Parenting
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50+ names that mean life and why they’re perfect for your little miracle
Cradlewise Staff
There’s something breathtaking about life, isn’t it? How it all begins, grows, and blooms into something completely new. If you’re looking for a name that captures that magic, names that mean life are a beautiful way to celebrate your baby’s arrival.
These names come from different cultures and languages, but they all carry one powerful meaning: life. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of your little one being a giver of life, a symbol of renewal, or simply want a name that honors the miracle that they are, this list has something for everyone.
From Greek goddesses of life to gender-neutral names that echo vitality, we’ve gathered our favorite names with meaning life, including male names meaning life, girl names, and even last names meaning life. Because choosing a name that means “life” is more than just symbolic, it’s a wish for your child to live boldly, love deeply, and thrive endlessly.
Girl names that mean life
These girl names that mean life are gentle, powerful, and timeless, simply perfect for your little force of nature.
1. Ava
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Life, bird
Whether you’re thinking classic movie star vibes or simply want a name with wings, Ava is graceful, grounded, and quietly powerful.
2. Zoë
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Life
Zoë is short but bursting with meaning. Used by early Christians to symbolize eternal life, this name has spiritual roots and serious cool-girl energy.
Did you know that Zoë means life in Greek and has been used since the 3rd century by early Christians? Saint Zoë was a Roman martyr, giving the name deep spiritual roots. Fast forward to today, and it’s the name of cool, creative women like Zoë Kravitz, proof that timeless names never go out of style.
3. Vivienne
Origin: French
Meaning: Alive
Vivienne feels like a name made for handwritten letters, velvet bows, and vintage Paris bookstores. It’s soft yet strong, fashionable yet classic, no wonder Angelina Jolie chose it for her daughter.
4. Vita
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Life
Literary buffs might think of Vita Sackville-West, the British writer who inspired Virginia Woolf. Vita is sleek and poetic, it is just four letters, but packed with energy.
5. Enid
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Soul, life
Once tucked away in grandma-name territory, Enid is back, and cooler than ever, thanks to her quirky screen time references. It’s got folklore charm, mythic roots, and a quiet strength that makes it feel grounded and ahead of the curve.
Did you know?
This vintage name had a quiet run until Wednesday on Netflix introduced us to Enid Sinclair, the werewolf roommate with a rainbow heart and claws to match. Suddenly, Enid went from grandma name to Gen Z icon, proving that quirky names can totally trend with the right glow-up.
6. Chaya
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Life
Chaya (pronounced Hi-yah) is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, it’s rich and warm, a name that feels both spiritual and strong. Think of it as the perfect mix of soulful depth and gentle beauty.
7. Liv
Origin: Norse
Meaning: Life
Liv is short, sleek, and full of vitality, literally meaning “life” in Old Norse. It’s minimalist without being plain, and thanks to Liv Tyler, it brings a touch of Hollywood cool with a poetic, Scandinavian soul.
8. Asha
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Life, hope
Asha radiates light. It’s one of those rare names that sounds musical, feels serene, and means something truly profound. Found in multiple cultures, it’s global, warm, and full of hope—a lovely name for your little beam of sunshine.
Did you know?
Asha means life and hope in Sanskrit, and it’s part of a much bigger spiritual concept. In Zoroastrianism, Asha represents truth, order, and divine law. It’s also the name of an award-winning Indian singer, Asha Bhosle, who brought soul and sparkle to Bollywood music.
9. Zoya
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: Life
If Zoë is the classic, Zoya is her mysterious older sister. With Russian literary ties and a chic, international feel, Zoya is glam, graceful, and surprisingly underused.
10. Evi
Origin: Hebrew/Greek
Meaning: Life, living
Evi (EE-vee) is sweet and spunky, like Evie with a twist. Whether it’s a nickname for Evelyn or a standalone star, it gives “girl next door” with a spark. Short, zippy, and full of charm, it’s the kind of name you grow into beautifully.
Boy names that mean life
These boy names meaning life are rich with meaning, quietly powerful, and full of heart. Whether you love something ancient and rooted or modern and zippy, there’s something here for every little miracle.
11. Aviv
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Spring, renewal, life
Aviv feels like a breath of fresh air. Literally meaning “spring,” it carries all the energy of blossoming trees, new beginnings, and fresh starts.
12. Beathan
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: Life
Rugged and rare, Beathan (pronounced BAE-un or BAY-than) is the kind of name that could belong to a brave warrior in a fantasy novel, or a sweet baby boy wrapped in tartan. It’s uncommon, yet grounded, with a sense of heritage and heart.
13. Vihaan
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Dawn, beginning of a new era
Vihaan is sunrise in name form, bright, hopeful, and full of promise. A modern favorite in Indian families, it’s gaining global love for its soft syllables and meaningful message. If your baby is your new beginning, this one says it all.
14. Janus
Origin: Roman
Meaning: God of beginnings, gateways, life transitions
Janus is deep, moody, and magical. Named after the Roman god who looks both forward and back, this name symbolizes thresholds, transitions, and new chapters. For a baby marking a big shift in your life, Janus holds timeless meaning.
