Names That Are Variations

A modern twist on Michelle spotlighted by Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols.

Begs for the guttural pronunciation that's a problem in this culture.

A Scandinavian up-and-comer taken directly from Norse mythology. Iðunn was the goddess of apples, fertility, and youth. Idun is another common spelling.

Many Puerto Rican girl names with an extra H are variations of Basque names, such as Nahiara, a form of Naiara, and Ainhara, which comes from Ainara. There is a popular Spanish Instagram influencer named Ainhara.

Devri derived both as a variant of the Hebrew name Devra, related to Deborah, and as an independent Greek name. With Deborah and Debbie firmly in grandma territory, Devri would be a lovely and modern honorific.

This rare Russian name ultimately derives from the masculine Greek name Kyriakos.

Gilding the lily.

Seosaimhín is the Gaelic form of Josephine, most notably borne by traditional Irish singer Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich.

Adela is a common girls' name throughout Europe — this version is authentically Czech.

One of the most popular Turkish girl names of the past generation.

Greek variation of Candace used in the Bible.

Not even if your husband is named Ron.

A classic reimagined. Noemia is a very feminine elaboration of Naomi, also spelled Noémia in Portugal and Brazil.

Germans spell Stephanie with an f though the i ending is not traditional. Lady Gaga dropped the Stefani and No Doubt's Gwen sports is as a surname. Despite the celebrity connections, we say if you want to name your daughter Stephanie, name her Stephanie.

The spelling of Leo typically used in Iceland and Hungary. Leó is a Top 50 name in Iceland.

Variation of Ludwig.

Attractive twist on Middle Eastern favorite -- with further twists listed below.

A German surname you do NOT want to use as a first.

Intriguing short form of Guilherme, heard in Portugal and Brazil. Guion Bluford was the first African American to go to space.