30+ February Baby Name Ideas for Girls and Boys – WeHaveKids
Kathryn Lamoreux is a college composition instructor. She loves to read and has always been fascinated by the fabulous diversity of names.
Discover some of the top name ideas for babies born in February, along with the inspiration behind them.
Photo by Mara Ket on Unsplash
If your baby is due in February and you’re seeking seasonal name inspiration, seek no further. We highlight some of the best girls’ and boys’ names for February babies, along with where these names come from, what kinds of nicknames you could use, and how popular each name has been in the United States over time. At the end of the article, we also list some unisex baby names that are particularly appropriate for this month (and why).
How Popular Are These Names?
Our list ranges from extremely popular names to uncommon and even rare names. The data about name popularity in this article comes from the United States Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks the top 1,000 girls’ names and boys’ names in the country every year. The SSA’s data stretches all the way back to 1900.
February is a unique month, and a February baby deserves a unique name. Come peruse our list of suggestions!
Names for Girls Born in February
|
Amethyst |
Juliet |
Nayeli |
|
Brigid |
Kalila |
Primrose |
|
Carys |
Laura |
Rosa |
|
Darcy |
Love |
Venus |
|
Freya |
Milena |
Violet |
Amethyst is the birthstone of February and a unique name for a girl.
Image by Thomas B. from Pixabay
1. Amethyst
- Meaning: Without drunkenness
- Origin: Greek
- Nicknames: Amy
- Peak U.S. Popularity: N/A
Why It Fits
The name of February’s beautiful violet-colored birthstone, Amethyst is an exotic alternative to more popular gemstone names like Ruby and Pearl. The name “Amethyst” comes from a Greek word meaning “without drunkenness.”
Therefore, the stone is associated with wisdom, clear-headed decision-making, and protection from poison. In Indian religious traditions, amethyst is associated with the crown chakra, the source of enlightenment and spiritual connection to the universe.
Famous People Named Amethyst
The most famous real-life Amethyst is probably rapper Iggy Azalea, whose birth name is Amethyst Amelia Kelly. Fictional Amethysts include DC Comics’ Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld (also known as Amy Winston) and Princess Amethyst Alexandra Augusta Araminta Adelaide Aurelia Anne of Phantasmorania (who also goes by Amy) in M.M. Kaye’s children’s book The Ordinary Princess.
As indicated by the two fictional works mentioned here, Amy would be a wonderful nickname for a baby Amethyst.
Popularity
According to data from the SSA for the years 1900–2021, Amethyst has never appeared in the top 1,000 names for girls in the United States. However, the nickname Amy is a different story: Amy peaked in 1976 as the 3rd most popular name for girls. In that year, 31,341 Amys were born!
2. Brigid
- Meaning: Strength, vigor, virtue; exalted one
- Origin: Irish/Gaelic
- Nicknames: Bri, Bree, Bridie, Birdie, Bee, Biddy
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 1965, when it was the 944th most popular girls’ name
Why It Fits
With a feast day celebrated on February 1, St. Brigid is the patron saint of Ireland and newborn babies. As such, she would be a wonderful namesake for a newborn infant—particularly one of Irish descent.
In Christian tradition, St. Brigid’s generosity was legendary, eventually causing her father to attempt to sell her to a Christian king in frustration. However, upon witnessing Brigid giving her father’s jeweled sword to the poor in order to help feed them, the king convinced her father of her holiness, and he granted her freedom instead.
St. Brigid shares her feast day with a pre-Christian Irish goddess of the same name, whose festival, Imbolc, was held at the beginning of February to welcome the beginning of spring. Imbolc is celebrated with feasting, making St. Brigid’s crosses from rushes, visiting holy wells, and attempting to divine the weather. This practice of early February weather divination may be the origin of the modern holiday Groundhog Day.
Famous People Named Brigid
St. Brigid is certainly the most famous individual with this name, but there are a handful of other notable Brigids. These include actors, such as Brigid Brannagh of the TV show Runaways, and authors, such as Brigid Antonia Brophy, who was also an activist for social reform. One well-known Brigid may surprise you: Dame Angela Lansbury, whose middle name is Brigid.
Popularity
Out of the top 1,000 names in the U.S. annually, the highest place Brigid has achieved is 944th back in 1965. In that year, 117 babies were named Brigid. Some related names and other spellings have been much more common; for example, Bridget peaked in popularity in 1973 as the 112th most popular girls’ name.
Carys is a Welsh name that is still uncommon in the United States.
Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay
3. Carys
- Meaning: Love
- Origin: Welsh
- Nicknames: Care, Caz, Riss, Rissa, Cece
- Peak U.S. Popularity: N/A
Why It Fits
This beautiful Welsh name rhymes with “Paris” and means “love.” It was the name chosen by Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones and her husband Michael Douglas for their daughter, Carys Zeta Douglas. The name sounds a bit like “caress,” and it is related to the Welsh word cariad, meaning “sweetheart.” Carys would be a lovely name for a girl born in the month of Valentine’s Day.
Famous People Named Carys
Much like Carys Zeta Douglas, most of the notable Caryses in the world are from Wales or have Welsh parents. There are athletes like Carys Hawkins, a football/soccer player, and Carys Phillips, a rugby player. Neurosurgeon Carys Margaret Bannister had Welsh parents, and Cerys Matthews (a related spelling) is a Welsh singer and broadcaster.
