Names That Are Variations

Spelled Noë, this name is common among baby girls in the Netherlands.

When Gail was popular, half a century ago, Gale was a plausible choice. Gale does put a slightly more masculine spin on the name, but it's dated in any version.

Together with the more common (in France) Jeannine spelling, this feminine form of Jean was most popular in the 1930s in its home country, and in the 1960s in the US. It's fallen off the Top 1000 list since, but perhaps cute retro nickname Jeannie could tempt some vintage-loving parents back.

A spelling variation of Evelyn for those who prefer the Irish form. Little Aibhilins might have to explain how to pronounce their name, but some may feel that it's worth it to choose a unique option.

Fabiola was the romantically elaborate name of a saint who organized the first hospice.

Isidore and variants are remarkably underused and ripe for revival, a la Theodore and company.

The whole Talulla, Talullah, Tallulah, Talula thing is very confusing, but basically the versions that have one l first are Irish and those with two are Native American. However you parse it, Talulla is an adorable name with ancient roots and a quirky, contemporary feel.

Jazara and Jahzara are fast-rising names following in the wake of Zara. Some sources say it's an authentic Amharic name, but Jazara is a modern American invention, combining the popular Ja- prefix with international favorite Zara.

Pleasant modernization of dated original.

Kardashian style transforms many traditional C names to Ks, and this is a kase in point.

An interesting and unusual member of the "Nic" family--far more distinctive than NICOLE or NICOLA.

In the US Amber is stuck in the '80s, while Ambre is a fresh choice in France.

Vanya is much more familiar.

Keon, a mashup of Kevin and Leon, has been in the Top 900 for a decade and a half, following in the wake of female cousin Kiana.

More streamlined – and more authentic – than Shawna.

A regal sounding name with a cool, trendy twist, Kaizer is a variation of the title given to the now-defunct German emperor. Deriving from Caesar (with the perhaps less appealing, hairy meaning), the traditional Kaiser spelling is in the US Top 1000. Given to around 330 boys each year, it is more than twice as popular as Kaizer.

Most parents would choose the more contemporary Simon.

Madelynn is the fourth most popular variation of this durably popular name, with Madelyn ranking first in the Top 100, Madeline dropping to the Number 2 spot, the French Madeleine taking third place, and Madelynn coming in fourth but still ranking in the Top 500.

Sounds like and is often confused with Asia, though it has an air of retro cool via the seminal Steely Dan album. Or, pronounced eye-ah, it can be an alternate spelling of the international favorite Aya.

Dan with a little something extra.