15. Enzo
Origin: Italian
Meaning: Ruler of the home, life
Enzo is fast, fun, and full of fire, think racecars and espresso shots. But beneath the cool, there’s heart: Enzo means “life ruler,” making it a powerful pick for your new little king of the crib.
16. Asher
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Happy, blessed life
Asher just feels like a smile. It’s biblical, yes, but it’s also breezy and modern, an ideal combo. With its happy-go-lucky meaning and top 100 popularity, Asher is both lovable and lasting.
17. Phoenix
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Rebirth, eternal life
Phoenix rises from the ashes, and into baby name greatness. It’s mythical, gender-neutral, and wildly cool. It carries deep meaning for families on a healing journey. Powerful and timeless, Phoenix speaks to strength after struggle and new beginnings.
Did you know?
Phoenix isn’t just a name, it’s a whole story. In Harry Potter, Dumbledore’s phoenix, Fawkes, bursts into flames and is reborn, symbolizing resilience and transformation. But even earlier, Ancient Egyptians worshipped the Bennu bird, which inspired the phoenix myth as a symbol of the sun, creation, and immortality.
18. Ayaan
Origin: Somali/Arabic
Meaning: Gift of God, life
Ayaan is smooth, modern, and quietly radiant. It flows off the tongue and carries deep cultural meaning, making it a favorite across countries and languages.
19. Vian
Origin: Kurdish
Meaning: Life
Short, lyrical, and rare, Vian is a hidden gem. It’s poetic without being fussy, and it holds space for both softness and strength. If you love minimalist names with big energy, this one’s for you.
20. Lazarus
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God has helped; brought back to life
Lazarus has serious comeback energy. Rooted in the biblical story of resurrection, it’s dramatic, rich, and steeped in meaning. A bold choice for a baby who’s defied the odds, or simply filled your life with new purpose.
Gender-neutral names that mean life
These names work beautifully for any baby, free-spirited, rooted in meaning, and perfect for parents who don’t want to box in their little one.
21. Quinn
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Wise, life essence
Quinn is effortlessly cool, sharp, modern, and packed with meaning. It’s the kind of name that sounds just as good on a bestselling author or a tiny rebel in a beanie. With roots in wisdom and life energy, it’s an all-around winner.
22. Lux
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Light, life
Lux is bright, bold, and oh-so-Gen Alpha. It literally means light, but also carries serious style points (remember the hauntingly cool Lux from The Virgin Suicides?). It’s minimal, meaningful, and made for the spotlight.
23. Noor
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Light, life
Noor glows with gentle strength. Used across Arabic, Persian, and South Asian cultures, it’s soft-spoken but deeply rooted. A perfect pick if you’re looking for a name that radiates grace, warmth, and quiet resilience.
24. Kai
Origin: Hawaiian
Meaning: Sea, life
Kai brings a relaxed, ocean breeze energy to any name list. It’s one of the few names that feels equally wearable for a surfer, a poet, or a CEO.
Did you know?
In Hawaiian, Kai means “sea,” but here’s the cool part, it also means “forgiveness” in Japanese, “victory” in Chinese, and “willow tree” in Navajo. It’s a rare name that carries meaning across multiple cultures, and it’s been soaring in popularity for both boys and girls in the U.S.
25. River
Origin: English
Meaning: Flowing life, nature
River is wild and serene all at once. It captures the feeling of watching something beautiful move with its own rhythm. Made famous by River Phoenix and loved by nature-inspired parents everywhere, it’s a total vibe.
Last names meaning life
These last names that mean life are full of heritage and power and they make surprisingly beautiful first or middle names, too.
26. Livingston
Origin: English
Meaning: Dear friend’s place, symbolic of life and connection
Livingston is literary, luxe, and dripping with vintage charm (remember, Lord Livingston?). It feels classic without being stuffy, perfect for a baby who brings people together and makes everything feel a little more alive.
27. Vianello
Origin: Italian
Meaning: Related to life (via Vian)
Vianello is opera-level elegant, a name that could belong to an artist, a designer, or a dreamy little boy who hums before he speaks.
28. Alvita
Origin: Latin
Meaning: One who cherishes life
Alvita is gentle and glowing, like a vintage name pulled from a handwritten love letter. It’s rare but easy to say, with a meaning that feels like a daily reminder to savor every moment. Bonus: sounds like a soft lullaby when whispered.
29. Zohar
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Light, brilliance, life
Zohar glows with spiritual energy. In Jewish mysticism, it’s the title of a foundational work of the Kabbalah, so this name carries serious sacred vibes. It’s rare, radiant, and totally unisex, making it a bold and beautiful life-inspired pick.
30. Roux
Origin: French
Meaning: Reddish, vibrant life
Roux (Roo) is spicy in the best way. Yes, it’s a cooking term, but it’s also a statement name with a Parisian edge. Whether you love the culinary reference or the warm color tones, Roux is rare, radiant, and a little bit mischievous.
Unique baby names that mean life
Looking for something off the beaten path? These unique names that mean life are soulful, surprising, and full of story.
