There’s a good reason many of us look forward to this time of year! It’s the holiday season, and there's a lot to celebrate between Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice, and more. This time of year often means we’re busy trying to get everything done in a time crunch, but there’s so much magic in the air too — and magic can be just the spark when trying to settle on a baby name.
If you’re expecting a baby girl or need more on your “maybe” name list for girls, why not look to the holidays for inspiration? There’s a variety of different holiday-themed names to consider, ranging from unique names we don’t hear too often to those classic names that ever go out of style.
We’ve started the research for you with these 17 baby girl names inspired by the most magical time of the year.
Nyah
Popularity rank in the US: #1848
Meaning: resolve, brilliance
Nyah is a gorgeous name for a little girl, inspired by the Swahili name that means “brilliance” or “resolve,” which are both very fitting holiday names. Nyah hasn’t been on the popular baby name list, which means it’s a good option for parents who like something a little more unique, and not overdone.
The name has all the makings of a good girl name — it’s short, there are several different ways to spell it, and it has a feel-good meaning behind it to tie it all together.
Gloria
Popularity rank in the US: #578
Meaning: glory
Gloria is a name that has been around for a long time and dates to the 1800s. The name is derived from the Latin word glōria, and it was first used as a given name in 1898 when George Bernard Shaw used it as the name of a character in his play.
It also has a lovely connotation for the holidays, too, with it being a key note sung in many Christmas carols.
Tinsley
Popularity rank in the US: #715
Meaning: Shiny metallic tree trimming
Tinsley isn’t a common name, and it’s not one that is rooted in a whole lot of history like other names on this list. That means it’s perfect for parents who want something more modern-sounding for their little girl but still want to be able to have that happy holiday feel.
The name is inspired by the metallic tree dressing for Christmas, and it’s a gender-neutral option. It works for parents who like last names as first names as well.
Carole
Popularity rank in the US: #13668
Meaning: joyous song, a carol
There are a couple different ways to spell Carole, either with the “e” or without: Carrol, Carroll, Carryl, or Caryl all mean the same thing. The name is a more feminine-sounding take on the classic boy name Charles.
The holiday season is synonymous with classic songs we all bust out during this time, and caroling is a tradition a lot of families participate in. Whether we’re sitting at home and singing with family or serenading our neighbors, going door-to-door to spread the cheer, this name gives all those memory-making vibes.
Faith
Popularity rank in the US: #136
Meaning: Being sure of what you hope for
There isn’t one exact definition for the word faith, but the word comes with the vibe of really believing in something and holding hope. Those are beautiful connotations for a baby girl name and especially for parents who are hoping to have a name that brings the spirit of the holiday season along with it.
The word has its root in the Latin fides (which means confidence, belief), and for many families, it embodies the religious aspect of the holiday season. But others like how positive and uplifting the name is, too.
Joy
Popularity rank in the US: #396
Meaning: delight or great happiness
If we were to task you with singing a holiday song that had the word “joy” in it, there’s a good chance you’d be able to do that. The name is synonymous with the holiday season, plus it’s the emotion and feeling we want to embody when we’re celebrating with family.
The word — and the name — is Latin in origin, meaning “great pleasure, happiness,” and started to be used as a name for girls back in the 17th century. This is a beautiful holiday name idea that isn't too obviously Christmas-themed.
Eve
Popularity rank in the US: #471
Meaning: Life, living, lively
The name Eve has been around for a really long time, and in some religions the name holds some importance. It's tied to the “first woman,” and is of Latin and Hebrew origin, meaning "life" or "animal."
However, there’s also a lovely holiday vibe to the name as well. Eve also translates to mean “the day or period of time immediately before an event or occasion,” like Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve.
Shakira
Meaning: Thankful
The blessing of a baby girl born around Thanksgiving is the best source of gratitude. So name her Shakira, which means "thankful" in Arabic.
The name is gaining traction for Hispanic and African American babies, partly because of the popularity of Colombian pop singer Shakira and the character of Shakira in the TV show Timeblazers, played by actress Jasmine Richards.
