Nothing quite compares to the magic of the holiday season. It’s a time for us to slow down, spend time with loved ones, eat one too many cookies, and rewatch our favorite holiday movies. With fluffy snow covering the ground, carols in the air, and holiday cheer in the hearts of many, it certainly is the most wonderful time of the year. That’s why we can’t think of a better place to draw baby name inspiration from than the magic of the holidays. Especially if you have a due date in December, a holiday or winter baby name simply makes sense.
This holiday baby names list includes traditional holiday meanings, references to pop culture and traditions, and of course, some religious stories. While you may be more familiar with some than others, each of these names uniquely ties to the most wonderful time of the year.
See the list below of 80 holiday-inspired baby names we love.
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Holiday Baby Names for Girls
Alva
Meaning: Elf | Origin: Old Norse
Holiday Tie: Whether Will Ferrell stars in your favorite Christmas movie or you’re simply a human who has “an affinity for elf culture,” this baby name is for you.
Anya
Meaning: Grace | Origin: Russian
Holiday Tie: Grace is pretty much synonymous with the holiday season. That’s what makes this name a lovely option for a little one born around the holidays.
Bell/Belle
Meaning: Beautiful | Origin: English
Holiday Tie: You won’t find a name more beautiful out there, included on our list because of its ties to Christmas bells.
Carol
Meaning: Joyful song | Origin: English
Holiday Tie: For a name that makes you want to sing out in joy, consider Carol, which brings to mind the Christmas carols sung around the holidays.
Charity
Meaning: Giving, kindness | Origin: British
Holiday Tie: The holidays are all about giving to those in need, that’s why this name meaning “giving” fits so well as an inclusion on our list.
Cindy
Meaning: Light | Origin: Latin
Holiday Tie: You won’t be able to escape the dazzling lights this holiday season, and who would want to? Besides maybe the Grinch. This name is brought to our list by none other than Cindy Lou Who of Dr. Suess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Clara
Meaning: Bright | Origin: Latin
Holiday Tie: A name meaning “bright” feels fitting enough, but tie it to the heroine of The Nutcracker and you’ve got quite the gift.
Eve
Meaning: Life | Origin: Hebrew
Holiday Tie: For many, Christmas Eve is as much a celebration as Christmas Day. Not to mention the celebration of new life in the Christian Christmas story of Jesus’s birth.
Faith
Meaning: Trust, devotion | Origin: British
Holiday Tie: The holidays are related heavily to religions, making this name meaning “trust” and “devotion” rather fitting.
Ginger
Meaning: Liveliness | Origin: British
Holiday Tie: Whether you love it or hate it, gingerbread is a statement of the holiday season. Cookies and houses alike are enjoyed by many this time of year.
Gloria
Meaning: Glory | Origin:
Holiday Tie: Welcoming a newborn is sure to bring you plenty of “glory.” Derived from one of the names for the Virgin Mary in the Christmas story, Maria de Gloria, it’s almost impossible to hear this name and not want to sing it out.
Golda
Meaning: Gold | Origin: German, Yiddish
Holiday Tie: Many families celebrate Hanukkah with bags of chocolate covered in golden foil—gelt. What better way to honor this tradition than with a name that is golden, through and through.
Grace
Meaning: Favor, blessing | Origin: Latin
Holiday Tie: Hopefully the holidays are filled with “favor” and “blessings,” and a great way to ensure that is welcoming a little one and gifting her this lovely moniker.
Holly
Meaning: Holly tree | Origin: British
Holiday Tie: Because “Mistletoe” didn’t make the cut, we included the next best thing. Strongly associated with Christmas, the British name represents the thorny crown of Jesus in the Christian tradition.
Hope
Meaning: Expectation or belief | Origin: British
Holiday Tie: The holidays remind us that a new year is coming, and give us a reason to be hopeful for the future. Ensure you always have hope by using this delightful name for a little girl.
Ivy
Meaning: Climbing evergreen plant | Origin: British
Holiday Tie: A more subtle reference to the holiday season, Ivy is a girl name that has ties to nature. Plus, it’s hard to picture the holiday season without sweeping green ivy both inside and outside.
Jovie
Meaning: Joyful | Origin: American
Holiday Tie: The holidays are all about spreading joy, meaning this name couldn’t be a better option. Plus, fans of Elf may recognize this as the name of Zooey Deschanel’s character.
Joy
Meaning: Happiness | Origin: Latin
Holiday Tie: Because a newborn will bring so much joy to your life, why not gift her a name commemorating a pillar of the season?
Juliet
Meaning: Youthful | Origin: Latin
Holiday Tie: Our minds may instantly go to Shakespeare’s classic Romeo & Juliet upon hearing this name. But avid Christmas movie fans may also equate this name to Keira Knightley’s character in Love Actually.
