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Sports baby names are cool and inspiring, so choosing the right one for your child can be fun. People all over the world understand the language of sports. Whether it is the private football or basketball clubs going against each other or the world coming together during the Olympics, fans of sports know the thrill and excitement it provides. We look up to our sports icons and continue to get inspired by them every day. Thus, we have rounded up names of sports personalities that you might want to pick for your baby in this post. These names show your respect and passion for sportsmanship and denote the strength, resilience, and determination of renowned sportspersons and athletes.
70+ Unique Sports Baby Names
Athletic Baby Names
Athletic baby names are inspired by figures celebrated in the world of athletics. These names of wrestlers, swimmers, sprinters, and celebrated Olympians encourage children to rise to greater heights.
Athletic Boy Names
1. Andre
What could be better than naming your baby after the Canadian sprinter who is smashing the records? Andre de Grasse blasted past to win 100 and 200-meter events at the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Competition. The meaning of Andre is ‘manly’.
2. Ali
Pay your tribute to the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali by naming your son after his last name. This name also nods to Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila, who’s also a world champion boxer, just like her father.
3. Dempsey
Do you find Jack too tame for your son? Then Dempsey could make a fresher pick of you. Jack Dempsey, also known as ‘Kid Blackie,’ was an American, professional boxer and a cultural icon of the 1920s. This is a great example of using last names as first names.
4. Jenner
Jenner is the American sports hero who won a gold medal in the decathlon at the Summer Olympics in the year 1976.
5. Rafael
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This Spanish tennis champion spells a distinguished Hebrew name in a Spanish way, which gives it a cool, European flair.
Trivia6. Usain
It would be very difficult to beat the name of the fastest man in the world. As a name, Usain is excellent and means ‘beautiful’.
7. Rory
If you are on a lookout for a traditional Irish name that is a little less common than Liam and is easier to pronounce than Fiachra, Rory can be considered. Rory (McIlroy) is also the name of a celebrated golfer.
Athletic Girl Names
8. Maria
From Marian Rainer to Ave Maria, to the tennis champion Maria Sharapova, this moniker will never go out of style.
9. Misty
Misty Trenor is the winner of the 3 Olympic gold medals and 113 individual championships in beach volleyball. Future surely holds plenty of other treasures for Miss ‘Misty’.
10. Nadia
Many people of our generation are aware of the name Nadia because of the famous Romanian gymnast. Being not hugely popular, the name Nadia will be a perfect blend of uncommon and familiar.
11. Marina
Marina Navratilova is one of the greatest tennis players of all time. But, what is surprising is that this beautiful and feminine baby name means ‘warlike’. It’s an ideal name for parents looking for a feminine name with a kickass meaning. Marina is surely a strong name. Marina Sofia, a blogger and a mother, shares how she picked the name for herself after she had a son and couldn’t name him Marina. She says, “Marina Sofia is not the name I was born with. It was the name I wanted to give to my daughter. ‘Marina’ is associated with the sea, with boats, with feeling the wind in your hair and daring to sail forth and explore. I wanted my daughter to be a fearless pirate (i).”
12. Kallie
This baby name nods to the female Canadian Olympian, Kallie Humphries. She did not just defend her bobsleigh title, but was also the first woman to lead a mixed-gender team. Kallie is a Gaelic name and means ‘from the forest’.
13. Ronda
There was a time when Ronda sounded too old-fashioned. But when the martial artist Ronda Rousey started making headlines for her sports and fitness, the name started leaping up the charts. We think that Ronda is a total kickass name and would sound great on your daughter.
14. Dara
Dara is the name of one of our favorite Olympic swimmers. You can also try its Irish spelling ‘Darragh’.
15. Lolo
If you want to give your offspring a fun and unique name, use Lori ‘Loro’ Jone’s name for inspiration. This bobsleighs and track star athlete competes for both summer and winter sports. And she has won a fair share of gold medals too!
16. Annika
Do you love the name Anne, but are worried about it being too common? Then opt for Annika, the Dutch version of this baby name. It also belongs to Anna Sorenstam, the world famous golfer.
