Friends is the ultimate comfort show. We turn to it when weâre sick, bored, or bummed to put a smile on our faces. And we throw it on for background noise when we need to get some work done. Weâve seen it so many times we can practically quote it in our sleep. And for many of us, the characters have become much more than faces on a screen.
We watched as Rachel butchered a Thanksgiving trifle, memorized all the words to âSmelly Cat,â and even learned a thing or two about Hanukkah from the Holiday Armadillo. Even now, 30 years later, we still turn to Friends for laughs, brain breaks, and even fashion inspiration. It even sparks some heated debates: Were Ross and Rachel really on a break? Should Rachel have gone to Paris? Was Joey Rachelâs real soulmate?
We turn to the cast of Friends for nearly everything else. It felt only right to look to our favorite TV show for some baby name inspiration as well. Putting this list together, we knew we had to dig deeper than just the six best friends. While we included them, we also looked at side characters, actors, and more. We even went down Ross and Rachelâs extensive âvetoâ list to find the hidden gems. If youâve pressed âplayâ on the beloved sitcom more times than you can remember, read on for over 65 Friends-inspired baby names.
Friends-Inspired Baby Names
For Girls
Althea
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Healer
Connection: We find out in âThe One With the Embryosâ that Ross and Monicaâs maternal Nanaâs name is Althea during the âWho knows who bestâ game between Rachel and Monica and Joey and Chandler. Joey gets this answer correct, but itâs ultimately when the girls are asked what Chandlerâs job is that they lose their beloved purple apartment to the boys.
Alice
Origin: German | Meaning: Noble, Exalted
Connection: After Phoebe is reconnected with her younger brother, Frank Jr., weâre later introduced to his Home Economics teacher turned lover, Alice Knight.
Amy
Origin: Latin and French | Meaning: Beloved
Connection: Season 9 graces us with the iconic Christina Applegate as Rachelâs sister, Amy. Notoriously self-centered, she gives the audience plenty of laughs by continuously getting Ross and Rachelâs daughter Emmaâs name incorrect.
Bonnie
Origin: Scottish | Meaning: Pretty
Connection: After Ross and Rachel have their explosive âbreak,â Ross begins dating Phoebeâs friend Bonnie, played by Christine Taylor. On an infamous beach trip, Rachel cons Bonnie into shaving her head.
Carol
Origin: English and German | Meaning: Song
Connection: Ex-wife and mother to Rossâ son Ben, Carol is most known for leaving Ross to be with her life partner, Susan.
Charlie
Origin: German | Meaning: Free man
Connection: A gender-neutral name, in the show, we know her as Rossâ colleague and love interest who starts a romance with Joey at the âSoap Opera Roof Partyâ in Season 9. The long-form Charles is also seen in the series as Chandler Bingâs father.
Emma
Origin: German | Meaning: Entire, Universal
Connection: Several vetos and a name stolen from Monica later, Ross and Rachel finally decide to give baby girl Geller-Green the lovely name Emma.
Emily
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Rival
Connection: When Ross infamously says Rachelâs name at the alter during his wedding, he was set to marry Brit Emily Waltham, played by Helen Baxendale.
Erica
Origin: Old Norse | Meaning: Eternal Ruler
Connection: Played by comedy queen Anna Faris, Erica gives birth to twins whom Monica and Chandler adopt during the final episodes of the series. The title is also bestowed on one of the babies in honor of the woman who gives birth to them. For a third reason to consider the name as a Friends-inspired baby name, Brooke Shieldsâ character on âThe One After The Superbowl, Part 1,â where she plays Joeyâs stalker, is named Erika.
Estelle
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Star
Connection: Inspired by Joeyâs chain-smoking acting agent, who is highly lovable but notoriously bad at her job.
Isabella
Origin: Italian and Spanish | Meaning: Devoted to God
Connection: When Ross makes his laminated Hall Pass list in âThe One With Frank Jr.â he decides to âbumpâ Isabella Rossellini for Winona Ryder, as she lives locally. To his dismay, Isabella shows up in Central Perk one day, and he is shut down by the Italian model.
James
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Supplanter
Connection: It wasnât until re-watching âThe One Where Chandler Takes a Bathâ that we noticed many of the names Rachel and Ross âvetoâ for their unborn baby are actually fairly popular choices today. In the episode, Rachel suggests James, âbut only if itâs a girl.â Though Ross quickly vetos this option, he may be surprised to know that James is actually growing more and more in popularity for baby girls today.
