133 Notably Beautiful Singaporean Names For Baby Girls And Boys

Singapore, founded in 1819, has a diverse population that can be seen in people carrying interesting names with great meanings. Singaporean names for baby girls and boys reflect vast influence from Malay, East and South Asia, and parts of Eurasian cultures. Most of these names seem to have an English origin, along with surnames with more Chinese influence. So here, we have curated a list of Singaporean names if you have been obsessing over the way they sound and how beautifully and deeply they mean. Pick the best one for your little one.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Many Singaporean names have European roots, but the surnames reflect an Asian, especially Chinese influence.
  • Singaporean baby names commonly signify occupations, positive virtues, and elements of nature.
  • Some short and sweet Singaporean names for boys are Enzo, Reza, and Lim, and some names for girls are Lou, Mila, and Xin.

Cultural Significance Of Singaporean Names

Singaporean names are influenced by Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western cultures and often mirror the values and traditions of these different ethnic groups.

Chinese names commonly consist of a family name followed by given names. The given names are carefully chosen to convey positive meanings, such as prosperity, success, or moral virtues. Malay names typically follow a patronymic system, where individuals carry their father’s name, often preceded by ‘bin’ (for males) or ‘binte’ (for females), signifying ‘son of’ or ‘daughter of,’ respectively.

Indian Singaporeans often have names with religious and cultural significance. These names can be derived from gods or ancient Sanskrit texts. They may also describe desirable traits like wisdom or courage.

Understanding the significance of these names helps to appreciate Singapore’s multiethnic society’s shared history and values.

Singaporean Names For Baby Boys

1. Adrian

Adrian is derived from the Latin word ‘Adrianus’ meaning ‘man of Adria.’ It also means ‘dark richness’. Ady, Adri, and Ade can be its nicknames. American actors Adrian Grenier and Adrian Pasdar are famous namesakes.

2. Adriel

Adriel has varied meanings in different languages. It originates from Hebrew and means ‘flock of God.’ The other variants are Adriyel, Adrielle, and Edriel. In the Old Testament, Adriel is a minor figure who married Merab, the daughter of Saul (1).

3. Aiden

This is one of the most popular names. Aiden has been ranked among the top 1,000 baby boy names in the US since 1995 and has remained in the top 100 since 2003 (2). It means ‘little and fiery’ in Irish.

4. Alex

Alex is a classic name of all time and means ‘defending men.’ Although it’s a unisex name, it is more prevalent among boys. Alex Rodriguez, a former professional baseball player, also known as A-Rod, is a notable bearer of this name.

5. Andre

Andre comes from France, and means ‘manly, sexy, or brave’. Andy, Dre, and Onny can be fun nicknames. We have quite a few famous personalities with the former tennis player Andre Agassi being the most famous. American musician Andre Benjamin and French author Andre Malraux are other famous people.

6. Asher

Asher is one of the fastest-rising names in recent years, ranking consistently in the top 1000 baby names in the US since 1992 (2). Originating from Hebrew, this name means ‘fortunate, blessed, or happy.’ Asher was the eighth son of Jacob as per the Old Testament (3).

7. Benjamin

Benjamin in Hebrew means, ‘son of the right hand’. It’s a biblical name that is traditional, classic, and popular. Ben is its cute nickname and Benjamin goes along perfectly with most surnames. The famous namesake is the founding father of the US, Benjamin Franklin.

8. Bryan

Bryan is generally believed to be of Celtic origin. It means ‘high, virtuous, or noble’. Another variant of Bryan, Brian is equally popular. Canadian rockstar Bryan Adams and English footballer Bryan Robson are famous namesakes.

9. Caleb

It’s pronounced as Kay–Lev or Cale-eb. Caleb means ‘faithful,’ ‘bold,’ or ‘loyal.’ It also means ‘dog’ — the man’s best friend. Cae, Cale, Cub, and Cabe are some fun nicknames. In the Old Testament, Caleb was one of Moses’s twelve spies to explore Canaan (4).

10. Cheng

Cheng is a variant of Zheng. It has Chinese origins and means ‘accomplish,’ ‘succeed,’ or ‘sincere.’ Chenge is also a Chinese surname meaning ‘rule’ or ‘order.’ It also refers to the ancient territory of Cheng during the Zhou dynasty, now part of present-day Henan province.

11. Dalton

This English name means ‘settlement in the valley.’ It was originally introduced in the 13th century as d’Alton. Dalton Kincaid, an American football player in the NFL, is the popular namesake.

