Names That Are Variations

Low German variation of Agnes still used today in America's Amish communities.

A common name among Turkey's Muslim population.

These early versions of Eleanor are still sometimes found today.

Woody Allen introduced us to the name Zelig as the ever-morphing title character of his 1983 film. Zelig does have an upbeat meaning, and nickname Zelie makes it accessible for a girl, though it's an undeniably quirky choice for either gender.

Lively Russian choice born by several saints.

This Shakespearean name is even more out of step than its male counterpart, but it may possibly be so far out it could make its way back in.

Kakalina may have a sound that invites ridicule, but it's the Hawaiian form of Katherine.

Stick with the original—the K and E substitutions are not doing this name any favors.

Gertha hasn't been seen since 1971, and it's unlikely to make a comeback.

With Harmony on the rise, this spelling variation is getting some attention as well. It was a newcomer to the US Top 1000 in 2015.

Countless variations of Elizabeth have been used around the world for centuries, from Elspeth to Isabella to Betty. Elsabet is a version that is popular in Ethiopia, often with the sweet and stylish nicknames Elsa or Elsi.

Natalino is the jaunty Italian male nickname for the gender-neutral Natale. And it has that fashionable o ending. Natalino might work as a nickname for Nathaniel too.

Alve is rising up the ranks in Sweden, but neither it nor Alf will be featured on American birth certificates anytime soon.

Žiga is a former Top 10 name in Slovenia, where it peaked at Number 3 in 2010.

The Turkish form of Khadija, an important Muslim name connected to the first wife of Prophet Muhammed in the Quran. Double-barreled Hatice Kübra also makes the Turkish Top 100.

Arkadina was thrust into the limelight as one of the (many) middle names of Uma Thurman and Arpad Busson's little girl. The Slavic or Russian feminine form of Arkady, which is derived from the ancient Greek name Arkadios, is the equivalent of the English Arcadia -- a heavenly place. For most English speakers, the Arcadia form would be more compatible.