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Spiritual girl baby names

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Spiritual girl baby names have taken off as a popular name trend. In today’s fast-paced world, many parents are looking to reconnect with their faith and their basic values — starting with a spiritual baby name. Check out our list of spiritual names, including biblical names, virtue names and celebrity spiritual names that are perfect for your baby girl.
Baby at Christening

Spiritual girl baby names have taken off as a popular name trend. In today’s fast-paced world, many parents are looking to reconnect with their faith and their basic values — starting with a spiritual baby name.

Faithful girl names

Check out our list of spiritual names, including biblical names, virtue names and celebrity spiritual names that are perfect for your baby girl.

Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim or practice another faith, spiritual baby names can be as specific or as general  as you'd like. Some parents let the meaning of the name guide their choice, while others choose baby names based on a saint or person in the Bible or other sacred text.

Biblical baby names

Biblical girl names were way up in the charts on the Social Security Administration's Top 100 Baby Names list. The name Nevaeh, which is Heaven spelled backwards, is moving up the list and is currently at #35! Here are some are biblical girl name ideas to consider:

Get more biblical girl name ideas here!>>

Celebrity spiritual girl names

Trendsetting celebrities have been naming their celebu-tots spiritual names to honor their faith — and because they like unique names. Some celebrities even have their own spiritual names. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Aisha: Name of Stevie Wonder's daughter. Aisha was the Prophet Muhammad's last wife.
  • Lourdes: Madonna named her daughter after the place where a young shepherdess had a vision of Mary.
  • Honor and Haven: Actress Jessica Alba named her daughters these spiritual names.
  • Assisi: Daughter of Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones. Named after the birthplace of St. Francis, patron saint of animals.
  • Faith: Singer Faith Hill has this beautiful virtue name.
  • Sistine: Sylvester Stallone's daughter is named after the famous chapel whose ceiling was painted by Michelangelo.
  • Uma: Actress Uma Thurman is named after a Hindu goddess.
  • Seraphina: Actress Jennifer Garner and her husband Ben Affleck named their daughter this Hebrew name.
  • Heavenly Joy: Daughter of music producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins and wife Joy Enriquez.
  • Helena Grace: Daughter of Gossip Girl's Kelly Rutherford and Daniel Giersch.
  • Heaven Rain: Brooke Burke named her daughter this spiritual name.

Love celebrity baby names? Check out our list of the top celebrity girl names here>>

Virtue baby names

Virtue baby names describe a particular spiritual quality. These names were very popular in the 1600s among Puritans, who commonly named their children Deliverance and Repentance. For more mainstream yet unique and spiritual baby name options, check out this list of virtue girl names:

Baby names that mean 'spiritual'

Are you looking for a literal translation of a spiritual name? Chinmayi is a baby girl name that means "spiritual joy" and "extreme happiness" in Sanskrit, an ancient language of India.

We also love these baby names with spiritual meanings:

  • Batya: Hebrew girl name meaning "daughter of God"
  • Celestiel: French girl name meaning "heavenly"
  • Celeste: French name meaning "heavenly"
  • Angelique: French girl name meaning "like an angel"
  • Angela: Spanish girl name meaning "angel"
  • Gwyneth: Welsh name meaning "blessed"

More baby name ideas

Baby girl names with great meanings
Miracle baby names
50 Pretty baby girl names


New York baby names inspired by the Big Apple

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Are you searching for the perfect baby name for your future New Yorker? We have rounded up the most popular baby names in New York, as well as the top names in NYC, the coolest hipster names in Brooklyn and unique destination names from cities and landmarks.

Baby with an apple

We have gathered the coolest East Coast baby names from New York. It is interesting to note how baby name trends differ in each region. How do the top names in New York stack up with the rest of the country?

Popular New York names

The current most popular names in the United States as a whole are Jacob and Sophia. Do these trends hold true in the state of New York?

The most popular boy baby names in New York are ranked as follows:

The most popular baby girl names in New York are ranked as follows:

Posh New York City baby names

Looking at New York City alone , there is a slight variation in the top baby names. The top baby name in the city is Jayden, with Jacob coming in second. Other boy names that are popular in NYC include:

The top girl name in New York City falls in line with the rest of the country, with Isabella nabbing the top spot. Other names that are tops in NYC include:

New Yorkers who live in the city tend to stick to more traditional names, with a few exceptions of Makayla and Chaya.

Hipster Brooklyn baby names

If you visit a schoolyard in one of the Brooklyn neighborhoods, such as Park Slope, you are bound to hear a hipster baby name, such as Pearl or Mozart.

Celebrity mom Michelle Williams lives in the area and named her daughter the Brooklyn-approved named of Matilda. Indie darling Maggie Gyllenhaal also has the perfect old-fashioned names that seem to be the trend in the area, with her two daughters named Ramona and Gloria Ray.

The following girl names are perfect for cool Brooklyn parents:

The following boy names are perfect for your hipster-in-training:

New York destination baby names

Destination names are the hottest new baby name trend, with celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Girls star Jemima Kirke getting in on the fun.

New York is full of great destination baby names, starting with the name Brooklyn. According to the Social Security Administration, Brooklyn is given more to girls than boys, however this name is perfect for both sexes.

There is also the name Apple— however Gwyneth Paltrow has nabbed that distinctive name for her daughter.

Here are more fun options:

More baby name ideas

Dude! California names to be stoked about
Whimsical baby names
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Beautiful Native American baby names

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If you’re seeking a Native American baby name for your boy or girl, look no further — we’ve collected some of the strongest and most lovely names for your little one.
Native American baby

Nature-inspired baby names

If you’re seeking a Native American baby name for your boy or girl, look no further — we’ve collected some of the strongest and most lovely names for your little one. You might find a hidden gem among these names that you hadn't thought of before.

Native Americans, or the indigenous peoples of the Americas, are comprised of many tribes and speak many different languages. Naming practices vary from tribe to tribe, but many Native American baby names come from nature, what was happening during the child’s birth or physical characteristics. Naming ceremonies can be elaborate, or they can be quiet and private.