Lucia
Meaning: Light | Origin: Italian, Roman
Holiday Tie: Literally meaning “light,” nothing is more indicative of the holiday season than the Christmas lights hung on every street corner. Plus, St. Lucia’s Day is a Scandinavian holiday celebrated near the Winter Solstice.
Marley
Meaning: Marshy meadow; pleasant wood; marten wood | Origin: British
Holiday Tie: Though Marley may not have been everyone’s favorite character in A Christmas Carol, the name itself is delightfully unique and charming for a little girl.
Mary
Meaning: Beloved | Origin: Hebrew
Holiday Tie: In the Christian Christmas story, Mary gave birth to the son of God. Whether or not you follow the Christian faith, this is a great option for a “beloved” newborn.
Meira
Meaning: Giving light, shining | Origin: Hebrew
Holiday Tie: This lovely, feminine title references the Festival of Lights observed in the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah and the candles lit on the ceremonial menorah.
Natasha
Meaning: Born on Christmas Day | Origin: Russian
Holiday Tie: There simply couldn’t be a better name choice for a little girl born on or around Christmas Day—this Russian name quite literally means “born on Christmas Day.”
Natalie/Natalia
Meaning: The Lord’s Birthday | Origin: Latin
Holiday Tie: Speaking of Christmas Day, this name, too, refers to what is traditionally known as “the Lord’s birthday.” It also has ties to the beloved 1947 holiday movie Miracle on 34th Street starring celebrated actress Natalie Wood.
Noelle/Noella
Meaning: Christmas | Origin: French
Holiday Tie: This name of French origin is perfect for a little girl born in the winter months. With ties to one of the most celebrated winter holidays, the French name means “Christmas.”
Nora
Meaning: Light | Origin: Hebrew
Holiday Tie: Not only does this delightful name mean “light,” it also happens to be the name of Jamie Lee Curtis’s character in Christmas With the Kranks.
Stella
Meaning: Star | Origin: Latin and Italian
Holiday Tie: Stars are all over during the holiday season, partially due to their religious symbolism. This name is perfect for the new “star” of your life.
Theodora
Meaning: God’s gift | Origin: Greek
Holiday Tie: For a baby raised in faith, there is no name more fitting than Theodora. Literally meaning “God’s Gift,” it is a sweet pick for a little girl born around Christmas.
Zuzu
Meaning: Lily | Origin: Czech
Holiday Tie: Fans of the 1946 holiday classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life will recognize this sweet name as George and Mary Bailey’s youngest daughter, Zuzu Bailey, who delivers the memorable line, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”
Holiday Baby Names for Boys
Angelo
Meaning: Angel, Messenger | Origin: Italian
Holiday Tie: Welcome your own holiday angel by giving him this darling Italian moniker.
Arthur
Meaning: bear; strong man; Thor, the eagle | Origin: Celtic, Latin, Welsh
Holiday Tie: Meaning “bear” and “Thor,” there may not be a stronger name out there for your little boy. Plus, Arthur Christmas is a classic holiday film.
Balthazar
Meaning: Bel protect the king | Origin: Babylonian
Holiday Tie: In the Christian Bible, Balthazar is one of the three wise men who visit baby Jesus. You may also recognize the moniker from several characters in popular TV shows like Charmed, Supernatural, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Bruce
Meaning: The willowlands | Origin: Scottish, English, and French
Holiday Tie: Take a stance on one the greatest debates—whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie—by naming your little one after the star, Bruce Willis.
Buddy
Meaning: Friend | Origin: British
Holiday Tie: Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color? Of course Elf inspired, this name brings to mind all of the joy of the holiday season and is perfect for your newest little “friend.”
Casper
Meaning: Keeper of the treasure | Origin: Persian
Holiday Tie: Inspired by another of the three wise men, this name ties to both Christmas and Halloween through the 1995 film about everyone’s favorite friendly ghost, Casper.
Charlie/Charles
Meaning: Free man | Origin: German
Holiday Tie: Many of us may have fond memories of watching A Charlie Brown Christmas growing up. Not to mention the connection to Charles Dickens, author of the seminal story of the season, A Christmas Carol.
Christian
Meaning: Follower of Christ | Origin: Latin
Holiday Tie: One of the most widely-celebrated winter holidays comes from the Christian religion, making this strong name meaning “follower of Christ” a perfect inclusion on our list.
Clark
Meaning: Clerk | Origin: Irish
Holiday Tie: This strong, historical name has holiday ties to the hilarious Christmas movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. If the film is a rewatch year after year, be sure to consider this classic name for a newborn.
Claus
Meaning: Victory of the people | Origin: German
Holiday Tie: This title, of course, brings to mind the man in the big red suit. If you’re pro keeping the Santa tradition alive, consider this festive option.
