Baby Name Meanings
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 12 pages
of 12
French, Persian, or diminutive of Bibiana
"toy; delight; lady of the house; life"
A spunky nickname name for parents with showbiz aspirations for their daughter.
Hebrew
"light"
Cute, nickname-y, and international, à la Romy or Demi. Spelling it Orly turns it into a busy French airport.
Variation of Nogah, Hebrew
"brightness"
Traditionally spelled as Nogah and borne by a son of King David in the Bible, Noga is a more modern form that leans feminine. Predominantly used in Israel and Egypt, it could make an interesting…
Spelling variation of Solana, Spanish
"sunshine"
Solana has been trending up the Nameberry popularity charts, perhaps thanks to a legion of SZA fans. And it's poised to enter the US Top 1000 too, given to over 225 baby girls last year. Solanna, by…
"light, brilliance"
Though this name is used for both boys and girls in Israel, in the U.S. it sounds decidedly masculine, with Zohara the feminine form. Has a futuristic macho feel.
English
"day-bright"
Problematic, even if not for Dilbert.
"light of Jehovah"
Neriah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah as the father of Baruch and Seraiah ben Neriah. According to the Talmud, Neriah and his sons are all prophets. The name is traditionally…
Greek
"bright"
This name of a tragic figure in Greek mythology, the daughter of King Minos, sister of Ariadne and wife of Theseus, has a mysterious and intriguing appeal, and would make a dramatic choice. Phaedra…
Breton
"shining hostage"
Malo, the name of an important sixth century Breton saint who founded St. Malo, the charming port town in Brittany -- is considered quite au courant in France right now, ranking firmly in the Top…
"amber, shining, bright"
Though the plays by Sophocles and Eugene O'Neill and via the "Electra Complex" proposed by psychoanalyst Carl Jung, this name has, unfortunately, become associated with incest and murder.…
"clear, bright"
Positive meaning -- and a choice of spelling variations.
German
"bright raven"
Last in fashion in the 1930s, Bertram might once have been firmly in the best left in the past category, but with sweet nickname Bertie and the cool option of Bram, Bertram might just be one to…
Chinese
"universe"
Yu the Great founded China's first dynasty and the name went on to become one of the most popular boy names in its native country during the 2000s. In more recent years, it has been used as an…
Latin
"white, bright."
The ancient name Albus has modern currency as the first name of the headmaster of Harry Potter 's Hogwarts, more formally known as Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Can Albus work if…
"light, splendor"
Lovely name that's been overshadowed by sister ZAHARA, which was chosen by Brad and Angelina for their oldest daughter.
English, feminine variation of Albert
"noble, bright"
This jazzy old name could make a comeback, the way Josephine and Ella have. In England the name was popularized by Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, after whom her governor…
English word name
"signal light"
A word name with an appealing and illuminating meaning.
Japanese
"light or radiance"
A unisex Japanese name with a beautiful and radiant meaning, it is notably borne by chess prodigy Hikaru Nakamura, and is a central character in the manga series The Summer Hikaru Died .
Portuguese, German
"famous wealth"
A handsome Portuguese name derived from the old Germanic saint's name Audamar or Otmar. Especially common in Brazil.
Hebrew; also Swahili from Arabic
"thunderbolt, lightning; or blessing"
The name of the 44th president, which he inherited from his Kenyan father, is related to the Swahili word "baraka," meaning "blessing," derived from the Arabic "baracka." It is linked, through the…
