Searching for the perfect baby name? Let the magic and wonder of the holidays inspire you. We’ve collected 12 options – six names for each gender – that promise to invoke the happiness of the holidays each time you call out to your little one.
Boys
Clement: Name your little boy after Clement Moore, the author of Twas the Night Before Christmas, and you may not only have a Christmas-lover in your home – but a budding writer as well.
George: The lead character in the Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, George Bailey embodies the generosity, love, and family spirit of this special time of year.
Nicholas: The modern Santa Claus is said to draw his origins from St. Nicholas, a generous, gift-giving bishop hailing from the fourth century.
Kristopher: Call your son Kristopher (nickname: Kris) after the season’s jolliest fellow, Kris Kringle, also known as Santa Claus.
Noel: The English translation of this French name is “yuletide” or “the Christmas season.” It is the masculine version of Noelle.
Emmanuel: For those wishing to capture the religious spirit of the season, the name Emmanuel translates to “God with us” and truly evokes the meaning of Christmas.
Read more: 20 baby names inspired by classic literature
Girls
Holly: A Christmas botanical used in decorations and commemorated in holiday songs (see: The Holly and the Ivy), Holly is a favorite among parents due during December.
Noelle: A French name which translates to “the Christmas season.”
Joy: Joy may be the perfect pick for your daughter if you’re looking to capture the true essence of the holidays without being too obvious about it.
Angelica: A Latin name meaning “angel” or “like an angel,” this sweet name calls to mind the peaceful and hopeful nature of the season.
Mary: For those who are after a name with religious roots, looking to the Biblical Christmas story yields the classic and beautiful Mary.
Hope: Like Joy, Hope is another moniker that subtly captures the spirit of the holidays.
Read more: Baby names inspired by springtime
Now it’s your turn: Are you adding any of these holiday-inspired names to your list? Share with us which ones you’ve loved in the comments below!