Names That Mean Festival

Though Bayram is not well known in the US, it's a name that easily crosses cultures because it sounds exactly like the English name Byram, a variation of Byron. Bayram is the Turkish word for "holiday" or "festival". Like Felix and Asher, Bayram is a name with a happy, uplifting meaning. It was in Turkey's Top 100 until 2003.

Also spelled Beltane and Beltain, this festival on May 1 marks the beginning of summer. It was described in old Irish and Scottish texts, and has been revived as a cultural festival, and by neopagans. It is often celebrated with bonfires and greenery, and would be an inventive name for a baby born at this time of year. The name is thought to derive from an old Celtic word meaning "bright fire".

The Bulgarian deity of the New Year — fitting for a baby due around the turn of the calendar year.

Adverse associations with the ruthless Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.

Not a traditional name for a person, but this Slavic word has a lyrical, namelike sound. Koliada was an ancient festival that was incorporated into Christmas, and the word lives on in several Slavic languages to denote festive traditions. It possibly derives from a god or goddess of the returning sun, so it could be a name for a midwinter or new year baby.