Names That Mean Form

Light and cheerful, Gal·la is used for girls in its native Catalonia. The Spanish form Gala is even more popular both there and throughout Spain, and this spelling travels more easily around the world.

For an American girl, the double "I" might be a problem as a child, but an attention-getting talking point as an adult.

Aniko has the feel and rhythm of a Japanese name but in fact it's an Eastern European spin on Anna.

Finnish variation of Helena

Zabelle and Zabel are fresh (to us) and ancient forms of Isabel, making zippy variations for modern lovers of that ancient name who feel the original is overexposed.

Tongue twister of a name common in Ireland in both its Gaelic and its Anglicized forms. American or British parents looking for an Irish name that's still largely unknown in the outside world might consider this.

Similar yet different to Marcel, and the cedilla spelling adds extra Catalan charm.

This spelling of the Arabic name Yahya (equivalent to John) is popular in Balkan nations such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, which have large Muslim populations.

A refreshing variation on the Biblical classic Matthew, this Hawaiian form blends the stylish -o ending with the cool Kai sound. First appearing in the US stats in 1999, it has been climbing steadily upwards ever since.

If you live in the city, you might call your urban baby Urbana; if you live in the suburbs--don't even think of Surbana.

Zephyrinus is the form of the name of the Greek god of the west wind best known as the name of a Jewish pope and saint.

This Slavic variation would make a pleasant and slightly more unusual alternative to Johanna or Giovanna.

Edmee is an antiquated name easily mistaken for the more popular Esme, but it is in fact a separate name, related to Edmé, a French diminutive of Edmund. In the classic French novel by Colette,Cheri, Edmee is the name of the young women Cheri (who is a male) marries. In French, it would typically be spelled Edmée and was popular in the early 20th century.

A name that has been used in Wales for nearly a thousand years — a famous bearer was the medieval scholar Gerallt Gymro, or Gerald of Wales — but not the most intuitive spelling for non-Welsh speakers. By coincidence, ger allt in Welsh also means "near a hill".

The top girl name in Lithuania in 2020. Alternate spelling Emilija came in at Number 3.

This Irish variation of Isla might prove challenging outside the United Kingdom, but looks beautiful and could be a good way to make the name Isla, which is becoming more common, feel a bit more unique.

The Biblical Abijah might be temporarily lost to time, but this antiquated short form could move with it into the modern era.