Janice
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: God has been gracious
Connection: Oh. My. God! We couldnât have a list of Friends baby names without including Chandlerâs flamboyant ex-girlfriend.
Janine
Origin: French | Meaning: God is gracious
Connection: When Chandler and Monica decide to live together, Joey goes on the hunt for a new roommate. With an ad that said, âWanted: Female roommate, non-smoker, non-ugly,â he certainly got what he asked for in Australian Janine Lecroix, portrayed by the lovely Elle Macpherson.
Jennifer
Origin: Welsh and English | Meaning: The fair one
Connection: Of course, included in our list thanks to the actress who was born to play Rachel, Jennifer Aniston.
Jill
Origin: English | Meaning: Youthful
Connection: Perhaps one of our favorite celebrity cameos of all was when Reese Witherspoon portrayed Rachelâs spoiled sister, Jill.
Judy
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: He will be praised
Connection: Ross and Monicaâs spunky mother and the woman who holds all of Jack Gellerâs affection.
Julie
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Youthful
Connection: Just as Rachel was finally coming around to the idea of a relationship with Ross in Season 2, he hits her with a bombshell in the form of his grad-school friend turned-girlfriend, Julie. Though he inevitably leaves her for Rachel, viewers rest easy when she finds love in Rossâ doppelgĂ€nger, Russ.
Kathy
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Pure
Connection: In one of the more tumultuous storylines of the show, Chandler falls head over heels for Joeyâs girlfriend, Kathy.
Lauren
Origin: Latin and French | Meaning: Laurel Tree
Connection: Brought to our list by Rachelâs dream job mid-series with her role at designer brand Ralph Lauren.
Leslie
Origin: Scottish | Meaning: Holly garden
Connection: Leslie is one of Alice and Frankâs triplets that Phoebe births (who happens to have the special talent of burping the ABCs). Along with one of the triplets, we know Leslie as Phoebeâs former singing partner who notoriously steals âSmelly Catâ and turns it into a jingle, played by Elizabeth Daily.
Lisa
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Godâs promise
Connection: Kind, caring, and sweet is Phoebeâs character, played by celebrated actress Lisa Kudrow.
London
Origin: Latin | Meaning: City in England
Connection: Brought to our list by the city that changes everything! London is not only where Ross plans to marry Emily, but itâs where Monica and Chandler begin their love story.
Mary Angela
Origin: Italian | Meaning: An angel of the sea of sorrow
Connection: Causing a minor rough patch in their friendship, Chandler makes the shameful move of âfooling aroundâ with Joeyâs sister, Mary Angela, when heâs drunk one night.
Mona
Origin: Irish | Meaning: Noble, Aristocratic
Connection: One girlfriend who let Ross get away with far too much (if you ask us) was played by Bonnie Somerville in Season 8.
Monica
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Advisor
Connection: The show simply wouldnât be the same without the scrappy, competitive, clean freak who loves to cook, Monica Geller.
Nora
Origin: Latin and Greek | Meaning: Honor, Light
Connection: Played by Morgan Fairchild, Nora Tyler Bing is Chandlerâs mother and a best-selling erotic novelist.
Paris
Origin: French | Meaning: City in France
Connection: There are two types of people in the world: team get off the plane, and team go to Paris. No matter where you fall, we see in the final episode of the series that Rachel chooses her love for Ross over the City of Love.
Phoebe
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Bright, Radiant
Connection: Alias: Regina Phalange. Lisa Kudrowâs character brought so much joy and laughter to the show with her spunky character.
Rachel
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Female sheep
Connection: Perhaps the best character development of the entire show was none other than Rachel Green. We know youâll never have to say We were on a break! about a little one with this adorable Friends-inspired baby name.
Raine
Origin: British | Meaning: Queen
Connection: An atmospheric name Rachel suggested for their baby girl that Ross vetoedâwe know youâll love your little Raine even if she has her own kiln and wears a dress made out of wheat.
Reese
Origin: Welsh | Meaning: Enthusiasm
Connection: The character who brought us âapartment pantsâ was played by the adored actress Reese Witherspoon.
Ruth
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Friend
Connection: Oh, Iâm sorry, are we having an 89-year-old? No, Rachel! Youâre just considering an old-fashioned baby name. Even though Rachel originally passed on the name, she and Ross almost chose Ruth to be Emmaâs first name.
Sandrine
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Manâs defender
Connection: Thatâs a really pretty name for an industrial solvent⊠and a little girl! Rachel was onto something with this French suggestion. Itâs actually become a much more common selection since Ross vetoed it.