Paloma
Popularity rank in the US: #869
Meaning: Peace
Peace on earth seems possible when you gaze into the wide eyes of your baby girl. The Spanish word for dove is "paloma," and the name has become synonymous with the classic symbol of peace.
Pablo Picasso drew an iconic "Dove of Peace" image and named his daughter, notable designer Paloma Picasso, after the graceful bird. Paloma Herrera was a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, and Paloma Kwiatkowski is a young Canadian movie actress.
Jolie
Popularity rank in the US: #790
Meaning: Pretty, Festive
Yule is a season full of joy and sparkle. Jolie has a well-traveled history, from Old French for "gay" and "festive," medieval English for "jolly," and the Norse and Old English words for "yule."
Actress Angelina Jolie is one of the most famous bearers of this name. Record producer Quincy Jones named his daughter Jolie. Your gift-wrapped "joie de vivre" will surely be the most "jolie" thing under the tree, so name her joyous and beautiful.
Natasha
Popularity rank in the US: #644
Meaning: Born on Christmas
Natasha is the Russian diminutive of Natalya, which comes from Latin. It is an elegant given name, only used in the English-speaking world from the beginning of the 20th century.
Tolstoy immortalized Natasha as his tragically beautiful heroine in War and Peace, and the name has found favor with film and television actresses and a few pop singers. Tasha is a charming nickname for your pint-sized romantic heroine, born on Christmas day.
Noelle
Popularity rank in the US: #251
Meaning: Christmas
Christmas names are so lyrical, and Noelle is no exception. The lovely two-syllable moniker – from late-medieval French for "Christmas season" or "feast of Christmas" – originally derived from Latin for "birth day."
Today Noelle is linked to popular Christmas carols and will always signify a child born on Christmas day. The feminized spelling of the name has a sweet nickname: Elle or Ellie.
Holly
Popularity rank in the U.S.: No. 449
Meaning: Berry bush, Christmas season
You'll be having a "holly, jolly holiday" with brand-new baby Holly, a winter celebration-and-a-half, as festive as the glossy green leaves and shiny red berries in the wreath on your front door. Holly comes from Old English "holegn," meaning "to prick," which is what those pretty leaves will do if you're not careful handling them.
The traditional holiday name is lighthearted and cheerful but never one-dimensional. Think of Holly Golightly, the complex heroine of "Breakfast at Tiffany's," and Holly Hunter, the multitalented, award-winning actress.
Imani
Popularity rank in the US: #503
Meaning: Faith
An exquisite, perfect baby makes a true believer of anyone within beaming distance. Imani, with the joy and spirit of the whole world in her face, is a constant reminder to keep the faith.
The musical name is Swahili and linked to the traditional Kwanzaa celebration of light that comes just after Christmas. Imani is a name shared by several contemporary American actresses, and Iman is a famous Somali actress and model.
Gabriella
Popularity rank in the US: #43
Meaning: Messenger of great joy
Gabriella is the feminine for the name of the bright archangel, herald of glad tidings to Mary, the mother of Jesus. It comes from Italian for "God is my strength." Gabi is a short Hungarian version of Gabriella, and Briella is an abbreviated English name.
Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral won the Nobel Prize, and tennis player Gabriela Sabatini won titles at Wimbledon and the US Open.
Bronwen
Meaning: Fair, blessed
Pure white snow blankets the landscape, turning the ordinary world into a fairyland of glitter and blinding light, just in time for your newborn's arrival. Bronwen is a Welsh name and is attributed to the daughter of Llyr, god of the sea.
Bronwen, the romantic heroine of Welsh mythology, is immortalized in numerous poems as a beautiful and blessed fair maiden. With her nickname Gwen, Bronwen is a pure delight during the snowy winter holidays, or any day.
Valentina
Popularity rank in the US: #112
Meaning: Token of love
No mistaking the place of this winter baby at the center of your world and heart. Valentina is all about the love, whether you borrow it from Italian, Russian, or Spanish.
Valentinus was a Latin name meaning "strong, vigorous," and third-century Roman martyr St. Valentine's feast day coincided with an ancient fertility festival, so Valentine's Day was forever linked with enduring love. Valentinas are actresses, models, pianists, cosmonauts, and beloved February babies everywhere.