Popularity
Carys has never appeared in the top 1,000 girls’ names in the United States—at least not yet. According to data from the Office of National Statistics, Carys did not appear in the top 100 girls’ names in Wales for 2021, either. It has been more popular in the past, though; in 2000, Carys was the 30th most popular girls’ name in Wales, and Cerys placed 19th.
4. Darcy
- Meaning: Dark one; from Arcy
- Origin: Irish, French
- Nicknames: Dar, Darce, Dart
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 1968, when it was the 349th most popular girls’ name
Why It Fits
Fans of the Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice may find Darcy to be an appropriately romantic choice for a February baby. It has both Irish and French origins and can mean either “dark one” or “from Arcy,” respectively.
Famous People Named Darcy
Well-known ballet dancers named Darcy (or its variations) include Dame Darcey Andrea Bussell, who also served as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, and Darci Kistler. Smashing Pumpkins fans will be very familiar with the alternate spelling D’arcy from former bass player D’arcy Wretzky-Brown.
In fiction, Marvel movie fans may be familiar with Darcy Lewis as the quirky comic relief sidekick played by Kat Dennings in the first two Thor films. Darcy is also a surname, as the aloof Mr. Darcy demonstrates.
Popularity
The highest rank Darcy ever achieved in the U.S. is 349th in 1968. There were 644 baby girls named Darcy in that year. The name dropped sharply in popularity in the late ’80s, and the most recent year in which it appeared in the top 1,000 was 1994.
5. Freya
- Meaning: A noble woman
- Origin: Norse
- Nicknames: Rey, Effie, Frey
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 2021, when it was the 266th most popular girls’ name
Why It Fits
This Norse name meaning “a noble woman” was the moniker for the Norse goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. As such, Freya is an interesting alternative to fellow deity name Venus, and it’s a fitting name for a girl born in the most romantic month of the year.
Famous People Named Freya
Famous Freyas include model Freya Beha Erichsen, poet Freya Manfred, and travel writer Dame Freya Madeline Stark. Several characters named Freya exist in popular culture, too. For example, a comic book version of the goddess Freya is featured in Marvel’s Thor series, while Freya Crescent is a Dragon Knight character in the video game Final Fantasy IX.
Popularity
Already quite popular in England and Wales, the name is beginning to gain traction in the United States and other nations as well. In 2021, it ranked 266th among girls’ names in the U.S., with 1,231 Freyas born that year. For comparison, it was the 18th most popular girls’ name in England and Wales in 2021.
Juliet is a name that evokes romance.
Image by Mylene2401 from Pixabay
6. Juliet
- Meaning: Youthful
- Origin: Latin
- Nicknames: Julie, Jules
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 2021, when it was the 227th most popular girls’ name
Why It Fits
The archetypal romantic heroine name, Juliet was one of the two “star-cross’d” lovers in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The name is a diminutive of the Latin Julia and means “youthful.” Equally romantic, the French spelling Juliette is also quite popular, and other variations include Juliana, the Italian Giulia, and the sporty nickname Jules.
Famous People Named Juliet
Famous Juliets include Juliet Lowe, the founder of the American Girl Scouts; Juliet Sharp from Gossip Girl; and Juliet, Keira Knightley’s character in Love Actually. Actor Juliette Lewis uses the French spelling, as does Juliette Binoche.
Popularity
The name Juliet has seen strong growth from 2005 onward, moving up from 588th place in 2005 to its peak of 227th in 2021. That year saw 1,380 baby girls named Juliet in the United States.
7. Kalila
- Meaning: Beloved; dearly loved
- Origin: Arabic
- Nicknames: Lila, Kal
- Peak U.S. Popularity: N/A
Why It Fits
Pronounced ka-LEE-la, Kalila is an Arabic name meaning “beloved” or “dearly loved.” It can be shortened either to the girly Lila or the tomboyish Kal. Related spellings include Kalilah and Khalilah.
Famous People Named Kalila
Actress Kalilah Harris uses a slightly different spelling, as does cinematographer Kalilah Robinson. Kalila is one of the titular characters in Kalila wa-Dimna, an extremely old book of fables featuring animals. Kalila is a jackal and one of the principal storytellers in the book.
Popularity
Kalila hasn’t appeared in the top 1,000 girls’ names in the U.S. yet, but its nickname Lila has experienced enduring popularity as a first name. Lila saw its biggest surge in 2010, when it was ranked 155th. In that year, 1,969 baby girls were given the name Lila.
8. Laura
- Meaning: Bay laurel
- Origin: Latin
- Nicknames: Laurie, Lala
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 1969, when it was the 10th most popular girls’ name
Why It Fits
Born on February 7, 1867, Laura Ingalls Wilder is among the most beloved American authors. She’s best known for her Little House on the Prairie series, which tells the story of her childhood pioneering the American West. Laura was also the woman to whom Petrarch dedicated many of his love sonnets, making it a doubly fitting name for a February baby.
The name Laura means “bay laurel,” in reference to the laurel wreath worn by Olympic athletes and Roman emperors to signify victory.
