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Congratulations, your baby girl is finally here! Now that your little bundle of joy has arrived it’s time to pick out a name. Naming your baby can seem like a daunting and impossible task, especially with all the suggestions coming your way from family, friends and well-wishers, but it’s doable. It’s okay to get a little help and borrow from history. When naming your baby girl there are an endless list of strong women to lend from. Finding a special name that inspires both you and your baby will help her get through the hard times and channel those characteristics and behaviors that are inherent in the person she is named after. Besides who wouldn’t want to name their child after independent, successful women who have achieved extraordinary things? So, are you ready to pick out a baby name?
Here are a couple of names inspired by strong women in history:
1. Ada
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The name Ada is of German origin and is derived from the word adal which means “nobility” or “noble”. It can also mean “adornment” or “first daughter” and is a short form for names like Adalaide or Adelina. One prominent figure who has this name was Ada Lovelace, the infamous 19th century mathematician. If you want your daughter to be a math whizz or just be a successful woman who beats the odds and follows her dreams, this is the name for you!
2. Emmeline
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This name is an oldie but a goldie. The name Emmeline first rose to popularity in Medieval names. It was a short form for Germanic names beginning with the element amal, which means “work”. It was later introduced to England by the Normans. The name also means “gentle” and “brave”. Although its most famous translation is simply “hard working”. Emmeline Pankhurst was the founder of Women’s Social and the Political Union which advocated voting rights for women. She was a leader and someone who always stood up for what she believed in. Would you select this sweet name with a strong meaning for your baby?
3. Harriet
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Harriet is the English version of the French name Henriette which is the female equivalent of the name Henri. In the French version, the name means “power” but in the German origin it translates to “home-ruler”. Harriet Tubman was an incredibly powerful woman. She escaped slavery and saved more than 300 slaves by utilising the Underground Railroad. This woman is known for her resilience, courage and compassion. You know what they say, with great power comes great responsibility and Harriet definitely fulfilled hers.
4. Maya
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Maya is a mysterious name. It is commonly linked with Indian origins as the name Maya means “dream” or “illusion” in Sanskrit, a sacred Hindu language. It is also well known as an alternative name for the goddess Lakshmi who is known to be the goddess of wealth, love, beauty and joy. And which parent wouldn’t want all those things for their little girl! We all know the revered poet Maya Angelou who is the most influential person to bear this name. Maya was a visionary and a true artist whose work continues to inspire millions of people. Maya is someone we can all look up to, to always strive for better.
5. Rosa
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Your little rose! The name Rosa simply means “rose” in Latin, Italian and Catalan origins. It is also a popular surname in Portuguese and Spanish. In Polish, Czech and Slovak it simply means “dew”. The most prominent figure to bear this name is Rosa Park who is also known as the first lady of Civil Rights. She fought fearlessly against segregation and racism. A true inspiration to us all!
6. Audre
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If you’d like a name that is both glamorous and timeless, Audre is the perfect name for you. The name Audre or Audrey as it is more popularly spelled is a quintessential English name that means “noble strength”. If you want your baby to be associated with qualities such as elegance, grace, beauty, and artistic inclination, look no further than Audre.
7. Marie
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The name Marie is of French origins and translates into “star of the sea”. How cool is that! Although there have been several influential Maries in history, Madam Curie who was popularly known as Marie is our favorite pick. She won a Noble prize for Physics for her groundbreaking contribution to the field. If you want your smart pretty daughter to have a smart name, Marie is the perfect fit for you.
Picking out a name for your baby may be harder than you thought it would be. But with so many great options to choose from, any name is a winner. Let these names and the inspirational people behind them inspire you and your baby to fulfill her dreams and purpose in life. So, which name did you gravitate towards? Let us know in the comments section!
