Explore the Meanings of 40 Popular American Baby Names

by Petr Novák, ? The accuracy of the information provided in this article was last verified on this date. If you spot any errors, please let us know in the comments. Thank you. :-) Updated 04/09/2024 Fun Facts, How It Works in America, Traditions & Customs

Globalization has led to a growing trend of choosing foreign and unconventional names for children. If you favor such names and are interested in choosing a local one for your child, take a look at this list of the most popular American names, along with their origins and meanings.

♂️ Meaning of American Boys’ Names

1. Aiden Name Meaning

   Aiden, originally an Irish name, means ‘little fire.’ Variants such as Aidan, Ayden, Aydan, Aden, and Aedan are also used.

2. Alexander Name Meaning

   Alexander is derived from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning ‘protector.’ Variations of this name include Alex, Alesandro, Sasha, Xander, Alejo, Sanders, Al, Alec, Alejandro, Alex, Alexis, Alistair, Lex, Sacha, Sander, Sandy, Saunders, and Zander.

3. Andrew Name Meaning

   Andrew is a Greek name, signifying ‘manly.’ The variations used include Adem, Anders, Andie, Andre, Andrea, Andres, Andrey, Andy, Dandy, Drew, Dru, Ondre, and Ondrey.

4. Anthony Name Meaning

   Anthony is a Latin name with uncertain meaning, the first known bearer being Marcus Antonius. Alternatives include Andy, Antal, Anthone, Anthoney, Antoine, Anton, Antonio, Antony, Antuwan, Antwohn, Toney, Toni, Tony, and Twan.

5. Benjamin Name Meaning

   Benjamin is of English origin and means ‘beloved son.’ Variants of the name include Ben, Benjaman, Benjamino, Benji, Benjie, Benn, Bennie, Benyamin, Bibi, Jamin, Yamin, and possibly Yemin.

6. Daniel Name Meaning

   Daniel originates from the Hebrew name of the same name, meaning ‘God is my judge.’ Variants you may encounter include Dan, Danny, Danni, Danno, Daniels, Danick, and Dasco.

7. David Name Meaning

   David, originally from Hebrew, means ‘beloved.’ In the USA, you may come across variants such as Daffy, Dai, Dave, Davey, Davi, Davidde, Davidson, Davis, Daven, Davon, Davy, and Davyd.

8. Elijah Name Meaning

   Elijah is a Hebrew name meaning ‘God is my steward.’ English variants of the name include Eli, Elia, Elias, Elie, Eliot, Elliot, Ellis, Ely, and Elyott.

9. Ethan Name Meaning

   Ethan is of Hebrew origin, denoting a strong, reliable, and impulsive man. Occasionally, it may be spelled as Ethen.

10. Christopher Name Meaning

    Christopher, originally a Greek name, signifies ‘one who carries Jesus in his heart.’ Variations of this name include Chris, Christie, Christof, Christoph, Christophe, Cris, Cristobal, Cristiano, Cristofer, Kitt, Kris, Kriss, Kristofer, Kristos, and Topher.

11. Jacob Name Meaning

    Jacob is based on the Hebrew name Jacobus, translated as ‘substitute.’ In America, variations such as Jacob, Jayme, Jacques, Jake, Jack, Jackson, and possibly Jocob are often seen.

12. James Name Meaning

    James is a Hebrew name. In the USA, variants include Diego, Jacob, Jacques, Jaime, Jaimie, Jamey, Jameson, Jamie, Jayme, Jem, Jim, Jimbo, Jimmie, and Jimmy.

13. Jayden Name Meaning

    Jayden is originally a Hebrew name, meaning ‘heard by God.’ Common variations of this name are Jadon, Jadee, Jade, Jaiden, Jaeden, and Jaydon.

14. Joseph Name Meaning

    Joseph is a Hebrew name meaning ‘Let the householder add.’ Alternatively, you may encounter variants like Giuseppe, Iosef, Iosep, Jo, Jodi, Jodie, Joey, Jose, Josep, Joseph, Joss, Pepe, Sepp, Yusuf, or Yussuf.

15. Joshua Name Meaning

    Joshua is a Hebrew name that translates to ‘God is salvation.’ Alternative variants include Josh, Joss, Joshuah, Josua, Josue, Joushua, and Yehoshua.

16. Liam Name Meaning

    Liam, originating from Ireland, signifies a ‘strong-willed warrior.’ It is a derivative of the name William, and you may occasionally see the spelling Lyam.

17. Logan Name Meaning

    Logan is a Scottish name meaning ’empty’ or ‘hollow.’ You may also encounter variants like Lucan, Lukan, and Loucan.

18. Mason Name Meaning

    Mason, originally French, signifies a ‘stonemason’ or ‘mason.’ Variants you may encounter include Masen, Mase, Masoon, and Masyn.