Clement
Meaning: Merciful, gentle | Origin: Latin
Holiday Tie: Clement Moore was the famous author of Twas The Night Before Christmas!
Cole
Meaning: Charcoal | Origin: British
Holiday Tie: To help ensure your little one never receives coal in his stocking, consider this baby name.
Crosby
Meaning: At the cross | Origin: Old Norse
Holiday Tie: Inspired by the patriarch of Christmas music and star of the classic holiday film, White Christmas, is the surname of one Bing Crosby. For a strong surname first name with a retro twist, look no further.
Douglas
Meaning: Black river | Origin: Scottish
Holiday Tie: There are several plants that the winter months and its holidays are known for. The Douglas fir might just be the most well known, as many families decorate them as their Christmas tree each year.
Ebenezer
Meaning: Stone of help | Origin: Hebrew
Holiday Tie: While no one likes a Scrooge around the holidays, you may find this name more favorable. If you’re a fan of the name Evan but want something a little more unique, consider this historical moniker that can be shortened to the sweet nickname Eben.
Emmanuel/Immanuel
Meaning: God with us | Origin: Hebrew
Holiday Tie: People of faith will appreciate this name meaning “God with us.”
Felix
Meaning: Happy, fortunate | Origin: Latin
Holiday Tie: Felix is simple and charming. Though it doesn’t have an explicitly religious tie to the holidays, it encapsulates everything this time of year is about: happiness.
George
Meaning: Farmer | Origin: Greek
Holiday Tie: If you never turn down a rewatch of It’s a Wonderful Life, gift your little one a name after Jimmy Stewart’s beloved character, George Bailey.
Hans
Meaning: God is gracious | Origin: German
Holiday Tie: Will you be welcoming a little one with an older sibling who can’t get enough of Disney’s Frozen? Choose a name your firstborn will either love or hate inspired by one of the least likable characters in the first film (but one who has a great name!).
Ilan
Meaning: Tree | Origin: Hebrew
Holiday Tie: As you begin to deck the halls and trim the tree consider this unique name for a little one.
Jack
Meaning: God is gracious | Origin: British
Holiday Tie: Going into the holiday season means welcoming Jack Frost into town all over again. This personification of winter has taken to character form plenty of times over the years, so choose your favorite when drawing baby name inspiration.
Joseph
Meaning: Jehovah shall add | Origin: Hebrew
Holiday Tie: This masculine name is referenced many times in the Bible, and is notably known as Mary’s husband in the Christian Christmas story.
Kevin
Meaning: Handsome | Origin: Irish
Holiday Tie: If you ask me, the holidays wouldn’t be the same without rewatching Home Alone one too many times. If Kevin McCallister has brought a smile to your face throughout the years, consider making him your baby’s namesake.
Lior
Meaning: My light | Origin: Hebrew
Holiday Tie: A popular choice for babies born in the Jewish faith is this sweet title meaning “my light.”
Luke
Meaning: From Lucania | Origin: Greek
Holiday Tie: The Gospel of Luke in the bible gives the most complete account of nativity, making this a fitting choice for a holiday or Christmas inspired name.
Matan
Meaning: Gift; to give | Origin: Hebrew
Holiday Tie: Another charming choice for a Jewish baby boy, Matan translates to “gift” or “to give.” Not only is a baby a gift to your family, but many families celebrate Hanukkah by giving presents to loved ones.
Nicholas
Meaning: Victory of the people | Origin: Greek
Holiday Tie: Whether you think of the saint or the man in the red suit upon hearing this name, it doesn’t get much more holiday-inspired than this.
Ralph/Ralphie
Meaning: Wolf counsel | Origin: Scandinavian
Holiday Tie: While you may not get an “official Red Ryder carbine action two-hundred shot range model air rifle” as a gift this year, hopefully you do get some baby name inspiration from this classic A Christmas Story moniker.
Rudolph
Meaning: Famous wolf | Origin: German
Holiday Tie: We were, of course, inspired by the famous red-nosed reindeer with this inclusion, but we also happen to love the strength behind this name meaning “famous wolf.”
Wallace
Meaning: Welshman | Origin: French
Holiday Tie: Another case of a surname-turned-first-name, this powerful and sophisticated title meaning “welshman” is brought to our list by Bing Crosby’s character in White Christmas, Bob Wallace.
Gender-Neutral Holiday Baby Names
Amaryllis
Meaning: Sparkling | Origin: Greek
Holiday Tie: A name reminiscent of twinkly holiday lights had to be included on our holiday baby names list. We love this beautiful option associated with the traditional Christmas flower that means “to sparkle.”
