Names That Mean Hope

  1. Taraja
    • Origin:

      African, Kiswahili
    • Meaning:

      "hope"
    • Description:

      The raja sequence of sounds gives it a regal feel.
  2. Ireti
    • Origin:

      Yoruba
    • Meaning:

      "hope, expectance"
    • Description:

      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 meaning "expecting joy". Notable bearers include Nigerian politician and civil engineer Ireti Kingibe, fashion-entrepreneur Iretidayo "Ireti" Zaccheaus, and actress Iretiola "Ireti" Doyle.
  3. Eleonara
    • Origin:

      Italian, German, Dutch, and Polish version of Eleanor
    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining one"
    • Description:

      The usual form of Eleonara is Eleanora, with each syllable pronounced, but transposing, adding, or subtracting a vowel or syllable here or there works fine and adds to the international, feminine spin on a solid name.
  4. Mirri
    • Origin:

      Australian Aboriginal
    • Meaning:

      "the sun"
    • Description:

      This cute as a button name stems from the Goonayandi word for the sun and can be used as a unisex name.
  5. Morning
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      There are many lovely day/month/seasonal names -- and this is one of the most intriguing.
  6. Arpina
    • Origin:

      Armenian
    • Meaning:

      "rising of sun"
    • Description:

      Has a nice fresh, early morning meaning, but not the most mellifluous of sounds. Also spelled Arpineh.
  7. Tikvah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "hope"
    • Description:

      Appreciated by religious Jews for its connection to "Hatikva," the Israeli national anthem.
  8. Elpis
    • Origin:

      Ancient Greek
    • Meaning:

      "hope"
    • Description:

      A positive name from mythology, given to the hope left in Pandora's box.
  9. Vimbai
    • Origin:

      Shona
    • Meaning:

      "have hope and trust"
    • Description:

      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 a given name in its native Zimbabwe. It might also be considered a short form of Vimbainashe, meaning "have trust and faith in God".
  10. Newlyn
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "new pond"
    • Description:

      Male name that seems feminine enough to switch genders, if you're looking for a new lyn spin.
  11. Elpida
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "hope"
    • Description:

      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.
  12. Umniya
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "wish, hope, desire"
    • Description:

      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.
  13. Javiera
    • Origin:

      Spanish, feminine form of Javier, Spanish version of Xavier
    • Meaning:

      "new house, bright"
    • Description:

      Javiera, pronounced ha-vee-AIR-a, is not as well used as twin brother JAVIER, but makes an attractive Latina choice.
  14. Merrill
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "sea-bright"
    • Description:

      Merrill, once fairly common for males, is rarely used for girls (or boys either, for that matter) with this spelling. Chef Emeril Lagasse dropped the initial E from his name and called his daughter Meril.
  15. Amela
    • Origin:

      Bosnian form of Amal, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "hope, aspriations"
    • Description:

      A gentle and warm sounding choice, with an uplifting meaning, Amela is the Bosnian form of the popular Arabic name, Amal. It was a Top 100 choice in Bosnia and Herzegovina until 2015 and is occasionally used as a short of of Amelia in Scandinavia.

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