19. Meaning of the Name Matthew

    Matthew is fundamentally an English name signifying a gift from God. Variants of the name include Matt, Mathew, Mattew, Mateo, Mat, Mata, Mateo, Mateus, Mathias, Mats, Matthias, Matthiew, Mattie, Matty, and Matyas.

20. Meaning of the Name Michael

    Michael is a Hebrew name, translated to mean someone who is like God. There are dozens of variations of this name, including Mike, Michel, Micah, Mikhail, Mitchell, Mitch, Mickey, and Micky.

21. Meaning of the Name Noah

    Noah originates from Hebrew, meaning comfort or rest. Variants of the name such as Noa, Noe, Noel, Noam, Noach, Norrie, Noak, and Knoa are used.

22. Meaning of the Name Ryan

    Ryan is an English name that originated in Gaelic, signifying king. Alternative spellings of the name include Rian, Rien, Rion, Ryen, Ryon, and Ryun.

23. Meaning of the Name William

    William originates from Old French and Old High German, and translates to protector. Common variations on this name include Bill, Billy, Guillermo, Will, Wil, Wilson, Williams, Wilton, Willy, Willie, Vilem, and Wilkie.

Meaning of American Names for Girls ♀️

1. Meaning of the Name Abigail

   Abigail has its origins in Hebrew, signifying a father’s joy. Derivatives and diminutives include Abbie, Abagail, Abby, Gail, Abegale, and Abbygale.

2. Meaning of the Name Addison

   Addison is an English name meaning child of Adam. Variations of the name are Addisyn, Adyson, and Addyson.

3. Meaning of the Name Alexis

   Alexis originates in Russia and means protector of people. Variations of the name include Alessa, Alex, Alexa, Alexanna, Alexi, Alexia, Alix, Lexi, Lexie, and Lexy.

4. Meaning of the Name Aubrey

   Aubrey is an English name signifying noble monarch. You may encounter variants such as Aubary, Aubery, Aubdrian, Aubrie, and Aubury.

5. Meaning of the Name Ava

   Ava has origins in several languages, such as German or Hebrew, and translates to life. You may encounter variations like Eva, Eve, Evy, Aprel, Aprilah, Avril, April, and Aveline.

6. Meaning of the Name Avery

   Avery is an Old English name that translates to ruler of the elves. Variations such as Aeverie, Averi, Averie, and Avrie are also used.

7. Meaning of the Name Elizabeth

   Elizabeth is a Hebrew name meaning promised to God. In the USA, you may encounter many variants, such as Bell, Bella, Beta, Bethie, Betsy, Betty, Buffy, Eilis, Elisa, Elisabet, Elisabeth, Elise, Eliza, Ella, Elle, Elsa, Helsa, Isabel, Isabella, Lisa, Liz, Liza, Lizy, and Ysabella.

8. Meaning of the Name Emily

   Emily originates from Latin, with the meaning rival or emulation. Variations of this name include Em, Emilie, Emmy, Emilly, and Emmie.

9. Meaning of the Name Emma

   Emma is primarily a German name, meaning all-encompassing. Americans sometimes use variations like Emmie, Emmot, and Emmott.

10. Meaning of the Name Chloe

    Chloe originates from Greek, signifying a young sprout, and figuratively, a young girl. Alternative spellings of the name include Cal, Calendre, Cailey, Cally, Calynda, Celia, Cleo, and others.

11. Meaning of the Name Isabella

    Isabella originates from Hebrew and is translated to mean consecrated to God. There are other variations of this name, such as Liz, Liza, Eliza, Elisabeth, Elsa, Beth, Betty, Libby, Isabel, Izabella, Ellie, and others.

12. Meaning of the Name Madison

    Madison is an Old English derivative of the very similar name Madde. Today, names like Maddison and Maddy are commonly used.

13. Meaning of the Name Mia

    Mia has its origins in Hebrew, and possibly Scandinavia. It may denote a contraction of the name Maria, but a more poetic interpretation is star of the seas.

14. Meaning of the Name Natalie

    Natalie originates from French, translated to mean born on Christmas Eve. Variations include Nat, Nata, Nastassja, Natale, Natalea, Natalee, Natalina, Natasha, Nathalia, Nathaly, Talia, Talya, and Tasha.

15. Meaning of the Name Olivia

    Olivia originates from Latin and means olive or olive tree. Variations include names such as Livia, Livy, Liv, Nollie, Ollie, Olivette, or Olivya.

16. Meaning of the Name Samantha

    Samantha is a Native American name created from a fusion of the names Samuel and Anthea. Variations of the name include Sam, Samey, Sami, Samentha, Sammantha, Sammie, and Simantha.

17. Meaning of the Name Sophia

    Sophia has Greek origins and translates to wisdom. You may encounter variations like Sofia, Sophia, Sophie, and Sophy.