Names That Mean Hope
- Taraja
Origin:
African, KiswahiliMeaning:
"hope"Description:
The raja sequence of sounds gives it a regal feel.
- Ireti
Origin:
YorubaMeaning:
"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.
- Eleonara
Origin:
Italian, German, Dutch, and Polish version of EleanorMeaning:
"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.
- Mirri
Origin:
Australian AboriginalMeaning:
"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.
- Morning
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
There are many lovely day/month/seasonal names -- and this is one of the most intriguing.
- Arpina
Origin:
ArmenianMeaning:
"rising of sun"Description:
Has a nice fresh, early morning meaning, but not the most mellifluous of sounds. Also spelled Arpineh.
- Tikvah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"hope"Description:
Appreciated by religious Jews for its connection to "Hatikva," the Israeli national anthem.
- Elpis
Origin:
Ancient GreekMeaning:
"hope"Description:
A positive name from mythology, given to the hope left in Pandora's box.
- Vimbai
Origin:
ShonaMeaning:
"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".
- Newlyn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"new pond"Description:
Male name that seems feminine enough to switch genders, if you're looking for a new lyn spin.
- Elpida
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Umniya
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"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.
- Javiera
Origin:
Spanish, feminine form of Javier, Spanish version of XavierMeaning:
"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.
- Merrill
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Amela
Origin:
Bosnian form of Amal, ArabicMeaning:
"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.
Introducing the Nameberry App

Find your perfect baby name together with our new mobile app.
- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
Sign up to be notified when the app launches and to receive a discount on full access.

