Names That Are Variations

Stavra is the female version of the classic Greek name Stavros, sometimes erroneously anglified as Stephanie (which means crown) or Stella (star).

Like Martina, this Dutch variation is related to Mars, the Roman God of war.

This feminine diminutive of John from the Isle of Man is also sometimes used as a variant of Judith. Still, we think it is as attractive as Thomasina or Jacoba -- that is, not very.

Akela is one of the unisex names used in Hawaii to signify Anglo choices: in Akela's case, Asher for boys or Adela for girls.

A pretty and unusual spin on Maria.

Amadej is the Slovene version of Amadeus, perhaps best known as the middle name of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

So many names sound better with a French accent, and Petronille is one of them -- it feels unusual in an elegant way. But in the US, you'd have to be adventurous to choose it.

You mean like Timothee Chalomet? Yes, like Timothee Chalomet.

Bethenny is the spelling introduced to the world by and closely associated with Real Housewife of New York Bethenny Frankel. While the name has a bit of charm, we recommend sticking with the original Bethany spelling.

The common translation of Dorothea in Central Europe.

With the increasing popularity of Cameron, we've seen more and more creative spellings—including this one, which may be influenced by rapper Cam'ron.

Elzie was given to 16 baby girls in the US last year, almost certainly as a spelling variation of the increasingly popular sweet nickname Elsie, a diminutive of Elizabeth.

Masculine form of Beata.

This Scandinavian spin on Christopher gives that enduring classic a lighter, more individual twist, though many may see it as simply a kree8iv spelling.

Quame is an Anglicization of the Ghanaian Akan name Kwame. In West Africa, it is traditional to name your child after the day of the week on which they were born. The feminine equivalent is Mimba, a variation of Ama.

Disproportionately common among the American Amish.