Baby Name Meanings
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 11 pages
of 11
Welsh
"sun born"
Said to be the name of the most learned man in ancient Wales, in this country it would be open to mispronunciation, making it rhyme with Julien.
Thai
"sun"
This name is very wearable in English-speaking countries and has a lovely meaning.
Ancient Greek
"hope"
A positive name from mythology, given to the hope left in Pandora's box.
Greek
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.
Variation of Surya, Hindi
"sun god"
The graceful Indian Suria or Surya may remind Americans more of little Miss Suri Cruise than of the pantheon of Hindi gods and goddesses.
Hebrew
"wish, God will help me"
Yoruba
"hope, expectance"
Ireti is a name of Yoruba origin, predominantly used in Nigeria. Translating to "hope" or "expectance", it is sometimes used as a short form of Iretioluwa meaning "the expectance of God" or Iretiayo…
Mongolian
"rainbow"
A Mongolian word name, Solongo is a rare name with a beautiful and colorful meaning. The pronunciation would likely be unintuitive to English speakers, however, it is is pronounced saw-zhong, said…
Shona
"have hope and trust"
A name a pleasing blend of softness and strength, Vimbai has the appealing meaning "have hope, trust, or faith". Also used as a surname, it comes from the Shona language and is predominantly seen as…
Italian word name
"lighthouse"
Names ending with O are popular, but this one is almost unheard-of. Faro has the advantages of being easy to spell and pronounce (unless it's confused with Pharaoh), and a bright meaning. Ultimately…
Spanish from Persian
"sun-bright, glowing"
Would undoubtedly be confused with the geographical Syria.
Arabic
"wish, hope, desire"
Pronounced with the soft oo sound in put or took , Umniya is a gentle Arabic name with a sparky and aspirational meaning, associated with hopes and fancies. Umnya and Umnia are alternative spellings.
English
"bright forest"
Unfashionable surname, best left in the forest with Robin Hood and his Merry Men.
Breton form of Elinor or Helen
"light"
One way to spin grandma Helen or Ellen's name off the beaten track. The legendary Azenor was a tragic 6th century Breton princess who was mother to a saint. This personage also may be known as Senara.
Finnish, Estonian
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…
