Winter Baby Names

The name of one of the Three Wise Men from the East is heard in several European countries, but rarely in the US. Last year about 50 baby boys were named Gaspar in the US vs. about 200 named Casper, still haunted for some by the cartoon ghost. Root name Jasper is by far the most popular of the group.

Turquoise is similar in hue to Aqua, which is one of the cool new color names on the palette. Other blue-hued options: Cerulean, Cyan, Indigo, or Blue itself.

If January, April and August are useable and fashionable, why not February? February as a word derives from the Latin februa, which was the name of a purification feast coming at the end of winter, to prepare for the coming spring.

An African option for people looking for alternatives for Stella and Estelle, with a starry meaning.

The late actress Sada Thompson introduced this obscure but usable form.

This cute as a button name stems from the Goonayandi word for the sun and can be used as a unisex name.

Named for its snowcapped mountains, Nevada is a state name which, unlike Carolina, Montana, and Dakota, has been relatively undiscovered. Warning: today's unvisited place-name could become tomorrow's trampled tourist attraction.

In the Japanese culture, this name suggests a sense of independence and is one of the popular names for December babies.

This name is usually seen as a surname, but could be used as a first in the tradition of Cooper, Sawyer etc.

This name of a supermodel from Ukraine is not one of those Eastern European choices that translate easily or attractively.

This feminine version of the Basque name Edur is quite well used in Spain, where it has often been in the Top 100. Plus it offers some great nickname options such as Eddie or Deedee. One of the names for winter babies that's off the snowy track.

If you can get past the unintuitive J (it's pronounced like a Y), Fjolla is a perky and attractive girl name. It is derived from the Albanian word for snowflake, fjollë, and is most common in Kosovo.

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.

This rare, botanical compound could make a bold middle name for a winter baby.

March has never been popular as a month name, possibly because of its slightly abrupt sound. But with all kinds of month (and season, day, and holiday) names, from January to December, Sunday to Easter, Winter to Midnight, coming to the fore, March is beginning to seem eminently baby-ready.

An unusual addition to the snowy names perfect for a winter baby.

Orana is an word from the Wiradjuri language meaning "welcome". It has become more widely known for its use in the traditional Australian Christmas carol "Carol of the Birds", meaning it now carries strong yuletide connotations. Orana is an original addition to the list of names for Christmas babies.

North's image and gender status was irrevocably changed when Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announced it as the name of their newborn daughter. But why not? West is firmly established as a name, Easton is coming up strong, and North has a nice solid sound as well -- certainly as appropriate for either gender. South, though, not so much.

Lovely name that's been overshadowed by sister ZAHARA, which was chosen by Brad and Angelina for their oldest daughter.

Sparkly, wintery, and vibrant, this Finnish compound name blends two word names into one. Meaning "snow cherry", it was chosen for 12 girls in Finland in a recent year.