Name Meanings

By the Names.Contact Editorial Team · Updated September 2026 · 80 names

Name Meanings

Every name started life as an ordinary word. Olivia points back to the olive tree, Leo is simply Latin for “lion,” and Ethan comes from a Hebrew word for “firm” or “enduring.” Knowing a name’s meaning won’t change how it sounds on the playground, but it gives the name a story you can pass on — and for many parents it’s the deciding factor between two favorites.

Below we’ve gathered the real meanings and origins of more than 80 names people search for most, grouped so you can browse by style. If you already have a meaning in mind, jump to one of our themed lists, such as names that mean light, names that mean strength or names that mean love. For the full picture, pair this page with our baby names guide.

Our top picks: Olivia, Liam, Aurora, Elijah, Luna, Theodore, Clara, Asher, Iris, Felix, Nora, Rowan

Name Meanings: browse all lists

Names that Mean Death90+ namesNames that Mean Fire90+ namesNames that Mean Light90+ namesNames that Mean Love100+ namesNames that Mean Moon90+ namesNames that Mean Star90+ namesNames that Mean Sun90+ namesNames that Mean Hope90+ namesNames that Mean Strength90+ namesNames that Mean Warrior90+ namesNames that Mean Angel90+ namesNames that Mean Water90+ namesNames that Mean Ocean90+ namesNames that Mean Night90+ namesNames that Mean King100+ namesNames that Mean Queen90+ namesNames that Mean Wolf90+ namesNames that Mean Dragon90+ namesNames that Mean Gift100+ namesNames that Mean Life90+ namesNames that Mean Happy90+ namesNames that Mean Beautiful90+ namesNames that Mean Miracle90+ namesNames that Mean Peace90+ namesNames that Mean Snow90+ namesNames that Mean Storm90+ namesNames that Mean Sky90+ namesNames that Mean Flower90+ namesNames that Mean Rain90+ namesNames that Mean Wind90+ namesNames that Mean Earth90+ namesNames that Mean Gold90+ namesNames that Mean Brave90+ namesNames that Mean Protector90+ namesNames that Mean Blessed90+ namesNames that Mean Lucky90+ namesNames that Mean Shadow90+ namesNames that Mean Joy90+ namesNames that Mean Wisdom90+ namesNames that Mean Dream90+ namesNames that Mean Heaven90+ names

Most of today’s top girl names are old — Latin, Greek, Hebrew or Germanic — even when they feel fresh. See more on our popular girl names list.

NameMeaningOrigin
OliviaOlive tree; a symbol of peaceLatin
EmmaWhole, universalGermanic
CharlotteFree person (feminine of Charles)French / Germanic
AmeliaWork, industriousGermanic
SophiaWisdomGreek
MiaMine; also a short form of MariaItalian / Scandinavian
IsabellaPledged to God (form of Elizabeth)Hebrew via Spanish/Italian
AvaPossibly “bird” (Latin avis) or a form of Eve, “life”Latin / Hebrew
EvelynPossibly “desired” or from the Norman name AvelineEnglish / Norman
HarperHarp playerEnglish occupational
LunaMoonLatin
EleanorUncertain; popularly linked to “light”Old French / Occitan
HazelThe hazel treeEnglish
ChloeYoung green shootGreek
GraceGrace, charm, favorLatin
NoraHonor; short form of Eleanor or HonoraIrish / Latin

Many leading boy names are biblical or come from Old English and Germanic warrior vocabulary. Browse our popular boy names for current favorites.

NameMeaningOrigin
LiamStrong-willed warrior, protector (from William)Irish / Germanic
NoahRest, comfortHebrew
OliverOlive tree (possibly Norse Áleifr, “ancestor’s descendant”)Latin / Old French
ElijahMy God is YahwehHebrew
JamesSupplanter (from Jacob)Hebrew
HenryRuler of the homeGermanic
LucasFrom Lucania; popularly “light”Latin / Greek
BenjaminSon of the right handHebrew
TheodoreGift of GodGreek
MateoGift of God (Spanish form of Matthew)Hebrew via Spanish
LeviJoined, attachedHebrew
SebastianVenerable, reveredGreek
JackGod is gracious (from John)English / Hebrew
EzraHelpHebrew
OwenWell-born, noble; possibly “young warrior”Welsh
LeoLionLatin

Unisex names and their meanings

Gender-neutral names often come from surnames, places or nature words. Find many more among our unisex names.

