Baby Name Meanings
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 7 pages
of 7
Latin
"strength, health"
This name of a Roman emperor and of a sedating plant is still used quietly, given to about a dozen baby boys in the US last year. It has a strong, rhythmic sound and could make a modern-feeling honor…
German
"bright, glorious"
Ever since Allied soldiers in World War I dubbed the enormous German cannon "Big Bertha", this name hasn't worked for a sweet little baby girl. But this was not always so. Hard as it might be to…
Greek
"she who brings victory"
A name with a surprising amount of history--it was the name of the wife of Ptolemy I of Egypt, occurs in the New Testament, and belonged to a fourth century saint. In the US, it has long been spelled…
"glory of Hera"
Any boy with this name, a synonym for power via the Greek mythology figure, better be strong of body, and of psyche.
Italian and Spanish, diminutive of Nicole, feminine variation of Nicholas, Greek
"people of victory"
If you loved Nicole growing up but now are looking for a new spin, Nicoletta may interest you. The slightly sleeker French version is Nicolette. A shorter form is Coletta, or you could shorten it…
Sanskrit
"triumphant"
Historic and popular Indian name, borne by the son of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. On classic Hindu epics, it was the name of the charioteer of King Dhritarashtra; in the UK is was a character on…
"glory"
Clio is the name of the ancient Greek mythological muse of history and heroic poetry, one that is rich with modern charm and would make an intriguing choice, especially thanks to its dynamic…
English, diminutive of Victoria
"victory"
More modern nickname for Victoria than Vicky. Better known as Tori spelling.
Slavic
"gracious, dear, beloved"
Milos, typically spelled Miloš, derives from various names including the Slavic element, milŭ , such as Miloslav, Bogomil, or Milrad. Popular in the Czech Republic, the name is also used in Serbia,…
Igbo
"glorify God"
A common unisex name in Nigeria. Kerry Washington used it as the middle name for her son Caleb.
English word name
"one who wins"
Winner is an uplifting word name that can work for girls or boys. It was recently chosen by rapper Nya Lee for her daughter.
Originally the name of the titular faerie queene of Spenser's epic poem "The Faerie Queene," published in 1590. Gloriana was, along with Belphoebe, an allegory for Queen Elizabeth. In the 400-odd…
Czech; Slovak; Slovene
"peace and glory"
An ancient name with a lovely meaning, still in wide use throughout the Slavic-speaking world. Short forms include Miro, Mirek, Mirko and Miško.
German; English, from Greek
Nicola, an elegant Latinate feminization of Nicholas, has long been standard issue for English girls but for some reason has never voyaged across the Atlantic, which we consider a pity, especially as…
Diminutive of Winslow, Winthrop, or Winston, English
"friend's hill or friend's village or wine town"
Win is an upbeat, can-do name that can be a short form of one of the buttoned-up British choices above or can stand on its own. Welsh Wyn is another possibility. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell…
Russian
"fierce and glorious"
The Russian form of an ancient Slavic name, which belonged to several Grand Princes of Kyiv and Novgorod, including Yaroslav I "the Wise". A city and region called Yaroslavl in Western Russia are…
"glorious rule"
In Eastern Europe, more fashionable these days than Vladimir.
"glorious, renowned"
Rare and distinctive name with intimations of antiquity, also a Shakespearean character.
Norwegian
"gift or winner"
Even is a popular boys' name in Norway, derived from the Old Norse Eivindr. Another popular variation is Eivind, which is pronounced like Ivan.
French form of Veronica
"true image"
Veronica seems poised to rise again, along with many other V names, and with it may follow this more romantic French version.
