50+ Holiday Inspired Baby Names

The December holidays are rich with meaning, symbolism, and beauty, making them a wonderful source of inspiration for baby names. From the serene snow of winter to the vibrant lights and deep traditions of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s, these names subtly reflect the magic of the season. Here are some unique and meaningful names that aren’t so obvious, but are still tied to the holidays, perfect for celebrating a new addition to your family.

December/Seasonal Inspired Baby Names

Eira (Welsh) – Snow

Sterling (English) – High quality or excellent; evokes shimmering decorations

Frost (English) – Winter chill

Neve (Italian) – Snow

Garnet (Latin) – January’s birthstone, symbolizing protection and love

Ivy (English) – A plant symbolic of resilience and tradition

Blaze (English) – Bright flame or glow

Yule (Old Norse) – Refers to the old winter solstice festival

Crimson (English) – Rich red, evocative of the season’s colors

Solstice (Latin) – “Sun stands still,” marking the winter solstice

Christmas-Inspired Baby Names

Amaryllis (Greek) – A winter-blooming flower often associated with Christmas. Literally means “Sparkling.”

Lucian (Latin) – Light; symbolizing the lights of Christmas

Noelle (French) – The French term for Christmas

Juniper (Latin) – A berry from the evergreen tree, representing endurance

Epiphany (Greek) – Means “revelatory manifestation” and refers to the celebration of the Wise Men visiting baby Jesus.

Balthazar (Babylonian) – One of the Three Wise Men, it means “Baal Protect the King.”

Angelica (Latin) – Angelic; tied to heavenly messengers

Carillon (French) – A set of bells; reflects Christmas carols and church bells

Rudy (English) – A playful nod to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, with a vintage charm.

Shepherd (English) – Refers to the shepherds who visited baby Jesus

Merrick (Welsh) – A good alternative name to “Merry”

Belle (French) – Beautiful

Hanukkah-Inspired Baby Names

Shira (Hebrew) – Song or poem; represents joy

Bee (Hebrew) – Hammer; honors the Hanukkah story with the Maccabees

Zohar (Hebrew) – Light or Brilliance

Tova (Hebrew) – Good or kind

Lev (Hebrew) – Heart; symbolic of love and warmth

Neriah (Hebrew) – Light of God; a nod to the menorah

Elora (Hebrew) – God is my light; reflecting the menorah’s glow.

Oran (Hebrew, Gaelic) – Light or Song

Chanan (Hebrew) – Gracious; reflecting themes of kindness and miracles.

Simcha (Hebrew) – Joy or Celebration

Eliana (Hebrew) – God has Answered

Amit (Hebrew) – Friend; reflects community and togetherness

Kwanzaa-Inspired Baby Names

Imani (Swahili) – Faith; one of the seven principles

Zuri (Swahili) – Beautiful

Asani (Swahili) – Rebellious; symbolizes strength

Jabari (Swahili) – Brave, Fearless

Nia (Swahili) – Purpose; one of the seven principles

Amani (Swahili) – Peace or Wish in Arabic

Khamari (Swahili) – Moonlight

Kweli (Swahili) – Truth

Hekima (Swahili) – Wisdom

Baraka (Swahili) – Blessing 

New Year’s Inspired Baby Names

Aurora (Latin) – Dawn; signifies new beginnings

Solon (Greek) – Wisdom; for thoughtful resolutions

Kairos (Greek) – The opportune moment

Renée (French) – Reborn; renewal

Zora (Slavic) – Dawn; new beginnings

Hope (English) – Optimism for the year ahead

Felix (Latin) – Happy or fortunate

Nova (Latin) – New; symbolizes a fresh start

Eos (Greek) – Goddess of the Dawn

Pax (Latin) – Peace; embodying calm and resolution

These names provide a subtle yet meaningful way to honor the joy, light, and love of the holiday season. Whether tied to a tradition, a seasonal element, or the promise of a fresh start, they are timeless and inspiring choices. Are you having a Holiday baby? Let us know what name YOU chose!

Headshot of Jennifer Moss

Jennifer Moss (she/her) is the founder of BabyNames.com, author of The Baby Names Workbook, and Producer of The Baby Names Podcast. Jennifer is widely regarded as the leading expert on popular baby name trends and the naming process, serving as the authoritative source on the subject for national and international media.

Jennifer entered the tech arena in the 80s as a software developer and database architect, and became a pioneer in the Internet industry. In addition to operating BabyNames.com, Jennifer owns a web development agency in central California.