Christmas is a truly enchanting time of the year, and what better way to celebrate than by giving your little one a festive name to match the season? To help you with your search, we’ve compiled a list of Christmas baby names that are sure to “ring a (jingle) bell” with you.
If you’re expecting a baby in December, you may be considering a Christmas-inspired name to celebrate the season. Whether you’re looking forward to the arrival of your own little Christmas miracle or just want to keep the magic of the holidays alive all year round, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can draw inspiration from the Bible, traditional Christmas figures or winter scenes to find the perfect name for your little one.
From timeless classics to modern picks inspired by beloved holiday movies, you’re sure to find the perfect name for your merry little boy or girl. With detailed information on each name’s history, meaning, and popularity, you’ll be equipped to make the best decision for a memorable Christmas baby name.
Table of Contents
- 100 Popular Christmas Baby Names
- Abner
- Alba
- Alfredo
- Amaryllis
- Angel
- Angelo
- Avery
- Balthazar
- Belle
- Benedict
- Bennett
- Berry
- Bethany
- Blixen
- Cady
- Candy
- Carol
- Charlie
- Chiara
- Christian
- Christina
- Christmas
- Christopher
- Cindy
- Clara
- Claus
- Clementine
- Comet
- December
- Dickens
- Dorothy
- Dove
- Ebenezer
- Eira
- Elden
- Elsa
- Ember
- Emmanuelle
- Epiphany
- Eve
- Everest
- Faith
- Fatima
- Felicity
- Felix
- Forest
- Frank
- Gabriel
- Gaspar
- Geoffrey
- Ginger
- Grace
- Holiday
- Holly
- Ivy
- Jack
- Jesus
- Jólin
- Joseph
- Joy
- Juniper
- Kaliady
- Kane
- Linus
- Lucia
- Malachi
- Marley
- Mary
- Melchior
- Merry
- Michael
- Nadal
- Natalia
- Natasha
- Neva
- Nicholas
- Noel
- Nollaig
- Nora
- Paloma
- Pax
- Rachel
- Ralphie
- Robin
- Rudolph
- Scarlett
- Seraphina
- Snowden
- Starr
- Stella
- Stephen
- Tannen
- Taraji
- Theodore
- Tiffany
- Timothy
- Wenceslas
- Winter
- Yule
- Zuzu
- Christmas Names FAQs
100 Popular Christmas Baby Names
Abner
Abner was a biblical figure in the New Testament as the commander of Saul’s army. It became popular among Puritans and stayed common until the 1930s, when it fell out of favor.
Alba
Alba is based on the Latin “albus,” meaning “white.” It also refers to a “sunrise” or a “blond person.” Alba is the Gaelic name for Scotland and is a fair representation of the white snow of December.
Alfredo
Alfredo also means “wise counsel.” The Italian pasta dish Fettucini Alfredo is also referred to as “Christmas Fettuccine,” so it’s got holiday food traditions all on its own.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis derives from the Greek “amarýssō,” meaning “sparkle” and “shine.” The Amaryllis flower is traditionally given at Christmas because of its bright colors and ability to grow in winter months.
Angel
In the Bible, angel means “messenger from God.” It’s based on the Latin Angelus, the angelic messengers who brought the original message of Christmas with them.
Angelo
Angelo comes from the Greek “angelos,” meaning “messenger of God.” It also means “bringing good tidings,” which is the primary point of a Christmas angel.
Avery
Avery originally meant “wise leader of elves” in Old English. Avery grew from the male name Alfred in the 16th-century in time for the elves in Santa’s workshop.
Balthazar
Balthazar originally meant “Baal protects the King.” It’s best known for belonging to one of the three wise men of the Orient, also called the Magi. Balthazar gave the gift of myrrh to Jesus, which foreshadowed his death on the cross.
Belle
Belle was often a nickname used for female names like Isabelle or Annabelle. As a stand-alone name, it re-emerged in the U.S. top 1,000 in 2016. Belle is the heroine in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, a Christmas-viewing favorite.
Benedict
Benedict comes from the Latin Benedictus, meaning “blessed.” It’s the name of St. Benedict and many popes, which makes it quite Christmas-themed.
Bennett
Bennett originated as the Latin Benedictus, meaning “blessed.” It stems from a 13th-century surname meaning “descendant of Benedict.” Benedict is one of those Christmas names representing good holiday tidings.
