Birthday Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 6 pages
of 6
French
"violet-colored"
Mauve is an offbeat color name whose soft and sentimental Victorian spirit is conveyed by the name. One of the newer color names like Blue, Gray and Plum that are increasingly being used as novel…
Brande is a feminine name with Germanic roots, derived from the Old High German word 'brand' meaning 'sword' or 'fire.' It emerged as a variation of the name Brenda, which gained popularity in the…
English and French
"bow-maker, cattle herder"
Two completely different images come from its national pronunciations -- BOY-err or boy-AY -- the latter giving it an effete French accent.
Japanese
"ninth son; black"
Traditionally given to the ninth-born son, which is a rarity nowadays.
Welsh
"holy fire"
Tanwen is a far more singular and colorful alternative to Bronwen.
Latin
"armpit"
A star system in Sagittarius, so one of the most appropriate names for December babies .
Greek, place name, meaning unknown
The name of an area in northern Greece, known in the era of Homer's Odyssey as Aeolia, Thessaly makes a spirited and pretty place name. Reminiscent of Tessa, Rosalie, and Thea, the name likely…
African, Swahili
"ninth born"
Not many parents would want to use Tisa for its literal meaning in this era of smaller families, but Tisa is a name with much crossover appeal. Simple and straightforward, it's also both distinctive…
Greek gem name
As a name, Topaz is a quietly used option, with a distinctive ending and a sleek but sassy feel. As a golden gemstone, it is said to have energizing properties and bring good luck to those who wear…
"Turkish stone"
Turquoise is similar in hue to Aqua, which is one of the cool new color names on the palette. Other blue-hued options: Cerulean, Cyan, Indigo, or Blue itself.
"pure"
The name of the Roman goddess of the household is not recommended for your little goddess. More on that deity: Vesta is primarily associated with the vestal virgins, her priestesses, who tended the…
Word name
Gwyneth Paltrow's Apple has opened the world of botanical names beyond flowers to trees, herbs, fruits, and — why not — nuts. Cayley and Brandon Jenner have a daughter named Joan Almond.
popular culture
The name of a red-haired warrior-woman in the Song of Ice and Fire fantasy series and its TV adaptation Game of Thrones , in which the character is played by Scottish actress Rose Leslie. Note - the…
Australian Aboriginal
"fire, flame"
This Noongar girls’ name has a dainty sound that belies its fierce fire meaning and could easily cross over into the American or European context.
"arrow"
Sagitta is not a part of the Sagittarius constellation, but rather its own collection of stars. However, its meaning, "arrow," would make it ideal for a Sagittarius daughter.
Eldrid is a masculine name with ancient Norse origins, combining the elements "ald" or "eld" meaning "old, ancient" with "friðr" meaning "peace" or "beautiful, beloved." The name can therefore be…
Arabic
"torch"
An elegant and fluid Arabic name that casts a brilliant light. Mashal is most commonly used among Muslim families in countries such as Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, but has hopped in and…
Greek
"daffodil"
This Greek flower and mythological choice doesn't make it into the pantheon of possibilities because of its association with narcissism. But narcissa is December's flower of the month, so Narcissa…
"turquoise"
Instead of the more obvious Aqua, Turquoise, or Blue, consider this offbeat Arabic name, brought into the American name pool by actress Fairuza Balk (named by her father for the color of her eyes).…
Hindi
"blue sapphire"
It is said that if one wears a flawless blue sapphire, it can remove poverty and provide health, wealth, long life, happiness and prosperity.
