Names Meaning: Here What It Means and How to Use It

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“Names” is the plural of the word name. A name is how you address a person, place, or thing. Everyone is given a name at birth, but some are very different from others. Different names are popular in different world areas; whether you’re looking for Greek, Irish, French, Hebrew, Russian, or Egyptian names, we’re sure you’ll see your fair share in this article. 

You may be here searching for baby names for your little one, or you’re simply just curious about names and the rich history behind them. Either way, we’re here to help answer all your questions. 

What Is the Definition of the Word Name? 

A name is a word (or set of words) that a person, place, or thing goes by or is referred to using. Depending on where you were born or your family’s culture, you will have a few names given to you at birth. 

Traditionally, in the U.S., you’re given a first, middle, and last name. Usually, the last name is passed on from the father’s side, but not always —- legally you can give your child the mother or father’s last name. 

What Is the History of Names? 

As we said, names have different meanings depending on what part of the world you live in; everyone’s culture is different. It’s not uncommon for names to be shared amongst different cultures. In the U.S., many people give their children French, Italian, or Russian names. 

Even when people are born and raised in the U.S., they often have family or ancestors from different parts of the world. Often, someone’s name can give you a pretty good insight into their background and family history. 

Most names are chosen because they have distinct origins or a correlation to a family’s history, but as times change, it’s not uncommon for people to choose names solely based on how it sounds. Names often pick up popularity and can go “trending.” Names can pick up popularity for tons of reasons. 

Whether your goal is to find unique baby names, something representing your ethnic background, or a name that just sounds cute, we have tons for you to read!

How Should You Pick Your Child’s Name? 

Picking your child’s name is a monumental moment in both of your lives. You’re deciding what you plan to call your baby forever. Picking your child’s name might seem intimidating, but there is no rush. 

Even if you don’t have a name picked out upon your little one’s arrival, you still have a few days post-partum to figure things out — some people wait weeks to finalize a name on the birth certificate. 

Although it may feel like it, there is no wrong or right way to pick your baby’s name. It’s simply what you (or you and your partner) love and agree on. You shouldn’t expect everyone to love the same names you love, so it’s best to trust your gut and choose a name you truly love, even if it gets mixed opinions. 

You can choose a baby name that is sentimental or not. It’s completely up to you! Don’t stress over choosing a name; we’re sure you’ll find one that fits your newest addition great!

What Are Popular Baby Girl Names ?

All names have a deeper meaning. It can be sentimental to you and your family, or it can be a meaning that is attached to the name itself. The meaning of names can be a crucial factor in whether you decide to name your child this or not. 

We’ve formulated a list of some popular names your little one will surely love.  

English Names

  • Amelia
  • Isla
  • Ava
  • Mia
  • Ivy
  • Lily
  • Isabella

French Names

  • Lya
  • Elyna
  • Anna
  • Lili
  • Noémie
  • Sophia
  • Julia

German Names

  • Emelia
  • Mila
  • Lea
  • Clara
  • Charlotte
  • Lena

Italian Names

  • Giulia
  • Aurora
  • Alice
  • Ginevra
  • Emma
  • Giorgia
  • Greta

Latin Names

  • Aurelia
  • Violet
  • Clementine
  • Mabel
  • Lucy
  • Poppy

Spanish Names

  • Isabella
  • Camila
  • Valeria
  • Mariana
  • Gabriela
  • Sara

Arabic Names 

  • Aaliyah
  • Aisha
  • Akilah
  • Amani
  • Djamila
  • Elham
  • Farah
  • Fatima

Scottish Names

  • Allison 
  • Elsie
  • Maisie
  • Rowan
  • Skye

Welsh Names

  • Beca
  • Bethan
  • Carys 
  • Catrin 
  • Ceri 
  • Efa

Gaelic Names 

  • Aoife
  • Caitlín 
  • Ciara
  • Niamh 
  • Maeve
  • Orlaith 
  • Róisín

Popular Baby Boy Names 

Perhaps you’re welcoming a baby boy. If so, here are some popular baby boy names that might give you some ideas on what you want to name your precious little one. 

Hawaiian Names

  • AilaniNames
  • IkaikaNames
  • Kekoa
  • Koa
  • Lokela
  • Makaha
  • Nahoa

Hebrew Names 

  • Adam
  • Asher 
  • Caleb 
  • Elijah
  • Isaac 
  • Levi
  • Nathan 
  • Samuel

Hindu Names 

  • Arjun
  • Aum
  • Ishan
  • Krish
  • Moksh
  • Rishi
  • Veer

Irish Names

  • Jack
  • James
  • Noah
  • Daniel
  • Conor
  • Finn
  • Liam
  • Fionn

Old English Names 

  • Baron 
  • Barnett
  • Barden 
  • Barclay 

Scandinavian Names

  • Anders
  • Axel/Aksel
  • Bjørn
  • Elias 
  • Jacob/Jakob 
  • Jan 
  • Jens 
  • Lucas/Lukas 

Celtic Names 

  • Brian
  • Connor
  • Dylan
  • Graham 
  • Owen

Greek Names 

  • Alexander 
  • Atticus
  • Elias
  • Jonas
  • Lucas
  • Nico
  • Sebastian
  • Tobias

Native American Names

  • Adriel
  • Ahanu
  • Alo
  • Anakin
  • Calian
  • Dakota

Persian Names

  • Ahmad
  • Ali
  • Ashraf
  • Babak
  • Behrouz
  • Behzad
  • Farhad
  • Farid

Unisex Names 

Some names are considered unisex, meaning they work for both boys and girls — here are some unisex names that are popular worldwide 

  • Jessie
  • Marion
  • Jackie
  • Alva
  • Ollie
  • Jodie
  • Cleo
  • Kerry

The Takeaway 

Names are a big part of someone’s life; you want to be sure you’ve seen your fair share before finalizing your decision. Whether you were looking for some baby name inspiration, or just wanted to see how names are different all around the world we hope you found what you were looking for. 

Sources: 

Name Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

Unisex definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

Ancestors | OxfordLearnersDictionary.