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Everyone desires to have lady luck smiling down on them. In the same way, though all parents want their children to be diligent and sincere in every choice they make, they also wish for them to have good luck. Thus, some parents may want to choose baby names that mean luck for their little one. They may do this as a gesture of showering their children with all the luck and abundance that life can bestow. This type of name may also signify a parent’s heartfelt wish to bless their child with positivity and hope for a prosperous future. Their beautiful meanings and associated values and beliefs make these names even more special. If you are looking for names inspired by the words “luck” or “fortune,” we compiled a list of baby names that mean luck for your little one.
Key Pointers
- All parents desire their baby to have a prosperous life and good luck, and finding a name that echoes this desire is a blessing.
- When choosing a name for your baby with connotations of luck, other factors such as familial traditions, religious symbolism, and astrological beliefs also come into play.
- Some think animals or objects of luck protect the person from harm and bring prosperity.
- Bedisa, Fayola, and Lakshmi are adorable options for girls, and Asher, Prosper, and Venturi are adorable options for boys.
52 Lucky Baby Names For Girls And Boys
Baby names that mean luck, destiny, or fortune set your child up for success from birth. Parents choose these aspirational names as a hope and prayer for their future so their children grow up happy and blessed. If you are looking for such names, go through the following list to find auspicious names from around the world.
Baby Girl Names That Mean Luck, Destiny, And Fortune
From Sanskrit to Hebrew and Japanese to Spanish, baby girl names that mean luck, destiny, or fortune are found in every linguistic culture in the world. Regardless of your background, you will surely find one that fits your daughter in this list.
1. Bedisa
Bedisa is derived from the Georgian word ‘bedi’, which means ‘fate or destiny’. This gentle and distinctive name, heard widely in several cultures, falls into the category of names that are too popular and too unusual at the same time. Naming the daughters Bedisa is a lovely way for mommies and daddies to place their hopes and dreams for their children.
2. Dalia
In Lithuanian language, Dalia is the name of the goddess of fate, childbirth, and weaving, and her name means ‘fate or luck.’ Goddess Dalia’s primary concern was material wealth and its proper distribution. She had the power to take and give the properties and material goods as deemed fit (1). This fortuitous name was further popularized by the Spanish character Dalia from the telenovella Buscando el paraíso, played by Mexican actress Yolanda Andrade. And it’s an excellent alternative to Dahlia as well.
3. Destiny
The straightforward vocabulary name Destiny, meaning ‘fate or luck,’ comes from the Latin word ‘destinare,’ meaning ‘to determine.’ This is a derivative of ‘stare’, which means ‘to stand.’ The moniker has been used as a given name for girls since the 20th century. In fact, it ranks among the top 500 names in the US, even in the 21st century (2).
4. Evangeline
Evangeline, meaning ‘bearer of good news’, is also a way of saying luck. This fanciful derivation of the Latin word ‘evangelium’ has had its own streak of luck in recent years. This propitious name came into life via American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his poem Evangeline, A Tale of Acadie (3). But it fell out of favor in the 20th century and stayed in hibernation for 40 years. But the name returned triumphantly in 2006, when actress Evangeline Lilly came into the spotlight.
5. Fausta
Fausta, meaning ‘fortunate,’ until now heard in the Italian and Hispanic communities, has begun to make an impact in the US as well. The name has been slipping down the charts, probably because of increased competition with other ‘a’ ending names, but there’s no denying that as a name, Fausta is fanciful, exotic, and original.
6. Faustina
Faustina, meaning ‘auspicious or lucky,’ is another variant of Fausta. An Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese name with ancient Latin roots, Faustina emerged as Faustino and was initially given to boys who enjoyed favorable conditions in their lives, simply put, someone who has been lucky. The trend of using Faustina for girls began in Latin speaking countries.
7. Fayola
If you’re looking for a name with style and history and is non-existent in the US? Then look no further than Fayola, an African-Yoruba name, meaning ‘lucky or good fortune’ or ‘good fortune walks with honor.’ The favorable etymology of this auspicious name has given it over 2000 years of usage.
