Alternatives to Victoria

Vera was the height of fashion in 1910, then was for a long time difficult to picture embroidered on a baby blanket. Now, though, it has come back into style along with other old-fashioned simple names such as Ada and Iris.

The name Veronica projects a triple-threat image: at once saintly, sensuous, and strong. The name derives from Berenice, the Latin form of the Greek name Berenike "she who brings victory", with the spelling influenced by the Latin phrase vera icon "true image". Veronica was the name of the compassionate woman who wiped Jesus's face when he was on his way to Calvary and whose cloth was miraculously imprinted with his image: she is now the patron saint of photographers.

Veronica seems poised to rise again, along with many other V names, and with it may follow this more romantic French version.

Could be a short form of Sylvia, Olivia, or any other similar name. Or a vivid Italian word name.

A particularly distinctive and dainty example of the life-affirming family of names.

This once vivacious midcentury nickname is rarely used for modern babies.

Adds French flair to Victoria, though many Americans would find pronunciation a challenge.

Victoria is a timeless classic that has been steadily in the Top 50 in the US since the 1980s. Looking for something fresher? Victorious makes a statement and is sure to stand out, while still lending to cozy, comfortable nicknames like Tori.

A winning unisex word name, fresher than Victoria or Victor.

Like Vita and Viva, one of several similar life-affirming names, this one was chosen by Matthew McConaughey and his Portuguese-born wife Camila. Vida may also be a diminutive of Davida. Australian suffragette and human rights campainer Vida Goldstein is an notable bearer of this name.

The Icelandic form of Victoria, pronounced with the stress on the first syllable.

Vital and vivacious, Vita is stirring back to life along with many of her V-themed sisters -- Vivian, Vivica -- and is becoming a new celebrity baby favorite.

An appealing Italianate alternative.

Viva la baby with this life-affirming name, one of the appealing group of girl names that mean life.! Singer Rufus Wainwright chose it for his baby daughter, perhaps in celebration of a new life entering the world the year after he lost his mother Kate McGarrigle. The baby's middle name is Katherine.

Vivia, the fresh Italian version of newly popular name, streamlines and even vivifies the original.

Lively and rhythmic version of Vivian heard in Italy and Spain. A vivid choice.

The attractive actress Vivica A. Fox has done a lot to add this version of the name into the mix.