This year has proven to be very unpredictable since some kind of traumatic event has happened nearly every month. We started off with the huge wild fires in Australia in January, then the COVID-19 pandemic caused us to stay home and practice social distancing in March, to the discovery of giant murdering hornets in April, and social unrest due to police brutality since May. Some have joked online that whoever is currently playing Jumanji should finish the game as soon as possible before something else happens.
With all of these worrisome and stressful events happening, it is difficult to see a hopeful future. However, we need to remember that life is still progressing forward and good things are happening every single day. Couples are getting married, families are finding new and better career opportunities, and babies are still being born during the pandemic! It is unclear whether there will actually be a big baby boom come this November/December -nine months after everyone began to quarantine at home- but with each new baby born, it gives us hope for a brighter future.
To help lighten your news feed from political and social injustices, here is a list of baby names that derive or are connected to the word “hope”. If you are expecting a baby during this time, give this list a look and consider how impactful your baby’s name could be to the world.
Baby Girl Names
Esperanza - Spanish
Deriving from the word “esperar” which translated in English means “to wait”, it is used when explaining you hope for something good to happen.
Nadia - Russia
One of the most popular names meaning hope, Nadia comes from the Russian name Nadyezhda and has been around for centuries.
Asha - India
Originally a Sanskrit name, Asha is very commonly used today in India and around the world. It can also mean “to wish”.
Taraji - Swahili
Probably more recognized than ever due to famous actress Taraji P. Henson, the South African name can be spelled Taraji or Taraja and still have the same meaning.
Esme- French
Though this name is connected to the French verb “aimer” meaning “to love”, it is recognized as a name for hope. It has become more popular since the hit vampire series Twilight featured a character with this name.
Laelynn - Canadian
Many will see this name and know that it means “flower of hope”, even though the actual flower Iris is known to mean “hope” when given as a gift (which also is another pretty name for a girl).
Brayleigh - American
Sometimes Americans are teased about adding extra letters to their babies’ names, but this time it is to say “ray of hope” and not just for looks. It can also easily be shortened to either Bray or Leigh.
Aileen - Irish
Irish names are quite unique and this one translates to “shining and bright ray of light”. However, don’t get it confused with Eileen from the song “Come On Eileen” which means beautiful bird.
Baby Boy Names
Dylan - Welsh
Commonly used today, the name could be spelled with a Y or as Dillion and still have the same meaning “ray of hope”.
Jesse - Hebrew
Jesse is most recognized as the father of King David from The Bible. The name can also mean “gift from God”, which many believe hope to be that gift.
Asher - Swahili
This name is similar to the Indian name Asha. It has a wonderful meaning of “blessed” and “happy”.
Phelipe- Spanish
If you’re looking for a name that will make people say, “I haven’t heard that name in a while”, this is definitely one of them. The name’s meaning is “hope origin”.
Deene - French
Not to be confused with the English name Dean (which means “from the valley”), Deene means “hope” as a French name.
Daijon - Native American
This name was found to be very popular as explorers traveled and met indigenous Americans. It’s literal meaning is “God’s gift of hope”.
Amil - Arabic
Though the name has gained popularity recently to the female rapper Amil Whitehead, it is more commonly used as a male name.
Even though 2020 has been a rollercoaster of a year so far, we hope that we can look forward to a calmer future. The pandemic will come to an end, social injustices will be set right, and maybe an unexpected frost will get rid of those scary hornets. If you are expecting a baby soon, please do not be afraid of bringing a child into the world right now. It is the best thing you can do to bring hope to others.
Sources: Motherly, FirstCryParenting, MomJunction