8. Felice
Pronounced as ‘fa-LEES,’ Felice sounds appealing even after years of usage. Felice is one of the Italian names meaning ‘lucky’ and is a variant of Felicia. It’s a name with several interests; it’s literary, poetic, and utterly pretty. The best part is that Felice is exotic, underused, and unpretentious.
9. Felicia
Felicia, an accessible, lacy, and delicate virtue name, hugely popular in the Hispanic community, would spread cheer and warmth in your daughter’s life. This felicitous name, meaning ‘lucky or successful,’ has been climbing the popularity charts for a few decades, but got further notice via Felicia Day, the American actress. It also has a badass touch, considering it’s the real name of Black Cat, a famous Marvel Comics character. Also, Felicia Hemans was a leading English poet in the early 19th century (4).
10. Felicity
Felicity, meaning ‘good fortune’, reached the peak of its popularity in 1999 when it was featured in a television show. Yes, it was used before that as well, but not with enough frequency to feature in the top 1000 list. The name features in the top 500 names for baby girls in the US even in the current century (2).
Mother of four Briana Johnson shares why she chose the name Felicity for her baby girl on her blog. She writes, “I have loved the name Felicity since I was 10 years old. Recently I came across my childhood journal and found an entry I had made saying that I would like to name my daughter Felicity. It was fun to read. The name has stayed with me all these years. I love its meaning: great happiness; bliss; joy. The name to me carries a sense of sophistication, femininity, and strength (i).”
11. Fortunata
Fortunata, meaning ‘fortune or luck’, is a name brimming with good vibes. It’s sure to make the wearer feel good. There are some real and pop cultural bearers of this name, for instance, St. Fortunata, the 4th-century martyr, and Maria Fortunata Viti, the beatified Italian nun (5) (6). It’s also the name of Trimalchio’s wife in the 1st-century novel The Satyricon.
12. Fortune
Not every parent is drawn to vocabulary names, but there’s certainly a market for them as fun and whimsical ways to name a child. So this contemporary-sounding word name, based on the goddess of good luck and fertility, is best used in the middle spot.
13. Halona
Halona is one of the most unconventional and resonant baby girl names parents can consider. This adorable Native American-Iroquois name means ‘of good fortune’. It is still unclear what spurred the sudden usage of Halona. We guess it has something to do with the trend favoring Native American names. Its namesake is Halona King, the American Indie singer. Lona would be a chic nickname for Halona.
14. Kiaria
Kiaria, a Japanese name meaning ‘fortunate,’ sounds exquisite, but can be confused with Kiara or Kiera. Its usage is also said to be influenced by the Latin-origin name Chiara, meaning ‘light or famous.’ Also, it has a beautiful three-syllable sound, which we cannot get enough of.
15. Lakshmi
Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of good luck, beauty, charm, grace, and prosperity (7). No wonder her name means ‘wealth,’ ‘splendor,’ or ‘lucky mark.’ Lakshmi, as a name, is an embodiment of charm and grace and would suit well on girls of any ethnicity, not just Indian. It’s simple, crisp, and fancy, but not overstated.
16. Machiko
If you want a cross-cultural name for your daughter, pick Megumi, which is a Japanese name meaning ‘blessing, favor, and grace’ or ‘happiness, good fortune, and luck.’ With such a beautiful meaning, we don’t think any parent would decline this name. And it’s clearly not in danger of being overused anytime soon. So, Megumi might be the one if you like original, yet traditional names.
17. Moira
Moira, the anglicized form of Maire, coincides with the Greek word Moira, which means ‘fate or destiny.’ It’s the name of the three female personifications of destiny in Greek Mythology (8). Older generations might remember this name as the beautiful red-haired ballerina Moira Shearer in the film The Red Shoes.
18. Ottilie
Ottilie, meaning ‘wealth and fortune,’ is an elegant name heard mostly amongst upper crust British families. Even though the name has German roots, Ottilie looks and feels French, primarily because of its delicate sound. This unique name also has several references. It’s the name of a principal character in Goethe’s novel Elective Affinities. It’s also the name of the protagonist in John Wyndham’s Random Quest. Tillie and Lottie would make funky nicknames for Ottilie.
