Alternate Spellings
- Abbigail
Origin:
Spelling variation of Abigail, HebrewMeaning:
"my father is joyful"Description:
A fast-rising variation of Abigail that was shooting up the popularity charts a few years ago, but whose star is now falling now that Abigail is not quite as hot as she once was.
- Adecyn
Origin:
English, phonetic spelling of Addison, EnglishMeaning:
"son of Adam"Description:
As soon as a name becomes mega-popular, parents start to look for spelling variations to set their child apart. This is one of the less graceful ones.
- Aftynn
Description:
Aftynn is a modern feminine variant spelling of Autumn, the season name that became popular as a given name in the late 20th century. While Autumn refers to the fall season and derives from the Latin 'autumnus,' this creative spelling with 'y' and double 'n' gives the nature name a more distinctive, contemporary feel. The name evokes the warm colors and transitional beauty of the autumn season. Unlike the more common Autumn, which ranks among the top few hundred names in the US, Aftynn remains very rare. This spelling variation might appeal to parents who appreciate the seasonal associations and gentle sound of Autumn but desire something more unique. The unconventional spelling creates a familiar yet individual identity.
- Agyness
Origin:
Invented variation of Agnes, GreekMeaning:
"pure, virginal"Description:
When British beauty Laura Hollin morphed into supermodel Agyness Deyn, she created a name few others would want to adopt.
- Alawna
Description:
Alawna is a contemporary feminine name that appears to be a modern variation or creative spelling of names like Alana, Alayna, or Alona. While it doesn't have deep historical roots in traditional naming practices, it follows the trend of unique 'a'-ending feminine names popular in English-speaking countries. The name likely shares etymological connections with names derived from Celtic languages, possibly meaning 'fair' or 'beautiful' if related to Alana. Alawna has remained relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality for those who bear it. Its melodic sound and unique spelling make it appealing to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet stands out from more common alternatives.
- Alise
Origin:
Latvian or English variation of AliceDescription:
About 60 girls were named Alise in the US last year, making it an uncommon but not truly rare name. While it's pretty and intriguing as a spin on the very popular Alice, it's pronounced more like Elise or -- in Latvian -- Elisa, and so may prove more confusing than it's worth. If you want to name your daughter Alice, name her Alice, and if you want to name her Elise, name her Elise. Choosing Alise in many ways gives you the worst of all worlds.
- Anastasie
Description:
Anastasie is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from 'anastasis' meaning 'resurrection.' It's the French form of Anastasia, a name with deep historical and religious significance in Orthodox Christianity. The name was popularized by Saint Anastasia, a 4th-century Christian martyr. Anastasie carries an elegant, sophisticated quality with its French styling and historical depth. While more common in French-speaking regions than in English-speaking countries, it provides a distinctive alternative to the more familiar Anastasia. The name evokes images of European refinement and classical beauty, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical resonance and a touch of international flair.
- Bayleigh
Origin:
Spelling variation of BaileyDescription:
Needlessly confusing; stick with Bailey.
- Bryanna
Origin:
Feminine of BryanDescription:
A confusing looking name—is it BRY-anna or BREE-anna? There are other feminine variants of Bryan/Brian which look less made up, such as Brianna and Breanna. We recommend looking into those choices to avoid pronunciation issues.
- Carlee
Origin:
Spelling variation of CarlyDescription:
Carly and company have had a good run, fueled by Nickelodeon's popular series iCarly, as well as Canadian pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen.
- Charley
Origin:
Spelling variation of Charlie, FrenchMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Charlie and its many forms are on the rise -- including Charley, which relates more directly to the male formal name Charles. Surprisingly, though, while the number of girls and boys named Charlie are nearly even, there are six times as many girls named Charley than boys.
- Courtene
Description:
Courtene is an unusual feminine name that appears to be a variant or elaboration of Courtney, which originated as an aristocratic Norman-French surname meaning "domain of Curtenus" or "short nose." With its elegant extended ending, Courtene creates a more elaborate, formal version of the more common Courtney. The name is exceedingly rare, not appearing in standard naming statistics or historical records as a traditional given name. Courtene has a sophisticated sound that might appeal to parents seeking something distinctive yet with familiar roots. Its rarity means a child named Courtene would likely never encounter others with the same name, making it a truly unique choice.