12. Daniel

Originating in Hebrew, Daniel is an evergreen name that is appealing and stylish. It means ‘God is my judge’. Some of its variants include Danilo, Danijel, and Taniel. Daniel was a Hebrew prophet from the Old Testament who gained prominence in Babylon by interpreting the king’s dreams during the Jewish captivity (5).

13. Darryl

Darryl is one of the most popular names. This name originated from the old French word ‘Airelle.’ It means ‘darling’ and Dee, Deelo, and D-Love can be cute nicknames. Daryl, Darrel, Daryll, and Darryll are the variations of this name.

14. Dale

Dale means ‘valley’ in German. It was originally a last name that meant, ‘someone who lives in a valley’. The noted namesake is writer Dale Carnegie.

15. Daylen

Daylen is a unique boy name that has its origins in English. Its rhyming variant is ‘Waylon‘, which means ‘blacksmith with supernatural powers’.

16. Dylan

Dylan is an unusual Welsh name for boys. It means ‘son of the sea’ or ‘born near the sea.’ Welsh poet Dylan Thomas is a famous namesake. Nicknames for Dylan include Dill, Dylana, Laney, and Dillie. In the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi, Dylan, son of Arianrhod, took to the sea after his baptism, swimming like a fish. He was later accidentally slain by his uncle Gofannon. Dylan is often believed to be linked to an ancient Celtic sea god.

17. Desmond

Desmond was initially an Irish surname from the place Deas-Mhumhna. It means ‘From South Munster’. Its namesake is famous anthropologist Desmond Morris.

18. Derrik

Derrik is an unusual name for boys. It means ‘gifted ruler or people’s ruler’. The name has its origins in German. The variants are Deryk, Darrick, Darriq, and Derik.

19. Don

If you want an impressive name, choose Don. This  Scottish name is originally derived from Donald and means ‘proud chief.’ Don is also a surname, originating from a word signifying ‘brown.’

20. Felix

Felix is a Dutch name that means ‘happy,’ ‘lucky,’ or ‘blessed.’ Many saints and four Popes bore this name. The 1st-century BC Roman general Sulla acquired it as a nickname. The name also belonged to the Judean governor who imprisoned Saint Paul in the New Testament (6). Some nicknames for Felix are Flick, Flex, Flicker, Lex, and Fox.

21. Hayden

Hayden sounds more like a last name, as in Diana Hayden. However, it is also used as a personal name for both boys and girls. Hayden means ‘fire.’ It originates from an English surname linked to place names signifying ‘hay hill’ or ‘hay valley.’ Hadyn is a notable variant of Hayden.

22. Elliot

Elliot is derived from the Greek word ‘Elijah‘. It means ‘Jehovah is God’, or ‘my God is the Lord’. Its nicknames are Eli, El, and Lotte. American singer Elliott Smith, and American actor Elliott Gould are famous namesakes.

23. Ethan

Ethan is derived from the Hebrew name ‘Eitan’. Ethan means, ‘strong, safe, and firm’. Ethan is the name of one of the characters in Pokemon. The famous namesakes are American actor Ethan Hawke and American filmmaker Ethan Coen.

24. Eric

Eric is a super-cool name with a great meaning. It means ‘ever powerful or one who rules forever’. It has its origins in Old Norse and Eric Clapton, musician and Eric Dane, American actor are famous namesakes. The variants of this name are Erick, Erik, and Aric.

25. Enzo

Enzo, the ruler of the house
Image: Shutterstock

Enzo, an Italian name, means ‘ruler of the house’. Its nicknames are Enz, En, Zo, and Zeeo. The popular namesakes are Ferrari race car driver and founder of Ferrari car manufacturer Enzo Anselmo Ferrai.

26. Eugene

Eugene is a rare name derived from the Latin word ‘Eugenius’, meaning ‘wellborn or noble’. The nicknames for Eugene are Gene, Geno, and Eug. The famous namesakes are American actor Eugene Kelly and American politician Eugene Joseph McCarthy,

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South Korean singer and actress Kim Yoo-jin, professionally known as Eugene, is a popular name-bearer.

27. Gordon

Gordon is a cool and elegant name for boys. This Scottish name means ‘great hill.’ Gordon may also come from a Scottish surname, originally from a place in Berwickshire, meaning ‘spacious fort’ in Brythonic.

28. Harold

Harold is originally derived from the Old English word ‘Hereweald’, which is now obsolete. ‘Here’ means ‘army’ and ‘weald’ means ‘ruler’. Harold means ‘army commander or army ruler’ with its origins in Scandinavia. The proud bearers of this name were King Harold I and Harold II of England.