19. Phylicia
Phylicia, the updated version of Felicia combined with the Greek name Phyllis, is a multifaceted name choice. It combines the meanings ‘good luck’ with ‘foliage.’ It’s interesting, off-beat, magical, and has an international appeal. It’s a shame that Phylicia is ignored by a large number of parents today. Its famous bearer is Phylicia Allen Rashad, the American actress.
20. Sadiya
Sadiya, meaning ‘lucky or fortunate,’ is one of the most commonly used Arabic names in Muslim countries. It hasn’t reached the top 1000 names in the US, probably because the ending ‘iya’ is becoming too trendy and overused. But we think Sadiya is cute, unpretentious, simple, and energetic. It has an undeniably sassy appeal as well.
21. Serendipity
The word Serendipity, meaning ‘luck or chance,’ was coined by Horace Walpole, inspired by the Persian fairytale, The Three Princes Of Serendip. There’s even a character named Serendipity in Finding Serendipity. The name did descend the charts at the turn of last century, but the charmer that it is, it never really went completely out of style. This name is serendipitous and sounds stylish, and demands not to be shortened, but if you want, you can shorten it to Serene.
22. Seven
Seven is considered one of the luckiest numbers. Hinduism talks of seven powers, the Jewish religion has seven blessings, Islam has seven heavens, and Christianity has seven churches. David Beckham and Erykah Badu picked this name for their children. Seven is also the middle name of the son of Blackhawks hockey player, Brent Seabrook. You can say Seven is in its full swing right now!
23. Shreya
Shreya sounds happy and cheerful, without the unicorns and rainbows. This favorite Indian name has several positive meanings, one of them being ‘auspicious and blessed.’ The name is also tied to Goddess Lakshmi. This name was on the Social Security Administration popularity list for the years 2002 to 2005, probably because of the rise of Indian singer Shreya Ghoshal.
24. Syntyche
Syntyche is an ancient Greek name, meaning ‘fortunate’ or ‘with fate,’ mentioned in Paul’s epistle in the New Testament. Syntyche, along with Euodia, was a female member of the Philippi church. She and Euodia had a quarrel or difference of opinion and were besought separately by Paul. Syntyche is one of the least used and distinctive Biblical names, making it a perfect option for parents looking for a unique name for their daughter.
25. Taaliyah
While Taaliyah in Hebrew means ‘gentle dew of heaven,’ in Arabic, it means ‘gift of God’ or ‘woman who recites the Quran often.’ Both ways, this lucky name sounds positive and beautiful. It’s different, exotic and isn’t overused. We give it a thumbs up!
26. Urd
In Norse mythology, Urd or Urdr was the name of one of the three Norns, or the goddesses of destiny. Urd, along with the other two Norns, decides the fate of the people. They spin the threads of life, make marks in the pole figures and then measure a person’s destiny (9). We love this name for its hippie-like, counterculture flavor. The name Urd means ‘fate.’
27. Ventura
Ventura began as a short form for Bonaventura but now stands on its own. This stylish ‘V’ ending and pleasant sound make it even more beautiful. It’s also associated with Ventura Boulevard, the thoroughfare in San Fernando Valley. Others can tie it to Jesse Ventura, the American wrestler. Ventura means ‘good fortune, luck, or happiness’ in Spanish.
28. Yuki
Hailing from thousands and thousands of miles away, this appealing Japanese name, with a nickname like feel, means ‘snow’ in one kanji reading and ‘happiness’ or ‘good fortune’ in another. No wonder it’s hugely popular amongst the Japanese population in the US. The beauty of this name is so hard to ignore that even Americans have started bestowing this name on their children.
29. Zaida
Zaida, an Arabic name pronounced as zah-EE-Dah, is an exotic and attractive option for a child of any religion or background. You can witness its popularity in various parts of the world. It means ‘prosperous’ or ‘fortunate.’
