Birthday Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 6 pages
of 6
Japanese
"sixth son"
Arabic
"pure"
The soft and pretty name of one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad.
Hebrew, Greek, and Latin jewel name
"blue"
Sapphire goes waaaaay beyond Ruby and Pearl. This September birthstone, occasionally used a century ago, might be worth a reappraisal, perhaps as a Sophie/Sophia alternative. Sapphire is the…
"wisdom; intelligent history"
Modern form of Senán or elaboration of Sean, Irish
"little old one; God is gracious"
Seanan might be considered an Anglicized form of Seanán, itself a modern form of Senán, an Old Irish name meaning "little old one", giving it a wise and ancient feel. The name of a 6th century saint…
Amharic
"harvest"
Variant of Seble
English word name
"month name"
Parents are beginning to turn away from springtime months like April and June and are moving toward the cooler and crisper three-syllable September, October, November, and December.
Latin
"sixth born"
Just think about those inescapable "sexy" nicknames. The related Sixtus is not a huge improvement. Sextus was one of a handful of first names used by the ancient Romans, and was often given to a…
Irish
"old and wise"
Irish place-name -- it's a river, a town, and an airport -- once popular but now supplanted by such newer immigrants as Saoirse and Seanan.
This shimmery Age of Aquarius unisex flower child name is making a comeback, along with metal and gem names like Steel, Jade, and Ruby.
French feminine variation of Sixtus
"sixth-born"
While Sixtine is a name with ancient roots that's popular in modern-day France, it's hard to imagine it gaining hold in English-speaking lands, given its similarity to the number sixteen and its…
Hebrew
"lily"
Susannah is by far the most stylish form of the classic name now that Susan and Suzanne have retired. Susannah has biblical and musical pedigrees, is impervious to trends, and has an irresistible,…
"earth"
A video-game import (Final Fantasy VI) for a character with green hair and a name that brings the outmoded Terry and Tara into the postmodern age. In ancient Rome, Terra was also a minor goddess and…
English, diminutive of Theresa
"to harvest"
Cosy and warm but with plenty of substance and strength, Tess is a literary diminutive that works perfectly well as a stand-alone name. Stylish in the Netherlands, it currently sits outside the Top…
Latinized variation of German Tielo or Till
"people"
One of the coolest of names, thanks to legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Sphere Monk, who inherited this Latin-sounding German name from his father. It has been used very sparingly since the 1960's,…
English
"loyal one"
Truman is an upstanding presidential name that radiates an aura of integrity and moral truth, values any parent would want for a child. It seems definitely headed for a revival. Also associated with…
"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…
Sanskrit, Indian, Hindi, Tamil
"wisdom, distinction"
A handsome and energetic Sanskrit name, borne by Indian actor and comedian Vivek, and Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi.
"Woden's day"
Made famous by the iconic and macabre character Wednesday Addams, this name has the spooky and Halloween-inspired feel that some parents might be looking for. The character has appeared in various…
Russian variation of George
Common Russian name familiarized here via cosmonaut Yury Gagarin and a character in Dr. Zhivago , but we don't see it ever gaining permanent resident status.