17. Gabrielle
We bet each one of you fell in love with the flexible gymnast Gabrielle during the 2012 Olympics for her performance. But you have to agree that she has an equally lovely name.
Soccer Baby Names
Soccer is a sport synonymous with strength and grit. These names represent the best soccer players and your favorite teams.
Soccer Boy Names
18. Carson
Carson Palmer, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, won the Heisman trophy in the year 2002. His given name has a Wild-West kind of persona. And the surname Palmer has a double reference- as an athlete and the executive of the “Mad Men”.
19. Colt
Colt is a perfect football inspired name. It is associated with Cleveland Browns quarterback, Colt McCoy, and a football team. This fine, power boy name that parents are using too much these days, has actually been around since the 1980s.
20. Landon
If you are a soccer mom-to-be, you might want to consider the moniker of the United States soccer superstar, Landon Donovan. He can be held solely responsible for making Landon one of the fastest rising surnames in America.
21. Peyton
Peyton Manning, the Indiana Colts star holds the record for the most MVP awards in the NFL. His powerful image has given this name a masculine edge, as Peyton was, for long considered a girl toddler’s name.
22. Achille
Achille Emana is a Cameroonian soccer player playing for Gimmnastic de Tarragona, the Spanish club. Achille is the French spin on Achilles, the name of the great Homeric hero with a vulnerable heel.
23. Danilo
Danilo Elvis Turcios Funez is the Honduran midfielder, currently playing for UPNFM. Danilo is the Ukrainian version of Daniel and means ‘God is my judge’. This variation has made a Biblical favorite attractive.
24. Josh
Josh Caleb Gordon is the wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. Americans often use Josh as a nickname for Joshua, but in Britain, it’s common as a stand alone name.
25. Arjen
This name is inspired by Arjen Robben of the Netherlands. It is a tad similar to the Indian name Arjun and means ‘bright and shining’. Another positive thing about this name is that it has appeared in three consecutive World Cups.
Soccer Baby Names For Girls
26. Mia
Mia is one of the most famous United States soccer stars, and her appellation is the sixth most popular baby name for the year 2014. If you find Mia too hip for your daughter, you can opt for her given name, Mariel.
27. Christine
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Christine Sinclair is the name of national women’s soccer team captain. While her first name is indeed breathtaking, her last name also has a scope of becoming the first name.
28. Abby
Abby Wambach, the US Soccer Athlete of the Year, has scored more international goals than any other female soccer player.
29. Michelle
Michelle is the forward and midfielder of the United States women’s national soccer team. She’s also the winner of the Golden Boot in the Women’s World Cup.
30. Birgit
Birgit Prinz, the three-time FIFA World Player of the year, is the most capped non-American soccer player. She won three Olympic bronze medals for her team.
Trivia31. Homare
The moniker Homare belongs to the one of the greatest female midfielders. She even captained Japan to an Olympic silver medal in the year 2012.
32. Lotta
This fun and whimsical moniker belongs to one of the top female soccer players in the world. Charlotta Eva “Lotta” Schelin, the Swedish footballer, has been playing for her team since 2004 as a striker. You can use Lotta as a nickname if your daughter’s name is Charlotte.
Football Baby Names
This world-famous sport has fans everywhere. Football baby names celebrate the resilience, teamwork, and power players display. Read on to discover the best of the lot.
Football Baby Names For Boys
33. Thierry
Thierry Henry is a French footballer playing for the New York Red Bulls in the Major Soccer League. Thierry, pronounced as Terry, is a great way to add exotic and foreign touch to a whimsical name. Thierry Mugler is another famous bearer of this name.
34. Cristiano
Name your child after the best footballer (arguably) in the world currently, Cristiano Ronaldo. Not only does he have the talent of a superstar athlete, but Cristiano also carries the charm of one of those timeless rockstar names. It is a Latin name and translates to ‘Christian’. This name is quite popular in Spanish, Portuguese and Italian speaking countries.