Famous People Named Laura
Other famous Lauras include First Lady Laura Bush and actresses Laura Linney, Laura Dern, and Laura Prepon—not to mention fashion designer Laura Ashley, radio host Dr. Laura Schlessinger, and journalist Laura Ling. Fictional Lauras include Laura Winslow from Family Matters, President Laura Roslin from Battlestar Galactica, and Laura Palmer from Twin Peaks.
Popularity
The list of famous Lauras could go on and on because this name has been near the top of the popularity charts in the past. Its peak was 10th place in 1969, when 17,920 Lauras were born in the United States. Interestingly, this name has been on a downward trend in recent years; in fact, its lowest recorded popularity occurred in 2021, when it was 346th.
Love is a “virtue name,” though a much less common one than names like Charity and Chastity.
Photo by Steve Halama on Unsplash
9. Love
- Meaning: Love, affection
- Origin: Old/Middle English
- Nicknames: Lovey, Lovie
- Peak U.S. Popularity: N/A
Why It Fits
It doesn’t get much more on-the-nose than this. A virtue name originally popularized by the Puritans, Love has a much more modern, less straight-laced image than cousins Prudence, Temperance, and Charity.
Famous People Named Love
This romantic name is most commonly used as a middle name today, most notably by the actress Jennifer Love Hewitt and by Elvis Presley’s mother, Gladys Love Presley. Physician Love Rosa Gantt, who presided over the American Medical Women’s Association, is one example of a famous woman with Love as her first name.
Popularity
Love has never made it into the top 1,000 girls’ names in the U.S., nor has the nickname Lovey. Interestingly, the spelling Lovie has cracked the top—but not since 1945! Lovie saw the most popularity in 1907, when it ranked 409th.
10. Milena
- Meaning: Love, warmth, and grace
- Origin: Czech
- Nicknames: Mila, Mina
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 2021, when it was the 703rd most popular girls’ name
Why It Fits
Pronounced mill-AY-na, Milena is a Czech name meaning “love, warmth, and grace.” Beautiful and feminine, yet still unusual in most English-speaking countries, Milena would make a lovely choice for a girl born in the month of February.
Famous People Named Milena
Milena is the full name of actress Mila Kunis, who goes by the common short form of the name. Milena Leticia Roucka is a professional wrestler (now retired) who may be better known by her ring name, Rosa Mendes. Milena Govich is another actress who most notably appeared in Law & Order.
Popularity
A common name in Slavic countries, parts of South America, and parts of the Mediterranean, Milena has been climbing in popularity in the U.S. in recent years. Its peak was in 2021, when 407 babies were named Milena, placing it 703rd among the top 1,000. The nickname Mila is even more popular; it placed 14th in 2021 with 8,126 Milas born.
11. Nayeli
- Meaning: “I love you”
- Origin: Zapotec
- Nicknames: Nay, Naye, Yeli
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 2001, when it was the 175th most popular girls’ name
Why It Fits
This melodious name means “I love you” and is popular among Latino parents. It comes from the Zapotec language. The indigenous Zapotec people (or Ben ‘Zaa, “The Cloud People”) live in Oaxaca, Mexico, and a few neighboring states, such as Veracruz and Puebla. Zapotec-speaking communities are also found in the United States—primarily California and New Jersey—and this lovely name has found growing popularity in the U.S.
Famous People Named Nayeli
Notable bearers of this name include Mexican football player Nayeli Rangel and the protagonist of Luis Alberto Urrea’s novel Into the Beautiful North.
Popularity
Nayeli first appeared in the top 1,000 girls’ names in the U.S. in 1993, so its popularity is fairly recent. Its peak was in 2001, when it ranked 175th. The name was chosen for 1,845 baby girls in that year.
Primrose is an unusual alternative to the name Rose.
Image by Gerd Schaefer from Pixabay
12. Primrose
- Meaning: First rose
- Origin: Latin
- Nicknames: Prim, Rose, Rosie
- Peak U.S. Popularity: N/A
Why It Fits
Primrose is an unusual choice, but it has been catching on recently as an interesting alternative to the classic Rose. The rose flower is almost synonymous with Valentine’s Day, so choosing the name Primrose lets you reference a famous February symbol in a more subtle, unique way.
Famous People Named Primrose
This is perhaps best known as the name of Katniss Everdeen’s sister Primrose (called Prim) in Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth, Primrose Gamgee was the ninth child of Samwise Gamgee and his wife Rosie Cotton.
In real life, it is also the surname of Scotland’s Earls of Rosebery. Primrose Cumming was a children’s book author, and Primrose Potter (Lady Potter, a philanthropist) carries the very unusual nickname of “Pitty Pat.”
Popularity
Neither Primrose nor Prim has cracked the top 1,000 girls’ names in the United States. However, Rose reached 14th place back in 1913, when 6,171 Roses were born. Rose has appeared on the top chart every single year from 1900 through 2021, and it has never dropped below 392nd place.
13. Rosa
- Meaning: Rose; pink
- Origin: Latin, Spanish, Italian
- Nicknames: Rose, Rosie
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 1900, when it was the 69th most popular girls’ name
Why It Fits
A romantic floral name meaning “rose,” Rosa is the first name of Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks, born on February 4, 1913. It also translates to “pink” in Spanish. These factors make Rosa a perfect choice for a girl born in February, as the namesake honors both Valentine’s Day and Black History Month.
