Names That Are Variations

Turns Axel into a word name.

Countless notable figures from Polish history, and one America's Next Top Model contestant, have used this version of Catherine, made extra spicy by that "zy." Those interested in honoring a relative with the name might want to consider Kasia, Katarzyna's lovely (and much more English-friendly) nickname.

Devri derived both as a variant of the Hebrew name Devra, related to Deborah, and as an independent Greek name. With Deborah and Debbie firmly in grandma territory, Devri would be a lovely and modern honorific.

Alianna barely wedged its way into US Top 1000 in 2015, and almost fell off with a Number 998 finish in 2016. The second n doesn't add much, so Aliana or even Eliana might be better options.

See ZOE.

Hava is an anglicization of the Hebrew name Chava, which, like its English form Eve, means "life". In some accents, it may sound like "have a", so it's worth considering if this will be an issue combined with a last name. But overall, it's an elegantly simple name with a great meaning.

One of many variants of the classic Alexander — this particular one is used in South Slavic countries.

Braeden was one of the many -aiden names that we heard everywhere just a few years ago. Now it's fading, along with Aiden, Jayden, and company.

Unusual and appealing, Laurenza might make a perfect honor name for an ancestral Laura or Lawrence. Count Laurenza among the unknown-yet-usable Italian names for girls.

A spelling that would definitely attract a lot of attention -- and a certain amount of confusion as well.

Roody was introduced to the world by musician Allen Stone, who named his son Roody Rocket. Roody is among the most unique celebrity baby names of recent years.

A very Christmas-y Christmas baby name, that may avoid the Santa image by instead adopting the alternative spelling Klaus.

A simple and appealing multi-cultural form of John.

Surname name Grayson has become quite popular in recent years, bringing with it Gray, Grey, Greyson, and, yes, Graysen.

Estonian cognate of Yuri, the Russian form of George.

This variation of Jayla had one of the highest increases in popularity between 2012 and 2013.

Surprising relative of the French saints' name Blaise, which is definitely easier on the English ear than vowelsome Italian version. Also spelled BIAGIO.

Modernized spelling not enough to revive Karen.

Verane is a French name largely unknown outside its native shores: No baby girls were given this name in the US last year. But with Vera's steady rise over the past decade or so, Vérane might be discovered.

This version of the more familiar Paulina is occasionally used in the US, though some may see it as relating more to the word pole than to the classic Paul.