Names That Are Variations

Lively Russian choice born by several saints.

Karita and Karitas are the Icelandic spins on Charity, also found as Carita and Caritas throughout Scandinavian. While to the English speakers these names may feel like a Latinate endearment, they are popular names in their own right.

The original Rhiannon has more appeal.

A common name among Turkey's Muslim population.

Ancient Italian form of Vincent, used by Shakespeare in both The Taming of the Shrew and Measure for Measure.

Although Artemis is a traditionally feminine name, the Russian variation, Artemiy, is used exclusively for boys.

Whether it be due to the Kardashian's or another manifestation of the creative spelling trend, we're seeing K spelling variations as some of the fastest-rising names of the past few years -- and Karly is no exception.

Along with Brenley, a rising surname-style name for girls.

A German surname you do NOT want to use as a first.

The Swedish form of Agnes may be known to English speakers as that of Agnetha Fältskog, a member of the band ABBA.

As an Indian name, Haim is an epithet of Lord Shiva. In the US, it was once more common as a variation of the Jewish name Chaim.

Gabrina is a name sometimes heard in the Latino community, could make a distinctive alternative to Gabriela.

A Gen X name in the Nordic region from which it hails.

See ISIDORE.

This common Arabic name is related to Aaron, but feels far more distinctive in the US. Haroun Khalifa is the protagonist of Salman Rushdie's Haroun and the Sea of Stories.

Tatjana is an interesting twist on an already uncommon name, borne by German-born supermodel Tatjana Patitz. Note that as j is pronounced as y in German, the name is spoken just like sisters Tatiana and Tatyana.

The Hebrew Najma, more phonetically spelled Naima, is rarely heard in the US but was used by star Mahershala Ali as the middle name for his daughter Bari.

Adela is a common girls' name throughout Europe — this version is authentically Czech.

Saint Swithin or Swithun is best known for his feast day, July 15, which according to legend will determine the weather for the next 40 days.