Names That Are Variations

A name sometimes used by Latino parents, perhaps relating to the popular Spanish TV mini-series of that name.

Often used in England, but here likely to be confused with the feminine Nicole. Nicol Williamson was a Scottish-born actor once described by playwright John Osborne as "the greatest actor since Marlon Brando".

Sounding both tomboyish and feminine at the same time, this name is mostly associated with actresses Joely Richardson and Joely Fisher.

Vivienna could be viewed as a Viviana variant or a combination of the names Vivian and Vienna.

Melker, a modern phonetic spelling of ancient Three Wise Men name Melchior, is in the Swedish Top 100 though not used in the US, where it would be heard as "milker." Nickname Mel is not exactly a fashionable choice at the moment either.

The sleek French version of Veronica has considerable class and chic.

An entirely Jewish form of David, with the handsome nickname Dov.

A fast-rising variation of Abigail that was shooting up the popularity charts a few years ago, but whose star is now falling now that Abigail is not quite as hot as she once was.

Italian form of Jeremiah, commonly used among Medieval Italian Jews.

The further you move away from the original Briana, the feminine form of Brian first used by Edmund Spenser in The Faerie Queen, the more invented and less authentic you get. But many parents want the distance from Brian as Breanna -- or Breana or Breeanna or any of the other variations -- feels more like its own name.

With its C spelling, Cayley is softer than its more popular counterpart, Kayley. It's never ranked in the US Top 1000 and at this point probably never will, now that the -aylee, -ayley, and -aylie names are starting to dip.

A Gaelic form of Jane which shares its simple, sleek look – but is much rarer. The Anglicized form Sheena peaked at #80 in the US in 1984, inspired by singer Sheena Easton.

Pervasive in all Spanish-speaking cultures, Juanita, like Juana, has not emigrated.

This unusual spelling of a simple name is notable as the name of dancer Cyd Charisse, whose given name was Tula Ellice but whose brother's mispronunciation of Sis begat Sid. Famed dance teacher Arthur Freed varied it to Cyd.

Lyrica has a nice, melodious sound — which is exactly what Pfizer thought when coming up with their trade name for the drug Pregabalin.

That extra a adds a world of grace to this name.

Auria is a highly unusual choice with a pleasant aura. As cousin names Aurelia and Aurora become more prominent, as we predict they will in coming years, Auria will get some attention too.

Ricki has also been used, but like Vikki and Nikki, Rikki has also had its day.