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It’s important to stay positive even in dire straits. The power of positivity is real and can help us tackle our struggles and hardships. Inspirational names for babies are a great way to instill this positivity in your little ones right from their genesis. In this post, we have rounded up amazing uplifting and positive names.
Key Pointers
- Inspirational names for babies offer a fantastic opportunity to instill positivity in your children’s lives.
- Some names have divine connotations, while others stem from influential historical figures.
- Spiritual and meaningful names such as Bliss, Grace, and Faith are ideal for a baby girl.
- Popular baby boy names such as Nelson, Tesla, and Albert are linked to individuals who’ve positively impacted the world.
Inspirational Girl Names
1. Abigail
Abigail Scott, the writer, was one of the first women’s rights activists. This old-testament name is liked for its proper vintage charm. In fact, it was the 8th most popular name in the year 2014.
2. Bliss
Most of us find a unique manifestation of God’s blessing in our lives. This is called Bliss and is associated with countless positive images. So rise like a phoenix and embrace this journey called life.
3. Answer
The name Answer is ideal for religious parents who believe in the power of prayer. Answer refers to the Almighty giving you respite from the difficult situation that you are in. For the new age parents, the answer could be given by the inner self.
4. Amelia
Amelia Earhart was the first female orator who flew solo across the Atlantic, but unfortunately disappeared during the circumnavigation of the globe. Amelia Earhart is no longer with us, but she never stopped captivating people’s minds. Amelia ranks among the top baby girl names.
5. Eleanor
Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady, made a name for herself that is as memorable as her husband’s. She did not just assist her husband in his political endeavor, but also fought for human rights and women’s issues.
6. Ada
Ada Lovelace, the 19th-century mathematician, is regarded by many as the world’s first computer programmer because of her notes on coding for Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine. She is also the child of the Romantic poet – Lord Byron.
7. Audre
Audre Lorde, the poet, essayist and civil rights activist is described rightly so as the “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet.” Audre’s work explored the intersections of the different aspects of identity. She also spoke on the interplay of sexism and racial oppression.
8. Emmeline
Emmeline Pankhurst, the British suffragist, was the founder of the Women’s Social and the Political Union that advocated women’s voting rights in the early 20th century. She brought unity among women of the time. You can see her work for the women in the movie ‘Suffragette’.
9. Rosa
The Congress called Rosa Parks “the first lady of civil rights” for her fight against segregation and racism, which began with the fateful bus ride in Montgomery. This is a great title for your little angel honoring the grit and determination of the famous personality.
Quick fact10. Grace
Grace is the divine power that inspires virtue in humans and gives us strength to endure difficult times. It would remind your daughter of the eternal love of God. Imagine wielding this name as a symbol of divine intervention.
11. Sandra
Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve as the Supreme Court justice, paved the way for girls everywhere to aspire to do great things for the government. We’d interpret the meaning of her name ‘defending men’, as ‘humans’.
12. Lucy
Lucy, the orator and women’s rights leader is best known for retaining her name after marriage. This solid and saucy name means ‘light.’
13. Malala
How can anyone not admire this Pakistani teenager, who is today’s women’s rights and education activist and also the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize? She will surely inspire generations to come.
14. Joy
The name Joy leaped the popularity charts after the release of animated movie “Inside Out”, where it was the name of one of the feelings in the lead character’s head. The name is the true representation of happiness. It means finding enjoyment, harmony, and miracle in anything that you do.
15. Elizabeth
History has witnessed some amazingly inspirational Elizabeths. One is Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the 19th-century women’s right activist who was also the president of the National Woman Suffrage Association for 20 years.
16. Gloria
Gloria Steinem is one of the most famous living feminists in the world. She is a writer, lecturer and an activist who has been campaigning for women’s rights since the 1960s. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the year 2015.
17. Harriet
Harriet Tubman is best known for escaping slavery and saving more than 300 slaves via the Underground Railroad. She became an activist for women’s rights after the Civil War, giving speeches about her experiences as a slave and advocating women’s suffrage.
18. Isadora
Isadora Duncan is widely regarded as the mother of modern dance. She rebelled against the traditional dancing styles that confined women in tight shoes and costumes. This inspirational baby girl name stands for ‘gift of Isis’ in Greek.
