Baby Names

400 Surprising Meanings Of Popular Baby Names

Every baby’s name has a story behind it.

by Emily Kelleher
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
A baby girl is looking herself in the mirror
Emilija Manevska/Moment/Getty Images

No one chooses a baby’s name lightly. And yet, for all the considerations that parents bring to the job — whether to go with an old-fashioned name or try for something unique — a name’s meaning may not come into the initial conversation at all. Obscured by time and geography, the original meaning can take parents by surprise.

Some of the world’s most popular names — names that connote strength, charm, and success — have surprisingly humble beginnings. Javier, for instance, means “owner of a new house,” while Glen means “from the secluded narrow valley.” Jameson means — you guessed it — “son of James.”

Dozens of popular baby names — from all over the world — are simply variations on “gift from God.” The truth is, the vast majority of us don’t know the original meanings of our own names — much less the thousands of baby names up for consideration. But if a name’s ancient and deeper meaning speaks to you, it might just be the essential key that unlocks the perfect name for a baby girl or boy.

Surprising Boy Baby Name Meanings

  1. Aaran – strong mountain
  2. Aaron – enlightened
  3. Aariz – respectable
  4. Abba – father
  5. Abbey – father rejoiced
  6. Abbot – Hebrew word for “father” or “head of community”
  7. Abie – servant
  8. Abir – strength
  9. Abraham – father of multitudes
  10. Addison – son of the mighty warrior
  11. Ace – one
  12. Adair – from the brook by the oak grove
  13. Adam – made from the earth
  14. Adler – he who is brave
  15. Adrian – derived form the ancient place in Italy
  16. Ahmed – praiseworthy, comfort
  17. Aidan – he who helps
  18. Alan – attractive man, fair one
  19. Albert – he who is brilliant
  20. Amos – burdened
  21. Andrew – courageous
  22. Baldwin – bold friend
  23. Bao – treasure
  24. Ballar – brave, strong
  25. Baxter – baker
  26. Barney – dweller from the barn
  27. Beau – French for “beautiful” (masculine)
  28. Beck – dweller near the brook
  29. Benedict – blessed
  30. Benito – blessed
  31. Benjamin – right hand’s son, favorite son, son of my sorrow
  32. Benson – son of Ben
  33. Bentley – bent grass meadow
  34. Bert – shining, bright
  35. Bingham – one who lives by the bridge
  36. Bill – willful one, strong-minded
  37. Blake – dark or fair
  38. Blythe – cheerful
  39. Braden – from the wide valley
  40. Bram – father of multitudes
  41. Cain – acquired
  42. Caleb – bold
  43. Carl – strong
  44. Carlin – little champion
  45. Carlton – from the strong, courageous town
  46. Carmen – vineyard of the lord
  47. Carmelo – fruitful
  48. Carter – cart maker
  49. Casey – brave, aggressive
  50. Cato – cautious wisdom
  51. Chandler – candle maker
  52. Charles – full grown, a man, a historically royal name
  53. Chekani – to cut
  54. Chimango – builder
  55. Chipati – to part
  56. Clark – learned scholar
  57. Claud – weak
  58. Cortez – courteous
  59. Cosgrove – from the cows grove
  60. Costa – little, constant, steadfast one
  61. Covey – from the cove
  62. Craig – from the rock
  63. Creed – one who believes
  64. Crosby – from the village with a cross
  65. Dale – living in a valley
  66. Dalton – from the town in the valley
  67. Damien – tamer
  68. Daniel – God is my judge
  69. Darby – freedom
  70. Daren – born at night
  71. Dario – wealthy
  72. Davis/David – beloved
  73. Dempsey – proud
  74. Denley – from the meadow
  75. Dillon – faithful
  76. Dimitri – immeasurable, gracious
  77. Donovan – dark warrior
  78. Dorion – gift
  79. Drew – wise, esteemed
  80. Duka – to dance
  81. Duncan – steadfast warrior, strong in faith
  82. Earl – promise
  83. Earl – friend of the sea
