
Diminutive of Elizabeth
"God is my oath"
Bettina is a dainty ballerina version of Betty, that has not been heard much since its 1950s-60s heyday. Bettina appeared in the Danielle Steele novel Loving, and in real life as one of Grace Kelly's…
"strong, brave as a bear"
Popular throughout Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Scandinavia, Bernhard has maintained its classic appeal for centuries. Several notable figures have carried this distinguished name, including…
Italian
"dear little one"
Carina is a pretty delicately feminine name whose fall from popularity is not helped by its similarity to hurricane name Katrina or slang victim Karen.
Kerstin is a feminine Scandinavian name, particularly popular in Sweden, serving as the Nordic form of Christina. Derived from Christian roots, it ultimately means 'follower of Christ.' Introduced to…
Tanja is a feminine name with Slavic and Germanic roots. It's a variant of Tanya, which itself is a diminutive of the Russian Tatiana, originally derived from the Roman family name Tatius. The name…
Variation of Jasmine, a Persian flower name
"jasmine flower"
Jasmin doesn't have the grace of Jasmine (which in 2016 ranked at 122 in the US Top 1000), but it is far more preferable to the trendier versions doing the rounds like Jazmin or Jazzmyn. If you are…