29. Ivan

Ivan is a Russian name that means ‘God is gracious’ or ‘Gift from God.’ Iva and Ivy are common nicknames for Ivan that sound playful yet warm. Bulgarian saint Saint Ivan of Rila is a notable bearer of this name.

30. Jason

Jason is quite a classic and popular name for boys. There was a craze for ‘Jason’ in the 70’s. Nicknames for Jason are Jacey, Jacky, Jay, Jase, and Jace. The famous namesakes are American actor Jason Alexander and American singer Jason Mraz.

31. Jarius

It combines ‘J’ with the Latin suffix ‘arius ‘and means ‘whom God enlightens’ in Hebrew. American footballer Jarius Wright is a noteworthy personality bearing this name.

32. Jayden

Jayden sounds modern and cool and means ‘God has heard’. The nicknames include Jade, Jaybo, and JD. The famous namesakes are Jayden James son of Britney Spears and Jason Smith son of Will Smith.

33. Javier

Pronounced as hah-vyee-air, Javier is a Spanish name meaning ‘new house or bright.’ Xavier is another variant of Javier. Saint Francis Xavier bore this surname, named after his birthplace. A Jesuit priest and missionary, he became the patron saint of the Orient and missionaries.

34. Joseph

Joseph is a classic Hebrew name, meaning ‘Jehovah increases’. Joe and Joey are the cute nicknames. The famous namesake is the father of Michael and Janet Jackson, Joseph Jackson.

35. Joshua

Joshua is a name that is good for both boys and girls and means ‘a savior’ or ‘Yahweh is salvation.’ In the Old Testament, Joshua was Moses’s companion, ascending Mount Sinai with him and later serving as one of the twelve spies sent to Canaan. After Moses’s death, he led the Israelites in their conquest of Canaan.

36. Joel

It means ‘the Lord is God’. Joel is the central character in the ‘Last of Us’ game. The other variants of this name are Julio, Jolie, Julia, and Julie. In the Old Testament, Joel is one of the twelve minor prophets who authored the Book of Joel, which details a locust plague (7).

37. Justin

It’s derived from the Latin word Justinus and means ‘upright and righteous.’ The famous namesakes are Canadian pop star and Calvin Klein model Justin Bieber. Several early saints, including Justin Martyr, a 2nd-century Christian philosopher beheaded in Rome (8), bore this name.

38. Kenneth

Kenneth means a ‘handsome boy’. This Gaelic name can be nicknamed Ken, Kenny, and Kent. British writer Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind in the Willows, was a well-known bearer of this name.

39. Kevin

The name Kevin has its roots in Gaelic. It means ‘gentle, lovable, or handsome’. American actor Kevin Costner is the famous namesake. Kevin has consistently been in the top 1000 baby names for boys in the US since 1927 (2).

40. Lucas

The name ‘Lucas’ means ‘illumination, a man from Lucania, or man who brings light’. The other famous variant is Luke, the author of the third gospel of the New Testament (9).

41. Lim

Lim is a Chinese name that means ‘forest,’ ‘woods,’ or ‘gem.’ Lim is also a surname notably borne by Liza Lim, an Australian composer.

42. Marcus

Marcus is a charming name with Latin roots. It gets its name from Mark and means ‘warlike.’ Marcus also likely originates from the name of Mars, the Roman god of war (10). The other variants are Martyn, Marque, and Marq. Its nicknames are Marc, Mark, Macky, and Mac.

43. Malcolm

Malcolm means ‘a dove‘, and comes from Latin. It also means ‘devotee of Saint Columba.’ William Shakespeare used the name Malcolm in his play Macbeth.

44. Melvyn

Melvyn is quite a stylish, cool name with a noble meaning. It means ‘an honorable man’. Actor Melvyn Douglas is a prominent bearer of this name.

45. Merlin

Merlin means ‘sea fortress’. It has its origins in Welsh. Merlin is the variant of Myrddin, popularized by Geoffrey of Monmouth during the 12th century in his chronicle. The famous bearer of this name is football star turned-actor Merlin Olsen.

46. Nicholas

Nicholas is a Greek name that means ‘people of victory.’ Saint Nicholas was an Anatolian bishop during the 4th century who rescued a poor man’s daughters from prostitution. He later inspired the figure of Santa Claus, the giver of Christmas gifts (11). The nicknames are Nick, Nicky, Nic, Cole, and Colin. The famous namesake is American actor Nicholas Cage.

