Names That Are Variations

Although we think Scarlett is plenty feminine enough without the girly -ette suffix, this variation entered the US Top 1000 in 2011, where it remained for more than a decade. In 2023, it dropped off the list, however, it was still given to 240 girls that same year.

The traditional Scarlett is used 26 times more often its more elaborate counterpart, but Scarlette could could have the plus side of drawing people's eyes away from the "Scar" syllable and onto the second part of the name. For anyone hoping to use nickname Lettie, Ettie, or Etta - or plan to use it to honor a Charlotte - this form could be more appealing.

Like twins Helene and Elaine, a relic of the 1930s to 40s French Renaissance of names.

A venerable name closer to MELISSA than the original MILLICENT.

A vintage Finnish name most common in the early 20th century.

Less familiar than Giorgio or Giovanni, Giuliano has a lot of captivating Latin charm.

This distinctive variation was chosen for their third daughter by the Eddie Murphys.

This very unusual name, also related to Hannah, was chosen for his daughter by Vin Diesel.

Cool Finnish name ripe for import.

Nouveau spelling remained in the US Top 300 for all of the 1990s. With the traditional spelling still a highly popular choice, a child bearing the Nickolas version could be accused of misspelling his own name.

A fresh, Italianized take on the Hebrew classic Emmanuel. But beware of the similarities to the feminine name Emmanuelle.

The more popular Aiden becomes, the more spelling variations we see in the Top 1000. This version was as high as Number 271 in 2009, though we recommend choosing a different spelling if you're set on this uber-popular moniker.

As the ancient saint's name Cassian becomes more widely known and more popular, variations will proliferate. Kasian is one but creates pronunciation questions.

Ilena-style variants have all been considered more stylish than Helen for many years.

One case where the English version -- Josephine -- is far preferable.

Much less popular than the original spelling of Jocelyn, though still given to over 100 baby girls in the US last year. While it might be tempting to go with this more phonetic spelling, we recommend sticking with the traditional name.

The Arthur variation preferred in Portugal and across much of Eastern Europe. It’s a truly international name, and one that would be easy to wear in the US as well.

Finella and cousin Fenella, which are found most often in Scotland, would make pleasing imports.

Anno is an extreme rarity: a simple, familiar-sounding name with deep history that is completely unknown in the US and rare in its native Germany. Anno is the name of a saint also known as Hanno, a 10th century archbishop of Cologne also known as Hanno of Worms.

The advantage of Orsa over the arguably-more-attractive Ursula is that it breaks the tie to the hideous she-witch of The Little Mermaid. Orsa definitely feels more ready for modern life now that brother name Orson is on the rise.

Rhythmic form of popular name, chosen by actor Stanley Tucci for his son.