Berry
In Irish, Berry is a surname meaning “at the Bury.” The holly tree’s berries are a traditional Christmas symbol, representing Christ’s crown of thorns and his blood.
Bethany
Bethany was originally the biblical place name called Beth te’ena in Hebrew, meaning “house of figs.” It was also the home of Lazarus, whom Christ raised from the dead.
Blixen
Blixen comes from the Dutch “bliksem,” meaning “lightning.” Blixen is most famous as one of Santa’s trusted reindeer when it’s one of the more funny Christmas boy names around.
Cady
Cady is based on the French “cadeaux,” meaning “gift.” It’s also a nickname for Catherine or Cadence. When an Irish surname, Cady means “simple happiness,” which sums up the holidays well.
Candy
Candy is also a nickname for Candace, meaning “bright.” In the 17th-century, the candy cane came into existence as a shepherd’s hook.
Carol
Carol comes from the French “carole,” meaning “a circle dance.” It was the place where the winter solstice festival took place. Nowadays, a Christmas carol is a wonderful way to bring in the season.
Charlie
Charlie also comes from the Germanic “kerle,” meaning “warrior.” It’s usually used as a nickname for Charles. Charlie is a cool representation of the title character of a Charlie Brown Christmas special.
Chiara
Chiara also means “clear” and “famous” and is the Italian form of Clara. As a Christmas-related name, it means “daughter of the light,” which is perfect for the winter solstice.
Christian
Christian is based on the Latin Christianus, indicating “a Christian.” It also means “anointed one” and “follower of Christ,” which keeps the true meaning of Christmas alive.
Christina
Christina comes from the Old English “christen,” meaning “Christian.” It also means “to anoint” in Greek. It’s a modern form of the Latin Christiana and can be shortened to Chris or Tina.
Christmas
Christmas originally appeared as the Old English “Cristes-messe,” meaning “Christ’s Mass.” It was a name for babies born on Christmas Day and was popular through the mid-19th-century.
Christopher
Christopher first appeared as the Latin Christopherus, meaning “bearing Christ.” It was a name given to Christians and is still one of the most popular Christmas baby names on the list.
Cindy
Cindy is a diminutive of Cynthia or Lucinda. It originally meant “Mount Kynthos.” In ancient Greece, Cynthia was the first name of the goddess Artemis. Cindy Lou Hou was the adorable little girl in the classic holiday story – How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
Clara
Clara comes from the Latin “clarus,” meaning “bright” or “famous.” It ranked in the top 10 girl names until the end of the 1880s. Clara peaked with the popularity of actress Clara Bow and beautifully represents the spiritual light that Christmas brings.
Claus
Claus means “victory of the people” in German. It’s one of the nicknames for Nicholas. Though it sounds fun, it’s illegal to name a baby Santa Claus in the U.S., but Claus is OK!
Clementine
Clementine is the female version of the Latin Clément. It also means “gentle” or “mild.” Clementines were a traditional Christmas stocking stuffer that represented generosity and joy.
Comet
Comet originally referred to the shooting balls of light across the sky. Their tails were called a “head with long hair” by the Greeks. In the world of Christmas, Comet is also known as one of Santa’s strongest reindeer.
December
December originated with the Latin “decem,” meaning “ten.” December was the tenth month of the Roman calendar. It’s a perfect pick among Christmas girl names for your December baby.
Dickens
Dickens began as a surname meaning “son of Richard.” You may love its association with Charles Dickens, the famous English writer of A Christmas Carol. Dickens is super rare globally but may make the ideal middle name for a baby born around the holidays.
Dorothy
Dorothy comes from the Greek Dōrothéa, meaning “God’s Gift.” Dorothy is a clever yet classic way to infuse your little girl with the spirit of Christmas.
Dove
Dove comes from the Old English “douve,” and is a beautiful white bird synonymous with Christmas. It’s also a symbol for peace,” used as a nickname for a gentle person like your little one.
Ebenezer
Ebenezer was the name of a stone set up by Samuel in the Bible. The Puritans were fans of the name, so it stayed popular through the 1880s. The flawed but lovable Ebenezer Scrooge is the Xmas link here in A Christmas Carol.
Eira
Eira is the Norse goddess of childbirth, Eir. It also means “earth” in Sanskrit and “snow” in Welsh for the magical time of year that brings us Christmas.
Elden
Elden originally meant “Ella’s hill” in Old English. Elden also means “old friend” and is a cute choice for the little male elf you’re expecting.