Baby Boy Names That Mean Luck, Destiny, And Fortune
Parents choose baby boy names that mean luck, destiny, or fortune so their sons grow up successful and happy. Regardless of whether you like traditional names like Asher and Felix or more offbeat ones like Boniface and Venturi, you’ll find something that fits you in this list.
30. Asher
The ever-popular Hebrew name Asher, meaning ‘happy or blessed,’ has climbed more than a hundred places in the last few years. The name dates back to 1880 when the government began keeping track of the names. It was used sporadically until the 1980s and disappeared soon after. It returned in 1992 and continues to rule the charts, even reaching the top 30 names in the 21st century (2).
31. Behrooz
Behrooz is a completely out of the box Persian name, meaning ‘fortunate or prosperous day.’ With such a pleasant and positive meaning, your child is sure to have a hearty fortune. The name is pronounced as behh-ROOZ.
32. Bonaventure
This French name, meaning ‘good fortune’ comes from the Latin and Spanish version, Bonaventura. Bonaventure has a lovely, four-syllable resonance, which is both friendly and bright. It also has a positive and strong quality, which makes it more macho sounding. Its popular bearer is Bonaventure Kalou, the Ivorian footballer. For the nickname, you can pick good ol’ Bonnie.
33. Boniface
Boniface, the variation of the Latin name Bonifatius, meaning ‘fortunate or of good fate,’ is an uptight and a bit stuffy name for kids of today’s generation. But there’s nothing wrong with going out of the box sometimes. There are a number of popes with the name Boniface as well, including the 8th-century Anglo-Saxon missionary, who’s regarded as the patron saint of Germany. So it’s an excellent pick if you want something traditional and spiritual for your son.
34. Edmund
Edmund, meaning ‘rich protection,’ is one of the oldest Anglo-Saxon names today. The sophisticated name has some really famous bearers such as poet Edmund Spenser, mountaineer Edmund Hillary, and more (10) (11). It also has significant historical value as it was borne by two kings. The name Edmund was a moderately favorite name in the US and maintained the top 200 position from late 19th century to 1930s.
Trivia35. Faust
While we love the name Faust, its association with the character who sold his soul to the devil could be off-putting for some parents (12). Faust means ‘fortunate.’
36. Fausto
Fausto, the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese version of Faust or Faustus, is more widely heard than the original, regardless of the negative reference. The ‘o’ ending gives a poetic quality to this name. And it has a timeless appeal as well. Fausto means ‘fortunate one.’
37. Felix
Felix is an upbeat and energetic name, meaning ‘lucky or successful.’ It was used largely as a Latin cognomen for its favorable omen. Besides, it has also been borne by dozens of Christian popes, saints, and antipopes. Felix appears in literature as a central character in the novel Felix Holt. Currently, Felix ranks highest in Austria and Germany, where it’s one of the top 15.
38. Fortunato
If you want your child to feel how fortunate he is, give him the Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish name Fortunato, which means ‘fortunate’, ‘blessed,’ or ‘happy.’ We think most parents have forgotten this name, but when reminded, we don’t believe that it’s hard to embrace.
39. Kader
Kader, meaning ‘fate’ or ‘destiny,’ in the Turkish language, isn’t just limited to as the name for religious people. It’s for all the spiritually inclined people. This classic name reflects on one of the 99 attributes of Allah in Arabic, where it connotes ‘mighty.’ This handsome name is also Anglicized as Qadir.
40. Karma
The name Karma comes from the Sanskrit word karm, which means ‘action, fate, or deed’. It’s essentially a Hindu or Buddhist philosophy, which explains that the actions of this lifetime will be carried forward to the next life. In other words, “we reap what we sow.” Karma is a pretty strong name, as it deals with the concept of correct and positive ideals, which can keep the universe in its perfect order.
41. Kismet
Kismet, the Turkish name, meaning ‘fate,’ is derived from an Arabic word, which means the same. The name has fallen off the radar and isn’t much used now as it’s considered a bit outdated by today’s standards.
