Baby Name Meanings
Search 5,000+ baby names to find meanings, origins, gender, pronunciation, and similar names. Filter by origin (Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Norse, and more) or search by meaning. Free, instant, no sign-up required.
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How to Search Baby Name Meanings
- Type a name in the search box — or a keyword like "strong" or "light" to browse by meaning.
- Filter by gender and origin to narrow results.
- Click any name to see its full profile: meaning, origin story, gender, notable namesakes, and similar names.
How Baby Names Get Their Meanings
Most name meanings come from one of three sources: the literal meaning of the words in the original language, the historical context of when and why names were given, or later association with famous bearers of that name. "William" comes from the Old Germanic elements wil (will, desire) and helm (helmet, protection) — "resolute protector." "Emma" traces to the Germanic ermen, meaning "whole" or "universal." "Sophia" comes directly from the Greek word for wisdom.
Hebrew names from the Bible form one of the largest groups in English-speaking countries: Hannah (grace), Noah (rest), Elijah (my God is Yahweh), Mary (beloved or bitter), and Abigail (father's joy). These names carry millennia of religious and cultural weight, which is a large part of their enduring appeal. Latin names — often arriving via Christianity and the Roman Empire — include Clara (bright), Felix (happy), and Victoria (victory).
Celtic, Norse, and Anglo-Saxon names have surged in recent decades as parents seek distinctive, heritage-rich names. Freya (Norse goddess of love), Finn (Irish for "fair"), Isla (Scottish island name), and Rowan (Gaelic for "little red one") all reflect this trend. Knowing the origin helps parents choose names that connect to their own heritage or simply resonate with the sound and meaning they want for their child.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the meaning of a baby name? â–¼
Type the name into the search box and press Enter or click Search. The result shows the name's meaning, language of origin, gender, a brief history, notable people with that name, and similar names you might also like.
Can I search by meaning or origin? â–¼
Yes. Use the filters to narrow results by origin (Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Celtic, Norse, etc.) or gender. You can also search by meaning — searching "strength" will surface names that mean strength or are associated with it.
How many names does this database cover? â–¼
The database includes 5,000+ names from dozens of language origins — English, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, Celtic, Norse, Sanskrit, Japanese, African, and more. We focus on names used in English-speaking countries, including rising, classic, and international names.
Are name meanings definitive? â–¼
Name meanings often have multiple interpretations depending on the language, era, and region of origin. Ancient names may have lost their original meaning or gained new associations. We show the most widely accepted scholarly interpretation alongside alternate theories where significant disagreement exists.
What makes a name popular or rare? â–¼
Popularity is driven by cultural moments (celebrity babies, TV characters, royals), generational cycles (old names becoming "vintage" again), and sound trends (names ending in -a or -en have dominated recent decades). Rare names are typically historical, regional, or from less common language families.
What is the difference between a given name and a surname used as a given name? â–¼
Many modern given names were originally surnames — Hudson, Riley, Quinn, and Morgan are examples. This "surname as first name" trend accelerated in the 1980s–90s. These names often have occupational or geographic origins: Hudson means "son of Hudd", Morgan means "sea circle" in Welsh.
How do I choose a middle name that goes with a first name? â–¼
Good middle names typically contrast in length with the first name (a long first name pairs well with a short middle name and vice versa), avoid rhyming sounds, and do not create awkward initials. Our "similar names" section suggests names that share origin, style, or sound.
Do name meanings really matter? â–¼
For many parents, a name's meaning deepens their attachment to it — knowing that "Amara" means "eternal" in Igbo or "grace" in Arabic can make the name feel more intentional. However, most children are known primarily by how their name sounds and feels, not its etymology.