Do you have Native American heritage, or do you love the way these names sound? Do they bring a feeling of peace or honor to you when you say them? Sit down with your partner and go over these names to see if any stand out to you.

Native American baby names

  • Amitola: This pretty baby name means “rainbow”
  • Aponi: A baby girl would love this name, which means “butterfly”
  • Bena: This name means “pheasant”
  • Catori: This unique baby name means “spirit”
  • Chayton: This strong baby name means “falcon”
  • Elan: This baby boy name means “tree”
  • Hassun: This name exudes strength — it means “stone”
  • Hinto: Do you love the color blue? For that is this name’s meaning
  • Isi: This would make a good first or middle name and it means "deer" in Choctaw
  • Kele: This super cute baby name means “sparrow”
  • Leyti: This pretty name means “shaped like an abalone shell”
  • Maiara: This baby name means “wise” in Tupi
  • Moema: Meaning “sweet,” this is a Tupi name
  • Naira: This baby name means "big eyes" in Quechua and Aymara
  • Nahuel: This strong baby name means “jaguar” in Mapuche
  • Nanuq: Other forms of this Inuktitut name, meaning “polar bear,” are Nanook and Nanuk
  • Nova: This lovely name means “new, young”
  • Quidel: This unique name means "burning torch" in Mapuche
  • Rayen: This name means "flower" in Mapuche
  • Sacnite: This pretty name means "white flower" in Mayan
  • Tamaya: A lovely name, this means "in the center" in Quechua
  • Winona: You might be familiar with this name, which means “firstborn daughter” in the Dakota language

More baby names

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We predict: Hottest baby names for 2013
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Downton Abbey inspired baby names

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If you can’t get enough of Lady Mary Crawley and Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, then you will love our list of Downton Abbey inspired baby names. We have rounded up the best names from this British PBS series, as well as other proper names from the early 1900s you are sure to love.
Baby girl - Downton Abbey-inspired baby names

Baby names from the 1920s

If you can’t get enough of Lady Mary Crawley and Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, then you will love our list of Downton Abbey inspired baby names.

We have rounded up the best names from this British PBS series, as well as other proper names from the early 1900s you are sure to love.

The Emmy-Award winning period drama Downton Abbey is set around 1920 and centers on the aristocratic Crawley family. Fans love the show for its romance, intrigue — and the great old-fashioned names, of course. In fact, these vintage baby names are back in style.

Boy names from Downton Abbey

There are great actors who play great characters on Downton Abbey, including Dan Stevens as Matthew Crawley and Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham. These character names from Downton Abbey are classic and cool — and perfect for your little Lord of the manor.

Girl names from Downton Abbey

Love the sisterly love between Lady Mary, Lady Edith and Lady Sybil? Actresses including Maggie Smith and Elizabeth McGovern make this show intriguing to watch. You will love these old-fashioned names from the characters of Downton Abbey:

Top names of the early 1900s

The Social Security Administration keeps track of the top baby names each year, taken from birth certificates of babies born in the U.S.

As you can see, many of the names from Downton Abbey are taken from this list. The top boy names in the 1920s are:

The following boy names are not at the top of the list, but were still names popular in the 1920s. As the saying goes, what's old is new again — and these classic boy names are suddenly cool again!

The name Mary was actually ranked as the top girl name of the last 100 years. Check out the top 10 baby girl names from the 1920s — and don't be surprised if a new character in an upcoming episode of Downton Abbey has one of these old-fashioned names:

If you are looking for an old-fashioned baby girl name that is a bit more unique, check out these retro picks: 

Tell us

What is your favorite Downton Abbey inspired baby names?


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Middle name trends for boys

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Popular middle names for boys are trending toward traditional names, often paired with a unique name. Many parents may be passing on a family name in the form of a middle name for their baby boy. The use of “junior” also seems to be trending down, with more parents opting to include the father’s name as a middle name instead of a first name. Check out our list of the top middle names for boys.
Sleeping baby boy

Popular middle names for boys are trending toward traditional names, often paired with a unique name. Many parents may be passing on a family name in the form of a middle name for their baby boy as well.

Popular middle names for baby boys

These days, the use of “junior” also seems to be trending down, with more parents opting to include the father’s name as a middle name instead of a first name.

Traditional middle names for boys are popular among today's parents. Here are the top middle names for boys and celebrity baby name examples. As you can see, many pair a unique or trendy name with a classic middle name.

James

James ranks #18 as a first name on the Social Security Administration's list of top baby names. However, it is also a popular middle name.

Here are some celebrity baby name examples for boys:

  • Abel James: Son of actress Amy Poehler and Will Arnett
  • Augustin James: Model Linda Evangelista
  • Dezi James:  Actress Jaime Pressly and Eric Calvo
  • Jackson James: Talk show host Carson Daly
  • Jayden James: Singer Britney Spears and Kevin Federline
  • Kelley James: Actress Holly Marie Combs
  • Kingston James: Singers Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale

Joseph

The name Joseph ranks #16 as a first name on the Social Security Administration's list, but also makes a great middle name. Note how many decide on a first name also starting with the letter "J."

  • Brendan Joseph: Actor Mark Wahlberg and Rhea Durham
  • Jagger Joseph Blue: Actress Soleil Moon Frye
  • James Joseph: Actor Tom Cavanagh
  • Jax Joseph: Actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon
  • Michael Joseph: Talk show host Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos

Edward

Edward does not make the top 100 list for first names for boys, but it is a strong, classic name that, thanks to Twilight, may be moving up the charts.

