Names That Mean Will
Across 3 pages
of 3
The names
Joaquin
Spanish variation of Joachim
"God will judge"
Actor Joaquin Phoenix (brother of River, Rain, Liberty and Summer) highlighted this one, then Kelly Ripa began talking about younger son Joaquin on her daily TV show, and presto—it's now one of the…
Yaretzi
Nahuatl, Aztec
"you will always be loved"
This unusual name from the Nahuatl or Aztec language has one of the best meanings around. It sprang onto the US popularity list in 2006 and made a brief appearance in the Top 300 before sliding down…
Wilson
English
"son of Will"
Wilson is a substantive presidential choice far less prevalent than Taylor or Tyler, and with the advantage of being a new route to friendly nickname Will. We see Wilson growing in popularity as an…
Judith
Hebrew
"He will be praised or woman from Judea"
The biblical Judith, the fourth most popular name in 1940, may be getting ready for a comeback in its full, elegant, if somewhat solemn form. Many of those earlier Judiths were called Judy—some after…
Yahir
Hebrew and Arabic
"he will enlighten, he shines; to be visible, shining"
This Hebrew and Arabic name hit the US Top 300 in 2004 via an unusual inspiration: A Mexican pop singer and telenovela star known simply as Yahir, who was himself named after a Brazilian soccer…
Promise
English word name
"a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified"
Promise is one of those word names with an uplifting meaning that is making inroads as a girls' name , like sisters Dream and Serenity. How promising is Promise as a first name? Our try at cleverness…
Joey
Diminutive of Joseph
"Jehovah increases"
This nickname for popular and traditional Joseph has a long history of being used as a given name all on its own. Nonetheless, everyone will always assume that Joey is short for the longer form. It…
Jireh
Hebrew
"to see; the Lord will provide"
Jireh is a spiritual name that has been rising significantly for both sexes in recent years, although still remains quite rare. Jehovah-Jireh was the location of the binding of Isaac, where Jehovah…
Eliakim
Hebrew
"God will raise up"
Little-used name borne by several biblical figures including a king. It would make an unexpected way to get the nickname Eli - or Kim.
Yakim
Hebrew
"he will establish"
One of many Hebrew Y names kept alive in Israel and in American religious communities.
Akim
Russian form of Hebrew JEHOIAKIM
"God will establish"
This strong and commanding Russian name is pronounced ah-KEEM.
Negasi
Amharic
"he will wear a crown"
Ethiopian name that would be difficult here.
Yanai
Aramaic
"he will answer"
The biblical husband of the queen of Sheba; an unusual name with an interesting sound, rhyming with lanai.
Yaron
Hebrew
"he will sing"
Most modern parents outside Israel would prefer Aaron.
Malvolio
Literary name
"ill will"
Coined by Shakespeare for the main antagonist in his comedy Twelfth Night , the unfortunate Malvolio’s name literally means "ill will". Incidentally, a peace-loving character in Romeo and Juliet…
Telma
Portuguese version of Thelma
"will"
Sometimes used in the Hispanic community, along with the male TELMO. Has been associated with Telma Hopkins, singer with Tony Orlando & Dawn and onetime TV sitcom star.
Chimamanda
Igbo
"my God will never fail"
Made most familiar in English-speaking countries by prize-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chimamanda has a wonderful meaning and can be shortened to Chima or the spunky Chi. In 2022, it…
Jareb
Hebrew
"he will struggle"
Unfortunately, everyone will just hear Jared.
Vivaldo
Italian
"who dominates the will"
Unusual Italian name for boys that relates both to the vividly stylish Viv names such as Vivienne and Viveca, and to the Italian musician Vivaldi.
Ishmael
Hebrew
"God will hear"
Ishmael is most familiar through "Call me Ishmael," the opening line spoken by the youthful narrator of Moby-Dick . Few American parents have followed that advice, though the Spanish and Arabic…