In some countries and cultures, choosing a baby name with meaning takes priority over all else. From the Hebrew Abigail, meaning "a father's joy," to the Arabic Kareem, meaning "noble" and "generous," here are some names that are not only aesthetically beautiful, but have beautiful meanings and histories, too.
Baby girl names with beautifulmeanings
Abigail
Abigail means "a father's joy" in Hebrew. In the Bible, Abigail is King David's intelligent and beautiful third wife. While the biblical Abigail describes herself as King David's handmaid, both outspoken (second) first lady of the United States, Abigail Adams, and record-goal-scoring, Olympic gold medalist soccer phenom-turned-activist Abby Wambach demonstrate the diverse potential of this meaningful name. Currently ranked #32.
Allegra
Allegra means "joyful," "lively," and "cheerful." Of Latin origin, this lyrical name has seen most of its popularity in Italy. Getting some energy from its shared roots with allegro, the term for "a fast tempo" in a musical composition, this lovely and spirited name is perhaps sometimes, unfortunately, now associated with a widely advertised allergy medicine of the same name. Allegra Versace, the heiress to Versace of fashion fame, is one of the most well-known Allegras. Currently ranked #2,866.
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Beatrice
Beatrice means "bringer of joy." Likely an Italian variation of Beatrix, this beneficent name is thought to derive from the Latin word beatus, meaning "blessed" or "happy." Bea is a common short and sweet version. Perhaps the most famous Beatrice from history is the love interest of Italian poet Dante, who wrote about her in his Divine Comedy. Beatrice is also a main character in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. And let's not forget Beatrix Potter, creator of Peter Rabbit. Currently ranked #1,041.
Eleanor
Eleanor is a Greek name that means "bright, shining one." Eleanor is an English version of the Provençal name Alienor. Lilting and easy to pronounce, with an air of sophistication, this name has been in and out of fashion since the early 1900s. It's made a comeback in recent years. Well-known Eleanors include Eleanor Roosevelt, Eleanor Rigby (from the Beatles song), and young British stage actress Eleanor Worthington Cox. Currently ranked #56.
Esperanza
Esperanza means "hope." It comes from the Spanish version of a Roman name Esperantia, in turn derived from the Latin root sperare, which means "to hope." For baby name searchers looking for a multi-syllable name with polish, a kind of dance rhythm, and a wonderful meaning – and great nickname possibilities (think, Espy) – Esperanza could be the answer. Currently ranked #1,783.
Farah
Farah means "joy." Often spelled "Farrah" in English, this pretty and somewhat mystical Arabic-derived name conjures just enough worldliness without being too unique. There is a river named the Farah in Afghanistan and, for whatever reason, Farah is a name that appears in numerous video games, including Call of Duty. It might have something to do with the seventies model/actress who inspired an entire generation to copy her feathered hairstyle, Farrah Fawcett Majors. Currently ranked #572.
Mirielle
Mirielle is of French origin, as you might guess, and means "miraculous" or "to admire." Aside from its enchanting meaning, it's just plain beautiful, whether you pronounce it meer-ay as the French do or use the English miri-elle. This relatively lesser-known name ranks #2,971 on the BabyCenter baby names list. The lilting Catalan version of this name, Mireya, is more popular and ranks #1,225.
Muriel
Muriel, also spelled "Murielle," means "of the bright sea." This vintage yet evergreen baby name is said to be a medieval version of the Breton/Gaelic name Muirgel. Like mer, muir means sea, a lovely and fitting image, as a mother's love for her baby is equally as vast as the shining ocean. Muriel is currently #7,746.
Sophia
Sophia comes from the Greek word for "wisdom" (as in "philosophy.") The name was used by European royalty in the Middle Ages and it remains in regular use today. Sofia and Sophie are common variants of this soft and lovely name. Well-known Sophias: film director Sophia Coppola and actresses Sophia Loren and Sofía Vergara. Currently ranked #4.
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Vida
Vida means "life." Throughout history, Vida is more often found as a last name, but as a simple first name for girls, it just brims with vitality and meaning. Of both Spanish and Hebrew origin, it is sometimes considered to be the diminutive version of Davida. That said, it is frequently chosen as a full first name unto itself, as with actors Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves's daughter Vida. When it comes to bringing new life into to the world, you can't go wrong with this name. Currently ranked #788.