  • Beckett Edward: Actress Nicole Sullivan and Jason Packham
  • Lydon Edward: Singer and talk show host Mark McGrath and Carin
  • Huckleberry Edward: Edward Michael Grylls and Shara
  • John Edward Thomas: Actress Bridget Moynahan and Tom Brady
  • Maxwell Edward: Cycling superstar Lance Armstrong

Thomas

The name Thomas ranks #57 as a first name and is a strong middle name as well. Here are some examples:

  • Griffin Thomas: New Kids on the Block singer Joey McIntyre
  • Jaid Thomas: Actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon
  • John Edward Thomas: Actress Bridget Moynahan and Tom Brady
  • Nathan Thomas: The Daily Show's Jon Stewart

Lee

The name Lee doesn't rank in the top 100 list for baby boy names, but it is a popular middle name, especially paired with a first name starting with the letter "B."

  • Bandit Lee: Gerard Way and Lyn-Z
  • Beau Lee: Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton "Baby Spice" and Jade Jones
  • Beckett Robert Lee: Designer Stella McCartney and Alasdhair

Traditional middle names for boys

A middle name is a great way to pass on a family name to your child. Need more ideas? Use the following names for inspiration:

Also check out middle name trends for girls >>

More baby boy name ideas

Virtue baby names: From Faith to Justice
Unique baby boy names
Traditional baby names

Western names for your baby boy

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Looking for a baby boy name with western flavor? Look no more — from famous outlaws to popular cultural icons to names that are just too cool, we’ve got you covered!
Hi-Yo Silver!
Western baby with a cowboy hat

Names for your little cowboy

Looking for a baby boy name with western flavor? Look no more — from famous outlaws to popular cultural icons to names that are just too cool, we’ve got you covered!

These western-inspired baby names are perfect for your handsome little cowboy.

Have a hankerin’ for a baby name that echoes your love of the Wild West? Or have you grown up or spent time in the western U.S. and want a name for your baby boy that sounds as handsome and rugged as you hope he will grow up to be?

Origin of western names

Western-sounding baby names can come from many different sources. The famous names from American Old West or Wild West are the names of famous or infamous outlaws and the lawmen that sought after them. You’ll find the names of Frank and Jesse James, outlaw brothers from Missouri, and the Earp brothers , legendary lawmen of the Old West.

Other names here come from Western tales in radio, film and literature, from popular actors like John Wayne and Gary Cooper to authors such as Louis L’Amour to fictional characters like Ranger Reid, otherwise known as The Lone Ranger.

So hop on your horse, don those boots and wrap that bandana on — you’re in for a fun ride.

Western baby names

Check out these cool Western names for baby boys and learn about their meanings.

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Batter up: Baseball baby names

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Spring training is right around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to start thinking about all-American baseball names for your baby.

Baby wearing baseball uniform

Do you love baseball? Does the crack of the bat in the spring make your heart sing? Do you roam your local baseball stadium during the summer? Then these baby names are perfect for your little one. What better way to honor the sport you love than by naming your kiddo after a famous baseball player?

Baby boy names

Here are some of the most legendary baseball players that have played America’s favorite pastime. Inspiration can come from the player’s first name or the last.

Baby girl names

Don’t worry — there are female baseball players that can make great baby names, too. During World War II, due to players being called away to war, women played professional baseball through the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Here are some of their names — many of which understandably have a classic feel to them as they come from decades ago, but are certainly excellent choices for modern parents as well.

Keep thinking

Don't limit your search to old-time players or just the greatest and brightest players. The roster of your favorite MLB team, or throughout the minor leagues, may just be hiding the perfect gem of a baby name that you have been looking for. First names are an obvious choice, but many last names can be used as well, and some do well as girl names as well as boy names.

Not feeling any of these as a first name? Why not as a middle name? Hideo Nomo is certainly unique, and you might not pick it as a first name — but one or both would make a really cool middle name.

Keep your mind open and your eyes peeled as you take in games this spring and summer — you may just stumble across the name that's meant for your baby.

More baby names

Girl names with great meanings
50 Pretty baby girl names
All-American girl names: The new classics

Best and worst celebrity baby names of 2012

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What were the best and worst celebrity baby names of 2012? From Drew Barrymore’s Olive to Beyonce’s baby Blue and Reese Witherspoon’s son Tennessee, check out our pick of the best and worst names of the year. Who knows? You just may find the perfect baby name.

Celebrity baby names are often trend-setting, always buzzworthy and occasionally worthy of a “what were they thinking?” With the end of the year approaching, it is time to round up the best and worst celebrity baby names of the year.

Best celebrity girl names

What a year for celebrity baby names! The most buzzworthy celebrity girl names of the year were Blue Ivy, Beyonce’s daughter, and the gender-bending name of Jessica Simpson’s daughter, Maxwell.

My pick of the best celebrity baby girl name of the year is... :

Kourtney Kardashian’s daughter Penelope, followed closely by Jack Osbourne’s choice of Pearl Clementine.

Here are more great celebrity girl names of 2012:

  • Vivian Lake - Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady
  • Olive Barrymore - Drew Barrrymore
  • Olive Pearl - Jake Owen
  • Fiona - Chad Lowe
  • Delta Fay - JT Hodges
  • Sienna - Adriana Lima
  • Etta Jones - Carson Daly
  • Violet Isabel - Dixie Chick's Emily Robison
  • Maple Sylvie - Jason Bateman
  • Delilah Grace - Patrick Fabian
  • Kline Olivia - Country singer Mike Eli
  • Cecilia Delphine - Actors Majandra Delfino and David Walton
  • Dixie Pearl - Caleb Followill
  • Poppy James - Jessica Capshaw
    • Isabetta Rose - Rob and Amber Mariano
    • Clover Clementyne - Natasha Gregson Wagner and Barry Watson
    • Blue Ivy - Beyonce and Jay-Z
    • Willa Lou - Keri Russell
    • Sebella - Roselyn Sanchez & Eric Winter
    • India Rose - Chris Hemsworth
    • Lucia - Mira Sorvino
    • Ruby Jeanne - Marley Shelton
    • Maxwell Drew - Jessica Simpson
    • Gloria Ray - Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard
    • Mabel Ray - Bruce Willis
    • Elliotte Anne - Marla Sokoloff
    • Romy Hero - Sam and Aaron Taylor-Johnson
    • Beatrice Jean - Bryce Dallas Howard
    • Faith Evangeline Elisa - Kelsey Grammer
    • Marlowe Ottoline - Sienna Miller

Best celebrity boy names

It seemed like many celebs were on the same page when it came to baby boy names. Both Vanessa Lachey and Kristin Cavallari picked the cute name Camden, while Reese Witherspoon and Jemima Kirke picked the southern names of Tennessee and Memphis.

