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Olympic Baby Names

Sophie Kihm
By Sophie Kihm
Updated Sun Jun 21 2026
Olympic Baby Names

Take a peek at these Olympic baby names dating from the 1896 games until now. The Olympics spotlights global choices that might not otherwise attract our attention. Olympians are to thank for introducing names such as Bode, Usain, and Picabo into public consciousness.

Along with Bode, other Olympic baby names in the US Top 1000 include Anais, Bruno, Duke, Florence, Harry, Jules, Madden, and Thiago. Among the most distinctive Olympic names with strong ties to Olympians are Babe, Commodore, English, and Knute.

Names of Olympians range from trendy and well-used to never-before-seen picks, but we've chosen to feature some of more unique Olympian names here.

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Athletic Baby Names

Modern Hero Names

  1. Thiago

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Tiago, diminutive of Santiago

    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"

    • Description:

      Some high-profile soccer stars, such as Thiago Silva, have contributed to its success. The correct Portuguese pronunciation is chee-AH-go. Thiago is ranked Number 2 for boys in Puerto Rico.
  2. Kailani

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "sea and sky"

    • Description:

      Bright, melodic, and nature inspired, Kailani blends the appeal of Kaia and Leilani in terms of sounds, while in meaning, it matches the draw of Skye, Ocean, and Celeste. Derived from Hawaiian elements kai ("sea, ocean") and lani ("sky, heaven"), it debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2013, having been on the rise since the early 2000s.
  3. Antonella

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Antonia, Spanish, Italian, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from Antium"

    • Description:

      Antonella is an elaborate feminine form of Anthony growing in popularity throughout Latin America as well as in the US. It first entered the US charts back in 2017 and has since shot into the Top 300, given to around 1330 girls in a recent year.
  4. Florence

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "flourishing, prosperous"

    • Description:

      Florence is back, returning to the US Top 1000 girl names in 2017 after a nearly 40 year absence. Other English-speaking countries have been quicker to welcome Florence back into fashion.
  5. Hector

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "holding fast"

    • Description:

      Previously used primarily by Latino families, this name of the great hero of the Trojan War as related in Homer's Iliad is beginning to be considered more seriously by others seeking noble ancient hero names as well--it was also the name of the knight who raised King Arthur as his own son.
  6. Clover

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from Old English

    • Meaning:

      "key"

    • Description:

      Clover is a charming, perky choice if you want to move beyond hothouse blooms like Rose and Lily, and it's recently become a new celeb favorite, chosen by both Neal McDonough and Natasha Gregson Wagner, who used it to honor her mother, Natalie Wood, one of whose most iconic films was Inside Daisy Clover.
  7. Cicely

    • Origin:

      English variation of Cecilia

    • Meaning:

      "blind"

    • Description:

      This frilly Victorian name is a variant of Cecilia and Cecily, with which it might well be confused. Cicely was a surprise choice for comedienne Sandra Bernhard.
  8. Madden

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "little dog"

    • Description:

      Madden is an Irish surname relative of Madigan rising through the charts thanks to its trendy two-syllable, -en ending sound along with its appeal to Madden Football video game-playing dads. John Madden is a former pro football player who went on to coach the Oakland Raiders and become a popular NFL commentator. Madden is also the surname of groovy Nicole Richie baby daddy Joel Madden.
  9. Coraline

    • Origin:

      Variation of Coralie, French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "coral"

    • Description:

      Coraline may not be original to Neil Gaiman's wonderful book of the same name, but it might as well be. Gaiman's young heroine Coraline Jones is constantly called Caroline but as a name Coraline is more distinctive and has a more mysterious feel. The 2002 novel Coraline was made into a 2009 animated film voiced by Dakota Fanning and nominated for an Academy Award.
  10. Duke

    • Origin:

      English rank of nobility

    • Description:

      While John Wayne and Duke Ellington are worthy role models, the reason Duke is currently enjoying a revival and returned to the Top 1000 in 2013 as one of the year's fastest-rising boys’ names is more likely due to the name given to high-profile TV couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic. Christened Edward Duke, he has always been called by his middle name, just as Edward Duke Ellington was. Duke is just one of several aristocratic titles being increasingly used by ordinary citizens.
  11. Bruno

    • Origin:

      Germanic

    • Meaning:

      "brown"

    • Description:

      Tough-yet-cuddly Bruno is an international name even in its origins: it derives from the Germanic word for "brown" plus a Latin ending, and was borrowed as a color word in many European languages.
  12. Bode

    • Origin:

      German, Yoruba

    • Meaning:

      "order, command; return"

    • Description:

      Bode is a short and sharp name that has been on and off the US charts since the mid-2000s. Similar to on-trend choices such as Brooks, Beau, Boone, Brody, and Bodhi, Bode suffers a little, perhaps because it might be read as the word "bode" , as in "that doesn't bode well", and because it has several acceptable pronunciations.
  13. Noe

    • Origin:

      Greek, Georgian, and Latin variation of Noah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "rest, repose"

    • Description:

      The Old Testament Noah has been so popular for so long that variations are becoming popular too. Noe is a streamlined form used in Greek and Latin Bibles, and in Georgia too. Spelled as more often as Noé, it is also popular across France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Spain.
  14. Commodore

    • Description:

      Commodore is a masculine name derived from the military naval rank, which originated from the French 'commandeur' and Latin 'commendare' meaning 'to entrust' or 'to command.' As a given name, it gained limited usage in the United States during the 19th century, reflecting the nation's growing naval power and admiration for military titles. The name carries strong connotations of authority, leadership, and nautical tradition. While never widely popular, Commodore occasionally appeared as both a first and middle name for boys, particularly in families with naval connections or patriotic values. The name experienced a slight resurgence of interest with the popularity of Commodore computers in the 1980s. Today, it remains a rare choice that conveys strength and distinguished heritage.

  15. Harry

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Henry

    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"

    • Description:

      Harry is the medieval English form of Henry, which derived from the Germanic name Heimrich, meaning "estate ruler." Harry was the nickname of all eight King Henrys; it is also a diminutive of Harold and Harrison.
  16. Polly

    • Origin:

      English variation of Molly, diminutive of Mary, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "bitter"

    • Description:

      An alternative to the no-longer-fresh Molly, the initial 'P' gives Polly a peppier sound, combining the cozy virtues of an old-timey name with the bounce of a barmaid.
  17. Maritza

    • Origin:

      Spanish diminutive of Maria

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

    • Description:

      Used especially in Latin America, this would make a funky spin on Maria.
  18. Knute

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "knot"

    • Description:

      A strong, powerful choice, ancestor of the modern Superboy Names. Knut is the name of the patron saint of Denmark; Knute Rockne was a legendary Notre Dame football coach. Knute is the middle name of Jessica Simpson's son Ace, in honor of his paternal great-grandfather. Note that pronunciation is two syllables, with the K sounded.
  19. Nikita

    • Origin:

      Russian, Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "victor; house"

    • Description:

      Sharp and spiky with international potential, as a feminine name, Nikita has its roots in Hindi, Marathi, and ultimately Sanskrit. It comes from niketa, meaning "home, habitation", and may also be spelled as Nikitha.
  20. Anais

    • Origin:

      Catalan and Provencal pet form of Hebrew Anna

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Anais is an unusual, alluring name forever attached to the daring French-born American novelist and diarist Anais Nin (born Angela, with Anais as one of her middle names), who became the inspiration for the naming of the daughter of musician Noel Gallagher. Anais is also the name of a popular perfume.

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