Choosing a name for your baby is one of the most enjoyable, and sometimes hardest, decisions you make during pregnancy. A name is carried for a lifetime; its meaning, how it sounds, how it fits with your last name and what it means to your family all matter. Some families prefer traditional, time-honored names while others look for modern, short or less common ones. The sheer number of options often makes deciding harder, not easier.
Setting a few criteria narrows the list quickly. Gender, naming culture and popularity are the first step. Then details come in, such as the first letter, the number of letters and which theme the name's meaning is close to. How a name sounds alongside the parents' names is also something many families care about. Seeing the meaning and origin of every suggestion helps you find a name that not only sounds nice but has a story.
Choosing a name is often a shared decision. Gathering the names you like in one list and saying them out loud from time to time makes it easier to tell which one truly feels right. Saying the name with your last name, checking the initials and thinking about how it reads in other languages also help in the final round. Do not rush; many families settle on the name after the birth, once they have met their baby.
What you can do
- Choose girl or boy, a Turkish, Modern, Arabic, Spanish, Italian, Persian or Nordic culture, and popular, rare or classic names.
- Narrow your search by first letter, number of letters and meaning category.
- Enter the parents' names to bring up names that sound good alongside them.
- AI presents every name suggestion with its meaning and origin.
- Swipe cards to like or skip; liked names are saved to a separate list you can copy and share.
- Vote on the names you like with your partner.
How to use it
- Choose gender, culture and popularity preference.
- If you like, use advanced filters to set the first letter, number of letters and meaning category, and enter the parents' names.
- Tap 'Discover Names', then swipe right to like a suggestion or left to skip it.
- Review your favorites in My Favorites and share them with your partner.
Frequently asked questions
What are some baby girl names with meaning?
Meaningful girl names are often inspired by nature, light, flowers and virtues. For example, Lily is a flower, Clara means bright or clear, and Iris is the Greek goddess of the rainbow. Grace, Hope and Ivy are also popular choices with clear meanings. Beyond the meaning, you can also consider how well the name goes with your last name and how easy it is to pronounce.
What are some baby boy names with meaning?
Boy names often draw on themes of strength, wisdom and nature. For example, Leo means lion, Felix means lucky, and River and Rowan are simple names that come from nature. Theodore, Owen and Ethan are also frequently chosen names. You can decide by considering the name's meaning, its origin and how it sounds with your last name.
How do you choose a baby name?
First decide which criteria matter to you: meaning, origin, popularity, length and family traditions. Then pick a few candidates and say them out loud with your last name, and check how the initials and nicknames look. Think about how the name is read in other languages and whether it is easy to spell. Making separate lists with your partner and finding the names you share also makes the decision easier.
When should you name your baby?
There is no set time to name your baby. Many families make a shortlist during pregnancy and make the final decision after the birth, once they see their baby. Most countries have a legal deadline for registering a birth, and the name is usually recorded at that point. That is why having a few strong candidates ready before the birth makes things easier.