47. Raphael

Raphael is a stylish Hebrew name meaning ‘God is Healer’ or ‘God has healed’. Its variants are Rafael and Raffael.

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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal Parera is a popular bearer of this name.

48. Raymond

This German name is quite a decent choice for boys. It means ‘wise protector.’ Several medieval saints, including Saint Raymond Nonnatus, patron of expectant mothers and midwives, bore this name.

49. Reza

Reza means ‘contentment or satisfaction.’ It’s of Arabic origin. Reza is a variant of Rida, the name of 9th-century Shia imam Ali ar-Rida.

50. Ripley

Ripley means, ‘separate or uncultivated land’. The popular namesake is the famous cartoonist and the creator of “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” Robert Ripley.

51. Ryan

Ryan, a little king
Image: Shutterstock

Ryan is a Gaelic name that means ‘little king’ or ‘descendant of the king.’ The famous bearers of this name are actors Ryan Gosling and Ryan O’Neal. The popularity of the name increased after the movie Ryan’s Daughter.

52. Sean

‘Sean’ is an Irish name. It’s an Irish variant of John, which means, ‘God is gracious, or ‘gift from God.’ Actor Sean Astin is a famous bearer of this name.

53. Shehan

The name is of Arabic and Shehan origins and means ‘bright.’ Another variant is Sheehan. A notable bearer is Shehan Karunatilaka, an acclaimed writer known for his award-winning debut novel Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew.

54. Tian

The name Tian has its origins in Chinese. Tian means ‘heaven or princess’. Tian is also a variant of Tijan, derived from the Latin Sebastianus, meaning ‘from Sebaste,’ a town in Asia Minor named after the Greek sebastos signifying ‘venerable.’

55. Torrence

Torrence means ‘little hills’ and is of Irish and Gaelic origins. Torrence is a Scottish surname. Scottish film actor David Torrence is a noteworthy bearer of this name.

56. Timothy

Timothy is an ancient name, meaning ‘to honor or fear God,’ and has Greek origins. Saint Timothy was a companion of Paul and the recipient of two New Testament epistles (12).

57. Tyler

Tyler stems from the Old French title, which means’ tile maker.’ Although it’s a unisex name, it is predominantly used for boys. Tyler is also a surname. Some sources suggest Tyler may also mean ‘doorkeeper of an inn’ or ‘a tavern owner.’

58. Yannik

Yannick is a Hebrew name meaning ‘God is gracious.’ A notable bearer is Yannik Omlor, a German professional squash player who ranked 117th in the world and was Germany’s third-highest-ranked player as of July 2019.

59. Vincent

It’s derived from the French word Vincere meaning ‘to conquer’. The nicknames are Vince, Vinnie, and Vinny. The other variants are Vicente, Vincente, and Vincenzo. Vincent was once a popular name especially among the French people and Roman Catholics.

60. Wayne

It’s derived from the occupational surname meaning ‘wagon maker.’ Wayne has its origins in English and means ‘wagoner.’ A famous bearer is Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest player in the sport’s history.

61. Wesley

Wesley sounds like a typical boyish name, meaning ‘Western meadow.’ It has its origins in English. Originally used mainly as a surname, the name gained popularity as a given name after John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, inspired its use.

62. Wong

As is quite apparent, the name has Chinese origin. Wong means ‘successful life.’ This name also comes from the surname Wong, which traces back to Wang, meaning ‘king’ or ‘monarch.’

63. Hafiz

This name means ‘preserver’ or ‘guardian’ in Arabic. Al-Hafiz is one of the 99 names of Allah in Islam. Al-Hafiz was the 11th Fatimid caliph and the 21st imam of Hafizi Isma’ilism.

64. Zul

If you seek a short, sweet, and unique name for your boy, go for Zul, meaning ‘leader of battles.’ It also means ‘light’ or ‘torch’ in Mongolian. Zul Sutan, a Singaporean singer and guitarist, is the popular namesake.

Singaporean Names For Girls

65. Adela

Adela is of German origin, which means ‘noble.’ The famous bearer of this name is the daughter of William the Conqueror. Saint Adela, a Frankish princess from the 7th century, founded a monastery in Pfazel, France. The other variants are Adele, Adelia, and Adella.

66. Adeline

Adeline is an adorable name that is stylish, popular, and cool. It means ‘elegant’ or ‘noble.’ The nicknames for Adeline are Addy, Addie, Addy, and Adela. A well-known namesake is Adeline Virginia Woolf, a British writer and a key figure in modernist literature.

