List of 290 Ancient Names for Boys and Girls

When choosing a name for babies, many parents reach back hundreds or even thousands of years to popular names from the past. Here we show scores of ancient names for babies and their meanings.

What is the Oldest Name Ever in History?

It is thought that Kushim is the oldest recording of a person’s name. Kushim, the name of an accountant, appears on tablets from ancient Persia as early as about 3400 B.C.

A List of Ancient Names

If you’re thinking of giving your child an ancient name, this list of ancient names and their meanings will provide you with plenty of names to consider. 

These names from antiquity invoke blessings on baby boys.

1. Aarav: Hindi, peaceful
2. Alexander: from Greek, defending men
3. Amadeus: from Latin, lover of God
4. Amias: from French, loved
5. Andreas: Greek version of Andrew, strong and manly
6. Arit: Sanskrit, one worthy of praise
7. Arram: high
8. Atlas: from Greek, bearer of the heavens
9. Atticus: Latin, from Attica
10. Augustus: from Latin, great or magnificent
11. Aurelius: from Latin, the golden one
12. Balthasar: Baal, protect the king
13. Bharat: from Sanskrit, universal monarch
14. Bodhi: from Sanskrit, awakening or enlightenment
15. Bruce: from Latin, a man from the brushwood
16. Bruno: German, brown
17. Caesar: from Latin, long-haired. Caesar was also the title given to rulers of the Roman empire.
18. Caius: from Latin, rejoice
19. Cassius: from Latin, hollow
20. Castor: from Greek and Latin, beaver
21. Cato: from Latin, all-knowing
22. Caxton: lump settlement
23. Corbett: young crow
24. Cornelius: from Latin, horn
25. Cosmo: from Greek, Italian, and English, order and beauty
26. Cyrus: from Persian, sun
27. Damon: English, to tame or subdue
28. Decimus: from Latin, tenth
29. Demetrius: from Greek, follower of Demeter, the Greek goddess of harvest
30. Divit: from Sanskrit, heaven
31. Engjell: angel
32. Evander: Scottish, strong, or a good man
33. Felix: from Latin, happy
34. Flavius: from Latin, yellow or golden
35. Ivo: German, yew wood or archer
36. Hardik: from Sanskrit, heartfelt friendship
37. Helios: from Greek mythology, the sun god
38. Hiro: Japanese, large or widespread 
39. Horatio: from Latin, hour or time
40. Icarus: from Greek mythology, a character who flew too close to the sun
41. Jason: from Greek, healer
42. Jasper: from Persian, bringer of treasure
43. Julius: from Greek, youthful
44. Jupiter: from Latin, supreme
45. Lazarus: Latinized from the Greek Eleazar, God is my helper
46. Leander: from Greek, lion-man
47. Loki: from Norse mythology, a trickster god
48. Lucius: from Latin, light
49. Magnus: from Latin, greatest
50. Marcellus: from Latin, young warrior
51. Marcus: from Latin, warlike
52. Marius: from Latin, related to Mars, the god of war
53. Maximus: from Latin, greatest
54. Mercury: from Roman mythology, the messenger god
55. Neptune: from Roman mythology, a variation of Neptunus, god of the sea
56. Nero: from Latin, stern
57. Obi: African, heart
58. Octavius: from Latin, eighth  
59. Odysseus: from Greek, hero of Homer’s epic saga
60. Orion: from Greek mythology, a rising star
61. Orpheus: from Greek, the darkness of night
62. Osirus: Egyptian, with strong eyesight
63. Otto: from German, wealthy
64. Ozius: from Greek, salvation
65. Quintus: from Latin, fifth
66. Remus: from Latin, meaning unknown, one of the legendary twins who, with brother Romulus, founded Rome
67. Rhodes: from Greek, where roses grow
68. Romulus: from Latin, a citizen of Rome
69. Rufus: from Latin, red-haired
70. Scorpius: Italian, a creature with a burning sting
71. Sebastian: from Greek and Latin, a person from the ancient city of Sebastia
72. Seneca: from Latin, people of the standing rock. Also, Seneca is the name of a Native American tribe.
73. Septimus: from Latin, the seventh son
74. Severus: from Latin, stern
75. Shadrack: command of Aku
76. Tarquin: Latin, Roman clan name
77. Theon: from Greek, godly
78. Thor: Norse, thunder
79. Tiberius: Latin, from the Tiber
80. Timon: from Greek, worthy or honorable
81. Titus: from Latin, title of honor
82. Urban: from Latin, of the city
83. Wolfgang: German, traveling wolf
84. Xerxes: Persian, a hero among heroes
85. Zephyr: from Greek, west wind
86. Zotikos: from Greek, full of life

