Browse baby names from A to Z and search by name. Entries include an origin or language note, common usage, and a concise meaning where the etymology is reasonably established.
Freya
Old Norse name associated with the goddess Freyja; commonly connected with the word “lady.”
Gabriel
Traditionally interpreted as “God is my strength.”
Grace
An English virtue name referring to grace or favor.
Hazel
An English nature name referring to the hazel tree and its color.
Henry
Traditionally associated with the Germanic idea of a home ruler.
Isaac
Traditionally interpreted as “he will laugh.”
Isabella
A form related to Elizabeth; traditionally interpreted as “pledged to God.”
James
English form historically related to Jacob; traditional meanings vary by interpretation.
Julia
A classical name related to the Roman family name Julius; the original etymology is uncertain.
Kai
Used in several languages and cultures with different meanings.
Katherine
A long-established Greek-rooted name; popularly associated with “pure,” though the ancient etymology is uncertain.
Liam
Irish short form of William, traditionally interpreted as a resolute protector.
Luna
Means “moon” in Latin.
Mateo
Spanish form of Matthew, traditionally interpreted as “gift of God.”
Mia
Used across languages; may be a short form of Maria and in Italian also resembles the word for “mine.”
Noah
Traditionally associated with rest or comfort.
Nora
Used independently and as a short form of names such as Honora or Eleanor; meaning depends on origin.
Olivia
Literary and Latin-influenced name strongly associated with the olive tree.
Owen
A traditional Welsh name; proposed meanings vary and the etymology is debated.
Parker
An English occupational surname name historically referring to a park keeper.
Penelope
Ancient Greek name with an uncertain original etymology.
Quentin
From the Latin name Quintinus, related to “fifth.”
Quinn
Irish surname name derived from Ó Cuinn; modern use is broadly unisex.
Riley
Irish and English surname name; proposed meanings differ by origin.
Rowan
Used from Irish and Scottish naming traditions and also as an English tree name.
Samuel
Traditional interpretations include “God has heard.”
Sophia
Means “wisdom” in Greek.
Taylor
English occupational surname name referring to a tailor.
Theodore
Means “gift of God” from Greek elements.
Uma
A traditional South Asian name associated with the Hindu goddess Uma; interpretations vary by source and language.
Uriel
Traditionally interpreted as “God is my light.”
Vincent
From Latin Vincentius, associated with conquering or prevailing.
Violet
A flower and color name from Latin through French and English.
William
Traditionally interpreted from Germanic elements as a resolute protector.
Willow
An English nature name referring to the willow tree.
Xavier
A Basque place-name surname traditionally connected with Etxeberri, “new house.”
Ximena
A traditional Spanish name; its early etymology is uncertain.
Yasmin
From Persian, referring to the jasmine flower.
Yusuf
Arabic form of Joseph; traditionally associated with the idea that God increases or adds.
Zachary
English form related to Zechariah, traditionally interpreted as “the Lord has remembered.”
Zoe
Means “life” in Greek.
Why baby-name meanings can differ between sources
Names travel across languages, alphabets, religions, regions, and centuries. A modern name may have more than one independent origin, a traditional interpretation may differ from strict historical linguistics, and a surname or place name may later become a given name. For that reason, BabyCareGuide avoids presenting disputed etymologies as certain facts.
How to choose a name beyond meaning
Families often consider pronunciation, spelling, initials, sibling names, cultural or family connections, likely nicknames, how a name sounds with the surname, and whether the name works in more than one language. Meaning can be one factor without needing to be the deciding factor.
A note on gender labels
“Common usage” describes how a name is frequently used in naming traditions or contemporary usage; it is not a rule about who may use the name. Many names are unisex, shift over time, or are used differently across countries.