My pick of the best celebrity boy name of the year is... :

Dallas quarterback Tony Romo’s son Hawkins, followed closely by Tori Spelling’s son Finn.

Check out more of the top celebrity boy names of the year:

  • Tucker - Melissa Joan Hart
  • Zander Jace - Billy Martin
  • Kendrick Kurt - Kelly Stables
  • Callen Christian - Drew Brees
  • Leo James - Courtney Ford and Brandon Routh
  • Camden Jack - Kristin Cavallari
  • Sky Cole - Elizabeth Berkley
  • Brooks Alan - Molly Sims
  • Luca Cruz - Hilary Duff
  • Jackson - Charlize Theron
  • Truman - Alexis Stewart
  • Samuel Garner - Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck

Worst celebrity baby names

Many of these wacky and weird baby names left us scratching our heads and wondering — what were they thinking?

The honor of the worst baby name of the year goes to Bristol Palin’s ex Levi Johnston, who named his daughter Breeze Beretta. Yes, as in a Beretta gun.

Hawaii Five-O star Alex O'Loughlin is close behind for worst baby name of the year after naming his son Lion.

Uma Thurman made the list because she gave her daughter the ridiculously long baby name of Rosalind Arusha Arkadina Altalune Florence. Although, we do like her nickname of Luna, which ironically is not in her actual name.

Check out the complete list of the worst baby names of the year:

  • Magnus - Sugarland's Jennifer Nettle's son
  • Rocky James - Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr.'s son
  • Wilhelmina Jane - Natalie and Taylor Hanson's daughter
  • Baker - Leigh-Allyn Baker’s son
  • Theodora Rose - Robbie Williams' daughter
  • Lorenzo Dominic - Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi's son
  • Sabbath Page Wielandt - Zakk Wylde's son
  • Indi Joon - Josie Moran's daughter
  • Emet Kuli - Lisa Loeb's son
  • Keeva Jane - Alyson Hannigan's daughter
  • Halcyon Juna - Beth Littleford's daughter
  • Bastian Kick - Jeremy Sisto's son
  • Exton Elias - Robert Downey, Jr.'s son
  • Ethel Mary - Lily Allen's daughter
  • Adalaide Marie Hope - Katherine Heigl's daughter

New celebrity baby name trend: No names!

This has also been the year of celebrities having babies — and not announcing the name! True Blood star Anna Paquin had twins this year, but has kept both the names and sex of the babies a secret .
Singer Adele had a son this year, but has yet to release the name and actually faces a fine in the U.K. for not registering his name. The Wonder Years star Fred Savage is another star who has yet to announce the name of his son.

Tell us

Do you agree with our picks? What is your pick of the best and worst baby names of the year?

More baby names

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Top 100 baby girl names and baby boy names
Baby names Kate Middleton would totally love


Baby for sale? Mom lets advertisers pick baby's name for $5,000

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Would you let an advertiser pick your baby’s name for $5,000? A parenting startup called Belly Ballot ran a contest and one L.A. mom is ready to turn over her baby’s naming rights for the cash.
Newborn baby

Would you let an advertiser pick your baby’s name for $5,000? A parenting startup called Belly Ballot ran a contest and one L.A. mom is ready to turn over her baby’s naming rights for the cash.

Baby name contest sparks controversy

Most parents put a lot of thought into picking the perfect baby name, and that includes searching the internet, reading books, looking at family names and seeing how well the name flows with the last name. One thing that probably doesn't cross their mind, however, is selling the baby name for cash. That is exactly what one parenting website called Belly Ballot has proposed with their “$5,000 National Belly Branding Contest.”

“One lucky pregnant couple will win $5,000 in exchange for letting the entire world decide their baby’s name,” the contest rules explain. “We will select a number of currently trending names, and names sponsored by our advertisers to be listed on the ballot.”

Baby name for sale!

Just to be clear, the winner of the contest doesn’t get input on the names, as the rules state that Belly Ballot and their “advertiser sponsorships” decide on the name options and then there will be nationwide voting on those particular names. No word yet as to which advertisers are involved.

The comments on their website were mixed, with some excited about the money prize:

“My husband and I are trying to buy a house because our apartment is too small for our new baby and this would be huge help for our down payment,” wrote one parent.

"You should all be ashamed of yourselves for even considering this."

Other commenters had reservations about the contest:

“Don’t get me wrong… I could use the money, but this sounds a bit outrageous,” wrote one commenter. “What if everyone chooses a terrible name? Am I still on the hook to choose it? Why can’t I select my favorite names instead of you determining that?”

And another:

“This is crazy. You should all be ashamed of yourselves for even considering this. What are you going to tell your baby when they ask you how you chose their name? Don't do it, you will regret this.”

How much is your baby name worth?

Many parents, including the pregnant California mom named Natasha Hill who won the contest, saw this as a good financial move, with Belly Ballot saying she revealed she would “spend half the money on credit card debt and the rest would go into a college fund for her new baby.”

“I’m so excited to have won!” Hill is quoted as saying. “I think the whole Belly Ballot concept is so social and fun, and can’t wait to see what everyone votes for!”

Some parents agree with Hill, with one commenter on the site defending themselves against the negative comments, “Well, I’m so happy you are in a good financial position where you don’t need the support… must be nice. Don’t judge others who could really use the money to provide a better life for their children.”

"I don't really view it as selling your rights as much as an exciting opportunity for a new mom... "

We reached out to Lacey Moler, co-founder of Belly Ballot, who told us she has seen “excitement” with the contest.

