Names That Mean Meaning
Across 15 pages
of 15
The names
Eleanor
English variation of French Provencal Alienor, meaning unknown
Eleanor's straightforward feminine image combined with its royal medieval history is striking just the right note for parents in search of a girls' name that combines substance and style. Big plus:…
Declan
Irish
"man of prayer"
Declan is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Deaglán. St. Declan was one of the first missionaries to bring Christianity to Ireland, preceding St. Patrick. Originally from Wales, he founded the…
Ximena
Feminization of Ximeno, Spanish
"hearing, listening; son"
A popular choice in Mexico and a Top 200 name in the US, though usually for girls. Ximena has that stylish X- initial and a sunny feel. Alternative form Jimena is also in the charts and is far more…
Rosemary
Latin or English
"dew of the sea, or rosemary (herb)"
Despite appearances, Rosemary is not a "smoosh" name, not even a traditional one. The name derives from two Latin terms "Ros" meaning dew and Marinus meaning of the sea. The plant was termed dew of…
Titus
Latin, meaning unknown, possibly "title of honour"
"title of honour"
Titus, once seen as a slightly forbidding Roman, New Testament, and Shakespearean name, was brought back to contemporary life in the USA by the TV series Titus 2000 , increasing in popularity along…
Ivory
Word name
"hard, white material from the tusks and teeth of animals; pale, white"
Ivory was last popular a hundred years ago. In 2013, it finally began to regain some momentum in the female rankings, reentering the Top 1000, while 2024 saw it jump up the charts again by over 100…
Amirah
Arabic
"princess"
The feminine form of Amir, a soft and regal baby name popular in the Muslim community.
Armani
Italian surname derived from Herman or Arman, German or Persian
"soldier; wish,hope"
One of the designer baby names -- Chanel and Gucci are others -- that have appeared in this era of branding everything from your purse to your offspring. It helps that the name is similar to more…
Chaya
Feminization of Chayyim or Chaim, Hebrew, Hindi, "life; shadow, shade"
"life; shadow, shade"
A life-affirming name of Hebrew origin, currently popular in Israel, Chaya has also risen up the charts in both the US and the UK in recent years. Used as a common name for leafy shrub in Mexico, it…
Jessica
Hebrew
"behold or wealthy"
When Jennifer finally gave up her Number 1 place on the girls' popularity list, her crown was passed to Jessica, who reigned for not one but two decades. Jessica was the Number 1 name in both the…
Thaddeus
Aramaic, meaning unclear, possibly from Theodore
"gift of God"
Thaddeus, a distinguished, long-neglected name, has several areas of appeal: a solid New Testament legacy, a nice antique feel, and the choice of several more modern nicknames and international…
Montserrat
Catalan
"serrated mountain"
Montserrat is a Catalan name meaning ‘serrated mountain’. That may not be the most appealing meaning, but the exceptional beauty of the Montserrat mountain range near Barcelona, Spain might change…
Dior
French surname
"golden"
Dior was among the fastest-rising names for both girls and boys in the US in the early 2020s, but was the fastest- falling name for boys in the 2023 statistics. Its connection to French luxury…
Allan
Spelling variation of Alan
"handsome, cheerful"
This extra-L variation of Alan isn't quite as popular in the US as the original. Both spellings remain popular in Ireland and England.
Willodean
American
"resolute protection + valley; resolute protection + high ranking priest; willow valley"
The Social Security Lists show this name to have been used throughout the 1920s and 30s especially in Southern states, where it likely appealed alongside Clarabel and Marigold. It feels part…
Nala
African, meaning unknown
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. Keenen Ivory Wayans used it for his daughter.
Carmen
Spanish variation of Carmel or Latin
"garden or song"
While the variation Carmine is more familiar for boys, Carmen has also been used as a masculine name; consider the very macho Carmen Basilio — the American boxer famous for defeating the great Sugar…
Avyaan
Sanskrit
"beginning, lucky"
Fast-rising boy name thanks to Indian actress Dia Mirza when she used it for her son in 2021. Avyaan is related to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of beginnings and good luck. Avyaan entered the US and…
Shenna
Invented name, meaning unknown
Strange amalgam with little appeal.
Eleanora
Latinate form of Eleanor, meaning unknown
Eleanor is back, Nora is back, and, as predicted, Eleanora is back too. Having left the charts in the 1930s, this elaboration of Eleanor has returned and blends the elements of its two more popular…