Names That Are Variations

Writer Bill Bryson may have played some role in popularizing this surname-name, which might be considered a latter-day Brian (or Bryan). We prefer Bryson.

When the Danish author Karen Blixen chose Isak Dinesen as her male pseudonym, she set a precedent that could well be followed today.

With Lazarus heating up, this slimmer Eastern European form will likely see an uptick in use.

This name might be perfect for someone trying to honor old Uncle Vincent but looking for something a bit different. If needs be, it can be shortened to Ken if your child ends up wanting a more mainstream English name.

The Layke spelling of this refreshing nature name was introduced for one of the Waldrop sextuplets, Layke Bryars, who is male, but the name is gender neutral.

Version of Moses commonly used among Italian Jews in the Middle Ages.

This Celtic saint's name is the most offbeat Jen name of all.

Lans is the Dutch variation of the German name Lanzo, which is also the origin of Lance.

Wilder is one of the hottest boy names of this decade, and now Wylder has entered the Top 1000 for boys as of 2021. More parents are beginning to consider Wilder and Wylder as a bold and adventurous name for a girl as well, with around 30 girls receiving the name in a recent year.

While Karen may have to take a backseat for a few years, Kaarin feels fresh and sleek. This variation of classic Katherine is used in Nordic and Germanic areas.

Much too feminine in English-speaking countries.

Natalino is the jaunty Italian male nickname for the gender-neutral Natale. And it has that fashionable o ending. Natalino might work as a nickname for Nathaniel too.

Alve is rising up the ranks in Sweden, but neither it nor Alf will be featured on American birth certificates anytime soon.

The en ending is so fashionable these days, a lot of people prefer it even when the alternative as with Brandon has more heft.

Because of its relationship to the English word, better lengthened to Natalio.

A soft form of Keziah used in Nordic countries, predominantly Norway.

Derived from the Latin Arsenius — itself from the Greek Arsenios — Arsène is both a given name and surname in France.

This unusual name offers some cute nickname options such as Grusha, Feefee and Raffy.