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baby names i love

  1. Adonis

    • Origin:

      Greek, from Semitic Adonai

    • Meaning:

      "lord"

    • Description:

      The name of a figure from Greek mythology, Adonis is a high-pressure name often synonymous with masculine beauty. Nonetheless, many mythological names that would have previously been deemed off limits have made their way up the popularity charts—for instance, Penelope currently ranks highly for girls. And indeed, Adonis was one of the fastest-rising boys' names of 2016, moving up 307 spots on the U.S. popularity chart in just one year.
  2. Anaïs

    • Description:

      Anaïs is a feminine name of Provençal origin, derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' The distinctive dieresis over the 'i' creates its characteristic pronunciation (ah-nah-EES). The name gained international recognition through notable bearers like author Anaïs Nin. Popular in France and French-speaking regions for generations, it has seen increased usage in English-speaking countries since the 1990s, appealing to parents seeking an elegant name with European sophistication. Anaïs combines melodic beauty with literary associations, making it both cultured and accessible while remaining relatively distinctive in most Western countries.

  3. Apollo

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Meaning:

      "destroyer"

    • Description:

      With mythological names rising, the handsome son of Zeus and god of medicine, music, and poetry among many other things might offer an interesting, if high-pressure, option.
  4. Arabela

    • Description:

      Arabela is a feminine name of Latin origin, serving as a variant of Arabella, which derived from the Latin 'orabilis' meaning 'yielding to prayer.' This elegant name carries romantic, classical overtones with its flowing syllables. Historically, it gained prominence in medieval Scotland and England among aristocratic families. The name has literary associations, appearing in poems and novels across centuries, adding to its cultured image. This specific spelling with one 'l' is less common than Arabella, giving it a slightly distinctive quality while maintaining the name's graceful character. Arabela has a musical, rhythmic quality when pronounced, with emphasis typically on the third syllable. The name suggests refinement and femininity, appealing to parents drawn to vintage names with historical depth. While never extremely common, Arabela has maintained consistent usage, particularly appealing to those seeking names with both classical roots and uncommon status.

  5. Barbie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Barbara

    • Description:

      Despite the voluptuous doll's various career choices, from astronaut to doctor, her name still remains a euphemism for "bimbo".
  6. Beau

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "handsome"

    • Description:

      Beau suggests someone devilishly handsome, with a large measure of southern charm—a nice image to bestow on your boy. Often solely a nickname in the past, it's now standing firmly on its own. Beau has been on the Social Security list non-stop since 1969.
  7. Bruno

    • Origin:

      Germanic

    • Meaning:

      "brown"

    • Description:

      Tough-yet-cuddly Bruno is an international name even in its origins: it derives from the Germanic word for "brown" plus a Latin ending, and was borrowed as a color word in many European languages.
  8. Cruz

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "cross"

    • Description:

      For a single-syllable Latino surname, this new popular kid on the block packs a lot of energy and charm and is one of the most stylish Spanish names for boys in general use today. Victoria and David Beckham named their third son Cruz, following Brooklyn and Romeo, and it was also picked up on by tennis star Lleyton Hewitt for his son. Other parents may prize its Christian associations.
  9. Dacre

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "trickling stream"

    • Description:

      A locational surname with its origins in the North of England, occasionally also used as a first name. Notable bearers include actor Dacre Montgomery (Stranger Things) and author and filmmaker Dacre Stoker, the great-grandnephew of Dracula author Bram Stoker.
  10. Daphne

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "laurel tree, bay tree"

    • Description:

      In Greek mythology, Daphne was the nymph daughter of Peneus, a river god. Peneus saved Daphne from Apollo’s romantic obsessions by transforming her into a laurel tree. It is from this myth that the plant genus daphne, which contains the laurel species, gets its name.
  11. Dario

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Darius

    • Meaning:

      "possessing goodness"

    • Description:

      More creative and artsy than Mario. Dario is starting to edge up the US popularity list after languishing near the bottom of the Top 1000 over the last four decades. Is that inspired by Dario's popularity in Italy, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland?
  12. Dean

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "church official"

    • Description:

      Dean may sound to some like a retro surfer boy name, but it is once again climbing up the popularity chart in the USA. For decades it was associated with Dean (born Dino) Martin; more recent representatives include Dean Cain, Dean McDermott and Dean Koontz -- not to mention Jared Padalecki's dreamy Dean Forester in Gilmore Girls.
  13. Delano