19. Jane
There are plenty of inspirational Janes. One is Jane Austen, the writer of thought provoking novels. The other inspiration is Jane Eyre, the heroine of the novel of the same name.
20. Margaret
Margaret Sanger was the women’s right activist who advocated women’s liberty and right to birth control. Then there is Margaret Atwood, the Canadian novelist, and poet who explores the nature of gender oppression.
21. Marie
If you believe that you have a little scientist on the way, name her Marie. This classic French moniker is shared by the Nobel Prize-winning physicist, Madame Curie.
Trivia22. Faith
Faith was once one of the most straightforward virtue names popularized by the Puritans in the 17th century. Today, most of the parents choose this inspirational girl name as an indicator of their religious belief and hope. This moniker peaked in the year 2002 at #48.
23. Maya
Maya Angelou is the most inspiring bearer of this name. She was an American essayist, poet, and civil rights activist. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the year 2011.
24. Teresa
Mother Teresa is an international symbol of service and charity to the poor and sick. She was one of the most inspiring figures of the 20th century and continues to motivate millions of people even today.
25. Charity
The name is a little less used than other virtue names, but sounds fresh and has a rhythmic y ending. This English name might just inspire your children to be good and kind to everyone.
Inspirational Boy Names
26. Honor
Honor is a robust and confident baby boy name that inspires decency and integrity. The name radiates righteousness and reminds the man of his principles. This name is particularly suitable for people with a military background.
27. Abraham
U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, who led the country through the Civil War and abolished slavery, is usually associated with this biblical moniker.
28. Karma
Karma may be a tad common for a baby boy name, yet is very inspiring. It would teach your son the golden rule – do not do anything that you wouldn’t want others to do to you.
29. Cesar
The name may translate to ‘head of hair’, but it has more value when you consider its namesake Cesar Chaves, the Latino civil rights activist, renowned for his dedication to the labor movement and farm workers.
30. Martin
When talking about Civil Rights, Dr. Martin Luther King is the first person that comes to mind. Martin, which means ‘warlike’, overshadows Dr. King’s message of equality and nonviolence, in a way. Nonetheless, it makes an excellent choice.
31. Franklin
We have two American political leaders’ references here. First is Benjamin Franklin, the Founding Father, and the polymath. And the second is Franklin Delano Roosevelt, one of the most admired presidents of the United States.
32. Zen
Zen has Japanese origin and is a form of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the importance of intuition through meditation. Instead of blindly following the scriptures and rituals, Zen advocates an active approach in fulfilling one’s potential. This is a maverick name that resonates with spirituality.
33. Bodhi
Bodhi, the baby name with Sanskrit origins has close links with the Buddhist religion. It means ‘enlightenment’ or ‘awakening,’ which we all want our children to have from an early age.
34. Dharma
Here’s another Sanskrit origin baby name that defines a cosmic law for maintaining order in the universe. It comes from the word ‘dhri’, without which nothing can stand. So, if you have a thing for spirituality and destiny, Dharma would be a nice pick.
35. Justice
This name is a surprise success in the baby name world. The name entered the popularity charts in 1992 and has been on the list ever since. The name Justice will inspire your child to live a fair and honest life.
36. Pax
Pax is the Roman for ‘peace’. Pax Roman was the long period of 207 years of peace in the Roman ages of the first and second century. It also means ‘treaty’ or ‘accord.’ This name also reflects serenity and noble nature.
37. Promise
Everyone likes people who are honest and keep their word. This inspirational boy name denotes deep confidence and trust. It will also inspire your child to strive to meet his promises.
38. Neil
You do not always have to refer to sci-fi movies to give your son a space-themed name. You can take inspiration from the first man on the moon himself. He had a classic Irish name that means ‘cloud.’
Did you know?39. Nelson
Nelson Mandela is a source of inspiration for many. From incarceration to the presidency, Nelson Mandela spent his long life fighting apartheid and racism in South Africa. He is definitely worthy of a namesake.