35. Jerry
The name Jerry may have declined in popularity in the last few years, but we think it’s time it made a comeback. The name is also shared by one of the greatest football players of all time.
36. Beckham
This guy needs no introduction. The last name of David Beckham sounds much cooler than the first name (no offense to those named David).
37. Lionel
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The rival of Ronaldo, Messi’s first name is a strong contender in the baby name game. It means ‘young lion,’ which would be a good complement if you have someone named Leo in the family.
38. Cameron
Cameron is the moniker of not one, but two football players. It belongs to Cameron Jordon and Cameron Newton. Cameron is very popular with parents of Scottish and English origins. This name has been quite steady in terms of popularity. It was the 53rd most used name in the year 2014.
39. Alex
The name Alex belongs to Alex Carrington and Alex Smith, two of the most prominent NFL players. Small, yet powerful, the name Alex means ‘defender of men’. We hope by naming your baby boy Alex, even he’ll get some defensive skills and won’t let the team see defeat.
40. Chris
Chris, the short form of Christopher, is now mostly used as a standalone name. In the year 1966, Chris was the 55th most common baby name in the United States, reflecting its status among popular baby boy names at the time. In the football world, the name belongs to Chris Ivory, the famous NFL player.
Football Baby Names For Girls
41. Shannon
The original bearer of this name, Shannon Sharpe is a man, but this name would suit girls more.
42. Rosey
Rosey Brown, from the New York Giants, has a moniker that would sound much sweeter on a baby girl. And we’re quite sure, even your little daughter will be very sporty.
43. Nadine
Nadine Angerer is the goalkeeper and captain of the German National Team. Previously, she had played for Australia, Sweden and across five different teams.
44. Sun
Sun Wen, the recipient of the FIFA Player of the Century Award, is the forward player of China women’s national football team. She even led China to victory in the Women’s Asian Cup three times in a row.
45. Marta
Marta is the forward player of the Brazil Women’s National Team. She has won the FIFA World Player of the Year award more than five times. That’s more than any other soccer player in history.
46. Steph
If you think that Aleksandar Kolarov is the best left back of Manchester City, you probably have not seen Steph Houghton play.
47. Cecilia
Cecilia Santiago is the goalkeeper for the Mexico women’s national team. At the age of 16, she is the youngest goalie to appear in the world cup.
48. Almuth
If you want a German name for your little daughter, we’d suggest you go for Almuth, the German footballer.
Basketball Baby Names
Basketball fans rejoice! Your favorite teams and players can now inspire you to decide the best name for your newborn. These names represent the hard work and dedication basketball players embody.
Basketball Baby Names For Boys
49. Bryant
Bryant is the surname of Kobe Bryant and means ‘strong’. So by naming your son Bryant, you would be honoring one of the greatest basketball players of all time. You never know, even he could have his own ‘Like Mike’ moment.
50. Barkley
Whether you love him or hate him, you cannot deny that Charles Barkley was an outstanding basketball player.
Trivia51. Jordan
What better way to show your love for basketball than by naming your newborn after the second name of the greatest basketball players of all time- Michael Jordan. Whether you opt for his iconic second name or prefer to keep it traditional with his first, it’s a perfect example of baby names inspired by public figures that carry a legacy.
52. Duke
This name is for all the North Carolina basketball fans. This moniker is enjoying a revival currently. It entered into the top 1000 baby name list in the year 2012.
53. James
LeBron James is a famous American basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA.
54. Blake
Many of you think that Blake is just for girls, but we think it makes a better name for boys. And we love his last name Griffin too. We believe both can be considered.
55. Nolan
Nolan Ryan, the moniker of the Baseball Hall of Famer, is a cheerful and friendly Irish baby name, meaning ‘champion’. The name reached its highest popularity at the 122nd spot in the year 2014.
56. Kyrie
This unique name is inspired by Kyrie Irving, a superstar NBA basketball player. He is known for his incredible performance on the court. The name Kyrie has Greek origins and means ‘lord,’ adding a powerful connotation to its sports connection.
