Names That Mean Happy
- Keiko
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"happy child"Description:
Japanese classic with optimistic meaning.
- Ayo
Origin:
YorubaMeaning:
"joy"Description:
This charming West African mini name fits in with the other similarly short names that are all the rage right now. Actress Ayo Edebiri is the star of TV's The Bear.
- Anuli
Origin:
Igbo, HindiMeaning:
"joy, binger of happiness; not wild, gentle"Description:
An Igbo name with a bright, cheerful sound and a meaning to match, Anuli means "bringer of happiness" or simply "joy". Used most prominently in Nigeria, it also appears in India and Indonesia, where it may be a form of Anula, a Hindi name meaning "gentle".
- Taten
Origin:
Variation of Tate, Tatum, or Tatton, EnglishMeaning:
"cheerful, happy, glad; Tata's homestead; Tata's town"Description:
A surname style name, reminiscent of cheerful Tate and unisex Tatum, along with modern choices like Talon, Tanner, and Sutton. Taten has been used as a baby name since the early 90s and in a recent year was given to 21 boys. Ultimately from the Anglo-Saxon Tata, it means "glad, happy", although it may equally refer to a place owned by someone called Tate or Tata.
- Chara
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"joy"Description:
Chara is the name of a star in a constellation that represents hunting dogs, recently named as one of the most likely to host extraterrestrial life. Also, Chara is a variation of both Sarah and Charlotte.
- Radomir
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"famously happy; happy world"Description:
Radomir is derived from the Slavic elements rad, meaning "happy" or "joy," and mir, "world," "peace," or "fame."
- Rufaro
Origin:
ShonaMeaning:
"happiness, joy, good fortune"Description:
Also the name of a multi-purpose stadium in Zimbabwe, where Bob Marley and Paul Simon have performed, Rufaro is a cheerful choice of Shona origin, used predominantly as a feminine name.
- Dechen
Origin:
TibetanMeaning:
"great happiness"Description:
A joyful meaning and an appealing international name.
- Veselina
Origin:
Bulgarian, South SlavicMeaning:
"cheerful"Description:
A vibrant name with an uplifting meaning, Veselina is a feminine form of Veselin, predominantly used in Bulgaria. It comes from the South Slavic element, vesel, meaning "cheerful".
- Sokha
Origin:
Khmer, SanskritMeaning:
"health, happiness, pleasantness"Description:
Also used as a surname in its native Cambodia, Sokha is a strong and animated choice, ultimately derived from a Sanskrit word sukham meaning "happiness, contentment". It has been adapted to relate to the Khmer word for "health" too, adding extra positive associates to the name.
- Behati
Origin:
Afrikaans version of Beate or BeataMeaning:
"blessed"Description:
Namibian supermodel Behati Prinsloo, who has walked the runway for every designer from Prada to Versace to Vera Wang, has introduced us to this Afrikaans version of Beata and relative of Beatrice. Ultimately from the Latin beatus, it is pronounced as beh-AH-tee, making it a rhythmic twist on an international favorite.
- Nayo
Origin:
African NigerianMeaning:
"she is our joy"Description:
A bit masculine in feel.
- Zelig
Origin:
Yiddish variation of SeligMeaning:
"blessed, happy"Description:
A super quirky and upbeat choice, if it can ever shake off its ubiquitous-guy Woody Allen identity.
- Preeda
Origin:
ThaiMeaning:
"joyful"Description:
This name has a sound that seems to match its meaning.
- Charmian
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"joy"Description:
This name was used by Shakespeare (who got it from Plutarch) in Antony and Cleopatra for one of the attendants of the Egyptian queen. An interesting possibility, it is heard occasionally in the UK, even less frequently in the US.
- Ilary
Origin:
Variation of Ilaria or Hilary, Italian, LatinMeaning:
"cheerful"Description:
A popular choice in Italy, appearing in the Top 200, this cheerful name ultimately derives from the Roman Hilarius. While Ilaria is more common, Ilary is more succinct which may be part of its appeal. It is notably borne by TV host Ilary Blasi.
- Radeyah
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"contented"Description:
One of several similar names with a pleasant, intriguing sound.
- Euroa
Origin:
Indigenous AustralianMeaning:
"joyful"Description:
In the language of the Ngurelban people, 'Yera-o' is said to mean "joyful". This Anglicization is reminiscent of other feminine nameslike Eulalia and could work well for those looking for a less familiar choice.
- Anand
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"happiness, bliss"Description:
A strong sounding name with a joyful meaning.
- Ahyoka
Origin:
CherokeeMeaning:
"she brought happiness"Description:
Upbeat Native American name with a wonderful meaning.
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