Baby Name Meanings
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 7 pages
of 7
Japanese
"good, respectful"
A classic Japanese name known to kids around the world as a Nintendo video-game character.
Hindu
"admired for her looks"
This Indian name, most used by the Hindi community, is perhaps best known through Niharika Konidela, a well-known Indian actress.
Slavic
"someone who achieves glory or fame"
A long-haired classical conductor name, which could appeal to parents looking for a Laszlo-like appellation. A name of Slavic origin, it has a powerful and uplifting meaning. Stanislav has a variety…
Norwegian, Finnish, German, and Dutch variation of Timothy
"honoring God"
Popular in its own right in Germany and definitely makes a more intriguing and grownup short form of the classic Timothy than Timmy or even Tim.
African place-name, Nigeria
"honor, tribute"
Kanye West propelled his name into the Top 900 in the early 2000s, at the height of his popularity, though now it has dropped off the baby-naming map. In addition to its African derivation, it is a…
Greek
"reward, honor"
Kids would be more likely to associate this name with the hyperactive meercat in "The Lion King" than with the ancient Greek philosopher or Shakespearean character, which could cause playground…
Hawaiian
"praised"
Kaena is a pleasant sounding unisex Hawaiian place name, the westernmost point of the island of Oahu. In the computer-generated fantasy movie Kaena: The Prophecy , the character of Kaena is voiced by…
Israeli place name or Hebrew
"fruit or glory"
Also a city near Tel Aviv, Hadar is a name found primarily in Israel. There is also a citrus fruit associated with the holiday of Sukkat the Torah calls the "hadar fruit".
Latin
"woman of honor"
This is an eighteenth century elaboration of Honor found in Charles Dickens ( Bleak House ) but rarely heard here and now.
Arabic
"honor"
This Arabic name is used for both girls and boys. The high-minded meaning can also be translated as esteem or veneration.
Irish Gaelic
Lovely variation of an upstanding classic.
Hindi, “shining, honor”
A soft, sweet, distinctive name with a noble meaning.
Germanic
"glorious reign"
Romuald is an obscure medieval Italian saint’s name which had a surprising run of popularity in France in the 1970s, featuring in the top 100 from 1972-79. It only fell out of the French top 500 in…
"Child of integrity"
Best known to the West through the story of Sadako and the thousand paper cranes , which tells the story of Sadako Sasaki, this name has become synonymous with peace. Sadako was two years old when…
Welsh
Rarely heard in the US, Aneurin is best remembered in the UK as the Welsh politician, Aneurin "Nye" Bevan, who was instrumental in setting up the National Health Service when he was Minister for…
"glorious man"
Mythological name with a fabulous meaning. Sure it's weighty, but so is Aphrodite; Andy is an easy nickname choice to make this name more wearable in the classroom.
Ethiopian
"in honor of God"
Wesley Snipes chose this distinctive East African name for his son.
"admired, praised"
Interesting name with a cool, upbeat sound.
French version of Heracles
"glory of Hera"
This is the French version of Alcides, birth name of the Greek mythological Heracles (Hercules). You're more likely to recognize it as the name of the hot True Blood werewolf, Alcide Herveaux.
Persian honorific title
Like masculine version Sayyid, Sayyida is a Persian name that is actually a title - sort of analagous to Lady. Sayyida has a wonderful history behind it - most notably in the form of Sayyida al…