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Beauty and peace are often the focus of ancient names for girls. Here is a list of names to consider.

1. Abelia: from Hebrew, sigh or breath
2. Aeliana: from Latin, sun
3. Aine: Gaelic, pronounced AWN-yah, radiance. Aine is the name of a legendary Irish fairy queen.
4. Anahita: Persian, river, and water goddess
5. Aphra: from Hebrew, dust
6. Aquilla: from Latin, eagle
7. Arya: Sanskrit, noble, air, song
8. Asha: from Sanskrit or Swahili, hope or life
9. Atarah: from Hebrew, crown
10. Athalia: from Hebrew, the Lord is exalted
11. Aurelia: from Latin, golden one
12. Avalon: Welsh, apple
13. Basilia: from Greek, basil
14. Boudicca: Ancient Irish, victory
15. Brianna: Celtic, one who is honorable and noble
16. Bronwen: Welsh, blessed and pure of heart
17. Calliope: from Greek mythology, beautiful voice
18. Candida: from Latin, white
19. Cassia: from Latin, feminine form of Cassius, or from Greek, cinnamon
20. Cerridwen: Welsh, poetry
21. Chrysanthe: from Greek, golden flower
22. Columba: from Latin, dove
23. Cyra: Persian or Greek, sun or throne
24. Damaris: from Greek, dominant woman
25. Deidre: Gaelic, a young girl
26. Delicia: from Latin, delight
27. Dominica: Italian, belonging to the Lord
28. Drusilla: from Latin, fruitful
29. Elishah: from Hebrew, salvation of God
30. Faustina: from Latin, fortunate one
31. Felicia: from Latin, lucky 
32. Fiona: Gaelic, white or fair
33. Flavia: from Latin, golden or blonde
34. Florentina: from Latin, blooming
35. Gaia: from Greek, earth mother
36. Hadassah: from Hebrew, myrtle tree
37. Hilaria: from Latin, cheerful
38. Honoria: from Latin, a woman of honor
39. Isolde: Welsh, ice ruler. In Arthurian legend, Isolde was the name of a queen of Ireland.
40. Itzel: Mayan, rainbow lady
41. Juno: from Latin, queen of the heavens
42. Junia: from Latin, born in June
43. Justina: from Greek, fair or just
44. Kamala: Hindi or Hawaiian, lotus or a garden. Kamala is also a name for the Hindu goddess Lakshmi.
45. Khrystyna: with Greek and Russian origins, follower of Christ
46. Laurentina: from Latin, laurel tree
47. Liene: from Greek and Latvian roots, bright and beautiful
48. Lipa: from Greek, a friend of horses
49. Livia: from Latin, blue or envious
50. Lucia: from Latin and Italian, light
51. Lucretia: from Latin, profit or wealth
52. Mahala: from Hebrew and Aramaic, tender
53. Marilla: from Latin, shining sea
54. Mila: Russian, gracious or dear
55. Minerva: from Latin, of the mind or intellect
56. Niamh: from Irish mythology and pronounced NEEV, beauty, and brightness. In mythology, Niamh was the daughter of an Irish sea god. 
57. Octavia: from Latin, eighth
58. Parisa: Persian, like a fairy
59. Perpetua: from Latin, perpetual
60. Persephone: from Greek mythology, daughter of Zeus by Demeter, queen of the harvest
61. Persis: from Greek, Persian woman
62. Rhiannon: Celtic, great queen. This name gained popularity after Fleetwood Mac recorded the song of the same name.
63. Silvia: from Latin, of the woods 
64. Tanaquil: from Etruscan, gift of God
65. Tulsi: Hindi, basil
66. Valentina: from Latin, strength or health
67. Valeria: from Latin, strength or health
68. Vita: from Latin, life
69. Viviana: from Latin, life

