194 Indo-European Names With A Slice Of History

Celebrate the amalgamation of vibrant cultures with a rich history.

Written by Ratika Pai, M.Com Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 6 years

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

Read full bio of Ratika Pai

Edited by Rebecca Malachi, BSc Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Fact-checked by Angela Alex, MA Specialty: Baby NamesExperience: 2 years

Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

Read full bio of Angela Alex

Last Updated on Nov 12, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Naming a baby is a challenging yet exciting process as it will be the first gift that you will give them. And Indo-European baby names may be unique and interesting options to explore. Most parents may look for a name that honors a loved one, has a special meaning, and sounds unique. But another tried, tested, and successful strategy is giving a name from a different country, heritage, or culture. Indo-European names are the perfect blend of these qualities. The Indo-European language is a family of 445 languages related to dialects and languages, with a majority belonging to modern languages of Europe, Iran, and Asia (1). Even the Indo-European names are as varied as the languages. Naming a child isn’t just about selecting some arbitrary sounds that can be associated with a child in Indo-European regions. It is about cementing the future life and reputation of the individual. Even the naming process is ritualistic in these areas. After the child’s birth, parents wait at least nine days for naming so that the mother can recover from childbirth. On the tenth day, the child is given a name after an elaborate bathing ritual for the mother. This process can be seen in Greek, Indian, German, Iranian, and Roman cultures. The Indo-European names reflect their religion, culture, battles, strength, and leadership values. Although these names have diverse cultures and backgrounds, they have significant meanings and are inspired by various cultures, elements in nature, Gods, mythology, and traditions. For example, the name Kaiya is an ancient Greek name and stands for ‘Yew tree,’ signifying the deep connection with nature. And the name Ethelsige, which stands for an ‘Anglo-Saxon King,’ celebrates the ties with mythology and historical figures. Another example is the name, Diana, meaning ‘Goddess,’ which has a cross-cultural and timeless appeal. Many such names bridge linguistic differences and are a source of fascination for parents worldwide. Scroll down to check out our collection of Indo-European names with meanings.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Luca	Boy	Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light
Miguel	Boy	Who is like God
Nola	Girl	Olive tree; God is with us; White shoulders; Fair; Noble
Siena	Girl	A place in Italy; Orange-red
Mohammad	Boy	Praised; Commendable
Mauricio	Boy	Moorish
Douglas	Boy	Dark river; Dark water
Estelle	Girl	Star
Deandre	Boy	Manly; Masculine
Draven	Boy	Hunter; Child of shadows; Of the raven

Mauro	Boy	Moorish
West	Unisex	One who is from the west; Evening; Night
Paulo	Boy	Small and humble
Athalia	Girl	Yahweh is exalted; The Lord is elevated; Afflicted
Priest	Girl	A religious leader authorized to perform rituals; To throw
Neftali	Boy	My struggle; My strife; Red deer
Rogue	Boy	Arrogant; Haughty; Excess; Exuberance
Obi	Boy	Heart; Yahweh's servant; Worshiper of Yahweh
Astoria	Girl	Hawk
Viana	Girl	Alive; Lively; Favor; Grace; Violet

Kaven	Boy	Intend; Courage; Strength and bravery
Eiley	Girl	Corposant; Torch; Moon
Terran	Unisex	Earth; Elevated place; Soft
Hasnain	Boy	Handsome; Beautiful; Good; Fine
Berlynn	Unisex	Swamp
Shantal	Girl	Stony; Stone
Lanora	Girl	The other Aenor
Hargun	Girl	One having Godly merits
Arash	Boy	Bear
Nimrat	Girl	The one who carries God's message; Humble

Elnora	Girl	The other Aenor; Light; Compassion
Elahi	Unisex	My God; Divine; Celestial; Godly
Astor	Boy	Hawk
Nayra	Unisex	Eye; Early; Black; Dark; To guide; Bright; Radiant
Aryo	Boy	Aryan; Noble
Deana	Girl	Divine; Goddess-like; Valley; Chief; Deed
Leanora	Girl	Sun rays; The other Aenor
Maurizio	Boy	Moorish
Keona	Boy	The attractive
Alius	Unisex	Other or different; Another

Garek	Boy	Oak tree grove
Hukam	Boy	Order; Command; Divine order
Juniel	Girl	Youthful; Young
Loni	Girl	Noble and ready; Strength; Heaven; Sky; Royalty; Lion
Harinder	Boy	Brown; Yellow; Drops of rain; Monkey; Tawny; Horse; Lion
Sula	Girl	Little bear; Liquid
Nadal	Boy	Christmas; Christmas day; Day of the Lord
Garick	Boy	Oak tree grove
Zenna	Girl	Woman; Wife; Hospitality; Guest; Foreigner; To wink
Arena	Girl	Sand; Moon; Torch; Corposant

