Birthday Names
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 6 pages
of 6
Aramaic, breed of sheep
The name of a breed of Spanish sheep is hardly worthy of a child.
Hebrew
"swift, energetic"
An energetic and distinctive choice.
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…
Hindi
"the beginning, or, happy"
Rhythmic and enchanting.
Greek
"maiden"
Kore is the original Greek form of the modern Cora, a name that's heading straight for the top of the charts in the English-speaking world. Kore was an alternate name for Persephone, goddess of the…
Hungarian
"having copper-colored hair"
A beyond unusual choice for a little redhead.
English, from German
Easter has been used as a name for several hundred years, as part of the day-naming tradition; now, this rarely heard holiday celebration name would make a novel choice for a springtime baby.…
Cornish place and saint's name
"fire soul"
Endellion is the name of an early saint who was a daughter of King Brychan and goddaughter of King Arthur whose life is commemorated by the Cornish village of St. Endellion. This intriguing ancient…
"virtuous"
There's still only one.
Irish
"descendent of the bald-headed"
Less appealing than some other Irish surnames, such as Malone and Sullivan, unless used as a tribute to jazz musician Gerry. There could be some Mulligan stew teasing.
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.
German
"courageous people"
This is one of the least known or used of the Theo names, quite possibly because of its last syllable. In Samuel Butler's 1903 novel The Way of All Flesh , there is a clergyman character named…
Japanese
"firstborn son"
Ichiro is a good classic choice for the first boy in a Japanese family.
Italian
"wasp"
An Italian brand name, associated with the scooter company, Vespa means "wasp" in Italian and Latin and was picked based on the iconic shape of the scooter. As a given name, it may be chosen for the…
Literary name, Greek
"angel"
If you want to move beyond Maya, you might consider this distinctive last name of poet Maya Angelou. Born Marguerite Annie Johnson, Angelou was given the nickname Maya by her brother and adopted…
"glutton"
Gulliver is an obscure Gaelic surname known almost solely through its literary Travels until actor Gary Oldman used it for his son, instantly transforming it into a lively option. British actors…
Ancient Greek
"ram"
Also transcribed as Kreios or Crius, Krios is an animal related name that could work well for an Aries baby (though they are not etymologically related), or perhaps for those who want an alternative…
