Names That Are Variations

A pretty and fresh-sounding variation of the Christmasy classic Noelle. Several spelling variations were used for a handful of babies in recent years, including Noeli, Noellie, Noely, and Noelie.

In the US, the more traditional Yusuf is more popular choice.

A top choice in Italy.

While we still can't see Hilda coming back any time soon, it's conceivable that this Italian version could ride the coattails of Ella, Elena and Ellery to broader popularity.

Ewart has long been extinct as a first name, and the prominent placement of "ew" and "wart" probably has something to do with it. Ewart originated as a Norman form of Edward and an occupational surname name. The surname was related to the Middle English word ewehirde, from the Old English components meaning "ewe" and "herdsman."

The way Wilhelm is pronounced anyway, so a pointless spelling variation.

Central European form of Timothy, falling in popularity in Slovenia.

Musician Ry Cooder brought this short form into the lexicon -- his full name is Ryland -- and it feels more familiar now that more Ry- beginning names such as Ryder and Riley are, ahem, riding up the ranks. The Rye spelling makes it more of a word or a nature name and less of a nickname.

Maliah is a spelling variation of former First Daughter's name Malia and has seen some use since it first appeared on the US Top 1000 in 2009.

There will probably be lots of little namesakes after the fastest man in the world, Jamaican Olympic runner Usain Bolt--middle name St. Leo.

On the Latino Hit Parade, heard much more often than the English version.

Modernized spelling not enough to revive Karen.

A super quirky and upbeat choice, if it can ever shake off its ubiquitous-guy Woody Allen identity.

A simple and appealing multi-cultural form of John.

Estonian cognate of Yuri, the Russian form of George.

This variation of Jayla had one of the highest increases in popularity between 2012 and 2013.

Surname name Grayson has become quite popular in recent years, bringing with it Gray, Grey, Greyson, and, yes, Graysen.

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

One of the few versions of Elizabeth that hasn't translated here.

A classic form of George in Slovenia, although up-and-comer Jurij has now eclipsed Jure in popularity.