International Forms of Classic Names

Pavlo has more energy than the Russian Pavel, perhaps because it sounds like the Spanish Pablo.

This spirited Spanish variation of Rosa was familiar in the mid-20th century, but is used more quietly now. Given to around 35 babies in the US each year, it could work as a fresh alternative to Roberta or Rosie.

Energetic nickname name.

Wonderful nickname name most often associated in this country with Dutch modernist painter Mondrian. Pronounced PEET.

Juana has not achieved the popularity in the U.S. of the male version Juan. Whereas Juan has made it almost to the Top 50 on the U. S. hit parade, sister Juana has barely entered the thousand most popular.

Ximeno is sometimes falsely credited as the Basque variation of Simon. It actually comes from Semen, a medieval Basque name that is completely unusable today, for obvious reasons. All the more reason to go with Ximeno.

Attractive attenuated form of the popular Christopher, well used throughout Europe, appearing as Christophe in France and Christoph in Germany.

A Finnish nickname for names such as Esteri, Elisabet, or any name starting with Es-.

Could run into pronunciation confusion.

Charming alternative to the overused Grace.

This phonetic spelling of the Gaelic Fionnuala (which also has many spelling variations) is sometimes rendered as Finola or Finella.

Feodora is an interesting choice for the intrepid name-giver, especially with the dynamic nickname Feo.

The usual form of Eleonara is Eleanora, with each syllable pronounced, but transposing, adding, or subtracting a vowel or syllable here or there works fine and adds to the international, feminine spin on a solid name.

With Grace getting so popular, you may want to explore its international variations such as Grazia, or go all the way to Graziana or Graziella.

A lively and charming nickname for Christopher — more modern than Chris.

The Polish form of Ruth has mostly been lost outside of Poland, but though rare, it can still be heard in Polish and Eastern European communities. Ruta has only ever appeared on Illinois' state data, due to Chicago's large Polish population. With Ruth now on the ascent, Ruta may be worth rediscovering.

Nearly every name takes on a more sensual, worldly quality in its Italian version.

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.