January also offers a whole host of additional options for linking you baby’s name to their birth month or due date, with Martin Luther King Jr Day (January 20th), Burns Night commemorating Scottish poet Robert Burns (January 25th) and awards season in the US, typically including the Sundance Film Festival, the Golden Globes, The Critics” Choice Awards and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards – so movie inspiration very relevant.
We’ve found 113 baby name ideas for January baby names which we think would work really well with links to new beginnings and winter, as well as Capricorn, Aquarius and Garnet.
Take a look and let us know if you love any of these, or if you wouldn’t use them in a month of Sundays!
We’d also love to hear about your January baby!
Please get in touch to tell us all about your January baby’s name at lucy@namebabyname.com
Names for January babies linked to hope and new beginnings
With their arrival coinciding with a fresh new year, babies born in January bring with them an extra sense of hope and optimism, so names linked to these themes work well.
These are our top 23 current faves:
1. January (F):
The month itself can be given as a name! The word, which can also be Januarie, Januari and Januaree, comes from the Roman God “Janus” who stood for new beginnings and transitions. International forms of January also make great names including the Italian Gennaro and French Janvier.
2. Nova (F):
Derived from the Latin “novus” meaning “new”, Nova is a name that directly reflects the idea of novelty and fresh beginnings. It’s a name that has gained popularity in recent years, signifying not just newness but also the grandeur and mystery of a nova star, which illuminates the sky with its brightness.
3. Dawn (F):
An English name referring to the first light of day, Dawn symbolizes the start of new opportunities and the promise of a fresh day. It”s a name that has been cherished for generations, representing hope and the beauty of new beginnings.
4. Nadia (F):
With roots in Russian and Slavic languages, Nadia means “hope”. The name gained international recognition thanks to Nadia Comaneci, the celebrated gymnast, and is admired for its elegance and the optimistic spirit it embodies.
5. {Renée} (F):
Coming from the Latin “renatus”, meaning “reborn”, Renée is a name that holds the essence of revival and a new start. The masculine version is René and both names are popular in French-speaking, Spanish-speaking and German-speaking countries.
6. Zora (F):
Originating from the Slavic word for “dawn”, Zora is a name that evokes the first light of day, symbolizing the beginning of new experiences and adventures. It’s a name that resonates with the freshness and hope that every dawn brings.
7. Esperanza (F):
A name of Spanish origin, Esperanza means “hope”. It’s a melodious name that embodies the optimism and expectation associated with new beginnings. Esperanza carries with it a sense of looking forward to the future with positivity and confidence.
8. Nyssa (F):
A name of Greek origin meaning “beginning” which strikes a balance between unique and familiar making it a charming choice for January babies.
9. Una (F):
A Latin name meaning “one” for the baby girl who is born in the first month of the year. In Old Irish the name is often associated with the meaning “lamb” adding a layer of gentleness and purity to its symbolism.
10. Roxanne (F):
A name with origins that can be traced back to the Persian name “Roshanak” meaning “bright” or “dawn”. The name was popularized in the Western World through the Greek form Roxana.
11. Arun (M):
Derived from Sanskrit, Arun means “dawn” or “morning sun”. It’s a name that signifies the start of a new day and is often associated with new beginnings and fresh perspectives, especially in South Asian cultures.
12. Ensio (M):
A name of Finnish origin meaning “first one” which can symbolise the first child, a new beginning or a pioneering spirit. Other options for international words meaning one are the Turkish Ilkin and Hebrew Alef – the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
13. Asher (M):
Of Swahili, Hindi, and Sanskrit origins, Asher means “hope and life”. It’s a versatile name symbolizing vitality and a positive outlook.
14. Arman (M):
Of Persian origin, Arman means “hope” or “wish”. It’s a name that encapsulates the aspirations and dreams of a family for their child.
15. Aadi (M):
A Sanskrit name, Aadi means “first”. It symbolizes new beginnings and the start of a journey.
16. Anatole (M):
Greek for “rising sun”, Anatole evokes images of new days and fresh starts, making it an inspiring choice for babies born in January.
17. Arata (M):
Japanese for “fresh” or “new”, Arata is an unusual name that captures the essence of newness that babies bring, particularly those born at the start of a new year.
18. Navin (M):
An Indian name of Hindi origin meaning “new”, Navin is associated with new chapters and beginnings, perfect for a new addition to the family.
19. Neo (M):
Latin for “new”, Neo is a modern and succinct name that directly signifies newness and a fresh start.
20. Ace (M):
Derived from the Latin word “as” which means “one”, Ace was originally used as a title for a leader or ruler but has over time become an increasingly popular name for boys associated with winning behaviour.
