NAMES THAT MEAN GRACE

Mon Nov 04 2019By Pamela Redmond

Baby names meaning grace imply beauty, gentleness, and kindness. Grace or gracious is a lovely meaning for a name for both girls and boys.

Grace itself is the top name meaning grace. Along with Grace, names that mean grace in the US Top 1000 include Jane, Anne, Hannah, Nancy, and Joanna for girls, and John, Jack, Evan, Ian, and Shane for boys.

Unique baby names meaning grace or gracious that make our recommended list include Amara, Anouk, Engracia, Sian, and Siobhan for girls, along with Ivlan, Milan, and Esmond for boys.

You may hope your child possesses physical grace but perhaps more important is grace of personality and of spirit. Names with grace in the meaning often reference God -- John and all the names that stem from it, for instance, mean "God is gracious" -- but not always.

If you love the meaning of grace or you're looking for a name that will inspire grace and graciousness in your child, browse this list of names that mean grace for girls and boys.

Jack

Origin:
English, diminutive of John
Meaning:
"God is gracious"
Description:
Jack is a derivative of John that originated in medieval England. The name went from John to Johnkin to Jankin to Jackin to Jack. The name was so common in the Middle Ages that Jack became a generic term for a man.

Amara

Origin:
Igbo or Latin
Meaning:
"grace or bitter"
Description:
Amara is the Italian word for bitter, from the same root as Mary and Miriam. It has separate roots in West Africa as a name that means “grace” in the Igbo language. These two meanings are the best-known, but Amara is also a Sanskrit name meaning immortal and a Mongolian name meaning peaceful.

Amara Continued

Grace

Origin:
English, virtue name
Description:
Grace is derived from gratia, the Latin word for “grace.” It existed as Gracia in the Middle Ages but was not in common use until the Puritans adopted it along with other Christian attribute names in the sixteenth century. It was used as a virtue name, in reference to divine grace—the love and kindness of God.

Grace Continued

Anna

Origin:
Variation of Hannah, Hebrew
Meaning:
"grace"
Description:
Anna is the Latin form of Hannah, a Hebrew name that derived from root chanan, meaning “grace.” European Christians embraced the name for its associations with the Virgin Mary’s mother, Saint Anna—known in English as Saint Anne. While Hannah and Anna are the most common forms of the name, variations including Annie, Annalise, Anya, Anika, Nancy, and Anais also rank in the US Top 1000.

Jane

Origin:
English
Meaning:
"God is gracious"
Description:
No, we don't consider Jane too plain. In fact, for a venerable and short one-syllable name, we think it packs a surprising amount of punch, as compared to the related Jean and Joan.

Zane

Origin:
Possible variation of John
Meaning:
"God is gracious"
Description:
Western novelist Zane (born Pearl!) Grey made this name famous. Now, it's in tune with the style of our times, retaining that appealing cowboy image.

John

Origin:
Hebrew
Meaning:
"God is gracious"
Description:
John is an English derivative of the Hebrew name Yochanan via the Latin name Iohannes, itself coming from the Greek Ioannes. John was a key name in early Christianity, borne by John the Baptist, John the Apostle and John the Evangelist, plus 84 saints and 23 popes, as well as kings and countless other illustrious notables. Contrary to popular belief, the names John and Jonathan are unrelated, the latter being an elaboration of Nathan.

Evan

Origin:
Welsh variation of John
Meaning:
"the Lord is gracious"
Description:
Evan was derived from Iefan, a Welsh version of John. John is ultimately a derivative of the Hebrew name Yochanan, comprised of the elements yo, meaning “God” and chanan, “to be gracious.” Evan is actually a Hebrew word itself, meaning “rock.”

Hannah

Origin:
Hebrew
Meaning:
"grace"
Description:
Hannah originated as a variation of the Hebrew name Channah, derived from the word channan, meaning “grace.” In the Old Testament, Hannah is the mother of Samuel. Names including Anne, Anna, Nancy, Anya, Annika, and Annabel are all related to Hannah. Alternate spellings such as Hana, Hanna, and Chana are also used.

Hannah Continued

Ian

Origin:
Scottish version of John
Meaning:
"the Lord is gracious"
Description:
Ian is Scottish form of John, derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan. It is an Anglicization of the Scottish Gaelic Iain, which is also a viable spelling. Ian was introduced to Americans by Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond.

Anya

Origin:
Russian diminutive of Anna
Meaning:
"grace"
Description:
Anya is a Russian variation of Anna, which came from the Hebrew name Hannah. Anya is the form found most frequently in Russia, Poland and other East European countries, while Anja is the spelling usually preferred in Germany Norway, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and The Netherlands. In the Hungarian language, Anya also means mother.

