Names That Mean Form

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

Infrequently used relic of the Maureen-Colleen-Kathleen era, though it does seem to have a bit more energy than the others.

If you're looking for a girl's name that honors an ancestral Arthur, try Artis.

A fixed form of verse based on two rhyme sounds, three stanzas and 13 lines.

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

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.

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.

For parents who are trying to cut down on their vowels, consonants, and syllables.

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

Tassos makes this venerated Greek name more earthy and approachable.

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.

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.

A streamlined and little-known (outside Catalonia) member of the Francis/Francesco family of names. The nickname Cesc ("sesk") is now popular there in its own right.

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.

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.

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.

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