  84. Edmond – wealthy protector
  85. Edwin – wealthy friend
  86. Eli – uplifting
  87. Elijah – the Lord is my God
  88. Eloi – chosen
  89. Emery – industrious, hardworking ruler
  90. Emre – brother
  91. Eric – forever ruler
  92. Ezekiel – God strengthens
  93. Felix – lucky, happy
  94. Fidel – faithful
  95. Fortino – fortunate
  96. Gabriel – God is my strength
  97. Garcia – brave spear carrier
  98. Glen – from the valley
  99. Golden – gold friend
  100. Grady – noble, illustrious
  101. Grant – grant
  102. Guy – guide from the forrest
  103. Hamilton – from the proud town
  104. Hedwig – fighter
  105. Henry – ruler of the house
  106. Herald – story bringer
  107. Herb – brilliant warrior
  108. Hermes – messenger
  109. Hillel – new moon
  110. Hiram – exalted, noble
  111. Horace – time keeper
  112. Howard – watcher, guardian
  113. Howell – little, alert
  114. Hubert – bright mind and heart
  115. Huey – intelligent
  116. Hugo – intelligent
  117. Humbert – bright giant
  118. Hugh – having a bright mind
  119. Humphrey – a peaceful warrior
  120. Ike – one who brings laughter, god smiles
  121. Ira – alert, watchful stallion
  122. Isaac – one who brings laughter, God smiles
  123. Israel – he who wrestles with God
  124. Jabbar – one who consoles other
  125. Jacob – supplanter
  126. Jaime – he who supplants
  127. Jamal – a handsome man
  128. Jason – healer
  129. Jared – descending
  130. Jax – son of Jack
  131. Jay – victory
  132. Jayce – healer
  133. Jayden – thankful
  134. Jaylan – calm
  135. Jeffery – man of peace
  136. Jeremiah – the Lord exalts
  137. Jonah – accomplisher
  138. Jordan – to flow downward
  139. Joya – to have restraint
  140. Jude – right with the law
  141. Justin – righteous, just
  142. Kacey – brave
  143. Kade – from the wetlands
  144. Kadir – spring
  145. Kadish – holy
  146. Kai – willow tree
  147. Kalani – heaven, chief
  148. Keanu – sea breeze
  149. Kent – lord
  150. Kin – golden
  151. Kirby – from the church by the meadow
  152. Kingsley – from the king’s meadow
  153. Kyle – from the straight
  154. Lamar – famous
  155. Lavern – springtime
  156. Leif – beloved
  157. Leo – lion man
  158. Leon – lion-like
  159. Leonard – bold, strong
  160. Leor – light of mine
  161. Levi – joined
  162. Leroy – king
  163. Louis – famous fighter
  164. Luke – bringer of light
  165. Marcus – warrior
  166. Maren – sea
  167. Marion – sea
  168. Marlow – from the hill by the lake
  169. Micah – who is like the Lord
  170. Michael – who is like God
  171. Milan – loving
  172. Millar – grain mill worker
  173. Milo – peaceful, merciful, mild
  174. Nathan – gift from God
  175. Nicolas – people’s triumph
  176. Noah – to comfort
  177. Norman – composed of French words for north and man, once used to identify a group of Scandinavians living in Normandy
  178. Oakley – from an oak tree
  179. Oliver – derived from either French Olivier (olive tree) or German Alfihar (elf warrior)
  180. Oren – pale, pine tree
  181. Otis – wealthy
  182. Paco – French man
  183. Paul – derived from Latin word for small, Paulus
  184. Quigley – loving nature
  185. Quincy – fifth, patient
  186. Quon – bright light
  187. Rafi – musical, friend
  188. Raleigh – jovial
  189. Ralph – advisor to all
  190. Randy – secretive
  191. Ravi – sun god
  192. Rio – River
  193. Rich – wise
  194. Roan – red-haired
  195. Robert – bright fame
  196. Robson – son of Robert
  197. Rocco – battle cry
  198. Roger – famous spear
  199. Roland – famous country
  200. Ronan – little seal
  201. Sandros – defender and freer of mankind
  202. Sander – defensive
  203. Schneider – stylish
  204. Seamus – replacement, bonus
  205. Sebastian – dramatic, honorable
  206. Serge – gentle man
  207. Sergio – handsome
  208. Vincent – conqueror
  209. Vito – full of life