Shane

Origin:
Anglicized variation of Sean
Meaning:
"God is gracious"
Description:
Shane ambled into the picture via the 1953 movie, adding a cowboy twist to its Irish essence. Shane is even more popular in Ireland than in the USA or the UK. Singer Siobhan O'Connor and actor Kevin Sorbo have sons named Shane.

Shane Continued

Nancy

Origin:
English diminutive of Ann
Description:
Nancy originated as a contraction of “mine Ancy,” with Ancy being a nickname for Annis, a Medieval English variation of Agnes. In the 18th century it began being used in its own right, as well as a nickname for Ann. Related names include Nan, Nance, Nanette, Nanny, and Nanou.

Nancy Continued

Eoin

Origin:
Irish, variation of John
Meaning:
"God is gracious"
Description:
Though Eoin is a Gaelic form of John, its Anglicized pronunciation links it directly to Owen. Eoin is currently a Top 30 name in Ireland. Other variations: Ewan, Ewen, Evan and Eoghan (pronounced as Owen but also translated as Eugene).

Anais

Origin:
Catalan and Provencal pet form of Hebrew Anna
Meaning:
"grace"
Description:
Anais is an unusual, exotic name forever attached to the daring French-born American novelist and diarist Anais Nin (born Angela, with Anais as one of her middle names), who became the inspiration for the naming of the daughter of musician Noel Gallagher. Anais is also the name of a popular perfume.

Anais Continued

Zayn

Origin:
Arabic
Meaning:
"beauty, grace"
Description:
Zayn zoomed up the popularity charts thanks to former One Direction member Zayn Malik; it was one of the fastest-rising names of 2016. The name can also be spelled Zain; the feminine version is Zayna or Zaina.

Annie

Origin:
English, diminutive of Ann
Meaning:
"grace"
Description:
Annie is one of the most open and optimistic, the-sun'll-come-out-tomorrow type of name, having been celebrated over the years in song (Annie Laurie), comic strip (Little Orphan Annie), folklore (Annie Oakley, born Phoebe), and film (Annie Hall). It strikes a nice old-fashioned-but-jaunty chord that still has appeal, but we do suggest that you consider putting a more formal version on her birth certificate.

Annie Continued

Gianna

Origin:
Italian, diminutive of Giovanna
Meaning:
"the Lord is gracious"
Description:
Gianna originated as a diminutive for Giovanna—a Latin feminization of John. The root name among these is the Hebrew name Yochanen, meaning “the Lord is gracious.” Common nickname include Gia and Gigi, and the English form of Gianna is Joanna.

Gianna Continued

Joanna

Origin:
Variation of Johanna
Meaning:
"God is gracious"
Description:
Joanna derives from the Greek name Ioanna, which in turn came from the Hebrew name Yohannah. It is featured in the New Testament as a woman who accompanied Jesus on his travels and eventually reached saint status. Other names related to Joanna include Joan, Joanne, Johanna, and Jana.

Joanna Continued

Anne

Origin:
French variation of English Ann and Hebrew Hannah
Meaning:
"grace"
Description:
The name of the sainted mother of the Virgin Mary was among the top girls’ names for centuries, in both the original English Ann spelling and the French Anne. Both left the Top 100 around 1970 but Anne is still among the most classic names for girls, although others are more likely to choose the original Hannah, the Anna variation, or even Annabel or Annabella.

Annika

Origin:
Swedish diminutive of Anna
Meaning:
"grace"
Description:
Annika is a surprise hit of recent years, inspired by golfer Sorenstam; for Trekkies, it was also the name of a 'Star Trek:Voyager' character. Some people's first memory of it might be as Pippi Longstocking's friend. A nice namesake for an ancestral Ann.

Annika Continued

Anouk

Origin:
Dutch and French variation of Anna
Meaning:
"grace"
Description:
Anouk, made famous by French actress Anouk Aimée, is a singular name with a lovely sound and a Bohemian feel. Anouk Aimée was born as Francoise, but adopted the first name of the character she played in her debut film.

Anouk Continued

Ivan

Origin:
Russian variation of John
Meaning:
"God is gracious"
Description:
Though some might find it a bit heavy-booted, Ivan is one of the few Russian boys' names to become fully accepted into the American naming pool.

Kiaan

Origin:
Hindi
Meaning:
"grace of God"
Description:
One of the many South Asian names skyrocketing up the U.S. popularity charts. This one, with its user-friendly similarity to Ryan, was brought to the fore when Bollywood superstar Karisma Kapoor used it for her son in 2010.