“I don't really view it as selling your rights as much as an exciting opportunity for a new mom to include people all over the world to vote on and help her pick her baby's name,” she told SheKnows. “... [The] winner... is thrilled about being able to crowdsource the name. I know that this might not appeal to everyone, and we definitely respect parents who choose to keep their name and the baby naming process more private. However, we are allowing baby naming to become more social, and a lot of parents love being able to include their friends and family in the process.“

Crowdsourcing baby names did generate a buzz recently when Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer sent group emails and tweets asking for baby name suggestions. There is one major difference, however, in that advertisers weren’t paying to have her baby name rights and she got the final say .

A dangerous precedent

Kasey Candela, founder of The Rosa Cee Community, had concerns when he heard about the contest.

“To me, this is a dangerous precedent,” Candela tells SheKnows. “Some things have to still be sacred. Our children are not baseball stadiums. They are not a football bowl game. These aren’t things that we can sell for money or leverage for money. It is one of those things that should be off limits. You can make the case that a grown adult could do something like this — although I wouldn’t agree with that — but at least you have a consenting adult. In this case, the child is not even born yet.”

Candela says that the Belly Ballot contest violates not only our culture’s morality, but the rights of the child as well.

“We are obviously in a horrible economic position and most people are hurting but there are some things we just cannot do for money,” he told us in a phone interview. “You have to keep your dignity and your pride. There are a lot of tempting things — like why don’t people go into prostitution in bad times like this? There are bridges that are too far and I think a lot of people are being short-sighted and don’t understand the implications and they will look back and be sad at their decision.”

Candela said he also spoke with Belly Ballot co-founder Moler about his problem with the contest. “For her it was just for fun. I said to her, ‘Don’t you think that this could be a dangerous precedent that if all [of] the sudden we as a society deem that selling our children’s organs or getting a tattoo of a logo is OK?’ She didn’t deny it.”

In fact, Candela said his Christian organization Rosa Cee consists of a group of people who share the same concerns about traditional parenting and cultural values regarding childrearing and they plan on boycotting the advertisers who take part in this contest.

“Our goal is not only to stop the contest. With any of the advertisers that come out, we want them to know that there is a grassroots effort and there are people who really do care and are willing to use their pocketbooks to stop these kinds of cultural issues that we don’t agree with,” he said. “Personally within our group, we are not going to buy any of their products and hopefully this will grow and will be a chain reaction and it will be a spark that will pass along to other groups.”

Tell us

What do you think? Would you sell your baby's naming rights for cash? Or do you think Belly Ballot has gone too far with this contest? Weigh in below!

More about parenting

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Western names for your baby boy

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Looking for a baby boy name with western flavor? Look no more — from famous outlaws to popular cultural icons to names that are just too cool, we’ve got you covered!
Hi-Yo Silver!
Western baby with a cowboy hat

Names for your little cowboy

Looking for a baby boy name with western flavor? Look no more — from famous outlaws to popular cultural icons to names that are just too cool, we’ve got you covered!

These western-inspired baby names are perfect for your handsome little cowboy.

Have a hankerin’ for a baby name that echoes your love of the Wild West? Or have you grown up or spent time in the western U.S. and want a name for your baby boy that sounds as handsome and rugged as you hope he will grow up to be?

Origin of western names

Western-sounding baby names can come from many different sources. The famous names from American Old West or Wild West are the names of famous or infamous outlaws and the lawmen that sought after them. You’ll find the names of Frank and Jesse James, outlaw brothers from Missouri, and the Earp brothers , legendary lawmen of the Old West.

Other names here come from Western tales in radio, film and literature, from popular actors like John Wayne and Gary Cooper to authors such as Louis L’Amour to fictional characters like Ranger Reid, otherwise known as The Lone Ranger.

So hop on your horse, don those boots and wrap that bandana on — you’re in for a fun ride.

Western baby names

Check out these cool Western names for baby boys and learn about their meanings.

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Batter up: Baseball baby names

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Spring training is right around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to start thinking about all-American baseball names for your baby.

Baby wearing baseball uniform

Do you love baseball? Does the crack of the bat in the spring make your heart sing? Do you roam your local baseball stadium during the summer? Then these baby names are perfect for your little one. What better way to honor the sport you love than by naming your kiddo after a famous baseball player?

Baby boy names

Here are some of the most legendary baseball players that have played America’s favorite pastime. Inspiration can come from the player’s first name or the last.

Baby girl names

Don’t worry — there are female baseball players that can make great baby names, too. During World War II, due to players being called away to war, women played professional baseball through the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Here are some of their names — many of which understandably have a classic feel to them as they come from decades ago, but are certainly excellent choices for modern parents as well.

Keep thinking

Don't limit your search to old-time players or just the greatest and brightest players. The roster of your favorite MLB team, or throughout the minor leagues, may just be hiding the perfect gem of a baby name that you have been looking for. First names are an obvious choice, but many last names can be used as well, and some do well as girl names as well as boy names.

Not feeling any of these as a first name? Why not as a middle name? Hideo Nomo is certainly unique, and you might not pick it as a first name — but one or both would make a really cool middle name.

Keep your mind open and your eyes peeled as you take in games this spring and summer — you may just stumble across the name that's meant for your baby.

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Iconic celebrity baby names

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Are you looking for a baby name inspired by a Hollywood star? We scoured celebrity history for the best celebrity baby names for boys and girls, from classic to contemporary. Check out our list of iconic celebrity baby names for your shining star to be.
Celebrity baby names

Are you looking for a baby name inspired by a Hollywood star? We scoured celebrity history for the best celebrity baby names for boys and girls, from classic to contemporary.

Big names
for little stars

Check out our list of iconic celebrity baby names for your shining star to be.

Parents always have big dreams for their little ones. Whether you’re nostalgic for the glamour of Old Hollywood or you admire the talent of today’s stars, look for a celebrity baby name that inspires greatness. We’ve searched for the best names from the biggest stars of the silver screen to bring you baby names fit for greatness. Celebrity baby names for boys and celebrity baby names for girls are some of the best names out there. These names call to mind amazing moments on film and big personalities that shaped Hollywood history.