- Cristen
Origin:
Variation of KristenDescription:
Kind of a Kristen/Christine compromise name that makes less of either choice.
- Cydney
Origin:
Spelling variation of SydneyDescription:
Unnecessary complication.
- Daven
Description:
Daven is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may be an Anglicized form of the Irish name Damhan (pronounced DAV-awn), meaning 'little stag,' or possibly a variant of Davin, a diminutive of David. In Hebrew, where David originates, the meaning is 'beloved.' The name has also gained some usage as a modern invented name, appreciated for its contemporary sound while maintaining a traditional feel. Daven has risen in popularity since the 1970s but remains relatively uncommon, giving it distinction without being completely unfamiliar. The name carries a strong yet accessible quality, with its two-syllable structure and familiar sounds making it easy to pronounce across cultures. Parents might choose Daven for its subtle connection to traditional names while still offering a fresh alternative to more common choices like David or Devin.
- Daymen
Description:
Daymen is a masculine name with modern origins, likely a variation of Damian or Damon, or possibly a combination of 'day' with 'men.' The name has a contemporary feel with its distinctive spelling while maintaining familiar phonetic elements. Daymen might be interpreted as carrying positive associations with daylight, suggesting brightness, clarity, and new beginnings. This uncommon name began appearing in usage during the late 20th century but remains relatively rare. Its two-syllable structure creates a balanced, strong-sounding masculine name that's distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell. The 'ay' vowel combination gives it a bright, open sound quality. Daymen represents the modern trend of creating variant spellings or hybrid names that feel both fresh and familiar.
- Doon
Description:
Doon is a rare masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Scottish Gaelic 'dùn' meaning 'fort' or 'hill,' or possibly from Irish place names. The name could also be connected to the River Doon in Scotland, made famous in Robert Burns' poem 'The Banks o' Doon.' With its short, strong sound, Doon has a distinctive quality that's easy to pronounce and remember. Despite these appealing characteristics, it remains quite uncommon in most naming records. The name has literary connections through John Gregory Dunne's novel 'True Confessions,' which features a character named Doon. Its rarity gives it a unique appeal for parents seeking an uncommon name with natural or geographical associations.
- Eliut
Description:
Eliut is a masculine name with potential Hebrew or Spanish origins. It may be a variant of Eliot/Elliot (from the Hebrew Elijah, meaning 'Jehovah is God') or possibly related to the Spanish name Eliud. The name has biblical connections, as Eliud appears in the Gospel of Matthew's genealogy of Jesus. With its distinctive yet accessible sound, Eliut combines the popular 'Eli' prefix with a short, strong ending. Though uncommon in mainstream name rankings, Eliut has seen some usage in Hispanic communities and among families seeking biblical names with a contemporary feel. The name carries a sense of distinction while remaining pronounceable and familiar-sounding to most English speakers, offering a balance between uniqueness and accessibility.
- Esmay
Origin:
Spelling variation of Esme, FrenchMeaning:
"esteemed, beloved"Description:
As the French Esme becomes more popular, it will inevitably spawn spelling variations. This one, like Zoey or Layla, clarifies pronunciation, so while we prefer the original, that's not a bad thing.
- Evlin
Description:
Evlin is a feminine name that appears to be a variation of Evelyn, with possible connections to Eve, meaning 'life,' or Aveline, an ancient Germanic name. This simplified spelling variant maintains the gentle sound of Evelyn while offering a more streamlined appearance. Evlin has seen occasional usage throughout Western countries but remains relatively uncommon compared to the more traditional Evelyn. The name has a delicate quality with its soft consonants and flowing sound. Evlin might appeal to parents who appreciate the classic nature of Evelyn but desire a more distinctive spelling. As with many variant spellings, its usage has fluctuated with changing naming fashions, though it has never reached widespread popularity. The name's simplicity and familiar sound make it accessible despite its relative rarity.