Names That Mean Wise, Intelligent, and Smart

Looking for a strong girls' name that is based on brains rather than looks? Consider Vidya, a name popular throughout Asia, which is connected to the Hindu goddess Sarasvati, who is thought to purify, empower, and uplift the individual. It looks like the name has some power - Vidya Balan is a noted Indian actress who through her portrayal of strong female characters is considered to be an important catalyst for changing the way that women are represented in Indian film.

The meaning of intelligent elevates this A-starting name for girls above other similar possibilities.

Ancient saint's name used for cowardly cartoon lion.

Aatos is currently popular among baby boys in Finland.

This pretty African girls' name has not one but two admirable meanings.

Literary Indian choice, best known here via acclaimed writer Ved Mehta, who lost his sight at the age of four.

Wise, with vivacity.

While it looks like a creative respelling of the ubiquitous Aidan, Aydin has Turkish roots and means "intelligent." While there will most certainly be issues with spelling, those attracted to the Turkish lineage can be assured of a smooth path to assimilation due to the current popularity of soundalike names. The name is spelled with an ı (dotless i) in Turkish.

Seanan and its more-popular variation Senan are connected to the Latin word "senator" and are ancient saints' names, but may also be thought of as diminutives of Sean, the Irish form of John, given that the suffix "an" is an Irish diminutive meaning "little". Virtually unknown in the US, it might appeal as an update for the no-longer-stylish Sean.

Almost unknown in the western world, Gyan comes from a Sanskrit word for knowledge. It may appeal to parents looking for a name influenced by eastern philosophy, like Bodhi or Zen.

Interesting Native-American choice that could be taken for Greek.

The name of several legendary Danish kings, including one who declared universal peace.

Some cutting-edge parents might revive Osbert as a substitute for Oscar. We like the "divinely brilliant" meaning. Cool or terminally nerdy? Your call.

A new, hyper-intelligent word name that first appeared on the charts in 2008.

A Navajo nature name with a cool, fresh sound.

Like Norbert and Hubert, feels terminally dated -- in addition to which it's a nut.

Nuha is an Arabic name meaning wise, and also a name from Semitic mythology of unknown origin, belonging to an ancient sun goddess.

Part of the next generation of preppy H-beginning surnames. Once Harrison, Hudson, and Holden are no longer fresh, expect to hear more little boys being called Hughes, Hutch, and Henderson on the playground.

Surname of a noted modern Urdu poet.

The name of the elephant-headed Hindu god of wisdom is rarely heard outside India.