Classic Hollywood boy names

From villains to heroes, classic Hollywood actors brought dreams to the big screen. These austere, classic baby boy names have a legacy of talent. Name your baby boy after award-winning men who gave us some of the most memorable moments of film.

Classic Hollywood girl names

Names like Audrey and Bette will immediately bring to mind the amazing women who changed the face of Hollywood. Evoke the confidence of swooning heroines and strong women with these classic baby girl names inspired by the most famous actresses in the world.

Find more retro baby names>>

Current celebrity boy names

Is your baby boy a future superstar? These baby boy names come from men who grace the biggest blockbuster action films and the most award-winning films of our time. Name your baby after a modern male celebrity.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Matt Damon

Morgan Freeman

Ralph Fiennes

Ryan Gosling

Sean Penn

Terrence Howard

Viggo Mortensen

Will Smith

Use the Advanced Baby Name search to learn more about your favorite baby names >>

Current celebrity girl names

You don’t have to say anything more than Angelina or Charlize for someone to know exactly who you’re talking about. These women bring to life beautiful and imaginative roles on screen and capture the world’s imagination and attention as fashion icons.

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Famous March baby names

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Which famous people celebrate a birthday in the month of March? From Albert Einstein to Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga to Mariah Carey, find out the famous March birthdays for baby name inspiration.
March baby

Which famous people celebrate a birthday in the month of March? From Albert Einstein to Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga to Mariah Carey, find out the famous March birthdays for baby name inspiration.

Celebrity
March birthdays

Whether you are expecting a baby in the month of March — or celebrate your own birthday this month, let these famous March birthdays inspire your baby name choice! Click on the name to find out the origin and meaning of the names.

March 1

March 2

March 3

March 4

March 5

March 6

  • Shaquille O’Neal
  • Michelangelo
  • Comedian Lou Costello

March 7

March 8

March 9

March 10

March 11

March 12

March 13

March 14

March 15

March 16

March 17

March 18

March 19

March 20

March 21

March 22

March 23

March 24

March 25

March 26

March 27

March 28

March 29

March 30

March 31

March horoscopes and holidays

As far as March horoscopes, if you celebrate a birthday between February 19 and March 20 then you are a Pisces. If you celebrate your birthday between March 21 through April 19 then you are an Aries. March is full of fun spring holidays, including St. Patrick’s Day , Passover, Good Friday and Easter. Some of the more obscure holidays include Middle Name Pride Day and Plant a Flower Day .

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Green baby names for your St. Patrick's Day baby

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From Jade to Emerald, green baby names are a unique and fun choice for your St. Patrick’s Day baby. Whether you are looking for a name that is a shade of green or perhaps an eco-friendly name — or even names with “green” meanings, you are sure to get lucky with your baby name decision.
St. Patrick's Day baby

St. patrick's day Baby names

From Jade to Emerald, green baby names are a unique and fun choice for your St. Patrick’s Day baby. Whether you are looking for a name that is a shade of green or perhaps an eco-friendly name — or even names with “green” meanings, you are sure to get lucky with your baby name decision.

Whether you go gaga for the color green or are expecting a baby in the month of March, we have rounded up the best baby boy names and baby girl names for your St. Patrick’s Day bundle of joy.

Fifty shades of green

Fifty shades of green! We consulted for the color wheel for these unique and fun green baby names.

For girls, the following names are a pretty choice:

For boys, you will love the unique sound of the following:

You can also consider names that mean “green,” including the following:

  • Denver: English boy name meaning “green valley“
  • Yarkona: Hebrew boy or girl name meaning “green“
  • Oran: Celtic boy name meaning “pale green“
  • Verdell: French name meaning “green; flourishing”
  • Ezmeralda: Spanish girl name meaning “the prized green emerald gemstone”
  • Jaida: English girl name meaning “the gemstone jade; the color green”

Eco-friendly green names

If your idea of green is not about the color, but being earth-friendly, perhaps the following eco-friendly baby names are right up your organically-grown alley.

For girls, there are many nature-inspired names, such as Willow or Starr. You can also choose a freshly-picked flower name, such as Tulip, Daisy or Delilah.

For boys, you can consider the cool names Kale, Acai or, if you are really feeling adventurous, Prius. Many animal names have an edgy and cool sound to them, including Hawk , Falcon, Talon or Kat.

Many green names are unisex, including:

St Patrick’s Day inspired names

If your idea of a green baby name brings to mind four leaf clovers and shamrocks, perhaps these St. Patrick’s Day baby names are the perfect choice.

St. Patrick’s Day started in Ireland— which also happens to be a gorgeous baby girl name! In fact, Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin named their daughter Ireland.

Clover is an adorable name that will totally make your friends jealous that they didn't think of it! This cute girl name first caught our eye when actor Neal McDonough named his daughter Clover Elizabeth.

We aren’t suggesting you name your son leaf, but the name Leif is a unique choice. This Swedish name has a great meaning as it means, “dearly loved.”

The name Patrick is an obvious choice. This Irish name means “patrician or noble” — or for girls you can pick Patricia, which is a Spanish name that also means “noble.”

Lastly, Irish names are unique and melodic and a great choice for your St. Patrick’s Day baby.

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Ancient baby names

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From ancient Roman names like Antonia or Cassius to strong names from Greek mythology and even old biblical names, ancient baby names are suddenly modern again!
Baby in Greece

From ancient Roman names like Antonia or Cassius to strong names from Greek mythology and even old biblical names, ancient baby names are suddenly modern again!

Unique baby names from the past

Many of today’s parents are looking at the past to find unique baby names for the future generation. Many of these ancient baby names are powerful and strong with a great meaning or story to go along with them.

Ancient Roman baby names

With the popularity of shows and movies such as Rome, Troy and Gladiator, ancient Roman names have emerged as a new baby name trend.