Surprising Girl Baby Name Meanings

  1. Abigail – source of father’s joy
  2. Abra – mother of multitude
  3. Acacia – honored one
  4. Ada – prosperous, nobility
  5. Adair – she who is beautiful, exalted
  6. Adalia – honor
  7. Adina – she who is delicate
  8. Adele – graceful and noble
  9. Adelaide – noble, kind
  10. Adrianne – woman from Adria
  11. Agatha – she who is kind
  12. Agnes – sacred and chaste
  13. Aida – helper, derived from the French aider, to help
  14. Ainsley – a meadow
  15. Alana – fair
  16. Alea – honorable
  17. Alessa – protector of humanity
  18. Alethea- truthful
  19. Alexis – defender, helper
  20. Aliana – light
  21. Alice – noble, kind
  22. Almira – royal one
  23. Amira – leader
  24. Amani – faith
  25. Amelia – ambitious
  26. Amy – beloved
  27. Anaïs – graceful, full of grace
  28. Anastasia – resurrection
  29. Angela – angelic
  30. Anika – graceful
  31. Anita – grace
  32. Anna – full of grace, mercy
  33. Anne – full of grace
  34. Annalise – grace, devoted to god
  35. April – open
  36. Araminata – defender
  37. Audra – noble strength
  38. Aviva – fresh, springlike
  39. Aziza – beloved
  40. Beatrice – one who brings happiness
  41. Bailey – from the French word for bailiff, justice officer
  42. Bao – gem
  43. Barbara – stranger, foreigner, once used to refer to non-Romans or those considered uncivilized
  44. Basimati – to be finished
  45. Bea- bringer of joy
  46. Bertha – radiant
  47. Bibi – full of light
  48. Bethany – house of god
  49. Bethel – holy place
  50. Betsy – pledged to god
  51. Bianca – white, shining
  52. Billie – determined
  53. Bindi – a tiny drop
  54. Blair – plain, battle
  55. Blanche – white, pure
  56. Blythe – kind, joyous
  57. Bodhi – awakened, enlightened
  58. Bonnie – beautiful, good
  59. Brigitte – strength
  60. Brittany – strong
  61. Bryn – honorable
  62. Candence – rhythm, flow
  63. Catherine – pure
  64. Caitlin – untainted
  65. Camille – pure, virgin of unblemished character
  66. Cara – friend, she who is dear
  67. Carissa – she who is dear
  68. Carole – joyous song, full-grown man
  69. Cassandra – temptress
  70. Cecilia – blind
  71. Celeste – celestial, heavenly
  72. Cheryl – beloved, dear one
  73. Clio – praise
  74. Constance – unchanging
  75. Cora – young woman
  76. Cynthia – luminous
  77. Dahlia – flower, gentle, tender
  78. Daisy – inspired by the popular flower; the old English word “doeges eage,” days eve, refers to the sun-like yellow center of the flower
  79. Danica – morning star
  80. Daniele – feminine form of Daniel, which means “God is my judge” in Hebrew
  81. Dale – valley
  82. Daria – prosperous
  83. Davina – cherished, beloved
  84. Delma – from the sea
  85. Denise – derivative of the greek god Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry
  86. Diane – divine
  87. Donna – lady
  88. Edna – pleasant
  89. Elena – bright, torch
  90. Elaine – light, bright, torch
  91. Elizabeth – God is abundance
  92. Eleanor – bright shining one, light
  93. Eloise – great in battle
  94. Elsa – noble young woman
  95. Esmé – beloved, loved, guardian
  96. Esmeralda – emerald
  97. Estelle – star
  98. Esther – star
  99. Eva – life
  100. Eve – life
  101. Fatima – captivating,
  102. Finley – fair haired, hero, warrior
  103. Frances – free one
  104. Francesca – free one
  105. Gabrielle – God is my strength
  106. Georgia – farmer, earth worker
  107. Gloria- Glory
  108. Greta – a pearl
  109. Haley – heroine
  110. Hannah- full of grace, mercy
  111. Harriet – rules the home
  112. Hazel – victory
  113. Heidi – noble
  114. Hella – the sun
  115. Hera – protector
  116. Hillary – bringer of joy
  117. Hilda – battle
  118. Ida – labor, industrious one
  119. Idalia – industrious
  120. Iman – God is with us
  121. Ingrid – beautiful, fertile
  122. Irene – peace
  123. Iris – rainbow
  124. Isadora – gift, fertile
  125. Isla – island
  126. Jennifer – fair lady
  127. Jaqueline – supplanter
  128. Jane – God is gracious
  129. Jolie – pretty
  130. Kalliope – beautiful
  131. Kamila – free born
  132. Kara – pure
  133. Karen – pure, unsullied
  134. Klohe – blooming, verdant
  135. Kleopatra – glory, father, of a famous father
  136. Katrina – pure
  137. Keara – dark one
  138. Kendra – knowledgeable
  139. Kristin – anointed one
  140. Kyle – she who is pretty
  141. Kyra – sun
  142. Lala – cheerful
  143. Lana – little, soft
  144. Leah – weary
  145. Leandra – lioness
  146. Madelaine – from the tower
  147. Martha – lady, mistress
  148. Mirabelle – wondrous
  149. Mona – alone
  150. Nadia – filled with hope
  151. Naomi – pleasant
  152. Nanette – grace, favor
  153. Nicole – victory the people
  154. Nicolette – people’s triumph
  155. Nina – gracious
  156. Noel – Christmas, birthday of the Lord
  157. Odele – song
  158. Odelia – wealthy, prosperous
  159. Olivia – olive, symbol of peace
  160. Ophelia – helpful, successor
  161. Pandora – all gifted
  162. Patricia – aristocrat
  163. Rachael – purity
  164. Renee – reborn
  165. Rita – pearl
  166. Roxanne – dawn of day, radiant
  167. Sadie – princess
  168. Sally – princess
  169. Sarah – princess
  170. Sandra – helper, defender
  171. Sharon – a flat place of ground, a plain
  172. Solange – yearly, solemn
  173. Sophie – wise
  174. Tamara – palm tree
  175. Valerie – strong, healthy
  176. Venus – love and desire
  177. Vera – believed to be a word for faith (vjera) or the Latin word for truth (vera)
  178. Victoria – victory
  179. Viola – inspired by the name of the flower
  180. Violet – also inspired by a flower
  181. Virginia – spring like, flourishing
  182. Vivienne – alive, full of life
  183. Willa – feminine version of William, originated from German word for “resolute protector”
  184. Xena – welcoming, hospitable
  185. Yasmine – jasmine flower
  186. Zadie – princess, mother of Zeus
  187. Zara – flower, blossoming
  188. Zelda – blessed, happy
  189. Zinnia – worthy
  190. Zoe – life
  191. Zola – earth, quiet, tranquil

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