Elsa
Elsa is the Scandinavian form of Elisabeth based on the Hebrew Elisheba. It also means “pledged to God” and is the most magical of Christmas girl names because of Disney’s Frozen.
Ember
Ember has been among the top 1,000 U.S. girls’ names since 2009. It’s a synonym for a “lump of hot coal,” but don’t worry, Santa will still visit your little Ember.
Emmanuelle
Emmanuelle derives from the Hebrew Immanuel, a name for Christ. Emmanuelle also means “faith,” just in time for the holidays.
Epiphany
Epiphany uses the root “phainein,” meaning “to appear,” and refers to the appearance of dawn or a spiritual awakening. The Christmas holidays end with the Feast of Epiphany on January 6th.
Eve
Eve originated from the Hebrew “chavah,” meaning “to breathe,” and “chayah,” meaning “to give life.” Eve also means “mother of life,” perfect for the daughter you love.
Everest
Though known for being the highest mountain in the world, Everest may be based on Everett. The mountain was named after George Everest in 1856. It’s the pinnacle of a snowy northern mountain and a remarkable symbol of the majesty of winter.
Faith
Faith is one of the English virtue names made popular by the Puritans. It comes from the Latin “fidere,” meaning “to trust,” and is an old-fashioned reminder of what Christmas is about.
Fatima
Fatima also means “shining one.” In Arabic, it means “chaste” or “motherly.” Fatima was the name of Muhammed’s daughter, known as the Muslim counterpart to Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
Felicity
Felicity also means “intense happiness” in English. It’s based on the Latin “felicitas,” meaning “good fortune.” Felicity is associated with the Roman goddess Fortuna and belonged to two Christian saints.
Felix
Felix also means “fortunate.” It began as a Roman surname that became the nickname of Sulla. Felix was also a name taken by four popes and many saints as a religious means of connoting joy.
Forest
Forest also means “dweller near the woods.” A forest of evergreen fir trees is where the Christmas tree tradition begins with pagans and ends with modern celebrants.
Frank
Frank is a modern, casual version of Francis and comes from the German name Franko, meaning “a Frank.” Frank also has connections to Frankincense, a gift from Balthazar, who was one of the Three Wise Men.
Gabriel
Gabriel also means “God is my strength” and “hero of God” in Hebrew. Most famously, the Archangel of the Annunciation tells the Virgin Mary she is carrying Jesus Christ.
Gaspar
Gasper is connected to the Hebrew Gizbar, meaning “he who guards the treasure.” Gaspar was one of the Three Wise Men who visited Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Geoffrey
Geoffrey comes from the Middle English Geffrey. It’s a version of the Germanic “gudą,” meaning “God’ and “friþuz,” meaning “peace,” for the holidays.
Ginger
Ginger is both a British nickname for redheads and a diminutive for Virginia. Gingerbread is recognized as the most festive Christmas treat made with ginger spice.
Grace
Grace derives from the Latin “gratia,” first referring to “God’s grace.” It also means “blessing” and was the 14th most popular U.S. girls’ name in the 1880s.
Holiday
Holiday originally meant “holy day” to mark the Christian calendar. It also means “born on a holy day” for babies requiring the most literal Christmas names.
Holly
Holly comes from the Old English “holegn,” meaning “dwelling by the clearing by the hollow.” The holly plant has come to represent resilience and eternal life, symbolized by the Christmas holiday.
Ivy
In ancient Greece, newlyweds wore ivy wreaths to prove their devotion. It’s a Christian symbol associated with Christmas since medieval times. The Christmas carol “The Holly and the Ivy” talks about holly representing Jesus and Ivy representing the Virgin Mary.
Jack
Jack is best known as a nickname for John. It becomes a creative way to show love for Christmas because of Jack Frost. In Norse mythology, he’s called Jokul Frosti, meaning “icicle frost,” and is a symbol of winter.
Jesus
Jesus comes from the Hebrew Yeshua, meaning “to deliver.” It represents Jesus Christ, God’s Son, and is the ultimate spiritual celebration of Christmas. It’s illegal in the U.S. to name your baby Jesus Christ, but Jesus as a first name is perfectly fine.
Jólin
Jólin is a derivative of Joly and began as the English and French Joelin. It means “Yahweh is gracious” when taken from Johanna and “pretty” when based on Jolene.