21. Ordell (U):
A Latin name meaning “of the beginning” or “the start”, perfect for a baby born at the start of the year. Also spelled Ordelle or Ordele this name is rare and carries real elegance.
22. Amal (U):
A gender-neutral Arabic name, Amal means “hope” or “inspiration”. It”s a simple yet profound name, reflecting a desire for a bright and optimistic future.
23. Bodhi (U):
With Indian origins, Bodhi means “awakening, enlightenment”. It”s a spiritually significant name, ideal for parents seeking a name with deep meaning and linking to the start of the year.
January baby names inspired by Winter
January is also a month that holds the beauty and stillness of winter, which is another rich source of inspiration when it comes to first names and middle names. Here, are our favourite winter warmers:
1. Eira:
Pronounced “AY-ra,” this Welsh name directly translates to “snow”. Eira captures the simplicity and purity of a snow-covered scene. In Welsh mythology, Eira is often associated with peace and tranquility, mirroring the silent beauty of a winter’s day.
2. Neve:
Derived from the Latin “nix, nivis”, meaning snow, Neve is a name that brings to mind the soft, untouched snowdrifts of winter. It gained popularity in Ireland as Niamh and was later adapted into the English-speaking world as Neve, reflecting a blend of cultural heritages.
3. Whittaker:
An English name meaning “from the white field”, Whittaker evokes images of vast, snow-covered meadows. It’s a name with a strong sense of place and history, suited for those who appreciate the beauty of winter’s landscapes.
4. Lumi:
A charming name of Finnish origin, Lumi means “snow”. It’s a popular name in Finland, where the winter landscape is a central aspect of life and culture. Lumi is a fitting tribute to the joy and brightness that snow brings to the coldest months.
5. Frost:
A name that immediately brings to mind the delicate, icy crystals that adorn winter scenes. Frost is an English surname that has been used as a first name, often symbolizing resilience and the quiet strength of nature in winter.
6. Haukea:
This beautiful Hawaiian name, pronounced how-KEH-ah means “white snow”. It’s a unique blend of tropical heritage and winter imagery, reflecting the diverse ways different cultures perceive and celebrate the beauty of snow.
7. Yuki:
In Japanese, Yuki means “snow”. It’s a name that encapsulates the elegance and simplicity associated with Japanese aesthetics, much like the peaceful and graceful nature of a winter snowfall.
8. Winter or Wynter (U):
A direct nod to the coldest season, the name Winter embodies the serene and tranquil beauty of the season and conveys a sense of calm, purity and a unique, quiet strength.
9. Alba (F):
A name of Spanish origin, meaning bright or white so reminiscent of freshly fallen snow.
10. Bianca, Blanca or Blanche (F):
All three of these names translate to “white”, firstly Italian, then Spanish and then in French.
11. Guinevere or Gwenyth (F):
These two G-names are the English and Welsh equivalents for white, again prompting images of pure snow.
12. Kari (M):
A Turkish name meaning “covered with snow”, Kari embodies the purity and pristine beauty of a winter landscape. In Norwegian Kari means “pure” so also linked with snow-covered scenes.
13. Aspen (U):
A gender neutral name of English origin that belongs to a graceful tree with heart-shaped leaves known for its strength, resilience and ability to adapt to harsh environments, as well as a popular Colorado resort famous for its skiing.
29 Names for January’s Capricorn babies
Children born on or before January 19th at the start of each year are Capricorns, said to be ambitious, tenacious, disciplined and patient. Represented by the mountain goat, those born under this Earth sign often exhibit qualities of leadership and responsibility.
Here is our curates list of names that may well suit your little Capricorn:
1. Gaia (F):
A Greek name for the Earth Goddess
2. Ramona (F):
A Spanish name meaning “wise protector”
3. Brianna (F):
A Celtic name meaning “strong”, “virtuous” and “honorable”
4. Emmeline (F):
This French name means “work”
5. Avani (F):
A Sanskrit name meaning “earth”
6. Regina (F):
A Latin name meaning “queen”
7. Adira (F):
A Hebrew name meaning “strong”
8. Valerie (F):
A name with English and French origins, it means “brave”, “strong” and “healthy”
9. Imara (F):
A Swahili name meaning “strong and resolute”
10. Millicent (F):
A vintage English name meaning “strength” and “work”
11. Veda (F):
A Sanskrit name meaning “knowledge”
12. Sophia (F):
A Greek name meaning “wisdom”
13. Amelia (F):
A Latin name meaning “industrious” and “striving”
14. Ethan (M):
A name of Hebrew origin meaning “strong”, “firm” and “long-lived”.
