Meaning of a Name – What to Call the Baby
Popular Names and Meanings – American, Spanish, French and English
Nov 10, 2009
Baby names go in and out of style, based on celebrities, television shows, heroes, politicians and family heritage. Remember that this child will be stuck with the name for a very long time. When choosing a name for the new baby, test it with the middle and last name by saying it aloud, writing it down and listening to other people say it. Some names have more than one meaning, so take that into consideration as well.
Popular American Names and Their Origins
Girl Names
- Emma – English, whole and complete
- Isabella – Hebrew, devoted to God
- Emily – French, feminine form of Emile, which means industrious
- Madison – English, feminized from son of a mighty warrior
- Ava – Latin American, like a bird
- Olivia – Latin, olive
- Sophia – Greek, wise
- Abigail – Hebrew, gives joy
- Elizabeth – Hebrew, devoted to God
- Chloe – Greek, blooming
Boy Names
- Jacob – Hebrew, he grasps the heel
- Michael – Hebrew, who is like God
- Ethan – , strong and constant
- Joshua – Hebrew, Jehovah is generous or Jehovah saves
- Daniel – Hebrew, God is my judge; Irish or Welsh, attractive
- Alexander – Greek, protector of mankind
- Anthony – English, worthy of praise; Basque, priceless
- William – English, resolute or determined protector
- Christopher – English, he who holds Christ in his heart
- Matthew – Hebrew, gift of the Lord
Popular Spanish Names
Girl Names
- Sofia – lover of wisdom
- Camila – attendant
- Valentina – brave
- Valeria – strong and valiant
- Maria – bitter
- Daniela – God is my judge
- Sierra – mountain
- Mia – mine
Boy Names
- Jose – God will increase
- Juan – God is gracious
- Luis – famous warrior
- Carlos – manly and strong
- Diego – supplanter
- Antonio – worthy of praise
- Miguel – like God
- Alejandro – protector of man
Popular French Names
Girl Names
- Lea – meadow
- Manon – bitter
- Clara – clear and bright
- Ines – meek, chaste
- Camille – virginal
- Sarah – princess
- Oceane – ocean
- Jade – green gemstone
Boy Names
- Enzo – ruler of the household
- Mathis – gift of God
- Lucas – light
- Hugo – intelligent
- Matheo – gift of the Lord
- Nathan – gift of God
- Theo – divine gift
- Noah – comfort, long-lived
- Matteo – gift of God
- Thomas – a twin
Popular English Names
Girl Names
- Grace – grace of God
- Ruby – ruby jewel
- Jessica – God is watching, rich
- Lily – lily flower
- Ella – torch, bright light
- Amelia – industrious and admiring
Boy Names
- Jack – God is gracious
- Oliver – olive tree, peace
- Harry – home ruler
- Charlie – manly, farmer
- James – supplanter
- Alfie – counselor
Unusual Names for Girls and Boys
After celebrities naming their children unusual names like Apple, Blanket, Cocoa and Siri, many people have decided to get creative. Some choose names based on flowers or colors, while others have picked names off lists of gemstones or named their babies after places they’ve been. Traits, characteristics and faith have also inspired unique baby names. Some of the inspired names include Columbine, Rose, Ivy, Dallas, Austin, Brooklyn, Opal, Topaz, Bronze, Ebony, Gray, Azure, Patience, Hope and Glory.
Baby Naming Tips
Before selecting a name for the baby, keep some tings in mind. Choose one that is memorable and has a positive meaning that the child can feel good about. Think long and hard before picking a name with an unusual spelling because this may be a problem for the child’s lifetime.
Consider the sound of the full name. Try not to come up with something that the child may be teased about on the playground. If the baby’s name is difficult to pronounce, he may face the frustration of always having to correct people.
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