Names That Mean Form

Marged is to Margaret what Elspeth is to Elizabeth, and Karen to Katherine.

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

Ulrica has an Old World sound that may not be user-friendly in the modern US.

Cosy is a, well, cozy name, whose only downside is people forever making that dumb joke. Cosy can be short for Cosima or Cosette but can certainly stand on its own as a word name. Another plus: Sounds like Posy, Josie, and Rosie.

As this name is essentially Arnold, it is out of fashion in Wales currently. The Welsh "LL" sound is likely to prove a challenge elsewhere in the world.

Actress Kirstie Alley popularized this short form that's been off the popularity register for a decade.

Somewhat awkward feminization of Peter. Try Petra, Petronia, or Petronilla, an early saint's name.

Cay is a rare respelling of the retro nickname Kay but one that may gain ground as a name that's both simple and unique. Like Kay, it can be a diminutive for any of the hundreds of Catherine variations that start with a C or of more modern names such as Caylee or Cadence. Or it can stand on its own as a sleek contemporary nickname-name.

Petras is one of the lesser known variations of the classic Peter.

Ynyr is still quietly used in Wales and elsewhere in the UK, though the much more widespread modern form of the ancient Roman Honorius is Honor.

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.

Argentine model Tati Cotliar is bringing notice to this shortening of the classic Russian name Tatiana. Tati is cute but teasable; you may need to have supermodel looks and poise to pull it off.

Short form used in Israel; the v makes it more vivid and unusual.

Kamma is an appealing Danish name signifying a combination of Katherine or Karen and Maria or Margaret. It may also be a short form of Kamilla, the usual Scandinavian spelling of Camilla.

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

Both Tullio and Tulio are modern forms of the ancient Roman family name Tullius. Though its meaning is unknown, Tullius has an illustrious history with many noble bearers, including a sixth century king and the philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero. Tullio can be shortened to Tully, more properly an Irish surname with a tangled history of its own, while Tulio can be a substitute for Julio.