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If you want to give your child a name that stands out, consider some of these exotic ancient names for boys and girls. 

1. Akila: Sanskrit, whole or complete
2. Allegra: Italian, cheerful or lively
3. Amaranta: Spanish, a flower
4. Amir: Arabic or Persian, commander or prince
5. Augustina: from Latin, venerable
6. Axil: Berber, cheetah
7. Calithea: from Greek, beautiful
8. Dakota: Native American, allies, or friends
9. Fabio: Italian, bean
10. Florian: Romanian, French, German and Polish, flower
11. Ishanti: Sanskrit, desire
12. Jabir: Arabic, comforter
13. Kamiko: Japanese, little goddess
14. Keyara: African, beautiful river
15. Mathis: German and French, gift of Yahweh
16. Nova: from Latin, new
17. Philomena: from Greek, friend or lover
18. Phoenix: from Greek mythology, a bird rising from the ashes
19. Salem: Arabic, safe, sound, or intact
20. Siona: Irish, God is gracious
21. Rocco: from ancient Germanic and Italian roots, rest
22. Umberto: Italian, bright warrior
23. Yara: Persian, friend, or helper

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These old-fashioned names for boys and girls might also have been the names of great-great-grandparents.

1. Aaron: from Hebrew, high mountain or exalted
2. Abigail: from Hebrew, father’s joy
3. Adelaide: German, nobility
4. Alfred: English, elf, or magical counsel
5. Alice: German, noble
6. Amos: from Hebrew, carried by God
7. Anna: from Hebrew, grace 
8. Arthur: Celtic, bear
9. Asa: from Hebrew, healer
10. Beatrice: from Latin, she who brings happiness
11. Bernard: French, strong, brave bear
12. Bram: from Hebrew and a variation of Abraham, father of nations
13. Calvin: from Latin, bald or hairless
14. Clara: from Latin, clear or bright
15. Chester: from Latin, walled town
16. Cora: from Greek, maiden
17. Dorothy: from Greek, gift of God
18. Edgar: English, wealthy spearman
19. Edith: English, prosperous in war
20. Ella: English and German, fairy maiden
21. Ellie: from Greek, shining light
22. Elmer: English, noble or famous
23. Ernest: English and German, resolute
24. Esther: Persian, myrtle leaf
25. Eugene or Eugenia: from Greek, well-born or noble
26. Florence: from Latin, flourishing or prosperous
27. Frances or Francis: Latin, from France
28. Harvey: French, eager for battle
29. Hazel: English, the hazelnut tree
30. Henry: German, estate ruler
31. Howard: English, noble watchman
32. Ida: from Greek, hard-working
33. Isabel: Spanish, pledged to God 
34. Josephine: from Hebrew, Jehovah increases
35. Josiah: from Hebrew, God heals
36. Kenneth: Scottish, good-looking
37. Levi: from Hebrew, joined or attached
38. Louis: from French and German, a renowned warrior
39. Mabel: from Latin, lovable
40. Matilda: German, battle-mighty
41. Nathaniel: from Hebrew, gift of God
42. Norman: German, a northerner
43. Oscar: English or Irish, champion warrior 
44. Phineas: English and Egyptian, the Nubian
45. Ralph: English and German, wolf counsel
46. Raymond: German, protecting hands
47. Ronald: Norse, ruler’s counselor
48. Ruth: from Hebrew, friend or companion
49. Shirley: English, bright meadow
50. Sophia: from Greek, wisdom
51. Walter: German, commander of the army
52. Winifred: Welsh, blessed peacemaking

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Names with beautiful pronunciation and spelling give babies beautiful and rare names that will provide them with recognition throughout their lives. Consider these beautiful and rare names for boys and girls.