Angel
Meaning: Messenger | Origin: Greek
Holiday Tie: Of course, angels have strong Biblical ties and play a large role in the Christian Christmas story. It was angel Gabriel who told Mary she would give birth to the son of God. Additionally, many people who celebrate Christmas top their tree with a festive angel as part of their celebration.
Aspen
Meaning: Aspen tree, shaking tree | Origin: Latin
Holiday Tie: Beyond being a unique and charming choice for any baby, Aspen spurs images of snowy mountains and days spent skiing at the namesake Colorado resort.
Aster
Meaning: Star | Origin: Greek
Holiday Tie: This Greek name meaning “star” simply feels fitting for our list of holiday baby names—especially those who place a star atop their Christmas tree or hold the Jewish Star of David symbol close to their heart.
Avery
Meaning: Ruler of elves | Origin: French and English
Holiday Tie: This whimsical name couldn’t be more fitting for our list, holding the meaning of “ruler of elves.” Whether you’re looking for holiday baby names, or even Lord of the Rings-inspired names, this one is sure to do the trick.
Bailey
Meaning: Berry clearing; Bailiff | Origin: British
Holiday Tie: For many, the holidays serve as a reminder that, truly, it’s a wonderful life. Pay homage to the classic Christmas film by naming a little one after the main character, George Bailey.
Beacon
Meaning: Signal light | Origin: British
Holiday Tie: A beacon is a light in a dark tunnel, whether literally or figuratively. For us, there’s no better metaphor for bringing a new baby into the world—especially during the holidays.
December
Meaning: Born in December | Origin: English
Holiday Tie: Two widely celebrated holidays, Christmas and Hanukkah, are annually celebrated in the month of December. While unique, we happen to think it could make a lovely choice for a baby born in the winter month.
Elden
Meaning: Valley of the elves | Origin: British
Holiday Tie: This uncommon moniker couldn’t be cuter—especially with a meaning like “valley of the elves.”
Everett
Meaning: Brave and strong boar | Origin: English
Holiday Tie: Fans of actor Dermot Mulroney may find this name especially appealing. We were inspired to include it because of his character, Everett Stone, in the holiday movie favorite The Family Stone.
Gabriel/Gabrielle
Meaning: God is my strength | Origin: Hebrew
Holiday Tie: This name has strong Biblical ties and is known for being the name of the angel in the Christmas story. The Hebrew name fittingly means “God is my strength.”
January
Meaning: First month of the year; Month of Janus, God of doorways | Origin: British, Latin
Holiday Tie: For your winter-inspired bundle of joy, baby January will have a fresh outlook on life and bring warmth and light into your home even in the dead of winter. While Christmas may have already passed, the holiday vibes continue on well into January.
Meaning: Christmas Eve | Origin: Spanish
Holiday Tie: For something more literal, go with the Spanish word for Christmas Eve—Navidad. It’s charming and unique, yet rolls off the tongue.
North
Meaning: North | Origin: English
Holiday Tie: Our friends in the north are no strangers to chilly winter weather. And whether you’re inspired by winter, Kim Kardashian, or the home of the Clauses, we approve.
Pierce
Meaning: Rock, stone | Origin: English and Greek
Holiday Tie: It’s no secret that some traditional last names actually make great first names, and this is one of them. We’re inspired here by the Pierce family in the heartwarming The Christmas Chronicles films.
Rowan
Meaning: Little red-head | Origin: Irish
Holiday Tie: Of Irish origin, Rowan is a charming name for both boys and girls is associated with the color red—a telltale sign of Christmas.
Sage
Meaning: Wise; Prophet; Aromatic spice | Origin: Latin
Holiday Tie: Not only does the name itself translate to “wise,” but Sage elicits a vivid color of green associated with Christmas.
Salem
Meaning: Peace | Origin: Arabic and Hebrew
Holiday Tie: The holidays are all about spreading peace and joy. There’s no better way to celebrate the meaning of the season than with this charming name meaning “peace.” Plus, if you’re looking for some Halloween-inspired baby names, this happens to be quite fitting as well.
Starr
Meaning: Star | Origin: British
Holiday Tie: What better way to remind your baby that they are the light of your life? Starr is simple—just one syllable—but also memorable. It holds ties to an important symbol for Christmas.
Yule
Meaning: Winter solstice | Origin: English
Holiday Tie: There are several reasons to consider this holiday baby name option. First, it’s the name of the pagan festival celebrating the winter solstice, which begins annually on December 21st. In addition, those who celebrate Christmas may use a Yule log in their festivities. In this case, it’s often used to symbolize the birth of Jesus.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Former Assistant Editor
As the former Assistant Editor, Brett worked with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own stories. Her favorite topics to write about are baby names, culture, relationships, and living.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Intern
As editorial intern, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content, and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented by contributing to The Everymom.
