Baby Name Meanings
Names That Mean Fame or Fortune
Across 8 pages
of 8
Rudolph
German
"famous wolf"
Sure, he'd probably get a certain amount of red-nosed teasing around the holiday, but a boy named Rudolph could probably take it. Besides, he's got other, more distinguished namesakes -- the great…
Rupert
German variation of Robert
"bright fame"
Rupert is a charming-yet-manly name long more popular in Britain (where it's attached to a beloved cartoon bear) than in the U.S. Yet we can see Rupert as a more stylish, modern way to honor an…
Sadiya
Arabic
"lucky, fortunate"
This female form of Sa'id is one of several eminently usable Arabic S names.
Shreya
Sanskrit
"fortunate, auspicious"
Shreya is an Indian name with several positive meanings--beautiful, fortunate, auspicious, favorable--and ties to the goddess Lakshmi. Shreya was on the U.S. popularity list from 2002 to 2005.
Stanislav
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…
Success
English word name
"accomplishment"
What's the recipe for success? Maybe it's having Success on the birth certificate.
Thekla
Greek
"fame of God"
Deriving from the ancient Greek name, Theokleia, Thekla is a contracted form that appears in the New Testament. According to the Acts of Paul, Thekla (or Thecla) is a 1st century saint and the first…
Trillion
English word name
"third power of a million"
It's difficult to conceptualize the numerical value of a trillion, but this extraordinarily large number name is a rising choice for baby boys.
Ull
Norse
"glory"
This mythological name of the Norse god of winter sounds, uh, ill.
Ulric
English variation of Ulrich and Wulfric, German
"rich and noble heritage; wolf power"
Also related to the word for wolf, this name has a first syllable that's not appealing to the American ear. Better ic-ending choices: Dominic, Frederic, Eric.
Uta
German
"prosperity, riches"
Medieval name that still hasn't crossed the ocean, known here primarily via actress/teacher Uta Hagen.
Ventura
Spanish
"good fortune"
Ventura started life as a shortening of Bonaventura, Spanish for good luck or good fortune, but now stands on its own. It has a pleasant sound and the stylish 'V' ending, but Angelenos would…
Waldemar
German
"famous ruler"
The American child given this name of four kings of Denmark, not to mention one so similar to that of the Harry Potter archvillain Lord Voldemort, might have to pay a large emotional import tax.
Wenczeslaw
Polish
"glory of the Wends"
Should only be used when singing Christmas carols.
Wilmer
German
"determined fame"
The visibility of actor Wilmer (That 70s Show) Valderrama has highlighted this name, but it's not likely to spread because of its similarity to the feminine (and dated) Wilma.
Yasir
Arabic
"wealthy, prosperous"
In this country, very much tied to PLO leader Arafat.
Yocheved
Hebrew
"God is glory"
The name of the mother of Miriam, Aaron and Moses in the Old Testament. Yocheved was also the name of one of the three daughters of the medieval Talmudic scholar, Rashi. Famous modern-day bearers…
Zada
Arabic
"fortunate, prosperous"
Popular girls' name in Syria. In Yiddish, pronounced ZAE-dah, this is a term for grandfather.
Abimbola
Yoruba, Nigerian
"born to be rich"
Yoruba parents traditionally give their babies names that confer hopes and dreams upon them. A name like Abimbola is thought to inspire wealth.
Zuko
Xhosa
"glory"
No, this name is not an homage to Grease! Zuko is a Xhosa (Zulu) boys' name meaning glory. In a world of Zekes, Zaks and Zanes, Zuko could make a refreshing choice for parents looking for something…