Baby Name Meaning Origin

Baby name meaning origin can be traced for most of the baby names. Many times, the meanings are simply translated from the language of the origin.

For example, the Japanese male name Akio translates as "bright boy".

That translation relates to the cultural origin and literal meaning of a baby name.

That cultural origin can also be from literature, such as names derived from Arthurian legend or from Shakespeare's literature.

There are also contemporary names, which may be "designer-made", abstract in nature. Some of these contemporary names are just blends of two traditional names, such as Rayshawn (a blend of Ray and Shawn).

Other ways in which baby name meanings can be interpreted includes the spiritual context of the name.

Spiritual context may be derived from all the religions of the world. For example, biblical names are names derived from the 66 books (1,189 verses) of the Bible (both Old and New Testament).

Baby Name Meaning Origin Resources

African Baby Name Meanings
Here's a list of 248 African baby name meanings from Nigerian, Somali, Ghanese, Kenyan, Malawian, Urdu, Ugandan, Botswanan, Zulu, South African, Tanzanian, and Swahili.

Indian Baby Name Meanings
In addition to the 941 Indian baby name meanings listed here, there are an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 hindu names in everyday use.

Japanese Baby Name Meanings
Each Japanese name may have several Japanese baby name meanings, depending on how the name is written in kanji characters.

Biblical Baby Name Meanings
Biblical baby name meanings are taken from the context of the original source for the names, the Bible.


From Baby Name Meaning Origin page to Baby Guide index