Although the HBO show Rome is no longer on the air, it leaves behind these great ancient names, including these names for boys:

For girls, you can consider these names from the show Rome:

Who can forget Russell Crowe as the amazing Maximus in the movie Gladiator? In fact, since that movie was released in 2000 the name Maximus has jumped from number 850 on the Social Security Administration’s list of top baby names to number 212! As far as girl names, the main character Lucilla is a beautiful name.

Here are more great ancient Roman names from the movie Gladiator:

Want more ideas? These ancient Roman girl names and boy names are also primed for a revival.

Ancient Greek names from mythology

Greek mythology is another place to find great ancient baby names for boys and girls. Stories such as Homer’s great epic bring us powerful names including these great baby boy names:

For girls, you can consider:

The HBO show Spartacus had more than buff men in loincloths — it also had some amazing Greek names for boys and girls.

Boy names from Spartacus

  • Spartacus
  • Ashur
  • Agron
  • Lugo
  • Nasier
Girl names from Spartacus

Ancient biblical names

If you are looking for a more traditional name, the Bible has a great selection of ancient baby names that are easy to spell and pronounce.

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St. Patrick's Day inspired baby names

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Whether your baby is due in March or you simply love Irish names and want to honor your Irish heritage, the following baby names are inspired by St. Patrick’s Day and all things Irish. Imbue your strapping young lad or little lass with good fortune from day one with a lucky charm of a name.

Irish Twins

Looking to arm your child with a little luck of the Irish for the long haul? Choose a stand-out baby name inspired by St. Patrick's Day and all its associations .

Patrick, Patricia and beyond

It's natural to think of the names Patrick and Patricia when considering what titles are associated with St. Patrick's Day. But these are nickname-rich monikers with plenty of options for different spellings, unique derivations and unexpected nicknames.

For boys, you can stay in the key of P with Paddie, Paddy, Padraic, Padraig, Padrig, Padruig, Pat, Paton, Patricio, Patrizio, or Patten.

There are also some interesting alternatives for baby girls: Patrice, Patrizia, Patsy, Patti, Tricia, Trish.

Boys and girls can even share some of the Patrick/Patricia nicknames: Pat, Patten, Pattie, Patty, Payton, Peyton, Rickie.

Get more"P" baby name ideas here >>

That good old Irish luck

While everyone wishes for a little luck o' the Irish for their newborn, it's a meaningful and strong name that will go more toward helping your child discover their own pots of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Instead of stuffing their pockets full of four-leaf clovers, try one of these lucky names on for size and see if it's just right for your son or daughter:

Color me Irish

People wear green on St. Patrick's Day to avoid being pinched . But there's nothing wrong with choosing a green name, literally, for your little one. This lush selection covers what Crayola offers and then some:

And, of course, there is the ever-popular idea of "going green." Channel the virtues of nature and Earth at the same time with these environmentally conscious baby names, ideal options for the Earth mother :

Home of the Irish

"Home of the Irish" doesn't mean Notre Dame, but rather Ireland itself. Borrowing one of the names of the cities, towns or provinces on this green isle will give you that distinctly Irish title you're in search of for your newborn.

Consider these Irish landmarks: Armagh, Blarney, Derry, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Killarney, Limerick, Lisburn, Newry, Rosslare and Shannon. And of course, you can't forget the name Ireland itself.

Religious and historical names

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland so it should come as no surprise that there is a preference for Christian names in this country. They've also taken inspiration for their baby names from Nordic, Gaelic and modern history. If you're delivering a baby boy, consider the following:

If a baby girl is coming your way, these religious and historical choices might strike your fancy with their contemporary sounds and spellings:

Irish spellings

You can truly celebrate your love of Ireland, your family's heritage or just the joyful inspiration of St. Patrick's Day by opting for an authentic Irish name... complete with proper Irish spelling and pronunciation.

Irish Girl Names:

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From Storm to Winter: Baby names inspired by weather

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Weather-inspired baby names are unique and fun. From cool cold weather names like Winter to hot warm weather names like Sunny, be inspired by our picks of weather baby names for boys and girls.
Baby boy in the winter

Weather-inspired baby names are unique and fun. From cool cold weather names like Winter to hot warm weather names like Sunny, be inspired by our picks of weather baby names for boys and girls.

Summer and winter baby names

If you are searching for a baby name inspired by nature, perhaps these weather-related names are the perfect fit. There are a few names you might want to cross off your list because of hurricanes and other weather events, such as Sandy, Katrina and Irene, however there are plenty of unique and fun baby girl names and baby boy names to consider.

Cold weather baby names

Let’s start with great cold weather baby names for boys and girls — starting with the name January. This wintery month makes a great baby girl name, such as actress January Jones. December would make a more unique choice as a cold weather baby name. You can also consider cold weather holidays, such as the name Christmas.

More cold weather baby names include:

If some of these cold weather names seem a bit too unique, consider using them as a middle name, as did Nicole Richie when she named her daughter Harlow Winter Kate.

Warm weather baby names

Ready to warm up? Warm weather baby names would be a great choice if you are expecting a baby in the summer months — or if you just love to feel warm year-round! Here are our picks of warm weather baby names guaranteed to keep the chill away.

You can also look to the stars for inspiration, with the names of the summer constellations. There are three stars that make up the Summer Triangle inside the Milky Way: Vega, Altair and Deneb.

Baby names with weather-inspired meanings

You can also find weather-inspired baby names by searching for the meanings of names. The following names are not only unique, but have a cool story to them.

