Festive Christmas-Inspired Baby Names for Boys and Girls

Christmas is a time of joy, love, and celebration. Choosing a Christmas-inspired name can infuse your child's identity with these positive and festive connotations. It can also make your child feel special if they are born around the holiday season.   Choosing a Christmas-themed name for your baby can be a lovely and meaningful choice.  Here are some Christmas-inspired baby names for boys and girls to look at in search of the perfect name for your bundle of joy.

Festive Christmas-Inspired Baby Names for Boys and Girls

Christmas is often associated with love, giving, and goodwill. Naming your child after something related to Christmas and the winter season can imbue their cute name with these positive qualities.  Christmas names can be creative and whimsical, allowing you to explore unique combinations and variations. This creativity can make the naming process fun and memorable.  If you are expecting a December baby or a winter baby and wanting to find a beautiful name to honor the spirit of the season, this list has beautiful festive names to look at!

Using Christmas-inspired baby names can be a great idea for parents-to-be for so many reasons.  

1. Unique and Memorable: Christmas-themed names are often unique and stand out. They can be a conversation starter and help your child be memorable among their peers.

2. Timeless Tradition: Many Christmas names are rooted in tradition and have been used for generations. These names can connect your child to a long history of celebration and family togetherness during the holiday season.

3. Variety of Choices: Christmas offers a wide array of names to choose from. You can pick names inspired by biblical figures (e.g., Mary, Joseph), Christmas characters (e.g., Noel, Claus), or even elements associated with the season (e.g., Holly, Ivy).  The variety of choices is perfect for parents looking for Christmas-inspired names that are meaningful and festive.

4. Nostalgia: For many people, Christmas brings back cherished childhood memories. Naming your child after a Christmas-related theme can be a way to pay homage to your own fond memories and create new ones with your child.

5. Seasonal Connection: If your child is born during the holiday season, a Christmas-inspired name can create a special bond with their birth month and the festivities that surround it.

6. Year-Round Appeal: While these names may have a holiday connection, many of them are versatile and can be suitable year-round. This means your child won't feel tied to a particular season with their name because it's a unique name that helps them stand out all year long.

7. Symbolism: Many Christmas names have meaningful symbolism. For example, the name "Noel" means "Christmas" in French, while "Gabriel" is associated with the angel who delivered the message of baby Jesus' birth.

Christmas-inspired Names For Boys:

1. Noel: A classic French name that means "Christmas."  Noel or Noël is derived from the Old French word, "nael," meaning “of or born on Christmas.”  The name goes back to the birth of Jesus, which was referred to as "natalis dies" meaning "day of birth.” It later emerged into Middle English as "Nowel." The baby's name Noel has been in use as a first and last name since the 12th century and became a more established first name choice by the 18th century.

2. Nicholas: In honor of Saint Nicholas, the inspiration behind Santa Claus.You cannot get much more of a perfect Christmas baby name than being named after father Christmas!  The name Nicholas is of Greek origin and mea. It is derived from the Greek word nike, which means “vict. The name Nicholas is often associated with . The name Nicholas has been popular for many years and has appeared in the top 1,000 list of names for baby boys since 1900. It reached its peak in popularity in the 1990s, ranking as the 5th most popular name for baby boys in 1999.

3. Gabriel: The angel Gabriel played a significant role in the Christmas story. Gabriel's Christmas story is about the el's Christmas story is about the encou. Gabriel, God's archangel of revelation, announced to Mary that God has chosen her to give birth to a baby destined to save the world—Jesus Christ The name Gabriel is both a boy's name and a girl's name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my strength". Gabriel was derived from the Hebrew name Gavri’el, taken from the elements gever, meaning "strong," and ’el, in reference to God.  This biblical name is a great choice that has strong biblical nods as the messenger of God and also ties to the joy of the season as well.

4. Emanuel: A biblical name that means "God is with us," reflecting the Christmas message. Curious believers want to know not just who or what God is, but what God does, how God acts. So to affirm, as spiritual names like Emmanuel does, that God is with us is to make a huge, far-reaching statement about the kind of God Christians reverence and rely upon for greater glory.