Baby boy names with beautifulmeanings
Aaron
Aaron means "high mountain" or "exalted." Of Hebrew origin, this powerful name was that of Moses's older brother, and a good, protective brother at that. The double vowels give this rather common name some international flair. Don't be deterred by potential negative association of Aaron Burr; someone had to die in that duel. Currently ranked at #88.
Asher
Asher means "happy" or "blessed" in Hebrew. In the Bible, Asher is one of Jacob's sons, and he purportedly provided all of Israel with olive oil. As a last name, Asher refers to someone who lived by an ash tree, and surely that meaning carries over for any nature lovers looking for a baby name. Well-known Ashers include the main character in Chaim Potok's novelMy Name Is Asher Lev and American rapper Asher Roth. Currently sitting in the top 10 at #8.
Darius
Darius goes way back to Persia, via Greece and Rome, and means "possessing goodness." Once the name of kings and an emperor, this now uncommon name is perhaps best known as the moniker of singer-songwriter Darius Rucker, former lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish. This strong and creative name is currently ranked #519.
Jasper
Jasper means "bringer of treasure.. Of Persian origin, "jasper" as the name for a gemstone is mentioned in the Bible, one that was and is believed by healers and gemstone enthusiasts to provide protection by absorbing negative energy. Jasper is perhaps best known as the name of one of the three wise men who visited the baby Jesus. Perfect for your little treasure, this precious name is currently ranked #150.
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Jayce
Jayce is thought to be a modern variation of Jason, which is derived from a Greek verb meaning "to heal" or "healer." It's often given one syllable, but is also commonly pronounced jay-cee. An alternative to Chase or Trace with a gentle and caring meaning, this hip and new-aged name is ranked #108.
Kareem
Kareem, also spelled "Karim," means "noble" and "generous." Of Arabic origin, this meaningful name was made famous by one of America's all-time basketball superstars, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The world could certainly use more generosity and nobility. Currently ranked # 452.
Isaac
Isaac means "he will laugh." Of Hebrew origin, in the Bible, Isaac is the son of Abraham and Sarah. Isaac marries Rebecca and has two sons, Esau and Jacob. Well-known Isaacs: scientists Isaac Newton and Isaac Asimov. Modern-day Isaacs include Isaac Gabriel, son of British singer songwriter Peter Gabriel; fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi; and soul singer Isaac Hayes. We're all suckers for laughing babies. This fortuitous name is currently ranked #55.
Unisex baby names with beautifulmeanings
Eden
Eden means "paradise," referring directly to the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve first lived. Often found on place-names lists, this sweet name lends itself well to parents seeking gender-neutral names and conjures up peaceful visions of a simpler time. Currently ranked #212 for girls and #452 for boys.
Caius
Caius means "rejoice." Pronounced ky-us and sometimes keez, this Old Latin first name is possibly of Etruscan origin. It's likely derived from the Roman given name Gaius, the name of a saint as well as the first name of Gaius Julius Caesar. Another well-known Caius appears in the vampire-themed fantasy series Twilight. Babies are always a reason to rejoice. Currently ranked #1,196
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Ellis
Ellis means "benevolent." This sophisticated-cool name is both a place-name and a Welsh heritage name. Considered an Anglicized version of the Welsh name Elisedd, British nineteenth-century author Emily Bronte published her novel Wuthering Heights under the pen name Ellis Bell. This benevolent baby name is ranked #426.
Sander
Sander means "defender." This relaxed name is thought to be a Dutch or Scandinavian variation on the Greek-derived name Alexander. Much like the more popular Zander, Xander, and Sandy or the Italian-derived Sandro, strong Sander is yet another stand-alone short version of a classic name. Currently ranked #3,497.
Val
Val means "brave," "strong," or simply, "from the valley." Whether it's short for Valerie or Valentine or just standing on its own, this self-assured name comes from the Roman family name Valerius, stemming from the Latin valere, a verb meaning—you guessed it—to be strong. American actor Val Kilmer played Jim Morrison in the film The Doors, as well as Bruce Wayne in Batman Returns. Currently ranked #1,081.
Yarezti
Yaretzi means "you will always be loved." From the Middle American Nahua population, of which Aztecs were members, this strong name with the beautiful meaning is considered to be a Mexican heritage name. Most commonly appearing on "baby names that start with Y" lists, this is a name that will carry your lovable baby far. Currently ranked #1,826.