42. Lucky
Lucky is good enough for Cedric the Entertainer’s daughter, and you can consider it for your son too. There are plenty of bearers of this name, including Lucky Blue Smith, the American male model, and Lucky Ali, the Indian singer. We’d definitely put this name in the ‘cool’ category.
43. Madoc
Madoc, also spelled as Madog, is a Welsh name, meaning ‘fortunate or good.’ Its namesake is none other than Madog ap Owain Gwynedd, who is acclaimed to be the first European to discover North America way back in 1155, according to Welsh folklore (13). You can also opt for Maddox, a more familiar and stronger variation.
44. Merrit
This unisex Latin name, meaning ‘deserving of fortune’ is evenly divided between both sexes, but sounds manly to the ears. This well-established Scottish and Irish name never really appealed to American ears, which is quite unfair for the beauty it is. Merritt is also the name of a town in British Columbia.
45. Parvaiz
Parvaiz is a blessed Urdu name with an ancient and understated appeal. An original in the truest sense. This name, originating from Persian roots meaning ‘lucky or happy’, is sure to stand out in the European or American classroom.
46. Prosper
Prosper, meaning ‘fortunate or successful,’ is a relatively common name in France, where it’s pronounced as ‘PRO-spare’. The name was borne by several saints as well, including the noted 5th-century theologian, St. Prosper of Aquitaine, a favorite of the English Puritans (14). Prosper has featured in several notable literary works as well. It’s the name of the protagonists of two books, The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke and The Shining Company by Rosemary Sutcliff. It also has associations with P. Merimee, the writer of the novel Carmen.
47. Sa’Id
Sa’Id or Said is a popular Arabic name, with an upbeat meaning of ‘happy or lucky.’ There are several popular bearers of this name, including Sa’id Ibn Jubayr, the Iraqi Medieval Islamic scholar.
48. Saad
Saad is a traditional and fairly popular name in Arabic and Malay and means ‘fortune or good luck.’ While the name is undoubtedly beautiful, we don’t expect it to become outrageously popular since it’s restricted to a particular community or people.
49. Sadah
Sadah, meaning ‘fortunate,’ is full of Arabic punk and sass. It’s exactly what we call a hidden gem. The name has a unique sound, easy spelling, and is symbolic of what we hold dear ‘luck and fortune’. Sadah has also been soaring in popularity over the last few decades.
50. Veasna
Dating back to centuries, Veasna is a classic name in our list. And if its past endurance and staying power are any indicators, we can expect Veasna to return triumphantly to the radar anytime soon. In the Khmer language, Veasna means ‘fate or destiny’ and is pronounced as veey-sa-NA.
51. Venturi
Venturi is basically a surname, and is consistently used as a first name too, but only in moderation, which makes it an original pick today. As a name, we think Venturi is offbeat, cute, and a little funky. This Spanish name means ‘good fortune.’
52. Venturo
Venturo, the fancier version of the name Venturi, is loaded with Spanish style and zest. Meaning ‘good fortune or good luck,’ Venturo sounds strong, energetic, and friendly. It’s just a matter of time non-Hispanic parents take hold of it.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do parents choose a baby name that they hope will bring good luck to their child?
Parents may explore the qualities of an object they consider lucky and compare them with factors. These may include cultural associations, familial traditions, astrological beliefs, ancestral bearers of the name, religious symbolism, popularity in modern times, and their idea on how the name might affect the child’s personality. These considerations can guide parents on how to choose a baby name that they hope will bring good luck to their child.
2. What is the significance of naming a child after a lucky object or animal?
In several cultures, objects of luck or animals are believed to bring good fortune into a person’s life and protect them from harm. Thus the significance of naming a child after a lucky object or animal includes the qualities of symbolism, providential blessings of the divinity, cultural or spiritual beliefs, personal meanings associated with the object, and connectivity to nature, which is the source of life for all.
3. What are some middle names that mean luck to pair with a first name?
Names like Lucky, Kismet, Felix, and Asher for boys and Ventura, Seven, Moira, and Kiara for girls are some middle names meaning luck that go well with a first name.
