Names That Are Variations

Ožbej broke into the Slovenian charts in 2004 but has been given to, at most, 52 boys in a single year (2012).

A Top 10 classic in the Czech Republic.

See EUGENE.

This simple unisex Vietnamese name has multiple possible meanings, including "hero", "petal", "brave", "bright", depending on the characters used to write it.

Basque alternative to Paddy or Pat

This variant of the more popular spellings swaps out the -ie ending for a y, though the result is a name that is more reminiscent of Italy than a girl's name. While it has ranked in the US Top 1000 since 2004, it sits a couple hundred spots behind Nathalie (Number 670), and it pales in comparison to the constant Natalie (Number 31).

Charming way to freshen up Jacob.

The Estonian form on Heinrich would make a one-of-a-kind choice in the US — it's never placed on the American charts.

Currently the most common variation of Peter in Iceland for baby boys — the other being Pétur.

Although Thaddeus has long been used in this country, Thaddea is almost unknown and, with its air of mystery, could make a distinctive choice.

Intriguing Russian possibility, even though proper pronunciation would not be obvious. Ilya might be a more manageable option.

The preferred Estonian spelling of Yekaterina, the Russian variation of Katherine.

Mitrofan comes from the obscure Greek name Metrophanes. It is primarily used as a first name but is also seen as a surname in countries such as Romania.

Variation of Ludovicus.

Singer Alanis Morisette may have made the one-n version of this name more famous, but like the other Alan feminization Alana or Alanna, the spelling can go either way.

Josephe is much less well-known in the English-speaking world than Josephine or Joanna.

When the Danish author Karen Blixen chose Isak Dinesen as her male pseudonym, she set a precedent that could well be followed today.

Clarry can be used on its own or as a nickname of Clarence. It can also be a girls name, sometimes spelled Clari.