5. Claus: A nod to Santa Claus, the beloved figure of Christmas.The name Claus is boy's name of Scandinavian origin. A very Christmas-y Christmas baby name, that may avoid the Santa image by instead adopting the alternative spelling Klaus.

6. Rudolph: Inspired by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a popular Christmas character.Rudolph’s popularity has experienced fluctuations over the years. It gained widespread recognition, particularly in Western cultures, due to the association with the iconic Christmas character, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This character, originating from a story by Robert L. May in 1939, brought the name Rudolph into the holiday lexicon and contributed to its holiday charm. Rudolph is a boy’s name of German origin, meaning: “fame wolf.” The name Rudolph is of Germanic origin and can be traced back to the Old High German name “Hruodolf,” which is composed of two elements: “hruod,” meaning “fame,” and “wulf,” meaning “wolf.” As a result, Rudolph carries a distinctive meaning of “famous wolf” or “renowned wolf.” 

7. Jasper: The name Jasper is a unisex name of Persian origin meaning "bringer of treasure". Jasper is the name of one of the Three Wise Men who visited Jesus.  Jasper is one of the more traditional christmas names on this list with biblical nods.  Jasper is the usual English form for one of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the infant Christ according to medieval tradition and appears in the Bible as a reference to the stone itself in Revelations 4:3.

8. Felix: Meaning "happy" or "fortunate," a sentiment often associated with the holiday season. Felix is a baby boy name of Latin origin. Meaning “happy” and “fortunate,” the name Felix can represent your proud admiration for baby. Dating back to the 1st century BC, the New Testament, and several popes, this baby name has been famous in North America, South America, and Africa for centuries. 

9. Wilder: Suggestive of the wild and adventurous spirit of winter sports.  Wilder is a surname of English and German origin and is derived from Old English which means ‘wild’ or ‘untamed.’ As a surname, Wilder originally referred to someone who lived in a wild or uncultivated area or someone who had an eager and enthusiastic personality. The name Wilder is also occasionally used as a given name.  The surname Wilder was first identified in Bavaria. German settlers who populated the US between the mid-17th and the mid-20th centuries brought the surname to the country.

10. Jack: As in "Jack Frost," the personification of winter's chill. The name Jack is a derivative of John, which originated in medieval England. The name went from John to Johnkin to Jankin to Jackin to, you guessed it, Jack. There is also a theory that Jack is Celtic in origin, meaning "healthy, strong, and full of vital energy."
    Interestingly, the name was so common in the Middle Ages that Jack became a generic term for a man. Think about the phrase "jack of all trades"—a person who can do many different types of work.  Plus, the J name is frequently used in fairy tales and nursery rhymes, such as "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Jack and Jill," "Little Jack Horner,"

11. Joseph: The name of Mary's husband in the Nativity story.  Joseph evolved from the Hebrew name Yosef, which was derived from the verb yasaf, meaning “to increase.” In the Old Testament, Joseph is the 11th and favorite son of Jacob and Rachel; in the New Testament, it is the name of the carpenter husband of the Virgin Mary, mother of Christ.

Christmas-themed Baby names For Girls:

1. Noelle: The feminine form of Noel, meaning "Christmas."   Noelle derives from the old French word noël, meaning "Christmas." It is also a biblical name meaning "the Lord’s birthday". and it’s of English origin and German word basis / version of Natalie.  Noelle is the feminine form of the usually masculine name, Noel. Its origin, the Latin phrase "natalis dies Domini", also inspired the names Natalie (feminine) and Nathaniel (masculine). Pronounced NOH-el this perfect baby name is a classic name for the most wonderful time of year.

2. Joy: A name that embodies the spirit of the holiday season.  Joy began to be used as a name by the seventeenth century Puritans, with the idea of "being joyful in the Lord." The Christmas season brings so much joy to the lives of so many people around the world.  This 3 letter baby name option is short and sweet but one of the best used Christmas baby names for generations of parents!

