Many of the Top 10 baby names in the United States have great International variations. For you parents-to-be who find yourselves torn between choosing a name you love from the Top 10 and not wanting to use a name that’s already ultra-popular, I’ve put together a list of stylish variations from around the globe.

 

 

Let me know your favorites!

 

 

GIRLS’ NAMES

 

ISABELLA — (German) ISOBELLE

EMILY — (French) AMELIE

OLIVIA — (French) OLIVETTE

SOPHIA — (Scandinavian) SONJA

ELIZABETH — (Spanish) LISETA

CHLOE — (Hawaiian) KOLOE

 

 

 

BOYS’ NAMES

 

JACOB — (Italian) GIACOMO

MICHAEL — (Finnish) MIKKO

JOSHUA — (Dutch) JOZUA

DANIEL — (Finnish) TANELI

ALEXANDER — (Russian) SASHA

ANTHONY — (French) ANTIONE

WILLIAM — (Irish) LIAM

CHRISTOPHER — (Italian) CRISTOVANO

MATTHEW — (Spanish) MATEO

 

 

Of all of the names on my list, I’m especially drawn to OLIVETTE. It’s very unique—I’ve certainly never met an OLIVETTE. At the same time, it’s accessible. Most people could probably guess how to spell it and would be able to pronounce it when they see it (two qualities many people look for when they want to step outside the name box). It’s also a lyrical name; OLIVETTE rolls right off the tongue.

 

What do you think? Leave a comment and let us all know! Also email me and say hi — I love to hear from readers. J

 

 

 

♥  Amanda

 

If you have baby name questions for me, email me at amanda@amandabarden.com.

Your question might appear in a future edition of Ask Amanda.

 

 

 

For more information on baby names and their meanings check out

BABY NAMES MADE EASY: THE COMPLETE REVERSE-DICTIONARY OF BABY NAMES