Names That Are Variations

Faigy is notable as New York State's quirkiest favorite name, widely-used in the Hasidic community.

More user-friendly than the original.

The K-spelling of Carter has been in the boys' Top 1000 since 2005. In 2014, Karter cracked the girls' Top 1000, too. Karter joins the plethora of surnames turned boys' names that are now entering the world of girls' names as well. This particular one also has the trendy Kardashian-Esque "K" beginning. The Carter spelling entered the Top 1000 for girls around the same time but currently sits higher up in the charts, hovering just around the Top 500.

Many C forms of this name are becoming more popular, from Cassia for girls to Cassian, Cassius, and Caspian for boys, so Kass feels more possible today too. And Kassia and Kassiani are both intriguing longer forms.

Federica is the Latin version of Frederica, one of those formerly stuffy female names -- think Josephine and Eleanor -- that feels fresh and elegant again. And Federica has more energy without that first r.

Benuel is an Amish name that has only ever appeared on the Pennsylvania charts.

Top 50 pick in Slovenia, where it is a form of Aeneas, the mythological son of Venus. Anej peaked in Slovenia in 2007, when it ranked Number 15.

An attractive Finnish name with the potential to cross borders.

In Turkey, Izel is used for baby boys in the Jewish community. As a feminine name, it's a variation of the Yiddish Eidel.

Airini is the Maori transliteration of the name Eirene, whcih comes from the Greek goddess of peace. A notable bearer of this name is nineteenth century Maori rights activist Airini Donnelly.

Volodymyr, once a name unknown to most Americans, is now on everyone's lips due to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy bears a common Ukrainian name for his generation. Currently in Ukraine, the most popular baby names for boys are Maksym (Максим), Ivan (Іван), and Matviy (Матвій). The more fashionable Vlad- name for babies is Vladyslav, although President Zelenskyy may soon be a namesake for an influx of infants named in honor of his heroism.

Pretty and unusual translation of Bella.

Made famous by actress Idina Menzel, of "Rent" and "Wicked" fame.

Lexus, an automotive newcomer, has recently entered the Top 1000 -- more because of its association, we fear, with the status symbol car than its relation to the name Alexis. If you love this name, do your child a favor and make it Alexis or at least spell it Lexis.

Countless notable figures from Polish history, and one America's Next Top Model contestant, have used this version of Catherine, made extra spicy by that "zy." Those interested in honoring a relative with the name might want to consider Kasia, Katarzyna's lovely (and much more English-friendly) nickname.

A very Christmas-y Christmas baby name, that may avoid the Santa image by instead adopting the alternative spelling Klaus.

Has followed mother name Maureen off the radar screen.

Mendel is an Old World Jewish name that is also the surname of the founder of genetics.

Common transcription of Maria throughout Europe.

Like other "ee" names, Bailee is starting to lose its shine, slowly slipping down the charts.