Susan
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Lily of the valley
Connection: Essentially, the bane of Ross Gellerâs existence is the lover and life partner of his ex-wife Carol, Susan Bunch, played by Jessica Hecht.
Ursula
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Little she-bear
Connection: While some may think of the villain in The Little Mermaid upon hearing this name, Friends fans will think of a different villain: Phoebeâs twin sister.
Winona
Origin: Native American | Meaning: First-born daughter
Connection: Not only was Winona Ryder one of Rossâs hall pass selections, but she also had a cameo on the show as Rachelâs sorority sister. Rachelâs comrade on her âone wild nightâ in college, her character, Melissa, never seemed to lose affection for her.
For Boys
Alessandro
Origin: Italian | Meaning: Defender of the people
Connection: A fun inclusion, Alessandroâs is the name of the restaurant Monica becomes head chef at after writing a negative review on the establishment. Unfortunately, it takes her a while to gain her authority over the other kitchen staff.
Barry
Origin: Irish | Meaning: Fair-haired
Connection: In the pilot episode of the series, we see Rachel enter Central Perk donning a wedding dress, looking for Monica. Come to find out, she had just left her dull fiancé Barry at the altar. But just because the dentist may not be a favorite character, this Irish name is deserving of love.
Ben
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Son
Connection: Though their marriage ended, Rossâ connection to his ex-wife Carol lived on as they welcomed a son together named Ben, played by Cole Sprouse. A favorite scene involving Ben is found in Season 7, where Ross dresses up as the âHoliday Armadilloâ to teach his son about Hanukkah.
Bobby
Origin: German and English | Meaning: Bright, Fame
Connection: A little one named Bobby is sure to be someone you always want around. His name is included on our list thanks to Monicaâs off-and-on boyfriend for Seasons 1 and 2, Fun Bobby.
Brad
Origin: British | Meaning: Broad, Wide
Connection: Founding member of the âI Hate Rachel Green Clubâ alongside Ross, Will Colbert was a friend of Ross and Monicaâs in high school and invited to Thanksgiving dinner in âThe One With the Rumor.â He was portrayed by Brad Pitt.
Chandler
Origin: French | Meaning: Candle maker
Connection: Could there BE a better baby name out there? A fan-favorite character who always has a witty comeback or sarcastic comment is Chandler Bing. As we learn, when Phoebe welcomes her brotherâs triplet (and much to Chandlerâs disapproval), the name is a great gender-neutral option.
Darwin
Origin: Old English | Meaning: Dear friend
Connection: Not only does this name feel fitting due to Rossâ love of science and academia, but it also happens to be a name he suggested for his and Rachelâs baby. Unfortunately for him, Rachel used her veto power as a pass on this sophisticated name.
Danny
Origin: Hebrew, short for Daniel | Meaning: God is my judge
Connection: Yeti⊠I mean, Danny! There will be no confusing your little bundle of joy with a Big Foot like Rachel and Monica did in the apartment basement while looking for the little round waffle maker.
David
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Beloved
Connection: Not only is Ross played by the talented David Schwimmer, but he also shares a name with Phoebeâs almost-husband, who gets swept away to Minsk, David the Scientist Guy. Not to mention, one of the main writers behind the magic is David Crane.
Dayton
Origin: British | Meaning: Ditch settlement
Connection: Suggested by Rachel but quickly vetoed by Ross is this masculine title that reached peak popularity in 2008.
Frank
Origin: German | Meaning: Frenchman
Connection: This inclusion is threefold: Frank is Phoebeâs father, brother, and one of the triplets.
Gary
Origin: British | Meaning: Spear
Connection: If you had high hopes for Phoebe and her hunky police officer beau Gary, you werenât the only one. Unfortunately, the two split instantly when he shoots a bird thatâs making a bit too much noise.
Gavin
Origin: Welsh | Meaning: White hawk
Connection: When Rachel returned to work after having Emma, she found the unwanted Gavin Mitchell sitting at her desk. Played by Dermot Mulroney, the hostility between the two eventually leads to a mutual but short-lived affection.
Gunther
Origin: German | Meaning: Battle warrior
Connection: Our Friends-inspired baby names list would be incomplete without the awkward but lovable (and Rachel-obsessed) Central Perk manager, Gunther.
