Spiritual Baby Names and Meanings

The Islamic prophet Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca, now known as the holiest city in Islam. Officially called Makkah al-Mukarramah, or Makkah, it is located in modern-day Saudi Arabia. Millions of Muslims from across the world make a pilgrimage there each year, while Non-Muslims are understandably not allowed inside the city.

Generally used in conjunction with another name to form a religious phrase -- for instance the daughter of rapper DMX is called Praise Mary Ella.

Easter has been used as a name for several hundred years, as part of the day-naming tradition; now, this rarely heard holiday celebration name would make a novel choice for a springtime baby. Background:The early Anglo-Saxon monk and scholar Bede took the name of a goddess--Eostre-- whose feast was celebrated at the vernal equinox and gave it to the Christian festival of the resurrection of Christ.

Like True, a virtuous word name, but a little more awkward. In Trust we trust.

A Puritanical virtue name and also a place name, belonging to the state capital of Rhode Island and several other towns and cities in the US.

Rise joins the latest class of modern Christian names for its uplifting spiritual associations. Rise may be especially appropriate for an Easter baby. We expect it will, erm, rise now that Nick Cannon and Brittany Bell have used it for their son, born in 2022.

Sabbath is a faith-inspired word name, like Sunday or Faith, that is attracting some notice since heavy metal musician Zakk Wylde chose it for his son. But then there's the band Black Sabbath, which gives the name a more devilish twist. While there's nothing intrinsically male or female about Sabbath as a first name, it squeaked onto the Social Security roster for five boys in 2012, but was not recorded for girls. Sabbath comes from the word for "day of rest" in many ancient cultures.

Christmas is a day name long and quietly used as a name for babies born at Christmas. Prettier and more modern than Noel or Noelle.

Satya can be either a feminine or masculine name. It is strongly connected to the virtue, and in order to have "satya" one must be truthful not only in words, but also in actions and thoughts. Satya is a great name for those in the West who have Indian roots or are looking for a discreet virtue name.

An extreme example of the newly possible ecclesiastical brotherhood that includes Deacon and Bishop. This one might work better in the middle spot.

Alperen is derived from the Turkish roots alp, meaning "hero," and eren, "saint."

Anicca is a Buddhist characteristic of existence, the concept that all things are impermanent and constantly changing. It has never been on the US charts yet, but with a similar sound to Annika, it could easily be an option for parents looking for a spiritual, enlightened name.

Forever still feels more like a sentiment than a name, and rather feminine at that.

A name of Nigerian origin with a spiritual feel, Zirachi combines the Igbo elementszira meaning "reply" or "answer" with chi meaning "god". This can be interpreted as reflecting a belief that God will "reply" in some way to whatever is asked of Him.

An Arabic name with two possible meanings, depending on which root your follow, Taif is both a spiritual name in both senses of the word. On one hand, it can come from tayf meaning "ghost, visitation, wraith", while on the other, it can come from taafa meaning "to walk around, to circle something". More broadly, this refers to the performance of Tawaf, an important part of an Islamic pilgrimage in which pilgrims walk round the Holy Ka'abah seven times anti-clockwise.

An Arabic name with two possible meanings, depending on which root your follow, Taif is both a spiritual name in both senses of the word. On one hand, it can come from tayf meaning "ghost, visitation, wraith", while on the other, it can come from taafa meaning "to walk around, to circle something". More broadly, this refers to the performance of Tawaf, an important part of an Islamic pilgrimage in which pilgrims walk round the Holy Ka'abah seven times anti-clockwise.

From an archaic English word, Loveness is a distinctive yet gentle name, popularly used in Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Meaning "love and affection", the "-ness" ending helps it feel more name-like, reminiscent of Agnes, Ines, Tess, or even Constance. Notable bearers include jeweller and business owner Loveness Lee and bodybuilder and fitness trainer Loveness Tarimo.

While Blessing is familiar in the US and the UK, this compound, spiritual word name is predominantly used in Zimbabwe and Malawi. Moby is sometimes used as a short form.

Used as a surname and as a first name, Lovemore is predominantly given to boys in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana. It is a virtue name with spiritual undertones, and may be used alongside names such as Loveness, Moreblessing, and Gracious — names that may feel bold elsewhere but are familiar in southern Africa. Notable bearers include footballer Lovemore Mokgweetsi, boxer and solicitor Lovemore N'dou, writer Charles Lovemore Mungoshi, and politician and activist Lovemore Madhuku.