Discover the true meaning behind every name

Every name began as an ordinary word — a title, an animal, a place, a hope. Stella meant 'star,' Khan meant 'ruler,' Armstrong meant exactly what it sounds like. Our guides decode hundreds of these words across Latin, Greek, Arabic, Sanskrit, Japanese, Welsh, and more so you can find yours.

Each name is traced to its source language using etymological dictionaries, kanji references, national name registries, and historical records. Meanings are cross-checked, then reviewed by our lead researcher before publication — and every guide carries a last-reviewed date.

Japanese names are written in kanji, and the same sound can be written with different characters — Haru can be 陽 (sun) or 春 (spring). That's why our Japanese guides always show the kanji and explain what each character contributes.

Yes — use our Contact page and choose 'Request a name meaning guide.' Reader requests go straight into our editorial queue and shape upcoming guides.