Joseph
Joseph derives from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning “God will give.” It’s a biblical example of Christmas boy names, referring to the Virgin Mary’s husband, Joseph.
Joy
Joy originated with the Latin “guadia,” which morphed into the French Joie. It was a popular late 19th-century name like Merry, Bliss, and Glory, all elements of the holidays.
Juniper
Juniper also means “evergreen” when derived from the Latin “juniperus.” Evergreen shrubs covered in juniper berries are potent symbols of the winter season and whimsical Christmas baby names.
Kaliady
Kaliady is the Belarusian word for “Christmas” and is based on the Latin calendar. Koliada is the Slavic name for the period between Christmas and the Epiphany in early January.
Kane
There’s more to this alternate spelling for the biblical evil brother Cain. It’s also an Anglo version of the Gaelic Ó’Catháin, meaning “descendant of Cathán.” Kane is a cool yet mildly silly spelling of the delicious candy canes of Christmas.
Linus
In Greek mythology, Linus is the son of Apollo and a musician. Linus Van Pelt is best recognized as a mild-mannered character from A Charlie Brown Christmas who holds a security blanket.
Lucia
Lucia is the feminine form of the Roman Lucius. Saint Lucia has a feast day on December 13th, when people enjoy the idea of “light” around the winter solstice.
Malachi
Malachi began as the Hebrew Malach-Jah, meaning “messenger of Jehovah.” He was one of the Hebrew prophets in the Old Testament. The story of Christmas is told in the biblical Book of Malachi, where it all began.
Marley
Marley also means “marshy meadow.” It’s based on the Old English “mearth,” meaning “marten,” and “leah,” meaning “wood clearing.” In Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, Jacob Marley is the deceased business partner of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Mary
Mary originated with the Hebrew root “M-R-Y-M,” which became Miryam. It’s been number one 34 times in the U.S. since 1922 and is the loftiest of Christmas baby names.
Melchior
Melchior is based on the Hebrew “melkior,” meaning “my king is light.” Melchior appears in the Christian Bible as one of the Three Wise Men bringing gifts to Jesus.
Merry
Merry can be a variation on Mercy and is similar to virtue names like Felicity. It also means “lighthearted” and is a short form of the Welsh name Meredith. The Christmas carol “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is an inspiration for this pretty name.
Michael
Michael also means “there is none as famous and powerful as God.” Michael has taken the top spot in U.S. boy’s names 44 times in the last century. The archangel Michael is the strongest of the angels, just in time for the holidays.
Nadal
Nadal comes from the Latin “natalis,” meaning “birthday.” It’s traditionally a name given to a baby born on Christmas Day. You can wish him “Bon Nadal,” which means “Merry Christmas” in Catalan.
Natalia
Natalia derives from the Latin “natalis,” meaning “birthday.” The Latin “Natale Domini” means “Christmas Day.” The alternate version of Natasha is a favorite choice in Russia.
Natasha
Natasha is the Russian and Slavic diminutive variation of Natalia. It also means “birthday of the Lord.” Natasha is based on the Latin “dies natalis” and is the most literal of Christmas baby names.
Neva
Neva comes from the Latin “nivis,” meaning “snow.” Nevada means “snow-covered” in Spanish, but you may like to be in your snowy hometown this Christmas.
Nicholas
Nicholas is composed of the Greek “nikē,” meaning “victory,” and “laos,” meaning “people.” St. Nicholas, aka Santa Claus, was once called Sinter Klaas, a Dutch nickname for Saint Nicholas. He was born in Turkey but manages to see the world for one night.
Noel
Noel is based on the Old French “nouel,” from the Latin “natalis.” Natalis Dies refers to Christ’s birthday, so take advantage of the traditions in this and other Christmas boy names.
Nollaig
Nollaig derives from the Old Irish “notlaic” and Latin “nātālīcia,” meaning “a birthday party.” It celebrates the world’s big Christmas birthday and appears as the Welsh Nadolig and French Noël.
Nora
Nora is considered an Irish short form of the French Honora, meaning “honor.” When based on the Greek Eleanora, it means “light,” a potent symbol for the Christmas season.
Paloma
Paloma is based on the Latin “palumbus,” meaning “dove.” The dove is not only seen as a symbol of peace but a representation of the Holy Spirit every Christmas.
Pax
In Roman mythology, Pax is the goddess of peace. It became famous with Angelina Jolie’s son Pax and is an ancient symbol of peace for Christmas babies.
