Names That Are Variations

The fashion for elaborate girly-girl names, especially those that end with -ella or -ana, has put this distinctive Latin favorite into play.

An underused Biblical name, probably because it's so tightly identified with the Queen of gospel singers, Mahalia Jackson. Other variations include Mahalah, Mahayla, Mahila, Mahilia, Mehalia, Mahali, and Mahalya.

Malea, for familiar to Americans spelled Malia as in Malia Obama, is a Top 100 name in Germany and Switzerland. In the US, only about 40 baby girls were named Malea last year, versus 1100 named Malia.

Carlota is the preferred version of Charlotte in Spain and Portugal, each where it ranks among the Top 50 most popular girl names. Carlotta, with two Ts, is the Italian spelling.

This spelling variation of the Biblical place-name Sela is found on early American census roles, but Sela is more usual today. Cela is another early variation. Cella may also be a variation of Cilla, short for Priscilla, or Celia.

The popularity of Aiden has sparked many creative spellings - this one is understandably towards the bottom of the Top 1000.

Also related to the word for wolf, this name has a first syllable that's not appealing to the American ear. Better ic-ending choices: Dominic, Frederic, Eric.

In Slavic cultures, Saint Vitus is called Sveti Vid, making this a saintly appellation.

Friendly and charming international variation of Matthew, common in Estonia.

This form of Alannah was derived directly from the Gaelic term a leanbh, meaning "child." Though not as popular as the more traditional Alana spelling, it has consistently charted in the US since 2007. Alannah Myles is popularizing this spelling of Alana.

Tyrell is kind of part Tyrone or Tyler, part Terrell, but less than the sum of those parts.

This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.

This Danish variation of Celia / Cecilia is quite popular in Denmark in recent years.

Central European form of Matthew.

These days Albrecht is mostly seen as a surname, although it was historically a well-used first name in Germany. The surname was derived from the given name.

Streamlined spelling found all across Europe. The Spanish Filipo has extra zip.

Brought into the mix by actress Tea (born Elizabeth Tea) Leoni, an attractive feminine option in the Mia/Lea mode. If you feel the need to lengthen it, you could go to Teadora or Teodora.

Lacks the vintage charm of the original Arabella, but with the love for all names Bella, it might appeal to some.

A warm, sunny, and extremely rare name, even within its native France. Idalie would be especially perfect to honor an Ida.

Pronounced as the English word joy, rather than as the French phrase joie de vivre, Joie might produce more complications than joy.