Names for a rainbow baby

  1. Iris
    • Origin:

      Flower name; Greek
    • Meaning:

      "rainbow"
    • Description:

      Iris has so much going for it. It's a fashionable flower name. It's a mythological name, from the Greek goddess of the rainbow. And it's a classic name, always ranking in the girls' Top 1000 but now at its highest point ever.
  2. Isadore
    • Origin:

      Variation of Isidore, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "gift of Isis"
    • Description:

      A classic variation of the name Isidore, both Isadore and Isidore were equally popular at their peak in the 1910s. They were historically used among Jewish families — Isidore and Isadore were often used as Americanizations of Jewish names such as Israel and Isaac.
  3. Isidore
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "gift of Isis"
    • Description:

      Isabel and Isadora are back: could it now be time for a more widespread revival of Isidore? In 2014, both Isidore and Isadore were on the list of fastest-rising names in the US.
  4. Ivan
    • Origin:

      Russian variation of John
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Though some might find it a bit heavy-booted, Ivan is one of the few Russian boys' names to become fully accepted into the American naming pool.
  5. Ivana
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Ivan
    • Description:

      A rarely used Slavic name until the Czech-born ex-Mrs. Trump took it over the top. Daughter's name Ivanka adds a dollop of charm.
  6. Jenica
    • Origin:

      Romanian variation of Jane
    • Meaning:

      "God's gracious gift"
    • Description:

      Jenica might work if you can't decide between Jennifer and Jessica. It's certainly a more distinctive option.
  7. Joanna
    • Origin:

      Variation of Johanna
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Joanna derives from the Greek name Ioanna, which in turn came from the Hebrew name Yohannah. It is featured in the New Testament as a woman who accompanied Jesus on his travels and eventually reached saint status. Other names related to Joanna include Joan, Joanne, Johanna, and Jana.
  8. Leora
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Eleanor, or Hebrew and Greek
    • Meaning:

      "light"
    • Description:

      Somewhat dated Hebrew name that appears more modern when spelled Liora.
  9. Liora
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "light"
    • Description:

      A beautiful Hebrew name that would work perfectly for a child today.
  10. Luca
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Luke and Lucas
    • Meaning:

      "man from Lucania"
    • Description:

      The related Lucas and Luke are both hugely popular boy names in the US and internationally, and now Luca has joined them on boys' popularity lists around the world.
  11. Miriam
    • Origin:

      Hebrew or Egyptian
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
    • Description:

      The oldest-known form of Mary, serious and solemn Miriam has been a particular favorite of observant Jewish parents. But we can see it extending beyond that sphere into the next wave of Old Testament names post-Rachel, Rebecca, Sarah, Hannah, and Leah. Miriam is currently the Number 1 girls' name in Israel.
  12. Nadia
    • Origin:

      Russian, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "hope; tender, delicate"
    • Description:

      Nadia, an accessible Slavic favorite, has a strong run of popularity in the US in the early 2000s, partially thanks to the character on Lost called Nadia but actually named Noor, but it's since slumped down the rankings. An earlier inspiration was Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, who won the 1976 Olympics.
  13. Nala
    • Origin:

      African, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      A Disney name—Nala was the friend who became the wife of Simba, hero of The Lion King. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2015.
  14. Nathaniel
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      Nathaniel was derived from the Hebrew name Netan’el, meaning "gift of God," composed of the elements natan, meaning "to give," and ’el, in reference to God. The name is featured several times in the Old and New Testaments, typically spelled Nathanael. In the New Testament, Nathanael is also known by his other name, Bartholomew.
  15. Odelia
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, German
    • Meaning:

      "I will praise the Lord or wealth"
    • Description:

      Pretty Hebrew name that would create a strong but feminine impression, as well as a variant of the Germanic name Odilia or Ottilie.
  16. Pandora
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "all gifted"
    • Description:

      Pandora has occasionally been used by the British gentry (for girls with brothers who might be called Peregrine) and is now starting to be heard in the US too: It was given to 34 baby girls last year.
  17. Shae
    • Origin:

      Variant of Shea
    • Description:

      The third-most-popular spelling of this name, after Shea and Shay, is notable mostly for its connection to Game of Thrones. Shae is a "camp follower" -- AKA prostitute -- who becomes the loyal mistress to Tyrion Lannister while he is serving as Hand of the King.
  18. Shauna
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      More modern options: Shaw, Shay, or even Sean.
  19. Sian
    • Origin:

      Welsh variation of Jane
    • Meaning:

      "God's gracious gift"
    • Description:

      Simple and pretty and user-friendly, the Welsh Sian was used by U2's Dave "the Edge" Evans for his daughter. In Welsh, it is also spelled Siân.
  20. Zane
    • Origin:

      Possible variation of John
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Western novelist Zane (born Pearl!) Grey made this name famous. Now, it's in tune with the style of our times, retaining that appealing cowboy image.