Celebration Names

Though Bayram is not well known in the US, it's a name that easily crosses cultures because it sounds exactly like the English name Byram, a variation of Byron. Bayram is the name of two Mohammedan festivals, one that ends Ramadan and one that takes place 70 days later. Like Felix and Asher, Bayram is a name with a happy, uplifting meaning. It was in Turkey's Top 100 until 2003.

Also spelled Beltane and Beltain, this festival on May 1 marks the beginning of summer. It was described in old Irish and Scottish texts, and has been revived as a cultural festival, and by neopagans. It is often celebrated with bonfires and greenery, and would be an inventive name for a baby born at this time of year. The name is thought to derive from an old Celtic word meaning "bright fire".

From a Scottish Gaelic word meaning "visit", a ceilidh today usually means a gathering with traditional Scottish or Irish music and dances. The spelling could be an issue, depending on where you live... but everyone called Cayley, Kailee and Kayleigh has to spell their name out too.

Very occasionally given to boys born on that day; Noel is a more common name for Christmas babies.

Festive name of the wife of Salvador Dali. In Spanish, Gala comes from the Roman name Galla, a feminine form of Gallus meaning "rooster" or "a person from Gaul".

Hanabi is the Japanese word for fireworks and is rarely given as a name to babies. The most famous Hanabi is Koko the Gorilla — "birth" name Hanabi-ko, or "fireworks child." Koko, known for her use of "Gorilla Sign Language," was born at the San Francisco Zoo on the 4th of July, hence the meaning of her name.

Adverse associations with the ruthless Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.

A festival of giving and gratitude for Buddhists in South-East Asia, at the end of the rainy season. With the spiritual connotations and the similar sounds to Katherine and Athena, it's almost surprising this is so rare as a name.

Eminently usable Nigerian name that works for both sexes.

Rare but stylish Nigerian name for boys and girls.

Not a traditional name for a person, but this Slavic word has a lyrical, namelike sound. Koliada was an ancient festival that was incorporated into Christmas, and the word lives on in several Slavic languages to denote festive traditions. It possibly derives from a god or goddess of the returning sun, so it could be a name for a midwinter or new year baby.