23 Indo-European Names With A Slice Of History

Naming a baby is a challenging yet exciting process as it will be the first gift that you will give them. And Indo-European baby names may be unique and interesting options to explore. Most parents may look for a name that honors a loved one, has a special meaning, and sounds unique. But another tried, tested, and successful strategy is giving a name from a different country, heritage, or culture. Indo-European names are the perfect blend of these qualities. The Indo-European language is a family of 445 languages related to dialects and languages, with a majority belonging to modern languages of Europe, Iran, and Asia (1). Even the Indo-European names are as varied as the languages. Naming a child isn’t just about selecting some arbitrary sounds that can be associated with a child in Indo-European regions. It is about cementing the future life and reputation of the individual. Even the naming process is ritualistic in these areas. After the child’s birth, parents wait at least nine days for naming so that the mother can recover from childbirth. On the tenth day, the child is given a name after an elaborate bathing ritual for the mother. This process can be seen in Greek, Indian, German, Iranian, and Roman cultures. The Indo-European names reflect their religion, culture, battles, strength, and leadership values. Although these names have diverse cultures and backgrounds, they have significant meanings and are inspired by various cultures, elements in nature, Gods, mythology, and traditions. For example, the name Kaiya is an ancient Greek name and stands for ‘Yew tree,’ signifying the deep connection with nature. And the name Ethelsige, which stands for an ‘Anglo-Saxon King,’ celebrates the ties with mythology and historical figures. Another example is the name, Diana, meaning ‘Goddess,’ which has a cross-cultural and timeless appeal. Many such names bridge linguistic differences and are a source of fascination for parents worldwide. Scroll down to check out our collection of Indo-European names with meanings.

Name		Gender	Meaning
Liam		Boy	Strong-willed warrior
Olivia		Girl	Peace; Olive tree
Emma		Girl	Whole; Universal
Charlotte		Girl	Free person; Petite
Oliver		Boy	Olive tree planter
Amelia		Girl	Hardworking and industrious
Elijah		Boy	Yahweh is my God
Ava		Girl	Guarantee
James		Boy	Supplanter
Sophia		Girl	She who possesses great knowledge and wisdom
William		Boy	Will; Protector
Benjamin		Boy	Son of the right hand; Son of the south
Isabella		Girl	God is my oath
Lucas		Boy	Bringer of light
Mia		Girl	Mine; Dear; Darling
Evelyn		Girl	Life
Henry		Boy	Home ruler
Jack		Boy	God is gracious
Camila		Girl	Religious attendant; Priest's helper
Levi		Boy	Joined; Attached; United
Alexander		Boy	Defender of mankind
Gianna		Girl	Grace of God
Elizabeth		Girl	My God is an oath; My God is abundance
Jackson		Boy	Son of Jack; God is gracious
Mateo		Boy	Gift of God
Daniel		Boy	God is my judge
Ella		Girl	Beautiful light; Goddess
Michael		Boy	Who is like God
Mason		Boy	Stone worker
Sofia		Girl	Wisdom; Learned
Sebastian		Boy	From Sebaste; Venerable
Ethan		Boy	Strong
Scarlett		Girl	The color scarlet; Bright red
Emily		Girl	Hardworking; Dilligent; Industrious person
Logan		Boy	Little hollow
Penelope		Girl	Weaver
Samuel		Boy	Name of God
Jacob		Boy	May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter
Asher		Boy	Happy; Blessing
Layla		Girl	Night; Dark
Mila		Girl	Gracious; Dear
John		Boy	God is merciful and gracious
Nora		Girl	Light; Bright; Honorable
Joseph		Boy	He will add; Praise
Hazel		Girl	The hazel tree
Wyatt		Boy	Brave at war
David		Boy	Beloved
Ellie		Girl	God is my light
Leo		Boy	Lion
Lily		Girl	Lily; Purity; Innocence
Luke		Boy	Bringer of light
Nova		Girl	New star
Julian		Boy	Youthful; Bright; Juvenile; Downy-bearded
Isla		Girl	Island
Grace		Girl	Goodness; Generosity
Grayson		Boy	Son of a gray-haired person
Violet		Girl	Purple; Purple flower
Matthew		Boy	Gift of God
Ezra		Boy	Helper
Zoey		Girl	Life; To breathe
Willow		Girl	Willow tree; Freedom
Emilia		Girl	Rival; To emulate; Excel
Isaac		Boy	He will laugh
Luca		Boy	Bringer of light
Zoe		Girl	Life
Anthony		Boy	Priceless one; Invaluable
Victoria		Girl	Victory
Dylan		Boy	One born near the sea; Son of the sea
Hannah		Girl	Grace; Favor; Lucky life
Lincoln		Boy	Lake; Pool
Leah		Girl	Weary; Tired
Thomas		Boy	Twin
Maverick		Boy	Independent person who avoids conformity
Eliana		Girl	God has given the answer
Josiah		Boy	Jehovah supports
Ivy		Girl	Climber plant
Charles		Boy	Free man
Everly		Girl	From the wild boar meadow
Caleb		Boy	Faithful as a dog; Brave; Devoted to God; Whole-hearted
Lillian		Girl	Lily; Purity
Christopher		Boy	Bearer of Jesus Christ
Elena		Girl	Bright one
Ezekiel		Boy	Strength of God
Miles		Boy	Gracious; Merciful
Naomi		Girl	Pleasantness; Beautiful
Maya		Girl	Illusion; Magic
Jaxon		Boy	God is gracious
Natalie		Girl	Born on Christmas
Isaiah		Boy	Yahweh is salvation
Andrew		Boy	Man; Manly; Brave; Strength; Warrior
Delilah		Girl	Delicate
Joshua		Boy	God is salvation
Claire		Girl	Bright; Clear
Nathan		Boy	Gift of God; God has given
Audrey		Girl	Noble strength
Nolan		Boy	One who shouts or howls
Aaliyah		Girl	Ascending; Highborn; Exalted
Adrian		Boy	Water; Sea
Cameron		Boy	One with the crooked nose
Ruby		Girl	A precious red jewel