Names That Are Variations

LeeLee Sobieski, who knows a thing or two about unique names, chose this spelling twist for her daughter. Does the extra n make it more of a name and less of a place, or more of an invention and so less authentically appealing? Your call.

The Icelandic transcription of Elin, closer in sound to Ellen.

As Anouk, a name that's newly popular in The Netherlands, this spelling is borne by Belgian supermodel Anouck Lepere.

Almost completely unknown in this country: an intriguing possibility.

Very similar to the more familiar Louisa.

Rather than simplifying matters, this spelling only complicates them.

Phibbi is one of the African day names that was commonly used among enslaved people in America, along with variations Phebe, Phibba, and Phibah. These names derive from Afua, reserved for girls born on Fridays. Phibbi and variations were often Anglicized as Phoebe.

The Albanian variation of Aphrodite — Greek goddess of love and beauty. It is derived from the words afër meaning "near" and ditë meaning "day".

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.

Ogive is a rare variation of the German name Hedwig which means combat or war. Ogive of Luxembourg was a notable bearer of this name; in geometry, an ogive is a pointed arch (similar to the top of a rocket). It is said that Ogive of Luxembourg's bust was the inspiration behind the shape name.

An appealingly international spin on Grace.

Depending on how you say it, either a streamlined version of Deanna, or the namesake of a male Dean. But today, why not name her Dean.

That extra I may prove both intriguing and bedeviling.

Even in Sweden, Barbara is preferred. If you're looking for a variation to spice up Barbara, you may want to instead consider Varvara or Barabal.

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.

Benedita is easy for an English speaker to pronounce yet sounds just uncommon enough to be intriguing. And with Benedict more in mainstream use, Benedita feels possible.