Name Meaning Lookup
Type a first name to see what it means, where it comes from and how many US babies get it today.
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Where the meanings come from
Each meaning on this site is written and reviewed for that name, starting from its documented history: the language it comes from, the word or older name behind it, and how it reached English. Popularity figures come from US Social Security birth records, so the lookup covers every name given to at least five US babies in a year.
When the origin of a name is disputed, the result says so. Some popular names have a well-known meaning that is not supported by the record, and we would rather tell you that than repeat a nice story.
Names with more than one meaning
Many names arrived in English from more than one language. Mila, for example, is a Slavic name meaning dear, but similar-sounding names exist elsewhere. The full profile for each name lists the main origins and explains how they relate, along with variant spellings that share the same root.
If a name is not found, it may be given to fewer than five babies a year, which is the point below which the US government does not publish counts. Try a more common spelling to find the root name.
Frequently asked questions
What does my name mean?
Type your first name into the box above. You will see its meaning, origin and current popularity, with a link to the full profile where one exists.
Why do websites give different meanings for the same name?
Name meanings are often copied from older books without checking. We record how sure the evidence is, and mark disputed meanings as uncertain.
Can I look up a surname?
No. The lookup covers first names recorded in US birth data.