Basketball Baby Names For Girls
57. Diana
This name does not just belong to the late British queen, Elizabeth Diana. It also belongs to one of the top 15 WNBA players of all time.
58. Sheryl
Sheryl Swoopes is one of the greatest basketball names of all time. She is a retired American basketball player and the head coach of the Loyola University Chicago’s basketball team. The meaning of this S-version of Cheryl is ‘darling’.
59. Lisa
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Lisa Leslie is the former American women’s basketball player, who played in the WNBA. The moniker Lisa is a diminutive of Elizabeth and means ‘pledged to God’. This name shines even after so many years.
60. Tamika
Tamika Catchings is an American basketball player, playing for the Indiana Fever and Turkish team Galatasaray.
61. Chamique
This one’s truly unique. This moniker belongs to the former basketball player in the Women’s National Basketball Association. The meaning of this endearing name is ‘song of joy’.
62. Dawn
Dawn Staley, the three-time Olympian, is an American basketball coach and hall of fame player. Dawn is also one of our favorite nature-inspired baby names.
Trivia63. Cynthia
Cynthia Cooper is a former American basketball player, considered by many one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time. This beautiful name is an epithet of Artemis in classical mythology. And it’s a favorite name of Elizabethan poets as well.
Baseball Baby Names
Baseball baby names are inspired by famous baseball players and terminologies associated with the sport. Read on to discover some of the most unique names here.
Baseball Boy Names
64. Jacoby
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The growing popularity of this surname can be attributed to this high profile Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury. There is not one, but two football stars named Jacoby, Jacoby Ford, and Jacoby Jones.
65. Bo
If you want a short given name or nickname for your son, take inspiration from the name of Bo Jackson, the famous baseball and football star.
66. Hank
Hank Aaron, the baseball player, is legendary, and your son will be too when he gets this name. If you want to make this name more modern and stylish, do not use it as a nickname for Henry. It sounds way better on its own.
67. Mickey
Mickey is quite a tough name to sell, considering it’s associated mainly with the iconic cartoon character. But this name has plenty of other notable namesakes as well, including Mickey Mantle, the star basketball player.
68. Mitt
The mitt is another term used for a baseball glove. More specifically, it’s the term used for the first basemen or catcher’s mitt as it is shaped like a mitten and does not have individual fingers like gloves. The name has already been made popular by Mitt Romney, the presidential contender.
69. Camden
The moniker Camden has been a lot in the news lately after three celebrities using it for their sons. But if you reside in the Baltimore area, you would know that we are referring to the Baltimore Orioles’ home field at Camden Yards.
70. Satchel
Satchel Paige was the first baseball player to have been inaugurated into the Baseball Hall of Fame based on his performance in the Negro league. His real name is Leroy, but he was nicknamed Satchel because of his works with bags.
71. Gehrig
Lou Gehrig was best known for his farewell speech at the Yankee Stadium after being detected with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which is now called Lou Gehrig’s disease. This name’s association with a disease might repel some parents.
Baseball Inspired Baby Names For Girls
72. Pepper
Pepper is a term used for an exercise done in pre-game. The batter peppers the field with ground balls for the fielders to the field and then throws back to the batter, who then attempts to hit back the ball at them.
73. Annie
Annie is a term baseball players call their groupies. In “Bull Durham”, the baseball movie, Susan Sarandon’s character was named Annie due to this reference. And as a name, Annie is one of the most optimistic variations of Ann. It means ‘grace’.
74. Dorothy
Also nicknamed “The Human Vacuum Machine”, Dorothy Schroeder is considered the best fielder in the history of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Dorothy is the Greek version of Dorothea and means ‘gift of God’. This moniker has been used in Britain since the 16th century.
75. Sophie
In the year 1956, Sophie Kurys stole 201 bases, which is not just an AAGPBL record, but also a worldwide baseball record. Sophie is the cuter variation of Sophia. And it’s the top choice in the Netherlands.
