Names That Mean Grace

Also spelled Anael, this offers a new spin on an old standard. Or even a couple of old standards, if you count Annabelle.

Charming alternative to the overused Grace.

Dutch, Limburgish and Afrikaans diminutive of Anne.

Related to Milena, a popular name in Italy and Eastern Europe.

This spelling variation is tied to a character from the video game Mortal Kombat II.

Variant of Hannelore

Eastman is a solid, old-style Atlantic seaboard surname. But as a first name, we think Easton works better.

The extra N in Anael adds a dose of femininity.

Anice and Annis are variations of Agnes that have fallen from use, perhaps because of pronunciation issues. Neither spelling was used for any baby girls in the US in the most recent year counted, though a century ago about 100 girls were called Annis or Anice. Potential pronunciation issues ay keep parents away.

Georgian diminutive of Ana

Found as both a girls' first name and a surname in the African nation of Uganda, Kisakye has a lovely meaning but a non-intuitive pronunciation for English speakers. As with difficult-but-beautiful names such as Saoirse and Xiomara, you may decide Kisakye is worth the effort.

Variant of Marianna

This Grayson-soundalike has a long and distinguished pedigree, having belonged to both a Roman emperor and a 4th century Catholic saint who founded the see of Tours in central France. It would make a fabulous namesake for an important Grace in the family.

MacRae -- or McRay or McCrae -- is a Scottish surname-name whose meaning is most often given as son of grace or sometimes son of luck. The hero of Lonesome Dove's last name was McCrae. A good honor name for a Ray or Rae, it can also be shortened to Mac.

An English combination of George and Anne or a feminization of George, more familiar in the elegant Georgiana form.

Diminutive form of Anna, pronounced "ah-nee-tsa" in Slovene, Croatian and Serbian and like Annika in Romanian.

Variant of Marianna

Graziella, an Italian form of Grace, is another Latin version that adds spice. Consider Graziella as a distinctive alternative to either Grace or Gabriella.

Danish, Norwegian and archaic French diminutive of Anne.

Variant of Annemarie

Zain is a name usually given to boys -- nearly 500 with this spelling alone in the US in one recent year, vs. only 20 girls. But CNN newswoman Zain Asher, sister of actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, is a noted female bearer and may inspire more baby girl Zains.