Olani	Unisex	NA
Dugan	Boy	One who has dark skin
Cartel	Unisex	Poster; Placard; Page
Harjas	Boy	One who sings God's praises
Harkirat	Boy	One who sings of God's praise
Kove	Unisex	Coastal inlet; Hard; Firm
Maury	Boy	Moorish
Shantelle	Girl	Stony; Stone
Dunia	Girl	World; Kingdom; Universe
Allyna	Unisex	Little rock; Handsome

Niharika	Girl	Nebula
Davinder	Boy	King of Gods
Douglass	Boy	A dark river or stream
Doug	Boy	Dark river; Dark water
Akali	Girl	Immortal; Divine power
Gent	Boy	Noble; Courteous; Friendly; To beget
Helia	Girl	Sun
Neerav	Boy	Quiet; Calm
Noela	Girl	Christmas
Agamjot	Boy	God's light; Inaccessible Light

Dorinda	Girl	Gift of God
Ravneet	Girl	One whose morals are bright like the sun
York	Unisex	Yew tree settlement; Boar village
Avron	Unisex	He holds; Father of many
Aivan	Unisex	Precisely; Completely
Digna	Girl	Dignified; Worthy
Nimrit	Unisex	Humility; Modesty
Orelia	Girl	Expensive and glittering as gold; Gilded
Nory	Unisex	The other Aenor; Honor; Esteem; Dignity
Hela	Girl	Torch; Corposant; Moon; Bright; Clear; Vaianakh god of darkness; Wanton sport

Delio	Boy	One from Delos
Indalecio	Boy	Messenger of the God
Ajuni	Unisex	Quality of supreme; Beyond birth
Duffy	Boy	Black one; Descendant of Dubthach; Descendant of the peaceful black one
Arora	Unisex	More; Dawn
Mauricia	Girl	Moorish
Dilpreet	Boy	Heart; Mind; Soul; Love; Pleasure; Joy
Mirelle	Girl	To admire
Garrik	Boy	Spear king; Oak tree grove
Imela	Unisex	Mistletoe; To have; Knife

Octaviano	Boy	Eight or eighth
Moo	Unisex	Solemnity; Virtue; Big; Large; Nothing; Non-existent; Millstone; Plain; Moor; Heath
Mareya	Unisex	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved
Prit	Boy	Love; Joy; Pleasure
Djuna	Girl	Young
Levina	Girl	Beloved friend; Joy; Bliss; Joined in harmony; Lion
Alynn	Unisex	Little rock; Handsome
Ishara	Unisex	Treaty; Binding promise; Evening star; Goddess Ishtar.
Moraya	Unisex	Seashore; Coast
Engracia	Girl	Graceful

1 2 »

Indo-European baby names cover a large group of culturally rich names with varied roots and traditions. These names cross borders, have significant meanings, and each has a story. With a mix of traditional and modern names, there is something to suit everyone’s preferences. From having historical significance to linguistic connections, these names are timeless and unique, with their popularity growing day by day. If you are looking for names with depth and striking significance, these Indo-European baby names might be what you’re looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the significance of traditional Indo-European baby names?

Indo-European names often find their roots in captivating ancient myths and legends, allowing parents to pay homage to the heroic figures, gods, and goddesses from their cultural legacy. For instance, Apollo, denoting 'father lion,' splendidly represents the son of Zeus and Leto. Dan, meaning 'he judged,' finds significance as one of Jacob's twelve sons in the Old Testament. Jupiter, a beloved name associated with 'light,' traces its origins to the revered Roman god.

2. What are the different cultural meanings behind Indo-European baby names?

Indo-European baby names are derived from the languages and cultures of the Indo-European language family that elegantly encompass a wealth of cultural meanings and historical importance (2). Among them, Elena, meaning 'torch,' Boris, evoking the image of a 'wolf,' Alexander, signifying 'defending men,' and Sophia, embodying 'wisdom,' stand as cherished and widespread Indo-European names, beautifully honoring the vast region's profound heritage.

Infographic: Stunning Indo-European Baby Names

Indo-European baby names trace their roots to diverse cultures, languages, and histories. These names carry deep meanings, often inspired by ancestral history and traditions. Also, such names are becoming widely popular in the current times. Check this infographic for exciting options if you are looking for names that cross borders and have intriguing roots.

illustrious indo european names for your baby (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Michael Gross; (2018); The Indo-European ancestors’ tale.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982218307577
Indo-European Languages.
https://www.worldhistory.org/Indo-European_Languages/

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.