Hayes
Origin: British | Meaning: Hedged area
Connection: Played by Jeff Goldblum, Leonard Hayes is a director of a play Joey auditions for. When it comes to choosing a baby name, consider Leonardâs advice to âexplore the verticalâ with this unique option.
Jack
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: God is gracious
Connection: In this sobriquet of John, James, and Jackson, we see Jack in the show as Ross and Monicaâs spunky father. His name is then passed on to one of Monica and Chandlerâs twins, his grandchild.
Joey
Origin: Hebrew, diminutive of Joseph | Meaning: God will increase
Connection: Hey, how you doinâ? Arguably, the most lovable character on the show is played by Matt LeBlanc. We couldnât do without Joeyâs foolish charm and big heart.
Jones
Origin: Welsh | Meaning: Son of John
Connection: Frequently seen as a surname, this title is especially fitting for a little one whoâs so pretty that you want to cry. Weâre referring to Rachelâs assistant-turned-boyfriend, Tag Jones.
Mark
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Dedicated to Mars
Connection: The original âguy she says you have nothing to worry aboutâ may have been Mark Robinson. A mentor for Rachel on her career path, her relationship with Mark made Ross highly jealous and may have even played into the reason they split.
Matt/Matthew
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Gift of God
Connection: Two influential Mattâs made the show as beloved as it is. Matt LeBlanc played Joey, and Matthew Perry played Chandler Bing. In October of 2023, fans and friends mourned Perry after his tragic death. Lucky for us, his legacy lives on in the ultimate comfort show.
Mike
Origin: Hebrew, short for Michael | Meaning: Who is like God?
Connection: Just when we all thought Phoebe was going to start a life with David the Scientist Guy, Mike came back into the picture. He may also be affectionately known as Banana Hammock.
Muriel
Origin: Irish | Meaning: Shining, Of the bright sea
Connection: Although not appreciated by Chandler, his middle name is actually quite a noble title. It shouldnât be off the table for either a little boy or a girl.
Paolo
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Humble
Connection: Likely the least likable character of the entire series is Rachelâs Italian beau in Season 1. What starts out as a dreamy love connection quickly goes south when he makes a move on Phoebe. Though this Paolo was anything but âhumble,â the lovely name is still worth considering.
Parker
Origin: Old English | Meaning: Park Keeper
Connection: Another fan-favorite cameo by actor Alec Baldwin was the enthusiastic Parker, who accompanied Phoebe to the Gellerâs 35th wedding anniversary in Event Room C. Because welcoming a new baby boy will make you want to take a mental picture, consider giving him this adorable name.
Paul
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Small, Humble
Connection: You donât have to be a wine enthusiast to welcome a little one of this name, even if it is brought to our list in part by Paul the Wine Guy. Weâre also inspired by another celebrity cameo. This time, weâre referring to Bruce Willis, who is the father of Rossâ younger date, Elizabeth, and becomes Rachelâs love interest.
Pete
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Rock
Connection: Many of us had high hopes for Monicaâs millionaire love interest who swept her away to Rome for their first date. Unfortunately, he ended up being more infatuated with becoming the âUltimate Fighting Championâ than he was with her. Nonetheless, we loved the storyline and Peteâs one-of-a-kind character, played by Jon Favreau.
Richard
Origin: German | Meaning: Powerful, Brave, Strong Ruler
Connection: Speaking of Monicaâs love interests, there was only one contender viewers saw her ending up with almost as much as Chandler. The hunky mustached dentist named Richard Burke was played by Tom Selleck.
Ross
Origin: Scottish | Meaning: Headland
Connection: Pivot⊠Pivot⊠PIVOT! Until you land on this uncommon baby name your little one will share with David Schwimmerâs smart, eccentric, and sometimes moody character, Ross Geller.
Sawyer
Origin: English | Meaning: Woodcutter
Connection: Although Ross wasnât on board, this baby name that Rachel suggested for their unborn baby has grown and grown in popularity since the episode aired.
Stewart
Origin: British | Meaning: Steward
Connection: As we all know, Ross wasnât the only one saying no to baby name suggestions. This uncommon moniker is one that Rachel quickly passed on.
Thatcher
Origin: British | Meaning: Roof thatcher
Connection: Another quick veto from Rachel, Thatcher even elicited the response, âRoss, why do you hate our child?â Though the laughs from the studio audience were warranted for that snapback, the title has been holding a spot on the charts since 2013.
Vito
Origin: Italian | Meaning: Life
Connection: Is it me, or is Veto starting to sound really good? No, Phoebe, we donât mind this unique name, either!
