Baby Name Meanings
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 14 pages
of 14
Maori
"angel"
This feminine name — simply "angel" imported into Māori phonology — is fresher than Angela and less Hollywood than Angelina.
French feminine form of Axel
"father of peace"
Putting the emphasis on the "elle" softens a name that seems at once futuristic and medieval.
Greek
"joy"
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…
Latin
"true"
The o ending and the positive meaning in many languages makes this a winner, and with the feminine Vera making a surprise return, and the new love for the letter 'V', this becomes a name that has…
Zulu
"peace"
Traditionally, Xolani is a masculine Zulu name stemming from the word "uxolo", which means peace and goodwill. Beware – in this case, the X is pronounced as a one of the famous Zulu clicking sounds…
Arabic
"beautiful, graceful"
Soft and appealing, with a whiff of vanilla.
Hebrew
"sweetness, grace, beauty"
Interesting Old Testament name that embraces many traditional female attributes; also name of a place in the Jordan Valley. In the Bible, a daughter of King Ammon and wife of Solomon.
Slavic
"hope"
Nadezhda is more familiar in the English-speaking world by its short forms, Nadia or Nadya. Well-used through the Slavic countries and Russia, Nadezhda was the name of Lenin's wife. Viewers of The…
Spanish word name
"charity"
Caridad is a theological Virgin name, representing Our Lady of Charity, and a popular saint's name in Cuba. Would make an interesting choice, in the manner of the more familiar Soledad, Our Lady of…
Word name
"fate"
The next Destiny? Kismet seems like it might be fated for increased use.
Appreciated by religious Jews for its connection to "Hatikva," the Israeli national anthem.
Mohawk
"nice morning"
A Mohawk name with a beautiful meaning, Kiawentiio is borne by First Nations actress and singer Kiawentiio Tarbell who has starred as Katara in the Netflix live-action remake of Avatar: The Last…
Absalom, because of its biblical and literary associations, just might appeal to the daring namegiver. In the Old Testament, Absalom was the handsome, favored but rebellious son of King David. In…
Scottish Gaelic
"noble"
This attractive and unique Scottish form of Alice can also be found in the spelling Aileas. Like Alice, it ultimately derives from the Germanic name Adalheidis. Spelt with the fada, Ailís, it's Irish…
Maori variation of Eirene "peace"
Airini is the Maori transliteration of the name Eirene, whcih comes from the Greek goddess of peace. A notable bearer of this name is nineteenth century Maori rights activist Airini Donnelly.
Yoruba
Alafia is a Yoruba name for peace and is used as a name for both men and women in Nigeria.
Hawaiian; Swahili
"truthful; most beautiful"
Alika is a multicultural choice that's far off the beaten track.
Hindi
"bliss"
Genuine Indian name some parents turn to as an Amanda alternative; also connected to a network of spiritual communities.
Welsh
"honor"
Rarely heard in the US, Aneurin is best remembered in the UK as the Welsh politician, Aneurin "Nye" Bevan, who was instrumental in setting up the National Health Service when he was Minister for…
Hindi, “shining, honor”
A soft, sweet, distinctive name with a noble meaning.
