Baby Name Meanings
Names with Inspirational Meanings
Across 14 pages
of 14
Shanta
Indian
"peace"
This is the Indian version of the Hindi word meaning peace.
Sharif
Arabic
"the honorable one"
Long associated with Egyptian-born actor/bridge expert Omar Sharif, also a title bestowed on descendants of Muhammad.
Sheehan
Irish
"peaceful"
Has a decidedly Roman Catholic feel, thanks to the bishop.
Shlomo
Hebrew
"his peace"
Rarely, if ever, heard outside the Jewish community.
Shreya
Sanskrit
"fortunate, auspicious"
Shreya is an Indian name with several positive meanings--beautiful, fortunate, auspicious, favorable--and ties to the goddess Lakshmi. Shreya was on the U.S. popularity list from 2002 to 2005.
Shula
Arabic or diminutive of Shulamit, Hebrew
"flame; peace"
Shula is a short form often used on its own in Israel. Sula is another, related, option. As an Arabic name, it has a bright, fiery meaning.
Sky
Nature name
Sky is an ambigender nature name that was first legitimized as the character of Sky Masterson in the 1950 musical Guys and Dolls , played in the film version by Marlon Brando. It's a name we…
Sowena
Cornish
"success"
Sowena is the Cornish word for success, a wonderful and encouraging meaning for a baby girl's name. Sowena can also be spelled Sowenna.
Subira
African, Swahili
"patience"
One African name that's virtually unknown in the western world, but sounds both soft and strong.
Taraja
African, Kiswahili
"hope"
The raja sequence of sounds gives it a regal feel.
Tikvah
Hebrew
"hope"
Appreciated by religious Jews for its connection to "Hatikva," the Israeli national anthem.
Toivo
Finnish, Estonian
"hope"
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…
Trig
English form of Trygve, Norse
"trustworthy"
While it might sound like a purely mathematical option, Trig is considered an Anglicized form of the Old Norse name, Trygve (pronounced TRUYG-vuh or TREEG-vuh, depending on region), which means…
True
Word name
"true"
Many parents seeking a return to more basic values and a simpler lifestyle are turning to such virtuous girls' names as Grace, Faith, and Hope, but there are a handful that work just as well on boys,…
Udo
Igbo
"peace"
Udo is the Igbo word for peace, and, in Nigeria, is a name usually reserved for men. Related names include Akudo, Udoka and Udo-Amaka.
Udoka
Igbo
"peace is great"
Udoka is an Igbo-Nigerian name derived from the word Udo, meaning peace.
Ulanni
Hawaiian
"heavenly beauty"
This name is a variation of U'i lani, which means heavenly beauty in Hawaiian.
Umeko
Japanese
"plum-blossom child, patient"
Unfamiliar Asian choice that can work for a parent in search of something really different.
Urania
Greek
"heavenly"
The name of one of the Greek Muses would be really difficult to bear here on earth.
Valor
Word name
"courage and bravery"
This modern virtue name gives a nod to ancient chivalry and could also work as an updated form of the classic Victor. A bold choice, but one that an increasing number of parents have been making in…