1. Aislinn: Irish, dream
2. Alessia: Italian, defending warrior
3. Aliana: from Hebrew, my God has answered
4. Alondra: Spanish, lark
5. Amara: from Latin, strong and love
6. Amell: German, power of an eagle
7. Apollo: from Greek mythology, god of archery, music, and dance
8. Arabella: from Latin, elegant
9. Arantxa: Basque, thorn bush
10. Arianna: from Greek, holy
11. Asher: from Hebrew, happy or blessed
12. Audree: French, nobility, and strength
13. Aurelio: from Latin, golden one
14. Caelan: Irish, mighty warrior or victorious people
15. Callum: from Latin, dove
16. Callynn: Gaelic, strong in battle
17. Cassandra: from Greek mythology, a Trojan princess
18. Charvi: Sanskrit, beautiful
19. Constantine: from Latin, steadfast
20. Edric: English, power, or good fortune
21. Elora: from Hebrew, the Lord is my light
22. Ethan: from Hebrew, strong, safe, or firm
23. Eustace: from Latin, fruitful and productive
24. Farrah: Arabic, happy
25. Fenella: Irish, white-shouldered one
26. Gabriella: from Hebrew, devoted to God
27. Griffith: Welsh, strong lord
28. Harlow: Old English, rock hill
29. Ignatio: Spanish from Latin, fire
30. Ingrid: Norse, Ing (a Germanic god) is beautiful
31. Janus: from Latin, gateway
32. Jocelyn: from Latin, happy or joyful
33. Julian: from Latin, father of the skies
34. Kalila: Arabic, a heap of love
35. Katana: Japanese, sword
36. Kirk: Scottish, church
37. Layla: Egyptian, dark beauty
38. Lennon: Gaelic, lover
39. Liam: Irish, strong-willed warrior and protector
40. Luz: Spanish, light
41. Maeve: Gaelic, intoxicating, and in Irish mythology, Maeve was a legendary warrior queen.
42. Melina: from Greek, honey
43. Mirabelle: French, marvelous
44. Moriah: from Hebrew, the Lord is my teacher
45. Neriah: from Hebrew, the light of Jehovah
46. Naila: Arabic, successful
47. Ned: English, wealthy guardian
48. Noe: from Hebrew, pronounced “NO-e,” comfort
49. Oden: Norse mythology, rage 
50. Ophelia: from Latin, help
51. Oswald: English, divine power
52. Owen: Welsh, young warrior
53. Pilar: Spanish, pillar
54. Renata: from Latin, born again
55. Reveka: from Hebrew, captivating
56. Rio: Spanish, river
57. Shayna: Yiddish, beautiful, or God is gracious
58. Tegan: Irish, fair
59. Veda: Sanskrit, knowledge
60. Yareli: Native American, water lady

Why Choose an Ancient Name?

When families named their children during ancient times, names had meanings and were used as a blessing for children to last throughout their lives. A growing number of parents today are choosing ancient names for their meaning and their beauty.

Another reason parents opt for ancient names for their children is because those names have a unique quality that will make their children stand out. They will most likely be the only Persephone or Bharat among their classmates.

Parents who are history buffs or students of the languages of antiquity might also choose an ancient name for their children to reflect their studies or interests.

The choice of an ancient name can also honor a child’s ethnic background or family roots.

Also, some ancient names are family names, so parents may be choosing an ancient name that belonged to a great-grandparent or great-great-grandparent. Choosing ancient names honors ancestors and keeps their ancient names alive.