40. Winston
Winston Churchill served as United Kingdom’s Prime Minister during the Second World War. He inspired people and his forces to victory, making him earn a spot on one of the most brave and inspiring leaders of all times. His political triumph led to the popularity of this name.
41. Frederick
After escaping from the clutches of slavery, Frederick Douglass penned three books on the abolitionist movement. Meaning ‘peaceful ruler’ Frederick is quite a fitting name for this inspiring figure.
42. Desmond
Bishop Desmond Tutu campaigned against several issues that once plagued South Africa, from HIV/AIDS to apartheid to homophobia. No wonder he received a Nobel Peace Prize for his works.
43. Nick
Nick Vujicic, the man with no limbs, inspires people never to give up on their dream. Having graduated with a double major in Accounting and Financial Planning, Nick went on to become a motivational speaker.
44. Chance
Chance, the French variation of Chauncey, was once viewed as a Mississippi gambler kind of name, but it has now entered the mainstream and is rising rapidly. The name is also endorsed by celebrity fathers like Paul Hogan and Larry King.
45. Tesla
Tesla is for Nikola Tesla, who is widely remembered for the development of alternating current electrical systems. His other innovations and inventions are too numerous to list. You can use Tesla for girls as well. Tess would make a cute nickname for Tesla.
Did you know?46. Sagan
Summarizing Carl Sagan’s accomplishments is near impossible. Of note, he was an American novelist and astronomer, well known to the international readers as the presenter of television series “Cosmos.”
47. Valor
Valor is another inspiring baby name we think would sound great. And it is obscure enough to sound like a real name.
48. Mikhail
Mikhail Gorbachev, the general secretary of the Soviet Union Communist Party, had the tenacity, courage, and strength of character to give up the power of Soviet Communism. He even dismantled the Communist grip on Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union.
49. William
William Wilberforce was one of the greatest reformers of Britain. He fought tirelessly to end the slave trade at a time when it was considered an ‘economic necessity.’ This enduring name currently stands at the fifth spot.
50. Albert
Albert Einstein is one of the most celebrated scientists of the 20th century. He was also a humanitarian and spoke out against nuclear weapons. The name Albert may have a serious and studious image, but it is quite fanciful!
What inspiring name would you honor your child with? Tell us by commenting below!
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Illustration: Uplifting And Inspirational Names For Baby Girls and Boys
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there any cultural or religious inspirations behind specific names?
Yes, certain inspirational baby names are derived from God, while others are inspired by historical figures who left their impact on the world.
2. What are the benefits of choosing an inspirational name for your child?
Inspirational baby names are derived from famous personalities known for their outstanding contribution to the world. These names also have lovely characteristics and meanings. These inspirational baby names are ideal for fostering these qualities in your baby.
3. How can I find inspirational names for babies?
You can find inspirational names for babies by exploring various sources such as literature, mythology, historical figures, nature, and meaningful words or virtues. Consider looking into baby name books and websites or consulting with family and friends for suggestions. Choose a name that resonates with you and carries a positive and uplifting meaning or association.
4. What factors should I consider when choosing an inspirational name for a baby?
When choosing an inspirational name for a baby, consider the meaning and symbolism behind the name, its cultural or historical significance, and how it aligns with your values and beliefs. Also, consider the name’s uniqueness, pronunciation, and how it may be perceived in different contexts. Choose a name that you find inspiring and meaningful for your child’s identity and future.
Inspirational names for babies can bring motivation and positivity each time you say their names. You may choose names from various origins with beautiful meanings. Names are powerful, and people may make quick judgments and assumptions about a person from names. Giving an inspirational name is the beginning of giving inner strength and positivity to your baby. Hearing or reading a name with inspiring meaning can make a person happy psychologically. This can be beneficial for your child. You may find common and uncommon inspirational names with deep meanings for boys and girls.
Infographic: Inspirational Names For Girls And Boys
When we hear about legends and heroes, we think of endless possibilities and the ultimate capabilities of humankind. This infographic lists names inspired by people who made the world better. You may choose one to evoke a sense of motivation and passion in your child. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Top 11 Things You Didn’t Know About Nikola Tesla.
https://www.energy.gov/articles/top-11-things-you-didnt-know-about-nikola-tesla
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