Famous People Named Rosa
Other famous Rosas include Saint Rosa de Lima, a Peruvian nun, and French painter Rosa Bonheur. Rosa Vercellana was the wife of King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy (since she was from a lower social rank, she was never given the title of Queen of Italy).
In fiction, Colonel Rosa Klebb is the infamous villain of From Russia, With Love, and Rosa del Valle is a character in The House of the Spirits. Characters named Rosa also appear in the Pokémon, Castlevania, and Final Fantasy video game series.
Popularity
Rosa peaked at 69th on the U.S. popularity chart, though that was all the way back in 1900. In that year, 1,118 baby girls were named Rosa. The name’s popularity fell past 300th place for the first time in 1999, and it has slowly declined since then. In 2021, it was in 641st place.
14. Venus
- Meaning: Love, desire
- Origin: Latin
- Nicknames: Vee, Veen
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 1959, when it was the 572nd most popular girls’ name
Why It Fits
The name of both the Roman goddess of love and the American goddess of tennis, Venus Williams, Venus is a romantic, feminine name that can still pack a powerful, athletic punch.
Famous People Named Venus
In addition to Venus Williams, another athlete bearing this name is Venus Lacy, a professional basketball player. She won gold with the United States team in the 1996 Olympics. Meanwhile, the Miss America title was won by Venus Ramey Murphy in 1944. (Fun fact: She was the first red-headed Miss America.)
Venus is also the name of numerous works of art, ranging from the Venus de Milo to the Venus of Willendorf; the second planet from the sun; the famously carnivorous plant, the Venus flytrap; and a best-selling brand of women’s razors.
Popularity
Though it seems like an unusual name in the U.S. today, Venus did have a bit of a heyday in 1959, when it was the 572nd most popular girls’ name. There were 295 baby girls named Venus in that year. The name hasn’t had much recent popularity: The last time it appeared on the top 1,000 chart was in 1982, and it was in 958th place.
This is a popular flower name that means “purple.”
Image by Couleur from Pixabay
15. Violet
- Meaning: Purple
- Origin: Latin
- Nicknames: Vi, Vee, Lettie
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 2021, when it was the 43rd most popular girls’ name
Why It Fits
A Latin name meaning “purple,” Violet is the birth flower for the month of February. It symbolizes modesty, wisdom, spirituality, and faithfulness. In Greek myth, Artemis transformed one of her nymphs into a violet to protect her from the unwanted advances of her twin brother Apollo. This connection between violets and modesty carries over into Christianity, where the Virgin Mary is also associated with violets and the color blue, to represent her chastity.
The violet flower comes not only in purple, but also in shades of blue, yellow, and white. It is the state flower of Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.
Famous People Named Violet
Actors Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner chose Violet as the name of their daughter, and Shakespeare used a variation, Viola (which is also the flower’s Latin genus name), as the name of his heroine in Twelfth Night.
Other famous Violets include Violet Baudelaire in A Series of Unfortunate Events, Violet Beauregarde in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Violet Parr in The Incredibles, and the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey.
Popularity
Violet has been a popular name in recent years. It hit 43rd place among the top 1,000 U.S. girls’ names in 2021, with 4,794 girls named Violet that year. If you like the name Violet but want something a little more unique, take a cue from Shakespeare and consider Viola: Its peak popularity was back in 1908 (42nd place), and it hasn’t appeared in the top 1,000 since 1972.
Pick Your Favorite
More Names for Baby Girls
| Name | Inspiration |
|---|---|
|
Akane |
This Japanese name means “deep red,” evoking passion and love. |
|
Amanda |
This Latin name means “lovable” or “worthy of love.” |
|
Aphrodite |
Aphrodite is the Greek name for the goddess Venus. A fun nickname for this name is “Dove,” since doves are a symbol of the goddess. |
|
Caristia |
This is the name of an ancient Roman holiday that honored the love of the family. It was celebrated on February 22. |
|
Gertrude |
After famed writer Gertrude Stein, who was born on February 3, 1874. |
|
Nina |
After singer and civil rights activist Nina Simone, who was born on February 21, 1933. (Simone would also be a good name choice.) |
|
Pearl |
February is known as “helmikuu” in Finnish, which translates to “month of the pearl” (a reference to droplets of ice on tree branches). |
|
Priya |
This Sanskrit name means “beloved.” |
|
Rue |
After the second syllable of the word February. |
|
Vesna |
In Slavic mythology, Vesna represents springtime and youth. February is sometimes called “vesnar” in the Slovene language, since the end of the month signals the approach of spring. |
The February landscape provides inspiration for several of these names, including the frozen drops of water that collect on icy branches.
Image by Peggy Choucair from Pixabay
Names for Boys Born in February
|
Ash |
Hart |
Romeo |
|
Bennet |
Hugh |
Ronald |
|
Blaise |
Jedidiah |
Rowan |
|
David |
Kenji |
Tristan |
|
George |
Lincoln |
Valentine |
Ash is a standalone name, but it’s also a nickname for Asher, Ashton, and Ashley.
