Names That Mean Great

  1. Megara
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "great"
    • Description:

      In Greek mythology, Megara was the first wife of Heracles (Hercules); the character of Megara "Meg" in the Disney film is loosely based on her. It’s also a place name in Greece and Sicily. Read more about Megara and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.
  2. Zagreus
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "great hunter"
    • Description:

      In Greek mythology, Zagreus was a god of the underworld and the son of Persephone and either Hades or Zeus. The word zagreus refers to a hunter who catches (and dismembers) live animals — the mythical Zagreus is often considered the "first Dionysius," as Dionysius was dismembered as an infant.
  3. Oluwatobiloba
    • Origin:

      Yoruba
    • Meaning:

      "God is a great king"
    • Description:

      This Yoruba name, with a mighty meaning, might seem a mouthful at first, but is often shortened to Tobi, which makes it far more manageable for non Nigerians.
  4. Derin
    • Origin:

      Variation of Darren, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little great one"
    • Description:

      A rare, gender-neutral take on Darren. As a feminine name, Derin has Turkish roots.
  5. Nirvana
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "place of great bliss"
    • Description:

      Well, parents are naming their children Eden and Heaven...so why not?
  6. Vlad
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Vladimir, Slavic
    • Meaning:

      "great ruler, peaceful ruler, ruler of the world"
    • Description:

      The most famous Vlad was nicknamed "the Impaler." Enough said.
  7. Yamato
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "great harmony"
  8. Dai
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "great"
    • Description:

      A cross-cultural name that can be a nickname for David and can be pronounced Day (preferable to die), but is also the name of a vicious Asian villain.
  9. Ramiro
    • Origin:

      Portuguese
    • Meaning:

      "great judge"
    • Description:

      Familiar as a Latin surname but has potential as a first.
  10. Boman
    • Origin:

      Persian
    • Meaning:

      "great mind"
    • Description:

      Unusual alternative to Roman, chosen for his son by Matthew Modine.
  11. Precious
    • Origin:

      Latin word name
    • Meaning:

      "of great worth, expensive"
    • Description:

      Though many might find it too syrupy, hundreds of parents each year choose this name for their daughters to make them feel special. Precious Ramotswe is the engaging African sleuth in the popular No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.
  12. Kabir
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "the great"
    • Description:

      Kabir is the 37th name of God in Islam. Kabir is also the name of an Indian poet and mystic saint. In the US, Kabir is on the rise as a boys' name, favored by Muslim parents.
  13. Typhoon
    • Origin:

      Chinese
    • Meaning:

      "great wind"
    • Description:

      Might be asking for trouble, especially when your son reaches the Terrible Twos.
  14. Bedo
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "great lord or sea lord"
    • Description:

      Diminutive of Welsh Maredudd, the original (masculine) form of Meredith.
  15. Triumph
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "a great victory or achievement"
    • Description:

      A positive word name that came into use in the early 21st century. Also a large motorcycle manufacturer based out of the UK; Harley and Triumph could make an interesting sibset.
  16. Darren
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little great one"
    • Description:

      Once-popular boys' name works better now for girls, as a kind of Dara/Karen blend.
  17. Kenver
    • Origin:

      Cornish
    • Meaning:

      "great chief"
    • Description:

      Kenver is derived from the ancient British name Cunmorus, meaning "great chief." We much prefer this newer iteration.
  18. Tai
    • Origin:

      Chinese
    • Meaning:

      "great extreme"
    • Description:

      Skater Tai Babilonia brought this sleek modern name to the world's attention. Pronounced "tie."
  19. Emony
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "great treasure"
    • Description:

      A medieval and early English variant of the Ismenia, which feels surprisingly on trend today.
  20. Taro
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "great (or eldest) son"
    • Description:

      An energetic Japanese name that would make for an on-trend choice in the English-speaking world. Especially appropriate for a first-born son.