Names That Are Variations

A common name in many cultures, sometimes spelled Margarethe.

Pretty Russian name that has yet to be embraced outside of the region.

Attempts to update traditional Josiah have landed this name in the Top 1000. It falls in line with trendy spellings of names that opt for an additional x, y, or z whenever possible.

Fedora is occasionally heard among the British Mayfair and Belgravia set, but we're afraid that in this country there would be too strong an association with the man's felt hat.

If for whatever reason you're wed to the whole Zachary concept, this variation -- either as a proper name or a nickname -- is one way to make it new.

Ulyssia is an ultra-rare feminization of the stately presidential name Ulysses. It has only made the American charts one time — in 2003 when it was given to five baby girls.

Margalo could make an intriguing spin on Margaret, with Margo as a nickname. The name appears in E. B. White's Stuart Little — as a bird. Margalo Gilmore (born Margaret) was a well-known British-born Broadway actress.

If you want people to pronounce Andrea with an Ah sound beginning, this spelling would guide the way.

Nickelle is an unusual feminine form of Nicholas, a name with many variations both male and female around the world. Nickelle is a twist on the more common Nicole with the feminine -elle ending, as in Michelle. The addition of the k helps clarify pronunciation. Unlike the 5 cent coin, the emphasis is on the second syllable.

Kaylynn follows a current trend in naming: add a -lynn or -lin suffix to a simple, single-syllable moniker. Alternate spellings include Kailyn, Cailin, and Kaylen. This variation has one too many Ys, and one too many Ns.

In all its iterations, this name is on the rise. Ariana and Arianna are both highly popular choices in the US, and as with other popular appellations, creative spellings are inevitable. The trendy y in place of the i might be tempting, but anyone bearing this spelling will constantly be correcting people who assume one of the two dominant versions.

We like all forms of this name—Annabel, Anabel, Annabelle, Anabela, and Annabella—so you decide how elaborate you want to get. Actress Sela Ward chose the Anabella spelling.

Just another variation of the more popular Cameron. Though variant spellings abound for this name, it may be best to stick with the more traditional and most recognized spelling.

Another, more feminine, female form of Jacob sometimes heard in Scotland.

An adolescent boy might have problems with the first syllable.

May cut it in Budapest, but not in Boise. Just Fritz would be preferable.

Much less popular than more traditional spellings.

Likely to be pronounced AW-bert in English, short forms Aubie and Bertie give this rare French name quirky modern appeal.