4. Which cultures or religions traditionally value baby names that mean luck or prosperity?
Cultures such as Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Irish, Jewish, African, and Norse usually believe that lucky names bring luck to the bearer. These cultures hold names that mean luck in high regard, believing such a name will bring blessings and prosperity. Choosing among these names with rich cultural significance will allow parents to honor their traditions and help them imbibe good values in their children.
5. How do baby names that mean luck differ from names that mean fortune or success?
While luck means encountering favorable circumstances, fortune points towards material wealth, and success focuses on achieving goals. Hence, names like Felix and Asher mean luck, Prosper and Fortuna indicate fortune, while names like Victor and Vincent symbolize success.
6. Are there any famous or historical figures who were named after a word that means luck?
The second-century Christian martyr Saint Felicity of Rome, the third-century co-martyr of Saint Perpetua, Saint Faustina, Edmund I, and Pope Felix I are some historical figures named after a word that symbolizes luck.
7. What are some positive traits that are associated with baby names that mean luck?
Apart from the belief that Lady Luck is smiling down on the baby, parents in several cultures believe baby names that mean luck bring serendipity, fortune, charisma, optimism, and positive energy to a child’s life.
8. Are there any superstitions or beliefs associated with baby names that mean luck?
Many believe baby names meaning luck attract good fortune to the child throughout their life. Apart from this, these names are considered to ward off bad luck, give positive attributes to the child, and symbolize luck in life. Moreover, certain rituals are believed to bestow blessings on the child and protect them from negative energy.
9. What are some gender-neutral names that mean luck?
Some gender-neutral names that mean luck are Merrit, Prosper, Felice, Fortune, Seven, Ventura, Yuki, Asher, Kismet, Lucky, and Venturi. While many of these names are more popular among specific genders, they have been used as unisex names because of their gender-neutral tone.
Choosing baby names that mean luck expresses your heartfelt wish for a good fortune for your child. It also shows how lucky you consider yourself for receiving god’s blessing in the form of your bundle of joy. Dalia, Lakshmi, and Urd are names of goddesses of fate and prosperity that you may use for your lovely angel. Names such as Behrooz, Kader, and Venturo for boys and Fausta, Felicity, Kiara, and Moira for girls are synonymous with “fortunate” in different languages. Select the one that best suits your preference from our curated list.
Infographic: Names That Mean Luck, Destiny, Or Fortune
Your baby’s arrival has brought immense delight, love, and luck into your life; so you could be looking to give them a name that signifies good fortune or destiny. Your search ends here as we list some beautiful names that mean luck, destiny, or fortune; Choose one to bless your baby heartfully. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Baby Names That Mean Luck Destiny Or Fortune
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Names are an identity that children carry for their lifetime. Here are some popular lucky names to attract positive energy and fortune.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. March 2010: Felicity: Great happiness; Bliss; Joy.
https://journeywithjohnsons.blogspot.com/2010/03/march-2010-her-first-photo-shoot-and.html
References
- Dalia.
https://www.monstropedia.org/index.php?title=Dalia - Popularity of a name.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ - Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie.
https://www.nps.gov/long/learn/historyculture/evangeline.htm - Felicia Dorothea Hemans.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/felicia-dorothea-hemans - St. Fortunata.
https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=3420 - Blessed Maria Fortunata Viti.
https://www.mountangelabbey.org/monastery/blessed-maria-fortunata-viti/ - Lakshmi.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/deities/lakshmi.shtml - Moira.
https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0104:entry=moira-bio-1 - The Norns: The Ladies of Destiny, or Metaphor for Fate Itself?
https://thetroth.org/resource/the-norns/ - Edmund Spenser.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/edmund-spenser - Sir Edmund Hillary.
https://achievement.org/achiever/sir-edmund-hillary/ - Faust.
https://wepa.unima.org/en/faust/ - Myths and Legends of the American Frontier: Prince Madoc ap Owain Gwynedd and the Welsh Indians.
https://welshhistories.co.uk/madoc-ap-owain-gwynedd/ - St. Prosper of Aquitaine.
https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=884
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