NameMeaningOrigin
RowanLittle red one; also the rowan treeIrish / English
AveryElf ruler (from Alfred)English / Norman
RileyRye clearingEnglish / Irish
QuinnDescendant of Conn, “chief” or “wise”Irish
JordanTo flow down (the Jordan River)Hebrew
EmersonSon of Emery, “work ruler”English
SageWise; also the herbLatin / English
FinleyFair-haired warriorScottish Gaelic
ReeseArdor, enthusiasm (from Rhys)Welsh
EdenDelight, paradiseHebrew
HaydenHay valley or heathen hillEnglish
RemyOarsman or “from Reims”French

Names with surprising meanings

Some meanings are unexpected — or less flattering than you’d think. It’s worth checking before you commit.

NameMeaningOrigin
ClaudiaLame, limping (from the Roman family Claudius)Latin
CeciliaBlind (from the Roman clan Caecilius)Latin
KennedyMisshapen headIrish Gaelic
CameronCrooked noseScottish Gaelic
CampbellCrooked mouthScottish Gaelic
LeahWeary, or possibly “wild cow”Hebrew
RebeccaTo tie, bind (a snare)Hebrew
CalvinBaldLatin
MalloryUnlucky, ill-fatedOld French
PortiaPig (from the Roman family Porcius)Latin
PaulSmall, humbleLatin
BrendaSwordOld Norse

Names whose meanings come from nature

Nature meanings are some of the most-searched. See also names that mean moon and names that mean water.

NameMeaningOrigin
AuroraDawnLatin
IrisRainbowGreek
LeilaNightArabic / Persian
KaiSea (Hawaiian); also “victory” in some languagesHawaiian / various
DylanSon of the seaWelsh
LinneaThe twinflowerSwedish
SeleneMoonGreek
BrooksOf the streamEnglish
PhoebeBright, radiantGreek
SilasOf the forestLatin
ArielLion of GodHebrew
OrenPine treeHebrew

Names that carry a quality or virtue

These names wear their meaning openly — handy if you want a name with a message. Explore names that mean hope and names that mean peace for more.

NameMeaningOrigin
ClaraClear, bright, famousLatin
FelixLucky, happyLatin
AsherHappy, blessedHebrew
IrenePeaceGreek
VeraFaith (Russian); true (Latin)Russian / Latin
BeatriceShe who brings happinessLatin
AmaraGrace (Igbo); eternal (Sanskrit)Igbo / Sanskrit
ConstanceSteadfastLatin
EverettBrave as a wild boarEnglish / Germanic
NadiaHopeSlavic
HilaryCheerfulLatin
SorenStern (form of Severinus)Danish

How to research a name’s meaning

  • Trace the root, not the vibe. Baby-name sites often repeat invented meanings. Look for the original language and word, then see if the meaning follows from it.
  • Expect more than one answer. Names like Eleanor, Ava and Oliver have disputed origins; honest sources say “possibly.”
  • Check every language the name travels in. A lovely word in one language can be awkward in another, so say it out loud to friends from other backgrounds.
  • Think in combinations. First and middle names can form a phrase — Luna Clara (“bright moon”) or Felix Asher (“lucky, blessed”). Our middle names list helps with pairings.
  • Let the meaning break a tie. Sound, flow and family history usually matter more day to day, but a meaning you love is a great tie-breaker.

Frequently asked questions

Where do name meanings come from?

Most names began as words or phrases in older languages — Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Old English, Germanic, Celtic — or as surnames describing a place, job or trait. Linguists reconstruct meanings from those roots.

Are name meanings always accurate?

Not always. Some popular meanings are folk etymology, and some names have competing origins. Reputable sources mark uncertain meanings as “possibly” or list more than one.

What name means “gift of God”?

Theodore, Dorothy, Matthew (and Mateo), Nathaniel and Jonathan all mean “gift of God” or “God has given.” See our names that mean gift.

What is the most common meaning for names?

Religious meanings such as “God is gracious” (John, Jane, Joan, Ivan, Sean) and warrior or strength meanings from Germanic names are among the most widespread.

Does a name’s meaning matter?

It’s personal. A meaning doesn’t shape a child’s character, but many families enjoy a name that carries a story, honors a value or links to their heritage.