Names That Are Variations

While the medieval romantic name Tristan is popular and holding its own, this spelling variation has been sagging in the polls. If you love the name, choose the original spelling.

Auria is a highly unusual choice with a pleasant aura. As cousin names Aurelia and Aurora become more prominent, as we predict they will in coming years, Auria will get some attention too.

Tore, which peaked in Norway in the 1940s, is now solidly in grandpa territory. But Ture, the Swedish variant, is a rising favorite among Swedish babes.

As represented by supermodel Laragh McCann, gives the ordinary LAURA or LARA a soft Irish accent.

This Dutch name is the equivalent of Gussie, a pet form of Augusta. Unlikely to work well outside of the Netherlands due to its challenging pronunciation.

The Armenian form of Gaiana, a derivative of Gaia. Gayane is a Top 50 name for baby girls in Armenia.

See ISAAC.

Strong and rhythmic Italian form of Samson

A Gaelic form of Jane which shares its simple, sleek look – but is much rarer. The Anglicized form Sheena peaked at #80 in the US in 1984, inspired by singer Sheena Easton.

Ricki has also been used, but like Vikki and Nikki, Rikki has also had its day.

This creative spelling variation of Landon is widely used but still lags far behind the original.

Quirina is the feminine form of Quirinus, the name of the Sabine god of war. This is one mythological name that has not traveled to the modern world -- we've found no babies ever name Quirina or Quirinus in the US -- but with this newly-trendy class of names, anything is possible.

Intriguing David alternative, though American tongues will have trouble wrapping themselves around three vowels in a row.

Zakhar would make a fresh way to honor a Zachary, particularly if you have Russian heritage.

Makes a Biblical favorite new and interesting.

A fast-rising variation of Abigail that was shooting up the popularity charts a few years ago, but whose star is now falling now that Abigail is not quite as hot as she once was.

An intriguing, elaborate form of Catherine, although the similar Ekaterina may be more usable in Anglophone countries.