Names That Mean Hope
Across 2 pages
of 2
About this list
The names
Nadia
Russian, Arabic
"hope; tender, delicate"
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…
Taraji
Swahili
"hope"
This name gained widespread attention via the actress Taraji P. Henson, who was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button . A…
Toivo
Finnish, Estonian
"hope"
This name was on the U.S. Top 1000 in the early 20th century, when recent immigrants frequently chose native names that have since died out for American babies. But if you're of Finnish or Estonian…
Von
Norse
"hope"
One of those midcentury shortenings that are starting to sound cool again, though we prefer Van.
Nadine
French variation of Nadia, Russian
"hope"
Part of the vogue for French-sounding names in the 1920s and 30s, Nadine has been replaced by the Russian sound of Nadia and Natasha.
Arman
Form of Herman or Armen, French, Armenian, Persian, Kazakh, Turkish
"soldier; land of Armenia; wish, hope, purpose"
One of those truly international names, with a similar feel to Roman, Arthur, and Artem, without the popularity, in the US at least. The name is in fact in the Top 50 in Armenia and Bosnia, while it…
Armin
Form of Herman or Armen
"soldier or wish, hope"
Possibly related to the Ermin- names (which gave us Emma and her variants) or to Herman OR to the Persian/Kazakh/Armenian names Arman or Armen, this is an unusual choice which fits current trends.
Karou
Literary name
"hope"
Karou is the blue-haired, tattooed protagonist of Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy; her name means "hope" in the language of the chimaera who raised her. Reminiscent of sweet…
Arman
Italian surname derived from Herman or Arman, German or Persian
"soldier or wish, hope"
Although the international Arman is traditionally a male name, we have heard it used for girls.
Themba
Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele
"trust, hope"
Themba is a common male name in southern African countries such as Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini.
Spero
Latin
"I hope"
Spero has a cool sound and a wonderful positive meaning.
Dovile
Lithuanian
"girl who gives hope"
A beautiful Lithuanian name with an ever-so-lovely and inspiring meaning.
Zaya
Arabic, Mongolian, American
"honest; fate, destiny"
Zaya, which rhymes with Maya, came to attention as the name of basketball great Dwyane Wade's older daughter, the stepdaughter of actress Gabrielle Union. It's one of those names that hits the sweet…
Nozomi
Japanese
"wish, hope"
In Japanese, Nozomi is typically written with the kanji for "wish" or "hope."
Omid
Persian
"hope"
An elegant Persian name with a positive meaning. Ümi̇d, Umit, Umid and Umed are variations of the name.
Umut
Turkish
"hope"
Virtue name popular with parents in Turkey. Ümit is another boy name with the same meaning.
Saki
Japanese
"hope blossom"
Common botanical choice in Japan.
Suyana
Quechua
"hope"
This Quechua name would fit in perfectly with names like Eliana and Liliana, but feels much more distinctive.
Imeda
Georgian
"hope"
Less clunky than Imelda, and with a wonderful meaning.
Elpida
Greek
"hope"
The Modern Greek form of Elpis. A lovely meaning with a sound reminiscent of vintage names like Elmira and Elvira, this name could nod to Greek heritage... or simply to hope.
