Names That Are Variations

As current as Arsenio Hall -- not very.

One of many stunning international variations of the classic and timeless Katherine.

The modern form of Þórdís.

Jordynn is one of the many spelling variations of Jordan—and it does not improve on the original. This iteration has appeared in the US Top 1000 since 2010, though it's currently at its lowest point since then.

A cute variation of the Finnish Maija — which in turn is a variation of Maria.

The French version of this name, Natalie, is most popular in the U.S., but all variations are appealing and this one is a fresh twist. Pronunciation is like Natalia.

The Lithuanian form of Martha.

Also associated with Morta, the Roman goddess of death.

One of many spelling variations of the classic Catherine.

Auður is the Icelandic form of Auðr, a unisex name found in the Prose Edda. It shares a root with names including Odette, Otto, Ottilie, and Odile.

Beneba was used by enslaved people as a form of Abena, the Akan day name for girls born on Tuesday. A notable current bearer is Australian writer Maxine Beneba Clarke, who is of Afro-Caribbean descent.

Sidony and its mother name Sidonie are unusual and attractive French girls' names, with a fresher feel than the fading Sydney.

See TRINA.

Zaynab is the name of the Prophet Muhammad's oldest daughter. When written as Zaynabu or Zainabu, it's a name found in both the Arabic and Swahili languages and cultures.

The more streamlined version Esmeralda may work better in the States, but Smeralda is an intriguing variation.

Definitely one of the more unusual Margaret translations.

This extra exciting Juliana variant originated in the Galicia region of Spain.

One of the more uncommon international variations of Elizabeth.