Names That Mean Gracious

This feminine form of Jean was most popular in the 1930s in its home country, and in the 1960s in the US. It's fallen off the Top 1000 list since, but perhaps cute retro nickname Jeannie could tempt some vintage-loving parents back.

Variant (mis)spelling of Siobhan.

Irish form of Johnny

Honus is inextricably linked with baseball legend Honus Wagner. The son of German immigrants, he was born Johannes Peter Wagner in 1874. His childhood nickname was Hans, which evolved into Honus. Honus Wagner was a shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates — considered the greatest ever — yet his distinctive name has never been given to more than four children in a single year.

A Top 10 name in Slovenia, where it is a form of John. Žan is pronounced similarly to the French Jean.

Jaunty Jancey hails from the United Kingdom, where it appeared in England as a surname and in Scotland as a nickname for Janet. It's extremely uncommon in the US, given to fewer than five baby girls in the most recent year on record. You'll be hard-pressed to come across another Jancey in your life, so if unique names are a priority for you, this jolly and accessible choice belongs on your list.

Feminization of Evan

Medieval Venetian form of John, which feels ripe for a comeback in 21st-century America.

This name appears frequently in the Old Testament, notably as the Hebrew name of Shadrach.

Maori form of Joanna

A cool Finnish name with a lovely sound and meaning.

A cool Germanic and Scandinavian short form of Johannes, from John.

Form of Yannick

Rare feminine form of Hans — a John derivative — occasionally heard in Germany and other German-speaking countries.

Nyakyusa form of John.

This diminutive of Ivan is typically used for boys in South Slavic countries.

Estonian translation of John, currently ranking in Estonia's Top 20.

A spunky diminutive of Hanne, itself derived from Johanna or Johanne.

Splits the difference between Joanie and Joni, if you can't decide between the two.