76. Julie
Julie Croteau is the first woman to play in the men’s NCCA as a baseman. Did you know that Julie Croteau sued her school for snatching her right to play baseball? If you find Juliet old-fashioned, you can try Juliana or Juliet.
77. Jean
Jean Faut, in her nine years in the AAGPBL, was named an All-Star 4 times. She even won the Player of the Year award. Jean is the French variant of Johanna and means ‘God is gracious’.
78. Ila
Ila Borders was the left-handed pitcher who went on to become the second woman to begin a men’s NCAA baseball game.
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.
Illustration: Best Sports Baby Names For Boys And Girls
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there any historical trends in sports baby names?
The popularity of sports celebrities and the rising adoption of sports baby names have been influenced by historical sporting achievements and memorable sports events.
2. Are there any cultural differences in sports baby name trends?
Famous sports personalities inspire sports baby names, and these figures come from different cultures and religions. Hence, the names have multiple origins, meanings, and cultural differences.
3. How can sports-related names instill a sense of athleticism and determination in a child?
Sports-related names may be associated with athleticism and determination, as they often draw inspiration from renowned athletes, sports terminology, or historical figures. These names can subconsciously remind children of the qualities typically associated with sports, such as perseverance, discipline, and sportsmanship.
4. Are sports baby names a reflection of a family’s love for a particular sport or athlete?
Choosing a sports-related name might reflect a family’s passion for a particular sport or admiration for a specific athlete. It can be a way to pay tribute to their favorite sport, team, or athlete and pass on that enthusiasm to their child.
5. How can sports names inspire a child to lead an active and healthy lifestyle?
Growing up with a name associated with sports may encourage children to participate in sports, engage in physical activities, and reinforce the importance of staying active.
6. Can sports names contribute to a child’s self-confidence and sense of identity?
Having a sports name can give them a unique and memorable identity, fostering a positive self-image and a feeling of pride. This connection to sports can also create a sense of belonging if the child grows up in a family or community that values athletics.
7. Can sports names contribute to a child’s resilience and ability to overcome challenges?
Many sports are inherently competitive and require individuals to face setbacks, work through failures, and persist in facing obstacles. A sports name may remind children of these qualities and help them develop resilience and a mindset to overcome difficulties.
8. Can sports names help a child develop a competitive edge in various aspects of life, not just in sports?
While sports names may not directly contribute to a child’s competitive edge in non-sports aspects of life, they can evoke a sense of competitiveness and drive, instilling a desire to excel and succeed in all life areas, not just sports.
9. What are some unique sports baby names?
Sports baby names can be inspired by everything, from sporting events to famous sportspersons and even teams. Some distinctive ones include Pepper, referring to baseball exercise; Colt, referring to a soccer team and a player; and Beckham, inspired by the surname of famous footballer David Beckham.
Naming a baby is a grand milestone in parents’ lives. You need to decide on a name that suits your preferences and your child’s personality. The name should be such that it complements your child as they grow up. Choosing such a name can be a huge responsibility. Therefore, to share your responsibility a bit, we provide you with a list of baby names reflecting games. You may choose a name that fascinates you and relates to your favorite sport. It can be used as a given name, middle name, or a nickname for your infant. If you love sports, you would want to look into these interesting sport-inspired names of boys and girls.
Infographic: Sports Names For Boys And Girls
Indulging in sports and other physical activities helps us stay active and improve our metabolism. So, if you want to inspire your child to take up sports, why not name them after a sports star? In the following infographic, we present a few names for you. Check out! Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Sports enthusiasts may give their babies names related to their favorite sports.
- These names can reflect sporty attributes like being energetic or fast or be the names of sportspersons you admire.
- Names like Andre and Landon for boys and Mia and Sophie for girls are popular among new parents.
For a sports enthusiast, sport-related baby names hold deep meaning and importance. If you are a sports fan looking for the perfect baby name, then check out this video for some great ideas.
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. Effanineffable Name;https://findingtimetowrite.wordpress.com/2013/10/11/effanineffable-name/
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