31. Zivan
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Life, brightness
Zivan rhymes with “heaven” and shines just as bright. It’s one of those rare names that sounds like it belongs to a prince in a folktale, but is still totally wearable IRL.
32. Ayelet
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Gazelle of dawn, symbol of life
Ayelet (eye-YELL-eht) is poetry in motion. It’s soft but full of spirit, used in Jewish tradition and by author Ayelet Waldman. With imagery of a gazelle dancing at daybreak, this name feels fresh, graceful, and totally unforgettable.
33. Suravi
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Sunlight, life
Suravi glows with golden-hour energy. Rare and melodic, it sounds like a name you’d hear in a lullaby, or see printed on the spine of a bestselling novel. A luminous pick for a baby who lights up your world.
34. Vitalis
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Full of life
Vitalis sounds like a Roman emperor or an ancient philosopher, but in the best way. It’s got vintage depth and a regal ring to it, like a name with a long story behind it.
35. Isleen
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Dream, vision, life
Isleen is soft and spellbinding. It floats somewhere between fairytale and modern boho, with Irish roots that feel mystical and pure. A perfect pick for dreamers, visionaries, or anyone who sees the world with wonder.
36. Eola
Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: Life
Eola is quiet magic. Soft and melodic, Eola feels like a name carried on the wind. Its airy vowels and rare charm evokes peace, new beginnings, and the quiet beauty of early days with your baby. This name is a hidden gem that hums with tenderness.
37. Caerwyn
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Blessed life
Caerwyn feels like it walked out of a fantasy novel, an elvish-sounding name with real-world roots. It’s lyrical and unique, with a sacred kind of energy. If you love names like Elowen or Rowan, this one’s for you.
38. Avabelle
Origin: Modern invented name
Meaning: Life/beauty
A modern mashup of Ava and Belle, Avabelle is soft, romantic, and Pinterest-perfect. It’s a name that feels tailor-made for a sweet soul with a bright future.
39. Jivanta
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Living, life-giving
Jivanta pulses with rhythm and soul. It’s bold, melodic, and full of cultural richness. With deep spiritual ties and a strong message, it’s a gorgeous way to honor heritage and celebrate the miracle of life.
40. Calian
Origin: Native American (Cherokee)
Meaning: Warrior of life
Calian carries a calm strength. It’s rare, grounding, and infused with resilience, a beautiful way to say your little one is both a fighter and a light-bringer. Unique but totally wearable, this name has roots and wings.
More unique names that mean life
These last few are full of sunshine, soul, and global charm, perfect if you’re looking for a name with warmth and wow factor.
41. Aveline
Origin: French
Meaning: Life, desired
Aveline is chic, delicate, and undeniably French. It sounds like something you’d hear in a countryside garden or a Parisian novel. Sweet but strong, it’s Ava’s rarer, more romantic cousin.
42. Omeo
Origin: Aboriginal Australian
Meaning: Mountain life
Omeo is rooted in land and legacy. It’s short, soulful, and filled with grounded energy.
43. Yara
Origin: Arabic / Tupi
Meaning: Small butterfly, life
Yara flutters in with a light, magical feel. It’s used across multiple cultures and featured in both Brazilian mythology and DC comics (Green Arrow fans, anyone?).
44. Hale
Origin: English
Meaning: Healthy, full of life
Hale is crisp and modern, like a brisk morning walk or fresh air after rain. It’s short but strong, evoking health, vitality, and a grounded sense of peace. Think outdoorsy minimalism with heart.
45. Iola
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Violet-colored dawn, life
Iola is as soft as morning light. With hints of both floral beauty and spiritual rebirth, it’s a dreamy blend of old-fashioned and futuristic.
46. Ziven
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: Full of life
Ziven sounds like a storm and a song all at once—powerful, lyrical, and rare. It carries depth without drama and feels like the name of someone destined to stand out with quiet confidence.
47. Anandita
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Joyful, life-giving
Anandita is radiant and musical, full of joy and movement. It practically dances off the tongue and brings an instant feeling of warmth.
48. Nohea
Origin: Hawaiian
Meaning: Lovely, full of life
Nohea (noh-HEY-ah) is sunshine in name form. Breezy, kind, and rooted in Hawaiian beauty, it feels both grounding and free-spirited. A lovely way to honor island heritage or simply your love of nature and joy.
49. Amara
Origin: Igbo (Nigerian) / Latin / Greek
Meaning: Grace, eternal life, unfading
Amara is the kind of name that wears a halo. In Igbo, it means “grace,” while in Latin and Greek it echoes themes of immortality and unfading beauty. Elegant and multicultural, Amara is a global favorite that feels as radiant as your little one.
50. Théo
Origin: Greek / French
Meaning: Divine gift of life
Théo is short for Theodore, but this French version adds a cosmopolitan twist. It’s polished and poetic, blending the divine with everyday sweetness. Bonus points: works beautifully across languages and borders.
51. Eloma
Origin: Finnish
Meaning: Life
Eloma is pure poetry. Rare and vowel-rich, it rolls off the tongue like a lullaby. If you’re after a name that no one else in your mom group has heard, but everyone will love, Eloma is your sleeper hit.
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