Image by Vasia Pupkin from Pixabay
1. Ash
- Meaning: Ash tree; happy
- Origin: English, Hebrew
- Nicknames: This name is already quite short, so nicknames aren’t common.
- Peak U.S. Popularity: N/A
Why It Fits
In the Celtic lunar calendar, February is associated with both ash and rowan trees. A symbol of transitions and rebirth, ash trees are sometimes used to represent the coming of spring. In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil was a giant ash tree that was the center of the universe and connected the nine worlds.
Famous People Named Ash
Modern parents may be more familiar with Ash as the name of Pokémon protagonist Ash Ketchum and chainsaw-handed Evil Dead hero Ash Williams.
Real-life Ashes include Ash Baron-Cohen, a filmmaker (and, as you might have guessed, cousin to Sacha Baron-Cohen). Dr. Ashton “Ash” Baldwin Carter served as Secretary of Defense under President Obama.
Popularity
Ash is often a nickname for names like Ashton, Asher, and Ashley. So, while Ash itself hasn’t made it into the top 1,000 boys’ names, those longer versions have. Ashton was the 76th most popular boys’ name in 2004 with 5,435 Ashtons born. Asher hit 47th place in 2021 after 6,802 baby boys were given the name.
Ashley—which can be both a male and female name—saw the most popularity in 1980, when it placed 282nd on the boys’ name chart. For an interesting comparison, Ashley as a girls’ name is a top-ranked name. It hit 1st place in 1992, when an impressive 38,453 baby girls were given the name.
2. Bennet
- Meaning: Blessed
- Origin: Latin
- Nicknames: Ben, Benny
- Peak U.S. Popularity: N/A for Bennet; 2021 for the spelling “Bennett,” when it was the 120th most popular boys’ name
Why It Fits
Another Pride and Prejudice–inspired name, the surname of Jane Austen’s most well-known heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, is an appropriately romantic choice for a boy born in the month of Valentine’s Day. Most commonly spelled with two t’s, Bennet (or Bennett) means “blessed” and is currently experiencing an upsurge in popularity. The name can, of course, easily be shortened to Ben.
Famous People Named Bennet
This is the name 30 Rock actress Jane Krakowski chose for her son as well as the last name of the legendary singer Tony Bennett. You might be surprised to learn that some well-known Bens and Bennys are actually Bennets or Bennetts! Jazz musician Benny Carter’s full name was Bennett Lester Carter, and Bennett Cohen is better known as Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry’s fame. Also, actor Ben Savage from Boy Meets World is actually named Bennett Joseph Savage.
Popularity
Spelling matters. While the spelling “Bennet” has never made it to the top 1,000 boys’ names in the United States, “Bennett” definitely has. In 2021, Bennett was the 120th most popular boys’ name, with 3,271 babies given the name in that year.
3. Blaise
- Meaning: To lisp or stammer
- Origin: French
- Nicknames: Blaze, Blay
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 2003, when it was the 802nd most popular boys’ name
Why It Fits
With a feast day celebrated on February 3, St. Blaise is the patron saint of sore throats and animals. He was a legendary healer and tamer of animals, and modern believers often pray to him for help in times of illness. Blaise is a French name meaning “to lisp or stammer,” but it also sounds like the fiery word “Blaze.”
Famous People Named Blaise
Famous Blaises include the French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal and Blaise Zabini, a Slytherin student in the Harry Potter series. There are a number of professional football/soccer players named Blaise, including Blaise Matuidi, Isetsima Blaise Nkufo, and Koffi Blaise Kouassi.
Popularity
The highest place Blaise has reached on the top 1,000 chart in the U.S. is 802nd in 2003; there were 216 Blaises born that year. The name first appeared on the chart in 1953. Oddly, after 1962, there was a lengthy gap before Blaise reached the top 1,000 again—it wasn’t until 1996 that it reappeared on the list!
David is a classic name that has been ranked as the most popular boys’ name in the United States in the past.
Photo by Igor Ferreira on Unsplash
4. David
- Meaning: Beloved
- Origin: Hebrew
- Nicknames: Dave, Davey
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 1960, when it was 1st on the list of the most popular boys’ names
Why It Fits
It doesn’t get much more classic than David. This Biblical name is Hebrew for “beloved,” and, of course, it calls to mind the boy who slew the giant Goliath with a slingshot before growing up to become King of Israel.
David is arguably the most famous of Michelangelo’s sculptures, and because of its Biblical significance, it is an especially important name in Judaism. The holy city of Jerusalem is sometimes known as “the city of David,” and the Jewish people are often represented by the six-pointed Star of David. In Catholicism, St. David is the patron saint of Wales, poets, and vegetarianism.
Famous People Named David
Famous Davids include Davey Crockett, David Bowie, David Attenborough, David Letterman, Dave Grohl, Dave Chappelle, and David Beckham. This list could be near-endless.
Popularity
It’s probably not surprising that David has been a 1st place name on the U.S. popularity charts; in 1960, there were 85,929 Davids born! However, 1960 was the only year that David ranked #1, which is a surprise. It has been #2 nine times.
5. George
- Meaning: Farmer
- Origin: Greek
- Nicknames: Georgie
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 1911, when it was the 4th most popular boys’ name
Why It Fits
Two famous Georges, Washington and Harrison, were born in the month of February. A classic for centuries, George was the name of six kings of England, the first president of the United States, and the patron saint of England, who famously slayed a dragon.
