Babys’ names & their meanings.

Giving your baby its name immediately gives him or her identity.

So many reasons why names are chosen; so often because quite simply, the parents like the name!

Sometimes the name is chosen before you even knew you were having a baby, it is just a name that one or both of the parents loved!

Sometimes a name is chosen before the baby is born but when it arrives, the name just doesn’t seem to fit!

Maybe you like to continue a family tradition of given names or name your new arrival after a relative, or someone you admire.

There are so many reasons for choosing a name and there are so many lovely names to choose from.

Here are some of the most popular names currently chosen and their meanings.

Olivia – the feminine form of Oliver, derived from the Latin word meaning ‘Olive’ or ‘Olive Trees. It has been in use in England since the 13th century.

Amelia – comes originally from the Germanic word ‘Amal’ meaning work. In Hebrew it means ‘Industrious’ and In Arabic, it means ‘Trustworthy’ and ‘Beautiful’.

Isla – In Spanish, the name means devoted to God, but in Scottish it means ‘Island’ and possibly comes from the Island of Islay.

Ava – Popularised in the UK by the actress Ava Gardner, the name is a Muslim girl’s name originating from Persia, the meaning is a voice call.

Mia – Again, an Arabic/Muslim originating name and it means ‘Beauty’, ‘Mine’ and ‘Beloved’.

Grace – is of Latin origin and referenced to ‘God’s Grace’. In Greek mythology, it is connected to ‘Beauty’ and ‘Joy’.

Oliver – As with Olivia!

Noah – means ‘Rest’ ‘Freedom’ and ‘Comfort’. It possibly originates from the Babylonian word ‘Nukhu’ which means ‘Rest’ or ‘Repose’ and it appears in The Bible and in The Quran. It is used as a given name in many countries.

George – Greek in origin, quite literally means ‘Farmer’ coming from the words ‘Soil’ and ‘Earth’. It dates back as far as Early Christianity, year 303.

Arthur – became popular with King Arthur in the sixth century and comes from the Celtic word ‘Artos’ which means ‘Bear’ and ‘Arnthor’ the German word for ‘Thor, the eagle’.

Freddie – An abbreviation of Frederick, it is both old English and German, it means ‘Elf’, ‘Magical Council’ or ‘Peaceful Ruler’.

Leo – from the Greek word ‘Lion’, it is of German, Italian, African American, and Spanish origin