Rachel
In the Bible, Rachel is the name of Jacob’s first wife. It’s made up of the Hebrew “rāchēl,” meaning “ewe.” The lamb representing the baby Jesus is considered the cutest part of any Christmas nativity scene.
Ralphie
Ralphie is a modern nickname for Ralph. It’s composed of the Norse “rad,” meaning “counsel,” and “wulf,” meaning “wolf.” Raphie is best known as the awkward main character of the favorite holiday film, A Christmas Story.
Robin
The red color of the Robin represents the blood of Jesus. In Victorian times, postmen were called “robins” due to the red on their uniforms. Right through today, red robins have become a holiday symbol on Christmas cards.
Rudolph
Rudolph is made of the German “hruod,” meaning “glory,” and “olf,” meaning “wolf.” When it comes to loved Christmas names, you can’t beat Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Scarlett
Scarlett began as a surname for someone selling scarlett wool cloth. The scarlet hue symbolizes courage, love, and joy, making it the official color of Christmas.
Seraphina
Seraphina comes from the Hebrew “seraph,” meaning “burning one.” It refers to the seraphim angels who’ll fly in to make every Christmas a spiritual one.
Snowden
Snowden was a surname given to those who lived in hilly snowy places. It also means “dweller on the snowy hill” for a unique wintry choice for boys.
Starr
Starr derives from the English “starre” or “sterre,” both meaning “star.” It’s a modern spelling representing the special object at the top of every Christmas tree.
Stella
Stella originally meant “celestial star.” It was used for a person who lived in a place with a “star” in the name. We all know the Christmas story of the Three Wise Men who followed a star to visit the baby Jesus.
Stephen
Stephen originated with the Greek Stephanos, meaning “garland.” Saint Stephen was a Christian martyr, which is why we celebrate St. Stephen’s Day on December 26th.
Tannen
Tannen comes from the German “tanna” meaning “tree.” Tannen also means “leather maker” in English because it’s a substance in trees used for making leather. The classic German Christmas song “O Tannenbaum” is a holiday favorite.
Taraji
Taraji is a Swahili girl’s name meaning “hope.” It can also mean “be confident” and “faith” for an exotic look at Christmas girl names.
Theodore
Theodore is based on the Greek Theodoros. It was a very popular name for saints, which gives it a special sheen among Christmas boy names.
Tiffany
Tiffany is the English version of the Greek Theophania. It’s composed of “theos,” meaning “God,” and “phanes,” meaning “manifestation.” Tiffany is usually given to girls born on the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th.
Timothy
Timothy is the Anglo spelling of the original Greek Timόtheos, meaning “one who honors God.” Tiny Tim is the sweetest character from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Wenceslas
Wenceslas is the Latin spelling of a title given to Czech rulers. Good King Wenceslas is a Christmas carol about a king who gives alms to the poor, a thoughtful Christmas story.
Winter
Winter originally meant “time of water” in German. It was a surname based on the Old English “wintra,” a nickname for “winter.” Winter has ranked in England and Wales’s top 500 girls’ names since 2017.
Yule
Yule is part of the word Yuletide, originally meaning “Christmas Day.” Yule celebrates the winter solstice or the longest night of the year. Nowadays, it’s another term for the joy of the Christmas season.
Zuzu
Zuzu means “sweet” in Yiddish and “lily” in Czech. It’s a nickname for Zuzana, a Czech/Slovak form of Susana. Zuzu famously belonged to Jimmy Stewart’s daughter in the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Christmas Names FAQs
Natalia or Nathalia are French female names that mean “born at Christmas.” Natasja or Natasha are also popular Russian and Slavic versions. Natalia ranked 359th worldwide, is mostly used in Ukraine, and is ranked 14th in Moldova. Natalia was traditionally given to a “Christmas child” born on or around Christmas Day.
Scarlett seems to be the most popular among Christmas girl names because it celebrates the deep red color of Santa Claus’s hat. Other popular December girl names include Natalie, meaning “born at Christmas,” and Christina, meaning “follower of Christ,” including Eve, Faith, and Mary. They all ranked in the top 500 girls’ names in the U.S.
Christmas is a unisex name that can be used for both boys and girls born at Christmas. It’s English in origin but can appear as the French Noel or Noelle for something less literal. Christmas is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Zimbabwe, where its usage is still uncommon.
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