Kiaan Continued

Milena

Origin:
Czech
Meaning:
"love, warmth, grace"
Description:
This popular name in various Slavic countries and in Italy holds considerable Continental appeal. It is the full name of Ukranian-born actress Mila Kunis, most noted for her award-winning role in the film Black Swan. Another actress bearing the name is Milena Govitch, of Law & Order.

Milena Continued

Giovanni

Origin:
Italian variation of John
Meaning:
"God is gracious"
Description:
Giovanni is a venerable Italian classic that suddenly sounds fresh and cool. Ubiquitous in Italy, it has countless notable namesakes, from writer Boccaccio to designer Versace (nn Gianni).

Giovanni Continued

Siobhan

Origin:
Irish Gaelic
Meaning:
"god is gracious"
Description:
Siobhan is the Irish variation of Joan, which is derived from the ancient Anglo-Norman name Jehanne. In this way Siobhan is indirectly related to the name Sinead—the Irish form of Jeannette, which also derived from Jehanne—although Sinead is not a nickname for Siobhan. Siobhan was the name of several early Irish queens and was introduced to the American public by the actress Siobhan McKenna.

Siobhan Continued

Sena

Origin:
Korean; Hindi; Arabic; African
Meaning:
"this world's beauty or grace; army; to praise; bringing heaven to earth"
Description:
Sena is one of those names that is as obscure in the Western World as it is simple and straightforward. Sena exists as a name in a range of languages and cultures and may be pronounced like Senna (with a soft e) or Sienna. Sena is also a place name, a surname, the name of several groups of people, and the name of a genus of moth as well as a kind of wine, among other things. The similar Cinna from The Hunger Games may make Sena more plausible as a first name.

Johanna

Origin:
Hebrew
Meaning:
"God is gracious"
Description:
Johanna is the version of this name used in Holland, Germany, and Scandinavia. The extra h makes Johanna a slightly more dignified version of Joanna.

Johanna Continued

Ann

Origin:
English variation of Hebrew Hannah
Meaning:
"grace"
Description:
Ann, the name of the sainted mother of the Virgin Mary, was among the top girls’ names for centuries, in both the original English Ann spelling and the French Anne. Both left the Top 100 around 1970 and show no signs of returning, with Anne is the middle of the US Top 1000 and Ann dropped out of sight. Once a go-to middle name, Ann has lost its stature in that position as well. Still, it's one of the most common names for girls of the 20th century.

Jean

Origin:
English and Scottish, from French variation of Johanna
Meaning:
"God is gracious"
Description:
Originally a feminine of John, Jean was popular in Scotland long before it found favor elsewhere, and had its most shining moment here in the era of Jean Harlow (born Harlean), ultimate symbol of silver screen glamour. Now, though there are many grandmas and even moms with the name, it doesn't seem all that baby-friendly. Though that could change, and Jean could join Jane.

Joan

Origin:
English variation of Johanna
Meaning:
"God is gracious"
Description:
Joan was the perfect name choice for one of the leading characters on Mad Men, being a quintessential girls' name of the period. A Top 10 name in the 30s, a Top 50 name from the 40s through the early 60s, it was the fifth most popular name in the country for three years running and ranks as one of the most common names for girls in the 20th century. But alas, Joan hasn't even appeared in the Top 1000 for a dozen years, and these days it's primarily associated with Joans of the generation of Joan Crawford, Joan Collins and Joan Rivers--just a few of the noted Joans whose ranks also include the singers Joan Sutherland, Joan Baez, Joan Armatrading and Joan Jett. But it's possible that modern parents who are reviving Jane might move on to Joan, inspired by Joan Hollaway Harris.

Ana

Origin:
Spanish variation of Hannah
Meaning:
"grace"
Description:
Pared-down form loses none of the name's grace or power. Ana is one of the most popular Spanish names for girls in the US.

Mercedes

Origin:
Spanish
Meaning:
"gracious gifts, benefits"
Description:
Mercedes is one of the few names attached to luxury living that we can wholeheartedly recommend, it being a legitimate Spanish appellation stemming from one of the epithets given to the Virgin Mary--Santa Maria de las Mercedes, or Our Lady of the Mercies. The car, by the way was named after the eleven-year-old daughter of the Daimler company's French distributor in 1901.

Mercedes Continued

Anja

Origin:
Russian variation of Anna
Meaning:
"grace"
Description:
Anja is one of the most exotic of several versions of Ann/Anna now being imported, also including Anya and Annika.