  • Amaya: Arabic girl name meaning “night rain”
  • Eira: Welsh girl name meaning “snow”
  • Istas: Native American girl name meaning “snow”
  • Yoki: Native American baby girl name meaning “rain”
  • Suma: English name meaning “born during the summer”
  • Nevada: Spanish boy name meaning “snow-clad”
  • Snowden: English boy name meaning “from the snowy hill”
  • Windham: English boy name meaning “from the windy village”
  • Zephyr: Greek boy name meaning “wind”
  • Guthrie: Gaelic boy name meaning “free wind”
  • Naseem: Arabic boy name meaning “a soft wind”
  • Somerset: English name meaning “from the summer settlers”

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Baby names for foodies

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From Almond to Violet, we've found the best baby names inspired by the culinary world. Find the perfect baby name for your sweet bundle of joy.
Baby in the kitchen

From Alton to Wolfgang and Almond to Violet, we've found the best baby names inspired by the culinary world. If you are a foodie, search for a perfectly delicious name for your sweet bundle of joy.

Delicious names from the culinary world

From the return of offal to the high-tech world of molecular gastronomy, adventurous restaurant trends have blown up in a major way. Hit shows like Top Chef and Hell’s Kitchen bring talented chefs and unique techniques from inaccessible restaurants to American living rooms. It’s no wonder so many people now call themselves foodies.

As you search for the perfect baby name for your little one, pick through these sweet and savory baby names inspired by the world of cookery. We’ve taken a look at everything from famous chefs to delicious ingredients to find you the freshest baby names of the season.

Baby names inspired by top chefs

The biggest names in cuisine also have some of the biggest personalities. Give your little one a namesake known for creativity and amazing talent. These 28 celebrity chefs bring great food and major charisma to the table.

Try these baby name resolutions for new parents>>

Baby names inspired by tastes and ingredients

Looking for a creative foodie name? Try examining the elements that make up a beautiful meal. These 36 fresh baby names are inspired by food and delicious ingredients.

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Choosing a foodie baby name

Hungry yet? Don't go overboard on snacks as you try these baby names on for size. Remember, if you want a dash of foodie goodness without going full-on culinary with your baby name, tag a foodie name onto a more traditional name for a perfect combination. Consider coming up with a foodie baby name of your own, but don’t think too far outside of the box. You don’t want your child to be the only one named Spaghetti Bolognese in his kindergarten class. Likewise, try not to match two food names together. Rueban Rye is just a little too yummy.

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Baby names from Irish folklore

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If you’re looking for a unique baby name, look no further than Irish mythology. These lyrical names come from a rich history of folklore and oral tradition. Let these baby names inspire you to find the perfect, magical baby name for your newborn.
Irish baby girl

If you’re looking for a unique baby name, look no further than Irish mythology. These lyrical names come from a rich history of folklore and oral tradition. Let these baby names inspire you to find the perfect, magical baby name for your newborn.

Beautiful baby names from Irish legends

Irish folklore has persisted for centuries despite shifts and religious changes in Ireland. The myths of pre-Christian Ireland have survived through literature and oral tradition. Spellings have changed over time. In fact, many of today’s popular names have ancient roots in Irish folklore.

As you search for the perfect baby boy name or baby girl name, check out these names from Irish folklore. These hand-picked names feature mix of familiar classics and highly unique baby names that will set your child apart from classmates and friends.

Exotic baby names from Irish folklore

Irish names from folklore are unusual and rare. They’re often pronounced in beautiful, lyrical ways you wouldn’t necessarily imagine when reading the word. When choosing a baby name from Irish mythology, consider how important to you it is that others are able to easily pronounce it. Think about contemporary names and nicknames drawn from these names from Irish folklore.

Baby girl names from Irish folklore

Baby boy names from Irish folklore

Modern Irish poets and authors

Irish folklore is often referenced and reimagined by modern storytellers and poets. For a more contemporary baby name inspired by Irish folklore, draw from one of these Irish poets and authors.

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Common Irish baby names

Are these names a little too out there? Remember that modern Irish baby names are often derived in some way from Irish folklore and history. Spellings and pronunciations have shifted through the centuries, resulting in the names we’re familiar with today. Try one of these popular Irish baby names on for size.

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50 Easter-inspired baby names

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From cute spring-inspired names like Lily and Brooks to spiritual names like Mary and Noah, hop into the spirit of the season with our list of the top 50 Easter-inspired baby names.
Easter baby with bunny

From cute spring-inspired names like Lily and Brooks to spiritual names like Mary and Noah, hop into the spirit of the season with our list of the top 50 Easter-inspired baby names.

Easter baby names
for your bunny

Whether you are expecting an Easter baby or just love the warm spring weather, we hopped around to find the best Easter-inspired baby girl names and baby boy names.

Easter flower baby girl names

Easter is a time for gorgeous and colorful flowers that symbolize the beginning of spring and rebirth. These flower baby girl names are pretty and feminine — and perfect for your Easter baby girl.

Cool spring-inspired boy names

Why not let the spring season inspire your baby name choice? The following names are unique, yet distinctly masculine. Whether you want a name on the more unusual end of the spectrum, such as Falcon, or one that is more well-known , such as Brooks, perhaps the following names will strike the perfect chord for you:

Spiritual Easter baby names

If you would like to give your baby a spiritual name inspired by the people in the story of Easter, perhaps the following names are perfect for your son or daughter. These names are also considered more classic names which mean they will never go out of style.

Easter around the world

If you are looking for an exotic baby name, perhaps you can consider Easter in other languages. For example, in Spanish Easter is Pascual and Pascuala, while in Italian it is Pasquale. In French, you can name your son Pascal or your daughter Pascale.

Baby names with Easter-inspired meanings

If you are searching for a name with an Easter-inspired meaning, perhaps these names will fit the bill:

  • Caldwell: English boy name meaning “from the cold spring”
  • Attwell: English boy name meaning “lives by the spring”
  • Lavernia: French girl name meaning “born in the spring”
  • Tazia: Italian girl name meaning “one who will be reborn”
  • Lulu: Native American girl name meaning “rabbit”

And one to grow on... The name Easter! The name Easter is classified as a baby boy name of English origin that means “From the name of the Christian festival, which is based on Eostre, the name of a Germanic spring goddess.” If Easter seems a bit too unique for a first time, you could also consider it as a middle name.

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