15. William (M):
A Germanic name meaning “resolute protector”
16. Adam (M):
A Hebrew name meaning “earth” or “to make”
17. Kendrick (M):
An English name meaning “bold power” or “royal ruler”
18. Harold (M):
A Scandinavian name meaning “army ruler”
19. Eldon (M):
An English name meaning “old, wise friend”
20. Alfred (M):
An old-fashioned English name meaning “wise counsel”
21. Emmett (M):
A name used in German, Hebrew and English meaning “powerful”
22. Lance (M):
A name taken from the Germanic Lanzo meaning “land”
23. Con/Conn (M):
A name with Irish and Gaelic roots meaning “chief”
24. Henry (M):
An Old German name meaning “home leader”
25. Idris (M):
A Welsh name meaning “ardent lord”
26. Richard (M):
An Old German name meaning “powerful leader”
27. Audrey (U):
An English name meaning “noble strength”
28. Rory/Rori (U):
An Irish name meaning “red king”
29. Aza (U):
An Arabic name meaning “powerful”
33 names for January’s Aquarius babies
If your January baby is born between the 20th and 31st they will be Aquarius – an air sign with a water symbol, namely the water bearer.
Here we’ve listed some gorgeous names inspired by air, water and the classic Aquarian traits of originality, independence and intellect.
1. Athena (F):
A Greek name for the Goddess of wisdom and courage
2. Cara (F):
An Irish Gaelic name meaning “friend”
3. Mila (F):
A Slavic name meaning “loved by the people”
4. Marina (F):
A Latin name meaning “of the sea”
5. Phoenix (F):
A Greek name symbolising rebirth and renewal
6. Nerissa (F):
A Greek name meaning “from the sea”
7. Aria (F):
8. An Italian name that translates to “air”
8. Alice (F):
A Greek name meaning “wise counsellor”
9. Ophelia (F):
A Greek name meaning helper
10. Genevieve (F):
An Old French name meaning “woman of the people”
11. Minerva (F):
A Latin name meaning “intellect”
12. Ophelia (F):
A Greek name meaning helper
13. Simone (F):
A Hebrew name meaning “the listener”
14. Almeda (F):
A Altin name meaning “ambitious”
15. Irving (M):
A Scottish name meaning “green river, sea friend”
16. Salvador (M):
A Spanish name meaning “savior of the world”
17. Conan (M):
An Irish Gaelic name that means “intelligent”
18. Angus (M):
A Scottish Gaelic name meaning “unique strength”
19. Charles (M):
A Teutonic name meaning “free man”
20 Hugo (M):
A Latin name meaning intellect
21. Nasim (M):
An Arabic name meaning “breeze” or “fresh air”
22. Maverick (M):
An English name meaning “independent” and “non-conformist”
23. Rabi (M):
An Arabic name meaning “gentle wind”
24. Moses (M):
A Hebrew name meaning “drawn out of the water”
25. Simon (M):
A Hebrew name meaning “the listener”
26. Sacha/Sasha (U):
A Greek name meaning “helper of mankind”
27. Blue (U):
The colour most associated to Aquarius as an air sign linked to water
28 Eleven (U):
A number-inspired name inspired by the 11th sign of the zodiac
29. Nile (U):
A Greek name meaning “champion”.
30. Aydin (U):
A Turkish name meaning “intelligent”
31. Cassidy (U):
An Irish name meaning “clever”
Baby names inspired by January’s Gemstone Garnet
January’s birthstone is the deep red Garnet which symbolises love, strength and perseverance and a sense of resilience and passion. Here are some names linked to red we can’t resist:
1. Caron (F):
A Welsh name meaning “red”
2. Ruby (F):
An English name meaning “deep red precious stone”
3. Akako (F):
A Japanese name meaning “red child”
4. Scarlett (F):
An English name meaning “scarlet” and “red”
5. Humayra (F):
An Arabic name meaning “red”
6. Flynn (M):
An Irish name meaning “son of the red-haired one”
7. Rojo (M):
A Spanish name meaning “red”
8. Jarek (M):
A Slavic name meaning “fierce” and “red”
9. Altan (M):
A Turkish name meaning “red dawn”
10. Edom (M):
A Hebrew name meaning “red”
11. Akashi (M):
A Japanese name meaning “crimson”
12. Clancy (U):
An Irish name meaning “red warrior”
13. Carmine (U):
From an Aramaic word qirmizī which means “crimson” in English
14. Garnet (U):
January’s official birthstone known for its deep red hue, symbolizing love, strength, and perseverance
15. Rowan (U):
A name of Gaelic origin meaning “rowan tree” or “little redhead”
What do you think of these January-inspired baby names?
Have you got any more suggestions? Or would you like to share the story of your January baby’s name?! We read and reply to every message so please get in touch with us at lucy@namebabyname.com
And if you think this article might help someone you know who needs a name, please share the link!
