Names That Are Variations

  1. Skyler
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Skylar or Schuyler
    • Description:

      While Skylar is currently the most popular spelling choice for girls, the Skyler option is more (statistically) unisex. Given to boy and girls in nearly equal numbers each year, it ranks around the middle of the US Top 1000.
  2. Kyla
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Kyle, Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "narrow spit of land"
    • Description:

      Kyle is stronger and sharper, though many parents will prefer the more distinctly feminine Kyla for their daughters. Kyla may owe much of its popularity to trendy cousin Kayla.
  3. Katrina
    • Origin:

      German variation of Katherine
    • Meaning:

      "pure"
    • Description:

      The hurricane blew this one out of the realm of possibility.
  4. Elia
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Elijah, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is God"
    • Description:

      Though the most famous Elia, screenwriter Kazan, was male, this name sounds like a spin on many popular girls' names, from Ella to Ellie to Isla and Leah. While the Italian pronunciation has the middle syllable as LEE, making it closer to the original Elijah would give the middle syllable a long I sound -- eh-LYE-ah.
  5. Briana
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Brian
    • Meaning:

      "strong, virtuous, honorable"
    • Description:

      Spelled this way, Briana was coined by Edmund Spenser for his great literary work, The Faerie Queene, which gives the now-overexposed name a far classier pedigree than it's usually credited with.
  6. Hadleigh
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Hadley, English
    • Meaning:

      "heathery field"
    • Description:

      Hadley, an old surname-name best known as the name of author Ernest Hemingway's "Paris Wife," only recently broke onto the scene in a big way. While Hadley has considerable appeal, spelling variations such as Hadleigh—and onward to Hadleah, Hadleah, Hadli and so on—only emphasize its trendiness. Hadleigh made its first appearance on the US Top 1000 in 2014.
  7. Artem
    • Origin:

      Ukrainian variation of Artemis
    • Description:

      Ukrainian Artem (ar-TEM) and Russian Artyom/Artiom (which can also be transcribed as Artem, though still pronounced ar-TYOM in Russian) are ultimately derived from the name of the Greek goddess Artemis: goddess of the moon and hunting. The meaning of her name is unknown, though it may be related to the Greek for "safe" or for "butcher".
  8. Caia
    • Origin:

      Latin, feminine variation of Caius
    • Meaning:

      "to rejoice"
    • Description:

      Caia Caecilia was the Roman Goddess of fire and women. The name Caia would make a truly fresh alternative to the flagging Maya, with which it rhymes.
  9. Rasmus
    • Origin:

      Finnish and Scandinavian variation of Erasmus
    • Meaning:

      "beloved, desired"
    • Description:

      A form of ancient name newly popular in Eastern Europe, Rasmus is rugged and distinctive - and on trend in Estonia and Finland. Virtually unknown in the U.S. but with its philosophical roots and uplifting meaning, Rasmus seems prime for use. The Rasmus is a Finnish rock band.
  10. Fae
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Faye
    • Description:

      Now that Faye is back on the Top 1000 after a decades-long absence, its spelling variations are being revived as well. Fae was given to nearly as many baby girls last year as Fay and may be especially attractive as a middle name option.
  11. Nikita
    • Origin:

      Russian or Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "victor; house"
    • Description:

      Nikita – a masculine Russian name deriving from the Greek name Niketas, meaning "victory" – has come a long way from portly post-Stalin Soviet leader Khrushchev to the female spy/assassin in the movie and TV series La Femme Nikita.
  12. Raquel
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Rachel
    • Meaning:

      "ewe"
    • Description:

      Attractive name popular in the Latino community, long identified with half-Bolivian actress Raquel Welch. Similarly to the Hebrew form Rachel, Raquel is past its peak. Nonetheless, it retains a certain sparkle and would feel newly refreshing for a baby today.
  13. Alejandro
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Alexander
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      Softer and smoother than Alexander, this classic Spanish name for boys has made a seamless transition to this culture. Adding to its current impact: the Lady Gaga song Alejandro .
  14. Nox
    • Origin:

      Latin variation of Nyx, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "night"
    • Description:

      Nox was the Roman goddess of the night, equivalent to the Greek Nyx, from which her name was derived. Although identical in sound, Nox is unrelated to the Scottish masculine name Knox.
  15. Tavish
    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Thomas
    • Meaning:

      "twin"
    • Description:

      This Scottish form of Thomas has a lot of charm, evoking images of men in plaid kilts playing the bagpipes. As for the 'ish' ending, it could either be seen as cozy and hamish, or a little wishy-washyish.
  16. Severine
    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Severus; Latin
    • Meaning:

      "stern"
    • Description:

      This long-popular name in France sounds fresh, elegant and unusual here. Severine is the name of the most recent gorgeous James Bond Girl in the film Skyfall. Students of film history will associate the name with the complex character Catherine Deneuve played in the 1967 Bunuel classic, Belle de Jour..
  17. Saylor
    • Origin:

      Surname-name or spelling variation of Sailor
    • Meaning:

      "ropemaker; dancer, acrobat; boatman"
    • Description:

      Currently in the US Top 300, Saylor finds the middle ground between the popular and unisex Taylor, and the more unexpected, wordier Sailor. In fact, it is currently used more often than either of its sound-alikes.
  18. Vincenzo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Vincent
    • Meaning:

      "conquering"
    • Description:

      This is a classic Italian name for boys, but despite the success of Luca and Matteo, has yet to catch on in the US. Vincenzo has made the charts in the US in only a couple years throughout the 20th century, but has been consistently on the charts since 2000. As Enzo becomes one of the hottest boys names in recent years, the elaborated Vincenzo may follow suit.
  19. Thayer
    • Origin:

      French variation of Taylor
    • Meaning:

      "tailor"
    • Description:

      Thayer is an affable, less-common alternative to Taylor, with a much more indirect connection to its occupational source. Actor Thayer David (born David Thayer: Thayer was his father's first name) was known for his roles in Rocky and Dark Shadows.
  20. Stefan
    • Origin:

      German, Scandinavian, Polish, and Russian variation of Stephen
    • Description:

      An elegant, continental name for the post-Steve era. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 1949 and has been on the list every year since except for a year off in 2008.