These Baby Names Mean “Beautiful” and Have the Sweetest Origins
- - These Baby Names Mean “Beautiful” and Have the Sweetest Origins
Isabelle AdlerAugust 5, 2025 at 4:17 AM
21 Baby Names That Mean "Beautiful" VioletaStoimenova - Getty Images
Looking for a baby name that’s as beautiful as your little one is bound to be? Whether you're dreaming up names during those quiet nesting moments or narrowing down your final list, names that mean “beautiful” offer something extra special: timeless charm paired with deep, cross-cultural meaning. Much like the vintage baby names making a comeback or retro baby names from the 80’s, these picks tell a story—one that spans continents, languages, and generations. From soft, romantic sounds to bold, poetic origins, each one carries a sense of history and heart.
Whether you’re naming a baby girl, boy, or leaning toward something gender-neutral, there’s something here to suit every style and background. These names don’t just sound beautiful—they mean it, in every language they come from. So if you're hoping to choose a name that feels meaningful, global, and uniquely yours, one of these 21 options might just be the perfect fit.
Bella
A short and sweet name that literally means “beautiful” in Italian, Bella has timeless charm. It stands strong on its own or as a nickname for longer names like Isabella or Annabella. Popular in many English- and Spanish-speaking countries, it's a favorite for parents drawn to romantic, elegant simplicity.
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Callista
Derived from the Greek word kallistos, meaning “most beautiful,” Callista is a rare yet radiant choice. It's been used in Greek mythology and lends itself to cute nicknames like Callie or Lissy.
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Mei
A graceful name meaning “beautiful” in Chinese, Mei is simple, elegant, and widely used across Mandarin-speaking cultures. It can also be part of a compound name, such as Meilin (“beautiful jade”) or Meiying (“beautiful flower”), making it a lovely choice with deep heritage.
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Zaynab
A popular Arabic name meaning “beauty” or “grace,” Zaynab is also the name of a flowering tree, symbolizing natural elegance. It holds strong religious and historical significance, especially in Islamic tradition, and is widely used across the Middle East and North Africa.
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Indira
Rooted in Sanskrit, Indira means “beauty” and is also another name for Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, and beauty. It’s a powerful yet feminine name, familiar in Indian culture.
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Mabel
This vintage gem comes from the Latin amabilis, meaning “lovable” or “beautiful.” Popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mabel has made a quiet comeback thanks to its soft and sweet tone.
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Shaina
In both Yiddish and Hebrew, Shaina means “beautiful.” It’s a popular choice in Jewish communities and often used alongside names like Shayna Maidel, meaning “pretty girl.” The spelling is flexible, with variations like Shayna or Sheina also in use.
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Beau
This classic French name literally translates to “handsome” or “beautiful.” Traditionally a boy’s name, Beau is also used as a gender-neutral option. Its easy, breezy feel makes it a modern favorite among parents looking for cool, effortless style.
RELATED: Vintage Girl Names from the 1940s
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Jamil
Jamil means “handsome” or “beautiful” in Arabic and is the male counterpart to Jamila. It’s popular throughout the Arab world and has a soft, melodic ring that makes it both meaningful and approachable across cultures.
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Adonis
A name synonymous with male beauty, Adonis comes from Greek mythology and represents the god of desire and attractiveness.
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Naveen
In Sanskrit, Naveen means “beautiful,” “pleasant,” or “new.” It’s a popular name in South Asian communities and is appreciated for its positive, forward-looking meaning. The name is versatile and often adapted as Navin or Naven.
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Kei
A flexible Japanese name that can carry various meanings—including “beautiful,” “grace,” or “respect”—depending on the kanji used. Kei is short, stylish, and gender-neutral, making it a great cross-cultural pick.
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Rumi
Rumi means “beautiful flow” in Japanese. Artistic, soulful, and globally resonant, it’s a name that blends creativity with grace.
RELATED: Vintage Baby Boy Names from the 1950s
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Venya
This multicultural name can mean “beauty” and “humility” in Sanskrit, while in Russian it’s often used as a nickname for names like Veniamin. It’s a soft, unique option for those who appreciate quiet strength and global appeal.
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Belinda
Belinda is believed to blend the Italian/Spanish “bella” (beautiful) with Germanic roots, possibly meaning “serpent” or “bright.” It gained popularity through literature and opera, offering vintage sophistication with a romantic twist.
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Venus
Named after the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, Venus is a bold, celestial choice. It's both mythological and modern—popularized today by cultural icons like Venus Williams—and carries undeniable star power.
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Layla
While Layla means “night” in Arabic, it has long been associated with beauty and romance in Arabic poetry and storytelling. It’s an effortlessly stylish name that has crossed into mainstream use thanks to its lyrical sound and rich symbolism.
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Miho
Depending on the kanji, Miho can mean “beautiful protect,” “beauty and care,” or several other combinations. It’s a gentle, thoughtful name often used for girls in Japan, carrying both elegance and strength.
RELATED: Popular Baby Names From the 1890s
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Alina
Alina is a soft, melodic name found across several cultures. In Slavic languages, it’s often associated with meanings like “bright” or “beautiful,” while in Greek, it’s linked to the name Helene, meaning “light.” Elegant yet modern, Alina feels effortlessly global and gracefully timeless.
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Linda
Directly translating to “pretty” or “beautiful,” Linda was one of the most popular baby names in the U.S. from the 1940s to the 1970s. With its easy familiarity and undeniable charm, it’s a name that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
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Naima
Naima is a graceful name with Arabic roots, meaning “tranquil,” “pleasant,” or “beautiful.” It’s also used in Swahili-speaking regions, where it carries similar meanings tied to serenity and charm.
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