Famous People Named George
In addition to all of the Georges mentioned above, this name also has a deep literary, musical, and artistic history, with namesakes like Clooney, Gershwin, Handel, Harrison, Orwell, Shaw, and Takei. Boxer George Foreman and scientist George Washington Carver are two more examples of Georges who are household names.
Popularity
Although the name has faced a bit of a decline since the 1960s, its use for the firstborn child of Prince William and Kate Middleton has lent it a new freshness and brought it back to popularity. The data from the U.S. Social Security Administration shows its recent rise: In 2014, the year after Prince George was born, the name George jumped from 157th place to 135th place on the popularity chart.
Still, the name has a way to go to reclaim its past peak of 4th place in 1911. In that year, 6,586 baby boys were named George.
Hart sounds like the word “heart,” but this particular spelling references a stag.
Photo by Annika Thierfeld on Unsplash
6. Hart
- Meaning: Stag
- Origin: English
- Nicknames: This name is already quite short, so nicknames aren’t common.
- Peak U.S. Popularity: N/A
Why It Fits
An English name meaning “stag,” Hart is a strong, straightforward name that, of course, sounds like “heart.” If you’re looking for an unusual name that references the month in a subtle manner, this might be a good choice.
Famous People Named Hart
It is probably best known as the name of the poet Hart Crane, who was born Harold. TV writer Hart Hanson created the show Bones, and Hart Matthew Bochner is an actor who has most recently appeared in Scandal.
Popularity
The name Hart has never appeared among the top 1,000 boys’ names in the United States. Neither has the related name Hartford. However, the name Hartley has cracked the list just once, in 1909. It ranked 980th, since only 10 Hartleys were born that year.
7. Hugh
- Meaning: Mind or intellect
- Origin: Old French, Old High German
- Nicknames: Huey
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 1900, when it was the 88th most popular boys’ name
Why It Fits
Born on February 1, 1902, Langston Hughes was a prominent poet of the Harlem Renaissance and would make a fitting namesake for a child born during Black History Month. Hugh means “mind or intellect.”
Famous People Named Hugh
Famous Hughs include the actors Hugh Jackman, Hugh Grant, Hugh Laurie, Hugh Dancy, and Hugh Bonneville. The association with Hugh Grant may even call to mind a few dozen romantic comedies, making this also an appropriate name for a Valentine’s baby.
Popularity
Hugh is another name that peaked in popularity long ago in the United States. Its highest place on the chart was 88th back in 1900, when 290 baby boys were named Hugh. The name hit its lowest point (993rd place) in 2009, but since then, it’s been slowly rising again. In 2021, it placed 806th.
8. Jedidiah
- Meaning: Beloved of the Lord
- Origin: Hebrew
- Nicknames: Jed
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 1979, when it was the 626th most popular boys’ name
Why It Fits
A Hebrew name meaning “beloved of the Lord,” Jedidiah was an alternate name given to King Solomon by the prophet Nathan in the Bible. It can be shortened to the more casual Jed.
Famous People Named Jedidiah
Jedidiah Morse was a geographer and father of Samuel Morse of Morse code fame. Jedidiah “Jed” Dupree is a gold-medal-winning fencer from the United States. In fiction, Jedidiah Leland is the former best friend of Charles Foster Kane in Citizen Kane. And, with a slightly different spelling, Jebediah Springfield founded his namesake town on The Simpsons.
Popularity
Jedidiah reached 626th place on the top 1,000 list in 1979; the name was given to 187 boys in the U.S. that year. The nickname Jed also saw its highest popularity around that time: It peaked in 1978 at 485th place, with 281 Jeds born.
February is the second month of the year, and this Japanese name means “second son.”
Image by Pakamas Amorndilokkul from Pixabay
9. Kenji
- Meaning: Second son
- Origin: Japanese
- Nicknames: Ken
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 1978, when it was the 751st most popular boys’ name
Why It Fits
A Japanese name meaning “second son,” Kenji could be an appropriate choice for a boy born in the second month of the year.
Famous People Named Kenji
Kenji is the middle name of Linkin Park frontman Michael “Mike” Kenji Shinoda. Kenji Mizoguchi was a famous director (and subject of the documentary Kenji Mizoguchi: The Life of a Film Director), and Kenji Ueda—known as Kenzi—is a rock musician. Kenji Miyamoto is a Japanese figure skater. This is a more common name in Japan, so many other notable Kenjis exist.
Popularity
In 1978, there were 128 baby boys named Kenji in the U.S., putting it in 751st place on the name list. Oddly, the only other year it has made the list was 1979, when it dropped down to 969th place.
10. Lincoln
- Meaning: Town by the pool
- Origin: English
- Nicknames: Linc, Link
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 2021, when it was the 40th most popular boys’ name
Why It Fits
Born February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln is known as the American president who saved the Union and abolished slavery. Today, his surname, which means “town by the pool,” has become an increasingly popular given name for boys. For Black History Month, another notable Lincoln took part in the Civil Rights Movement: Lincoln Ragsdale, who was also a Tuskegee Airman.