67. Ainsley

This Scottish name means ‘my meadow.’ Ainslie is another variant of this name. Ainsley Earhardt, a news reporter on Fox News, is a famous bearer of this name. This name gained popularity in the US in 2000 due to a character in the TV series The West Wing.

68. Alicia

Alicia means ‘noble’. Another variant is Alycia. The nicknames for Alicia are Ali, Lisha, Arisu, Alise, Lisa, Ally, and Alia. American actress Alicia Silverstone is its popular namesake.

69. Amandaz

Derived from the Latin word ‘Amanda,‘ it means ‘lovable’ or ‘worthy to be loved.’ Mandy, Manni, Andy are some cute nickname options.

70. Amelia

Amelia is among the most popular names, ranked #11 in 2016 in the US, and has been among the top 1000 baby names since 1900 (2). It means ‘work’ or ‘industrious leader.’ The name has Latin origins. It originated from the name Amalia, which is derived from the German name Amala which means ‘work.’

71. Andrea

It originates from the Greek word andros, meaning ‘manly.’ Its feminine version is Andreas. Andrea Verrocchio, a Renaissance sculptor who mentored Leonardo da Vinci and Perugino, is the popular namesake.

72. Aria

This charming name means ‘air’ or ‘lioness.’ It means ‘song’ and ‘melody’ in Italian. For parents exploring cute baby girl names, Aria can stand out.

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The name Aria also means “a song or melody.” With roots in Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and Persian, the name has a variety of connotations depending on the context it is used in.

73. Averie

This name is derived from Old English. It’s a stylish name with a unique meaning ‘ruler of the elves.’ Another variant is Avery. A notable person named Averie is Averie Ann Collins, a professional soccer player.

74. Ava

Ava is a Latin name meaning ‘life.’ Hugh Jackman and Reese Witherspoon named their daughter Ava. It has consistently been in the top 1000 baby names in the US since 1986 (2).

75. Alexis

This Greek name means ‘defender’ or ‘protector of mankind.’ Alex can be a nickname option. Primarily used for girls, this unisex name gained popularity due to actress Alexis Smith, a character in the 1980s soap opera Dynasty.

76. Ashley

Ashley has its origins in English, meaning ‘lives in the ash tree grove, dweller near the ash tree’. Ashley is the male character in ‘Gone with the wind’ by Margaret Mitchell.

77. Alvin

The name is derived from Old English and means ‘wise friend or friend of the elves.’ Alvin originated in the 19th century from surnames linked to the Old English names Æthelwine, meaning ‘noble friend,’ and Ealdwine, signifying ‘old friend.’

78. Bennett

Bennett, Singaporean name
Image: Shutterstock

Originating from Latin, it means ‘blessed one’. Its medieval version is Benedict. Italian monk Saint Benedict founded the Benedictine order in the 6th century (13). Ben is its cute nickname.

79. Charyl

Charyl comes from the French name Cherie. It means ‘darling’ or ‘beloved’ and has variants such as Sharyl, Sheryl, and Cheryle.

80. Charlotte

This name has a flair of elegance and royalty to it, which is why many queens of England are named ‘Charlotte.’ This English origin name means ‘free.’ Charlotte has ranked in the top 1000 baby names for girls since 1900 in the US (2).

81. Cherilyn

It’s a combination of Cheryl and Lynn. It’s a modern version of Cheryl and it means ‘dear’.

82. Chermaine

If you are looking for a charming baby girl name, choose ‘Chermaine,’ which means ‘charm’ in English, ‘bountiful orchard’ in French, and ‘delightful’ in Greek. A notable bearer of this name is Charmaine, a Christian pop musician.

83. Claire

It’s derived from the Latin word ‘clarus,’ which means ‘bright’ or ‘clear.’ English actress Claire Bloom is a notable bearer of this name.

84. Chevelle

This is an uncommon girl name, which means ‘bold and beautiful.’ The name first emerged in 1963 with the debut of the Chevelle car and saw a resurgence in the 2000s, likely inspired by the metal band Chevelle.

85. Debbie

Rooted in Hebrew, it means ‘a bee ‘or ‘a swarm of bees.’ The variants of this name are Debi, Debee, and Debby. Debbie Allenan, an actress, dancer, singer, and director, is the popular bearer of this name.

86. Ellie

This Greek name means ‘shining light.’ It’s a shortened form of Eleanor or Ellen. Helle, also known as Ellie, was a character in Greek mythology linked to the tale of Jason and the Argonauts.