Janet

Origin:
Diminutive of Jane
Meaning:
"God's gracious gift"
Description:
Janet started as a pet form of Jane but has long been used independently. Jane is a feminine form of John, which derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan. Janet can also be considered a variation of Jeannette, a derivative of Joan and another feminization of the name John.

Janet Continued

Milan

Origin:
Italian place name or Slavic
Meaning:
"gracious, dear"
Description:
As Mila rises for girls, so Milan is becoming a more popular option for boys, especially after singer Shakira chose it for her son. After a 55-year hiatus, it reentered the Top 1000 in 2013 and is heading dramatically upward.

Milan Continued

Johnny

Origin:
Diminutive of John
Meaning:
"God is gracious"
Description:
The ultimate midcentury nickname, retaining a good measure of retro charm, was chosen for her son by Mira Sorvino.

Johnny Continued

Anita

Origin:
Spanish diminutive of Ana; Sanskrit
Meaning:
"grace; unguided"
Description:
Once a Top 100 name, this Spanish diminutive of Ana still retains some of her Latin flair. A notable namesake is noted attorney Anita Hill, another is the great jazz singer Anita O'Day. Plus there's Disney cred via the lead human character in 101 Dalmatians.

Anita Continued

Annette

Origin:
French, diminutive of Ann
Meaning:
"grace"
Description:
Among the first wave of widely-used girls' names from France, now as passe as the Mouseketeers.

Annette Continued

Johan

Origin:
German variation of John
Meaning:
"God is gracious"
Description:
Still very Old European, conjuring up the image of a classical composer. But surprisingly, it's now been in the Top 600 in the U.S. since the turn of the 21st century, largely thanks to Heidi Klum and Seal's young son.

Johan Continued

Charis

Origin:
Greek
Meaning:
"grace"
Description:
Reference to the mythological Three Graces of womanly charm, this one representing charity. Pronounced in Greek as starting with a back-of-the-throat H sound, most English-speakers would translate that to something closer to KAR-is. It's also the name of a girl who lived in Atlantis in the novel Taliesin, and appears in the Margaret Atwood novel The Robber Bride.

Charis Continued

Gracie

Origin:
English, diminutive of Grace
Description:
Cute Gracie is one of the more recently revived nickname names by parents who chose it over the more formal Grace--or variations like Graziella or Grania. Country singers Faith Hill and Tim McGraw cut straight to the nickname when they called one of their daughters Gracie, and actors Ron Livingston and Rosemarie DeWitt named their newborn daughter Gracie James. Gracie Gold is a popular young figure skater.

Gracie Continued

Jones

Origin:
English surname derived from John
Meaning:
"God is gracious"
Description:
Quintessentially common last name makes distinctive if problematic first, given to nearly 100 babies in the US in the most recent year counted.

Jones Continued

Jon

Origin:
Variation of John or Jonathan
Meaning:
"God is gracious; or gift of Jehovah"
Description:
Streamlined version of the classic boys' names, sometimes a short form of Jonathan, which is in fact an entirely different name from John attached to a different Biblical personage. Jon feels more modern than the traditional John, but some may find it an overly slight variation on an already slim name. Jon Snow is a popular character on HBO's Game of Thrones.

Sian

Origin:
Welsh variation of Jane
Meaning:
"God's gracious gift"
Description:
Simple and pretty and user-friendly, the Welsh Sian was used by U2's Dave "the Edge" Evans for his daughter. In Welsh, it is also spelled Siân.

Johannes

Origin:
German, Dutch, Scandinavian, and Estonian variation of John
Meaning:
"God is gracious"
Description:
An Old World name that might have a chance to rise again with other ancient and exotic forms. Be sure to say yo-hahn-es.

Johannes Continued

Sinead

Origin:
Irish form of Janet
Meaning:
"God's gracious gift"
Description:
One of the best known of the Irish girls' names, thanks to singer Sinead O'Connor. Though it's still in the Irish Top 100, it's no longer quite as fashionable in Ireland as Aoife or Aisling. But by now everyone in the Western World knows it's pronounced shin-aid and so would have no trouble fitting in on an American playground.

Sinead Continued

Hannibal

Origin:
Punic and Assyrian
Meaning:
"grace of Baal, god of fertility and fortune"
Description:
These days, it's thought of less as the name of the great general and more as the first name of Lecter the fictional cannibal. Either association is too heavy for a child to bear.

Hannibal Continued

Juan

Origin:
Spanish variation of John
Meaning:
"the Lord is gracious"
Description:
Juan, the Spanish version of John, is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, and is familiar to all ethnicities via such references as Don Juan and San Juan.

Loading ...