Choosing your baby's name is a big decision that can, at times, take weeks and months to do. If you're struggling to choose the perfect name for your child, Christmas can be a magical time to find inspiration.
The holiday brings with it a certain warmth, light, and hope---all of which are typically reflected in Christmas-themed names. Below, we've listed some of the most popular winter baby names for both girls and boys. We also included the meaning of each name to help you decide, according to an analysis conducted by Hello! Magazine, which looked through data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
Top Christmas Baby Names for Girls
1. Ivy
The name Ivy is primarily derived from the English word for the evergreen climbing plant known for its resilience and ability to thrive in various conditions.
In general, Ivy symbolizes faithfulness, friendship, and eternal life. However, in ancient cultures, particularly among Celts and Greeks, Ivy is associated with fidelity and was often used in wedding ceremonies.
2. Aurora
Aurora is a name with Latin origins that means "dawn." In fact, it is derived from the name of the ancient Roman goddess of dawn, who was said to renew herself each morning by traveling across the sky, heralding the arrival of the sun.
The name has been used across literature and media. For instance, Aurora is famously known as Princess Aurora in Disney's Sleeping Beauty.
3. Holly
The name Holly has English origins and is derived from the word for the holly tree, which is known for its distinctive dark green leaves and bright red berries. The name is often associated with Christmas and symbolizes peace, good fortune, and protection.
4. Alba
Alba is a name with multiple meanings, depending on the origins. In Latin, Alba means "white" and connotates brightness and purity. In Spanish and Italian, the name translates to "dawn" or "sunrise," which symbolizes new beginnings and light. Finally, Alba refers to Scotland itself in Scottish Gaelic culture.
5. Lucia
Lucia has Latin origins and means "light." It is the feminine form of the Roman name Lucius, which is widely used across various cultures.
The name Lucia is famously associated with Saint Lucia, a 4th-century martyr from Syracuse who is revered as the patron saint of the blind.
Read Also: 8 Baby Names Expected to Trend in 2025
Top Christmas Baby Names for Boys
1. Blake
The name Blake has Old English origins and is considered a gender-neutral name. Its meaning can vary based on different interpretations. One interpretation comes from the Old English word blac, which means "dark" or "dark-haired." Another interpretation comes from the word blaac, which means "pale," "white," or "fair."
2. Robin
Robin is a diminutive form of Robert, which means "bright fame" or "famous brilliance." While it was originally used as a masculine name, Robin has since evolved into a unisex name and has grown in popularity for girls in the mid-20th century.
3. Nicholas
The name has Greek origins and means "victory of the people." The name has significant historical and cultural meanings, with the most notable figure associated with the name being Saint Nicholas---a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and compassion. Saint Nicholas is the inspiration behind Santa Claus.
4. Orion
The name Orion has Greek origins and carries several meanings, including "boundary" and "limit." Orion is a notable hunter in Greek mythology who was placed among the stars as a constellation after his death at the hands of the goddess Artemis.
5. Fergus
The name Fergus has Scottish and Irish origins, which means "man of strength" or "man of vigor." The name is linked to Saint Fergus, an 8th-century missionary in Scotland. It is also associated with Fergus mac Roich, a hero from Irish mythology known for his bravery and loyalty.