87. Emma

It’s the most popular name in Latin, meaning ‘universal.’ Emma was the 11th-century Austrian saint, also known as Hemma.

88. Esther

The name comes from Latin and Greek, and means ‘star’. The famous namesake is the Jewish second wife of Ahasuerus Queen Esther.

89. Hannah

It means ‘grace’ or ‘favor’, ‘grace of God’ in Hebrew. Anna is the Greek and Latin version. The popular television show Hannah Montana, has become a household name at one point.

90. Hasim

Hasim is an Arabic name meaning ‘fast considerations.’ It means ‘decisive’ in Arabic.  It is the Turkish spelling variant of the Arabic name Hashim, meaning ‘crusher’ or ‘breaker.’

91. Hazel

Hazel gets its name from the name of the tree or the color. It has its roots in Old English. Famous actress Julia Roberts also named her daughter Hazel. The other variants are Hazelle and Hazile.

92. Fiona

Fiona is a popular name, meaning ‘white or fair,’ and originates from Scottish. Scottish poet James Macpherson used this name in his 1761 poem Fingal. Over time, the name became more widely known and has been used in many English-speaking countries.

93. Gina

Gina means ‘garden’ and is an Italian name. Gina is the shorter version of Georgine, Virginia, Regina, or Eugenia. American actress Gina Rodriguez is the famous namesake.

94. Gladys

Gladys is a ‘name of a country and territorial ruler’. It’s of Welsh origin. The nicknames are Gladdy and Glad. African-American singer Gladys Knight and British actress Dame Gladys Cooper are the famous namesakes.

95. Grace

Grace has its origins in Latin and means ‘goodness and generosity.’ The Puritans introduced this virtue name in the 17th century. American actress Grace Kelly is a notable bearer of this name.

96. Innusha

This can be the perfect name for your little one. Innusha is a cute and sweet name for girls, and means ‘one who is innocent’. It is a Russian name and has variants such as Innya, Inna, and Innochka.

97. Isabelle

Isabelle is a variation of Elisabeth, which is a form of Elizabeth. A 12th-century Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, daughter of King Andrew II, dedicated her wealth to helping the poor. Isabelle means, ‘God is my oath.’ The nicknames are Bell, Bella, and Belle.

98. Isla

Isla is a cool and creative name, meaning ‘island’. This Scottish name is rising rapidly on the names chart in the US. The famous namesake is Scottish actress and singer Isla Cameron,.

99. Jasmine

Jasmine is the name of an aromatic flower, which became popular after the release of Alladin by Disney in 1992 that has Princess Jasmine as the main character. A Persian name, it comes with variants such as Yasmine, Jessamine, and Jazmin.

100. Jia-Xin

Jia-Xin is a unisex name, but sounds better for girls. It means, ‘reason or logic’. It has its origins in Chinese.

101. Joel

Joel is a Hebrew name that means ‘Yahweh is God.’ Joel, one of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament, authored the Book of Joel (14). The name was first used as a Christian name in England after the Protestant Reformation.

102. Joyce

Joyce, a merry baby
Image: Shutterstock

Joyce means ‘rejoicing,’ ‘merry,’ or ‘happy’ and comes from Latin. This name was borne by a 7th-century Breton saint and was brought to England by Breton settlers after the Norman Conquest. The nicknames for Joyce are Joey, Joe, Jo, and Jocey.

103. Kimberly

Kimberly is originally a place in South Africa. The nicknames include Kimy, Kimi, Kim, Kimel, and Mimi. The famous namesake is the television personality, Kim Kardashian.

104. Leia

Leia is pronounced as ‘LAY-ah’ and comes from Hebrew. It means ‘delicate or weary’. Its variant Leya the character of Princess in Star Wars films became popular.

105. Lou

Lou is a unique name for girls. It’s a shorter version of ‘Louise’ and means a ‘renowned warrior.’ Lou Bega, a German singer, is a prominent bearer of this name.

106. Lucy

Lucy is an English name that means ‘light’ in Latin. It is a form of Lucia. Saint Lucia was a martyr from Syracuse during the 4th century and the patron saint of the blind.

107. Luna

The name Luna has its origins in Latin and means ‘luna’ or ‘moon’. The name has become famous ever since the release of Harry Potter, which has the character Luna.

108. Naomi

Naomi has its origins in Hebrew, and means ‘pleasant, beautiful, or delightful’. The nicknames include Nomi, Omie, and Mimi. The famous namesake is the British supermodel Naomi Campbell.