Famous People Named Lincoln
In addition to President Lincoln and Lieutenant Ragsdale, this is also the name of one of comedian Bill Murray’s sons, along with one of Kristen Bell and Dax Shepherd’s daughters. Former Rhode Island governor and 2021 presidential candidate Lincoln Chafee is another famous bearer of the name, which can be shortened to the Zelda-inspired Link.
Popularity
The graph of Lincoln’s popularity as a boy’s name is an interesting one. Though it has appeared on the chart every year since 1900, it’s never seen huge popularity; in 1986, it dropped down to 999th place out of 1,000! However, in 2005, there was a huge uptick in its ranking—from 496th place up to 300th place—and it’s seen steady growth since then. In 2021, it was the 40th most popular boys’ name in the U.S., and 7,368 baby boys were named Lincoln that year.
This romantic name rose in popularity in the United States after the movie “Romeo + Juliet” came out.
Image by Łukasz Tekieli from Pixabay
11. Romeo
- Meaning: Pilgrimage to Rome; Roman
- Origin: Latin
- Nicknames: Rome, Romy
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 2012, when it was the 322nd most popular boys’ name
Why It Fits
This Italian name means “pilgrimage to Rome” or “Roman,” a meaning that evokes the famous scene from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in which the two lovers meet and engage in wordplay comparing kisses to holy pilgrimage.
Famous People Named Romeo
David and Victoria Beckham and Jon Bon Jovi named their sons after the famous Shakespearean lover. Percy Romeo Miller is a rapper and actor who used to perform under the name Lil’ Romeo; he had his own show on Nickelodeon called Romeo!. Fictional Romeos include Montague, as mentioned above, and his predecessor, Romeo Montecchi from Giulietta e Romeo (which Shakespeare adapted for his play).
Popularity
The name Romeo has had a modern spike in popularity in the United States. In 1996, it was ranked 976th; in 1997, it surged up to 637th place. This can probably be explained by Baz Luhrmann’s hit film Romeo + Juliet, which was released in 1996. The name has continued to grow in popularity since then, peaking at 322nd place in 2012. There were 979 Romeos born that year.
12. Ronald
- Meaning: Ruler’s counselor
- Origin: Norse
- Nicknames: Ron, Ronnie
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 1943, when it was the 9th most popular boys’ name
Why It Fits
Born on February 6, 1911, President Ronald Reagan is still a hero to American conservatives. His name is of Norse origin and means “ruler’s counselor.”
Famous People Named Ronald
Other famous Ronalds include two redheads, the McDonald’s mascot and Harry Potter’s best friend Ron Weasley, along with the hypermasculine Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation. There’s also director Ron Howard, heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio, Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, and singer Ronald Isley (Mr. Biggs) of The Isley Brothers—to name just a few.
Popularity
Ronald was a top 10 name for many years in the late ’30s through the late ’40s. Its peak was in 1943. It was the 9th most popular boys’ name in that year, with 29,235 baby boys named Ronald in the United States.
The hardy rowan tree is associated with the month of February, making Rowan a fitting name.
Image by _Alicja_ from Pixabay
13. Rowan
- Meaning: Little redhead
- Origin: Gaelic
- Nicknames: Ro
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 2021, when it was the 129th most popular boys’ name
Why It Fits
A Gaelic name meaning “little redhead,” Rowan is also the name of a tree associated with the month of February in the Celtic Lunar Calendar. Balancing beauty and strength, the rowan tree bears bright red berries and can survive in an incredibly diverse variety of locations and conditions. The rowan therefore symbolizes power, balance, mystery, and healing.
Famous People Named Rowan
Famous Rowans include the British comedian Rowan Atkinson of Mr. Bean fame and Sir William Rowan Hamilton, a mathematician who invented quaternions. Both male and female characters named Rowan appear in fictional works, especially fantasy. Writers Anne McCaffrey and Anne Rice both have book series that feature a Rowan.
Popularity
This name first appeared on the U.S. popularity chart in 1999 in 991st place, and it has climbed every year since then. Its highest ranking—129th place—occurred in 2021 as a result of 3,020 baby boys being named Rowan that year.
14. Tristan
- Meaning: Noise or sorrowful
- Origin: Celtic
- Nicknames: Tris
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 1996, when it was the 68th most popular boys’ name
Why It Fits
A Celtic name meaning “noise or sorrowful,” Tristan is the hero of the medieval romance Tristan and Isolde. This is a tragedy from the 12th century that is thought to have inspired other tragic romance stories, such as that of Lancelot and Guinevere.
Famous People Named Tristan
Tristan appears as a Knight of the Round Table in Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur and as the protagonist in Wagner’s opera Tristan and Isolde. A less common variation is Tristram, the name of the title character in Laurence Sterne’s Tristram Shandy.
Modern Tristans include Tristan Thorne in Neil Gaiman’s Stardust and the sons of Chris Hemsworth, Wayne Gretzky, and Travis Tritt. Brad Pitt’s character in Legends of the Fall was named Tristan, which may have inspired the name’s popularity in the ’90s (the movie came out in 1994).
Popularity
In 1996, 5,458 baby boys were named Tristan in the United States, putting the name at 68th place on the popularity chart. That’s the highest it has ever gotten, but it hasn’t dipped below 125th any year since then.
Valentine actually means “strength and health.”
Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay
15. Valentine
- Meaning: Strength and health
- Origin: Latin
- Nicknames: Val, Tino, Tiny
- Peak U.S. Popularity: 1903, when it was the 409th most popular boys’ name
Why It Fits
Perhaps the most obvious of the February baby names, Valentine is Latin for “strength and health,” and, of course, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14.
According to legend, St. Valentine was a third-century Roman saint who married Christian couples against the law of the land. He was executed for his Christian faith by the Emperor Claudius II, and his feast day came to be celebrated on February 14 to take the place of the pagan feast of Lupercalia, a fertility festival held in honor of the goddess Juno.
Famous People Named Valentine
Valentine is the name of two characters in Shakespearean drama, one in Two Gentlemen of Verona and the other in Twelfth Night. More recently, Kevin Bacon’s character in Tremors was called Valentine McKee, and Ricky Martin named one of his sons Valentino. Additionally, both Salma Hayek and Adriana Lima used the feminine Valentina for their daughters.
This is also a surname in both real-life and fiction, as exemplified by trumpeter Kid Thomas Valentine, the character Faye Valentine in Cowboy Bebop, and the entire Valentine family in the soap opera Hollyoaks.
Popularity
As a boy’s name, Valentine peaked in popularity in 1903, when it placed 409th on the U.S. list. This represented just 24 baby boys named Valentine in that year. Interestingly, Valentine as a girl’s name has been even less popular—it peaked at 976th place in 1917, with 52 female Valentines born that year.
The variations Valentino and Valentina are much more prominent. Both names peaked in 2021, with Valentino ranking 645th for boys (396 Valentinos born) and Valentina ranking 81st for girls (3,416 Valentinas born).
Pick Your Favorite
More Names for Baby Boys
| Name | Inspiration |
|---|---|
|
Balzo |
This Italian name means “to jump,” which is appropriate for a Leap Year baby. |
|
Beau |
This name means “handsome” in French, and it’s also used as a noun meaning “boyfriend.” |
|
Boris |
“Snow leopard” is one of the meanings of this wintry name, which has Turkic origins. |
|
Cupid |
This name is an obvious reference to love and Valentine’s Day. It could be paired with a more common nickname, like Coop or Cooper. |
|
Davis |
If you like the name David but want something a little less common, try Davis. Its highest popularity ranking was back in 1901, when it was 338th. Like David, it means “beloved.” |
|
Edison |
After inventor Thomas Alva Edison, who was born on February 11, 1847. |
|
Hank |
After Hank Aaron, one of the most famous baseball players of all time. Hammerin’ Hank was born on February 5, 1934. (Aaron is another good name idea.) |
|
Henry |
After poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who was born on February 27, 1807. |
|
Hubert |
This Germanic name means “bright heart.” |
|
Lev |
This Hebrew name means “heart.” |
The following February-inspired names work well for a baby of any sex.
Image by David Mark from Pixabay
Unisex Baby Names for Kids Born in February
If you don’t want a purely feminine or masculine name, there are a wealth of unisex name options that would be suitable for a February baby. Several of the names discussed above would also work as unisex names, like Ash, Rowan, and Valentine. We take a look at 10 more ideas below.
| Name | Inspiration |
|---|---|
|
Baden |
After Robert and Olave Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts and one of the developers of the Girl Guides, respectively. Remarkably, both husband and wife were born on February 22nd! |
|
Clark |
After Clark Gable, who was born on February 1, 1901. He notably played Rhett Butler in the historical romance “Gone With the Wind.” |
|
Darwin |
After scientist Charles Darwin, who was born on February 12, 1809. |
|
Glacier |
This name evokes the icy beauty of winter. |
|
Indigo |
February’s birthstone and flower are both purple, and this name refers to a rich purplish-blue hue. |
|
Jordan |
After renowned basketball superstar Michael Jordan, who was born on February 17, 1963. |
|
Kamon |
This Thai name means “heart” or “mind.” |
|
Reed |
Another color-inspired name, this English name means “red,” which is one of the main colors associated with love and Valentine’s Day. |
|
Sidney |
After the esteemed actor Sidney Poitier, who was born on February 20, 1927. He won an Oscar for Best Actor for “Lilies of the Field” in 1964, making him the first African-American to win the Best Actor award. |
|
Winter |
This name honors February’s season. |
Even More Name Ideas
Did you find a name that struck your fancy? If not, don’t worry—there are plenty of other ideas to choose from. If you like the romantic aspect of these names, consider this list of pretty, feminine names for baby girls. If the wintry aspect inspires you, this article offers a plethora of cold-weather name options.
And it’s always possible that your February baby will arrive earlier or later than expected! If so, you might want to consider some January name ideas or March name ideas as well.
Sources
Gigi shaw on November 18, 2021:
Girl name willow
Boy name oak
Lily on November 04, 2021:
A girl name is Lily
A boy name is Devin
Dinesha on February 15, 2021:
NATHANIEL is good for baby boy
Ryan bantawan on January 07, 2021:
I like more names for a baby boy,born in febuary
Random Person on January 02, 2021:
For a February girl I think Alice is a good name and for a February boy a good one is Caiden. But i dont really care.
Angel on June 07, 2021:
Angel
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