3. Mary: The name of the Virgin Mary, a central figure in the Christmas story.  Mary, the quintessential New Testament name, was #1 for girls until the mid-twentieth century. Though still popular, Mary is used now mostly for religious or family reasons. Mary is a Hebrew word meaning The Sea / Bitter / Beloved.  

4. Clara: Inspired by Clara, the main character in "The Nutcracker" ballet, a holiday favorite. Clara is a beloved feminine name for her leading role in The Nutcracker ballet and as Heidi's invalid friend. Clara comes from the feminine form of the Latin adjective 'clarus' meaning bright or clear. This baby girl name is preppy and traditional and flows so well with a variety of last name options.

5. Eve: Referring to Christmas Eve, the night before Christmas Day this is a great Christmas name perfect for a baby girl!  Eve, a name of Latin and Hebrew origin, means "life" or "animal." This name comes from the Latin name Eva, which in turn came from the Hebrew name Chavah. Chavah comes from the verb chavah, which means "to breathe." From Christmas Carol singing, to decorating the Christmas tree, there are so many Christmas traditions that bring festive memories.

6. Angel: A heavenly name often associated with Christmas.  Angel is a gender-neutral name that is well known in both the US and Spain. From Greek origins, the meaning of the word angel is “messenger,” but in the Bible, the word signifies a more divine meaning, “messenger from God.”

7. Stella: Meaning "star," a reference to the Star of Bethlehem.  Stella is a latin word and one of the most beautiful name for a baby girl.  

8. Natalie:  Natalie is girl's name of French origin meaning "birthday of the Lord". Natalie is the French variation of Natalia, a name originally derived from the Latin phrase natale domini, meaning “birthday of the Lord.” It was historically given to girls born around Christmas for this reason.

9. Ivy: A festive name inspired by the Christmas ivy plant.  As a baby name, Ivy is simple and charming. Similar to other nature and plant-themed names, like Rose, Fern, and Holly, Ivy is fitting for nature-loving parents looking for a slightly quirky yet lively name. Both holly and ivy are traditionally used at Christmas time and in celebration of the winter solstice, making both names meaningful choices for December babies.

10. Candace: A name that brings to mind the sweetness of holiday candies.

11. Aspen: Named after the iconic Aspen tree, which is often associated with winter landscapes.

12. Birch: A type of tree that stands out beautifully against a snowy backdrop.

13. North: Inspired by the North Pole and the idea of a winter wonderland. Inspired by the wonderful life Mr and Mrs Claus are living in the North Pole and the idea of a winter wonderland. Candy canes and Jingle bells aside, this is such a unique name named popular by Kanye West and Kim Kardashians daughter.

14. Winter: A straightforward choice that captures the essence of the season.

15. Hollis: Meaning "dweller near the holly trees," a winter-themed plant.

16. Aurora: A reference to the Northern Lights, which are often visible during winter.

17. Holly: A festive name inspired by the Christmas holly plant.  The word Holly is derived from the Old English word holegn which means 'to prick,' - a verb that is very fitting for the holly tree's pointy green leaves.  The name Holly is often given to baby girls who are born in December, as the holly tree's distinctive leaves and red berries are customarily used in Christmas decorations at Christmas time. 

The popularity of Christmas-inspired baby names can vary from year to year and by region. However, some names have consistently remained popular due to their association with the holiday season. Here are some of the most popular Christmas names are Noel, Eve, Nicholas, and Holly. These top Christmas baby names are all great options.  

These names can carry the joy and spirit of Christmas throughout the year. Remember to consider your personal preferences, family traditions, and the significance of the name when choosing the perfect Christmas-themed name for your baby. It's the most wonderful time of the year and I love the festive season of Christmas so much.  These festive baby names bring so much holiday cheer and joy for Christmas season and beyond.  If you are still looking for additional baby name inspiration after reason this baby name blog post check out the following baby name lists for more traditional names too!