109. Rebecca

This Hebrew name means ‘servant of God’ or ‘bound to God.’ Rebecca was the wife of Isaac in the Old Testament (15). The nicknames are Becky and Becca.

110. Regina

Regina means ‘queen’ in Latin. The Canadian city of Regina was named in honor of Queen Victoria. The variants are Reina, Gina, Rina, Raina, Reyna, and Rejine.

111. Rachel

Rachel is derived from Hebrew ‘ewe’ and means ‘female sheep.’ The nicknames are Rachey, Rachie, Rach, and Chelly. The famous namesakes are American musician Rachel Taylor and Chef on the ‘Food Network’ Rachel Ray.

112. Sally

This can just be the name you are looking for your girl. Sally means ‘princess.’ Sally is a variant of Sarah, the name of Abraham’s wife and matriarch in the Old Testament. The nicknames are Sal, Ally, Allie, and Aly.

113. Thea

Thea is a Greek name that means ‘gift of God,’ ‘goddess,’ or ‘godly.’ In Greek mythology, Thea is the Goddess of light and the mother of the moon and sun.

114. Mila

Pronounced as Mee-la. Mila is the shorter version of Milena. It means ‘dear or pleasant’. The nicknames are Mimi, Milu, and Millie. American actress Mila Kunis is a popular bearer of this name.

115. Michelle

Michelle means ‘close to God’ or ‘who is like God.’ It is of Hebrew origin. Barack Obama’s wife, Michelle Obama, is a noteworthy bearer of this name. The name Michelle gained popularity partly due to French actress Michèle Morgan.

116. Natalie

Natalie is one of the popular names for boys in the US. It’s derived from the natal day, Christmas. It means ‘born on Christmas or the birthday of the Lord’. The famous namesake is the American actress Natalie Portman.

117. Nicole

Nicole originates from Greek, it means ‘victory of the people’. The nicknames include Nikki, Nic, Nini, and Nico. American actress Nicole Kidman is the famous namesake.

118. Nora

Nora means ‘light’ in Irish. It rhymes with Dora. The American singer Norah Jones is the famous namesake. Henrik Ibsen featured the name Nora in his play A Doll’s House.

119. Nina

Nina can be a pretty name for your pretty little girl. It’s a shortened version of the Spanish name Antonia and the Russian name Anne, which means ‘priceless one’ or ‘full of grace.’

120. Olivia

Olivia is among the most popular names, ranking #2 in 2016 in the US as per its Social Security Administration List. Olivia means the ‘olive tree’ in Latin. Its variants are Alivia and Olyvia. William Shakespeare used this spelling for a character in his 1602 comedy Twelfth Night.

121. Scarlett

Scarlett is a popular English name for girls, meaning ‘bright red.’ Scarlett O’Hara from the book Gone With the Wind is a notable namesake. Scarlett has been among the top 1000 names in the US since 1992 (2).

122. Sarah

This Hebrew name means ‘lady, princess, noblewoman’. The other variants are Sara and Sera. The nicknames include Sally, Sasha, Sasa, and Rya. Actress Sarah Alexander is a notable bearer of this name.

123. Sophia

This Greek name sounds very sophisticated and stylish. It means ‘wisdom and wise’. The nicknames are Soph, Phi, and Phia. Characters named Sophia appeared in Oliver Goldsmith’s novel The Vicar of Wakefield and Henry Fielding’s novel Tom Jones.

124. Shasha

Shasha is a cute and simple name meaning ‘moon’ and is of Indian origin. A notable bearer is Shasha Nakhai, a Canadian film director best known for co-directing the 2021 film Scarborough with Rich Williamson.

125. Sharon

Sharon means ‘plain or a flat area’. The variants are Sharyn, Sharona, and Sharron. The nicknames are Shazz, Shari, Shan, and Shay. The famous namesake is the American actress Sharon Stone.

126. Sherilyn

Sherilyn is a combination of Cheryl and Lynn. It means ‘pool below a waterfall.’ Variants of Sherilyn are Cherril, Sharel, and Sheryll. American actress Sherilyn Fenn, known for her role in Twin Peaks, is a famous namesake.

127. Tarini

Tarini means ‘the saving Goddess,’ she who frees,’ or ‘she who delivers from sin.’ It’s of Indian origin. Tarini is another name for Goddess Durga (16).