    • Origin:

      French surname

    • Meaning:

      "from the forest of nut trees"

    • Description:

      Popular President Franklin Delano Roosevelt inspired a brief fashion for this as a first name in the 1940s; almost never heard today.
  14. Demi

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Demetria or Greek

    • Meaning:

      "half"

    • Description:

      Demi appeared in the US as a baby name thanks to a single celebrity, actress Demi Moore, who put it on the Top 1000 throughout the 1990s. As her star faded, so did the visibility of the name, though now it is rising again on its own steam. It's popular in Europe, too, especially in The Netherlands. Demi may be that unusual name that's launched by a celebrity and then maintains its visibility all by itself.
  15. Dora

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Theodora and Isidora, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "gift"

    • Description:

      Dora is poised for a comeback, right behind Laura, Nora, Cora, and Flora. First-time parents who haven't watched cartoons in a couple of decades should be aware of the Dora the Explorer connection, which has its pluses and minuses.
  16. Draco

    • Origin:

      Greek from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "dragon"

    • Description:

      For as long as we all shall live, Harry Potter's sneering nemesis.
  17. Eden

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "place of pleasure, delight"

    • Description:

      Eden is an attractive, serene name with obvious intimations of Paradise, one of several place names drawn from the Bible by the Puritans in the seventeenth century.
  18. Franco

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Francis

    • Meaning:

      "Frenchman or free man"

    • Description:

      A classic Italian name still heard in the Italian-American community. Once tainted by the association with the Spanish dictator, it's now more likely to call up actor James Franco.
  19. Halle

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name or diminutive of Harald, English or Norse

    • Meaning:

      "Thor's stone"

    • Description:

      Until the beautiful actress Halle Berry inspired hundreds of parents to emulate her name, it was the diminutive Swedish families used for their sons christened Harald. Now, in a complete turnaround, it couldn't be more feminine. It is worth noting, however, that its popularity has fallen dramatically since 2002 when it reached a high of 316.
  20. Indie

    • Origin:

      Short form of India, Indigo etc

    • Description:

      Indie is an independent-sounding nickname name that is in the Top 100 in Wales. As a diminutive, it's growing in popularity -- along with indie films, indie publishing -- and the reason some parents are choosing names like India and Indigo. The Indie version seems more feminine, while Indy as in Indiana Jones tends toward the boyish.
  21. Isadora

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "gift of Isis"

    • Description:

      For a long time, Isadora has been overlooked in favor of Isabella, owing perhaps to its association with the tragic modern dancer, Isadora Duncan, or because parents would rather their daughter be a Bella than a Dora. Now, with Theodora back in the charts and vintage names in vogue, Isadora has been slowly gaining more attention over the last decade.
  22. Isla

    • Origin:

      Scottish place-name or Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "island"

    • Description:

      Isla is a hit name throughout the English-speaking world but hasn't found the same popularity in other western countries, perhaps because its spelling and pronunciation don't make sense for those whose native language is not English. Think island without the final two letters.
  23. Jasper

    • Origin:

      Persian

    • Meaning:

      "bringer of treasure"

    • Description:

      Jasper originated as a variation of the Latin Gaspar, which ultimately derived from the Persian word ganzabara, meaning "bringer of treasure." As a given name, Jasper’s etymology is unrelated to that of the gemstone, which comes from a Semitic word meaning "speckled stone." Jasper is the usual English form for one of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the infant Christ according to medieval tradition and appears in the Bible as a reference to the stone itself in Revelations 4:3.
  24. Jesse

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God exists"

    • Description:

      The boyish spelling, which is still pronounced with two syllables and a long e at the end, is sometimes used for girls, though the Jessie form -- whether short for Jessica or standing on its own -- is usually considered the feminine one.
  25. Jethro

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "excellence"

    • Description:

      Jethro, though the biblical father-in-law of Moses, has suffered for a long time from a Beverly Hillbilly image, but some really adventurous parents might consider updating and urbanizing it and transitioning it into the hip o-ending category.
  26. Jionni

    • Description:

      Jionni is a contemporary masculine name that has gained recognition primarily in the early 21st century. With Italian linguistic influences, it likely represents a creative variation of names like Giovanni (Italian for John) or Gianni. The name exudes a musical quality with its flowing vowel sounds and distinctive spelling. Jionni gained notable attention in American popular culture when reality television personality Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi chose it for her son in 2012, contributing to its increased recognition. Though still relatively uncommon, Jionni appeals to parents seeking a name with Italian flair but with a modern twist. The name carries a stylish, contemporary energy while maintaining loose connections to traditional naming patterns, embodying a balance between uniqueness and cultural resonance.
  27. Joaquin

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Joachim

    • Meaning:

      "God will judge"

    • Description:

      Actor Joaquin Phoenix (brother of River, Rain, Liberty and Summer) highlighted this one, then Kelly Ripa began talking about younger son Joaquin on her daily TV show, and presto—it's now one of the hottest and most appealing multicultural baby boy names.
  28. Jodie

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Jody

    • Description:

      The Jodie spelling might be even more obscure, at this point, than the fading original, except actresses Jodie Foster and Jodie Sweetin have kept it in the public eye.
  29. 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 worldly forms. Be sure to say yo-HAHN-es.
  30. Joie

    • Origin:

      French variation of Joy

    • Description:

      Pronounced as the English word joy, rather than as the French phrase joie de vivre, Joie might produce more complications than joy.
  31. Jolene

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      Stuck in the shadow of the old Dolly Parton song. In spite of its dated feel, Jolene reentered the charts in 2010 and has been rising in recent years.
  32. Jolie

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "pretty"

    • Description:

      Jolie is as pretty as its literal meaning; nowadays it is also seen as a girls’ name, via Angelina for whom Jolie was originally her middle name.
  33. Jonas

    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Jonah

    • Meaning:

      "dove"

    • Description:

      Jonas has a slightly more grandfatherly image than the English version of his name, but that only adds to its retro appeal. And though it may lag behind Jonah in this country, Jonas is riding a huge wave of popularity in Europe, where it ranks highly in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Norway.
  34. Josie

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Josephine, feminine of Joseph, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"

    • Description:

      Josie is jaunty and friendly: among the most winning of all nickname names. She's been on the social security list since records began being kept.
  35. Jovi

    • Origin:

      Variation of Jove

    • Meaning:

      "father of the sky"

    • Description:

      Joining Lennon, Bowie, and Hendrix in the realm of classic rock-inspired names that feel fashionable today is Jovi — as in Bon Jovi. Jovi is a variation of the Latin Jove — another name for the Roman god of the sky, Jupiter.
  36. Jru

    • Origin:

      Invented Name, Variation of Drew

    • Description:

      A creative spelling variation of Drew. Draya Michelle And Orlando Scandrick used it for their son in 2016.
  37. Jude

    • Origin:

      Latin diminutive of Judah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "praised"

    • Description:

      Jude is a modern star, maintaining a steady level of popularity -- but not TOO much popularity, in the US at least. Thank Jude Law and the great Lennon-McCartney song "Hey Jude", double-handedly responsible for propelling Jude up the charts.
  38. Jules

    • Origin:

      French form of Latin Julius

    • Meaning:

      "youthful; soft, downy"

    • Description:

      Though Jules hasn't been on the US popularity list in fifty years, it is a current hit in its native France—where it's currently in the Top 10—and we can definitely see it making a comeback here, being far more romantic than, say, Jim.
  39. Juno

    • Description:

      Juno is a boy's name of Latin origin. Traditionally known as the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth, Juno has crossed gender boundaries to become a distinctive masculine choice. The name carries associations with protection, vitality, and leadership. While relatively uncommon for boys, it has a strong, concise sound with its two syllables ending in a resonant 'o' that feels both classical and contemporary. Juno has gained some visibility through cultural references, including the popular film 'Juno,' though that featured a female protagonist. As parents seek unique names with historical roots, Juno offers boys a name with gravitas and a touch of mythology.
  40. Jodye
    • Julez
      • Katia

        • Origin:

          Russian diminutive of Ekaterina

        • Meaning:

          "pure"

        • Description:

          One of the warm and earthy Russian nickname names now coming into style. Denzel Washington is the father of a Katia.
      • Kimberly

        • Origin:

          English surname and place name

        • Meaning:

          "Cyneburga's meadow"

        • Description:

          Kimberly's heyday was in the 1960s and 70s, when it ranked among the Top 10. While it hasn't been stylish for decades, it's evidenced more staying power than some former hot girl names, remaining among the Top 300 girl names in the US, where it's stood for 70 years.
      • Kit

        • Origin:

          English, diminutive of Christopher

        • Meaning:

          "bearer of Christ"

        • Description:

          Actor Kit Harington, aka the dreamy Jon Snow on Game of Thrones, has given this nickname-name new style and appeal for boys. Actress Jodie Foster used it for her son back in the 2000s, while actor Kit Connor of Heartstopper fame may have introduced it to a wider audience.
      • Leone

        • Origin:

          Latin

        • Meaning:

          "lioness"

        • Description:

          With male version Leon taking off all over Europe, the female variations, from Leona to Leonie to Leone, are coming back into style too.
      • Luka

        • Origin:

          Russian; Serbian; Croatian; Slovene

        • Meaning:

          "man from Lucania"

        • Description:

          Luka is one of the coolest names in recent years, following suit of its cousin Luca which is now a Top 50 name. Luka is on its way up the charts and may crack the Top 100 in the very near future. Luka has a lot going for it — it is following the tails of Lucas and Luke which have been enjoying significant popularity for years. It also boasts the very current "-ah" ending sound that feels fresher than ever for boy names, from Noah to Ezra to Judah. The "k" in the middle gives an extra edge as well. This spelling is the traditional form of Luke in various Eastern European countries.
      • Noa

        • Origin:

          Hebrew

        • Meaning:

          "motion"

        • Description:

          This Old Testament female name has been one of the most popular girls’ names in Israel over the last decade. Also highly popular in Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, and a new entrant to the US Top 1000, it may be misunderstood here as an attempt to streamline and feminize the more familiar Noah – although it's a separate name with a separate derivation.
      • Odessa

        • Origin:

          Ukrainian place-name

        • Description:

          Odessa, a Ukrainian port city, was given its name by Catherine the Great, who was inspired by Homer's Odyssey. It would make an original and intriguing choice.
      • Princeton

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "princely town"

        • Description:

          This uppity name has been a fast climber in recent years, but we still think it's a bit much. Even abroad, where the connection to the prestigious university will be weaker, any name beginning with "Prince" will sound pretentious.
      • Priscilla

        • Origin:

          Latin, diminutive of Prisca

        • Meaning:

          "ancient"

        • Description:

          Despite her somewhat prissy, puritanical air, Priscilla has managed to stay widely used for well over a century -- it reached as high as Number 127 in 1940 -- appreciated for its delicacy and solid history.
      • Rue

        • Origin:

          Botanical names or word name

        • Meaning:

          "herb; regret"

        • Description:

          Rue has gone from Golden Girls actress to Hunger Games heroine to a fresh alternative to beloved middle name Rose. This botanical name is also a coincidental double word name, meaning "regret" in English and "street" in French. Despite these unfortunate secondary meanings, Rue has real potential to be one of the most popular new middle names for girls.
      • Saoirse

        • Origin:

          Irish

        • Meaning:

          "liberty"

        • Description:

          Before the young Irish actress Saoirse Ronan made her mark in the films Ladybird and The Lovely Bones, few of us had heard this name, let alone known how to pronounce it. But now it is slowly way edging its way into the mainstream, particularly, of course, with parents who have Irish roots. It made its first appearance in the US Top 1000 in 2016, when it was the third-fastest-rising girls' name.
      • Solana

        • Origin:

          Spanish

        • Meaning:

          "sunshine"

        • Description:

          A bright and warm possibility for a summertime girl, Solana has been heard in a few video games. Solana Rowe is the real name of the singer known as SZA.
      • Saber
        • Theo

          • Origin:

            Diminutive of Theodore

          • Meaning:

            "gift of God"

          • Description:

            See the popularity graph below for the name Theo? It's been heading straight uphill since 2010, when it hopped back onto the Top 1000 after a 60+ year absence.
        • Thierry
          • Ysabel

            • Origin:

              Spanish variation of Isabel

            • Description:

              Ysabel is the original spelling of this ever-more-popular name, though to English-speakers, the initial Y may confuse pronunciation.