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Classic Baby Names with a Twist

Classic baby names with a twist are exactly what they sound like — alternatives to traditional, historically common names that are just a little bit funky. If Alexander is too predictable, try Alessandro or Lysander. If Sarah isn’t interesting enough, go for Sarai or Zadie.

Along with Alessandro and Sarai, other twists on classic baby names in the US Top 600 include Amalia, Francesca, Hendrix, Jameson, Matthias, Nico, Willa, and Zara. If you’re really looking to get creative, consider a highly rare twist on a classic, such as Benno, Eluned, Jessamine, or Maxfield.

If you love classic baby names but want something more original, or if you're looking to honor a relative but want to spin their traditional name a bit differently, a classic baby name with a twist could be the answer. Without getting into too-crazy spelling variations or too-easy international forms, here some twists on classic baby names.

Classic Baby Names with a Twist

Maybelline

Meaning: lovable

Origin:American elaboration of Mabel, English
2251
Marjoram The meaning of Marjoram is 'flower'. Marjora...
Origin:botanical name
8203
Magic Magic is a gender-neutral name of modern Ame...
Origin:Word name
6710
Minta Minta is commonly a girl's name. Minta has b...
Origin:English, diminutive of Araminta, invented hybrid name
3820
Mahogany

Meaning: rich, strong

Origin:Spanish
2935
Meredith

Meaning: great ruler

Origin:Welsh
542
Meja

Meaning: strong

Origin:German, Swedish diminutive of names beginning with Mein- or Magn-
9739
Origin:Diminutive of Margery
6579
Morrissey

Meaning: descendant of Muiris

Origin:Irish
21630
Manzie Manzie is an American name, and it's given t...
Origin:Music name
16811
Minnow

Meaning: small fish

Origin:English
5190
Muse The name Muse is a gender-neutral name, and ...
Origin:Greek mythology name
2828
Maryland

Meaning: Mary's land

Origin:English
14886
Momoko

Meaning: peach child

Origin:Japanese
4257
Mosley

Meaning: peat bog, mouse clearing

Origin:English place name and surname
4309
Maleficent

Meaning: causing harm

Origin:English word name
4479
Merilee The name Merilee is commonly used for girls....
Origin:English, combination of Merry and Lee
10418
Melania

Meaning: black

Origin:Spanish and Greek variation of Melanie
2417
Makani

Meaning: wind

Origin:Hawaiian
3075
Macaria

Meaning: blessed

Origin:Spanish from Greek
5018