128. Penelope

Penelope is derived from Greek mythology, where she is the wife of Odysseus. It means ‘duck and face of the weaver’. The famous namesake is Penelope Cruz, the Spanish actress.

129. Valerie

Valerie means ‘strong,’ ‘brave,’ ‘strength,’ or ‘health’ in Latin. Its variants are Vallery and Vallerina. Valerie is also a form of Valerius, the 2nd-century Roman saint and martyr.

130. Vanessa

Vanessa is a beautiful name with a pretty meaning. It has its origins in Greek. It means ‘butterfly’. Jonathan Swift invented this name for his poem Cadenus and Vanessa. The nicknames are Ness, Van, Vanny, and Vani.

131. Violet

Derived from the French word, ‘Violette’ and the Latin word ‘Viola’, Violet is a beautiful flower and a pretty color. It became popular after Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck chose the name for their daughter.

132. Xin

Xin means ‘beautiful or elegant’. It also signifies ‘wealthy’ or ‘prosperous. The name has its origins in Chinese. Xin is also a popular Chinese surname.

133. Yvonne

This French name means ‘archer‘ or ‘yew wood’. The famous namesakes are the actress Yvonne De Carlo and the dancer and actress Yvonne Craig.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do Singaporean parents typically pick a name for their baby?

Most parents first consider the origin and religion of a name; then they check if the name fits well with their respective culture. Once they select the name, they can modify it to suit their preference and make it pronounceable.

2 Are there any naming customs or traditions in Singapore?

Since the population in Singapore belong to diverse cultures, the naming traditions also differ depending upon the culture and tradition followed by the people. So, the Chinese-Singaporean will follow Chinese naming customs while Indian-Singaporean will follow Indian traditions.

3. Are there any restrictions on baby names in Singapore?

Singapore does not have any specific restrictions on baby names for now.

Singaporean names have diverse origins, with some names derived from European languages, such as French, while others trace their roots to Asian languages, such as Chinese. We have included the meanings and origins for each name to help you choose better. These names have exquisite meanings that have been inspired by nature, religious scriptures, and moral values. Many works of literature and movies have also popularized these names. So, grab your partner and study the meanings to find the name suitable for your baby the most.

Infographic: Singaporean Names For Boys And Girls

Singapore is an Asian country with exotic locales and diverse ethnicities; hence the names relating to the country have a classic and modern appeal. Dwell into this infographic for some unique, stylish, yet meaningful, astounding Singaporean names. You may choose a name for your little one, too.

classy and trendy singaporean names (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Notably Beautiful Singaporean Names For Baby Girls And Boys

Singaporean Names_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team


References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Adriel.
    https://www.biblicaltraining.org/library/adriel
  2. Baby Names.
    https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
  3. I’ll Take What He’s Having.
    https://www.sermonnotebook.org/old%20testament/deuteronomy%2033_24-29.html
  4. Moses sends spies into Canaan.
    https://www.thebiblejourney.org/biblejourney2/26-the-journey-continues-from-sinai-to-moab/moses-sends-spies-into-canaan/
  5. Daniel: Prophet of God, Companion of Kings.
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-student-manual-kings-malachi/chapter-28?lang=eng
  6. A Study of Acts: Felix and Drusilla Listen to Paul and Keep Him Imprisoned.
    https://www.heavenonwheels.org/p/a-study-of-acts-felix-and-drusilla
  7. Summary of Joel.
    https://enterthebible.org/courses/joel/lessons/summary-of-joel
  8. St. Justin Martyr.
    https://stpius10mulund.org/st-justin/
  9. The Gospel of Luke.
    https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/story/luke.html
  10. Mars : god of war.
    https://archive.org/details/marsgodofwar0000temp
  11. Who was the real St. Nicholas?
    https://saintdunstans.org/childrens-ministries-blog/who-was-the-real-st-nicholas/
  12. Paul and Timothy.
    https://www.fuller.edu/next-faithful-step/resources/paul-and-timothy/
  13. A Brief History of the Benedictine Order.
    https://osb.org/our-roots/a-brief-history-of-the-benedictine-order/
  14. Summary of Joel.
    https://enterthebible.org/courses/joel/lessons/summary-of-joel
  15. Rebekah: Mother of Jacob and Esau.
    https://guideposts.org/prayer/bible-resources/women-in-the-bible/rebekah-mother-of-jacob-and-esau/
  16. Tarini, Tāriṇī, Tariṇī: 9 definitions.
    https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/tarini
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Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG Diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in editing ranges across niches, including academics, human psychology, and child development.

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Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

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