Names That Are Variations

Jenica might work if you can't decide between Jennifer and Jessica. It's certainly a more distinctive option.

Proof that a name can be too feminine.

Russian Uncle Vanya becomes niece Vanja in Sweden: an intriguing switch.

This Hebrew version of Jubal, a traditionally masculine name, is used for both boys and girls in modern Israel.

Tatyana, an alternate spelling of the lovely Tatiana, definitely has its followers.

Among the most wearable Russian boy names for an English-speaking child.

One of the few masculine names to derive from a feminine name — in this case, Clara. Clarus is the name of a French saint, the patron saint of tailors.

This might be a better choice than the similarly pronounced Jan, to avoid gender confusion.

This variation draws more from Eva than from Eve, which might lead to pause as to whether it should be said EHV-eh-lin or EEV-eh-lin. While the former is more popular in the US, both pronunciations are in use, so an Evalyn might need to explain.

Oengus is the old Irish form of the name most commonly found in the modern world as Angus, typically Scottish.
In Irish mythology, Oengus is the god of youth, love, and poetry.

Anglicizing it to a phonetic pronunciation might make it easier.

Much fresher Irish imports available for colleens now.

We get that the "s" in Louis is confusing if you want it to be pronounced "lewee" — which is why Louie exists. Losing the "e" gains it nothing.

Timon has strong associations with The Lion King, making it a tough sell for American parents. Attractive Polish variation Tymon, with the emphasis on the first syllable, preserves the strength of the original while eliminating the meerkat connection.

A venerable name closer to MELISSA than the original MILLICENT.

Orson is being rediscovered and Orsino is every bit as attractive.

Esmael is an uncommon name with deep cultural roots.

Pronounced klaus, this spelling of the name is associated in this country with the major Pop Art sculptor Swedish-born Claes Oldenburg, known for his colossal public sculptures of everyday objects such as lipsticks and binoculars, and the "Happenings" performance art of the 1960s. Variations include CLAUS, KLAUS, KLAES, and CLAAS.

Esfir is a warm and traditional Russian name that derives from Esther. It might appeal to parents with Russian ancestry or those looking for a rarer alternative to Esther.

As Sophia gets more popular, parents search out more unusual spins, and the Z makes this qualify.