100 Best Baby Names: Timeless Choices for Boys and Girls
Some names just work. They've been loved for decades – sometimes centuries – and they never feel dated. These are the names that sound as perfect for a CEO as they do for a toddler.
We've gathered 100 of the best baby names of all time. Not just popular names, but names that have staying power. Names with beautiful meanings, elegant sounds, and the kind of versatility that serves a person well through every stage of life.
Best Classic Girls' Names
These names have been loved for generations and show no signs of fading.
| Name | Meaning | Why It's One of the Best |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth | God is my oath | The ultimate classic. Royal, literary, endlessly nickname-able (Liz, Beth, Eliza, Libby). |
| Catherine | Pure | Sophisticated and strong. Works from boardroom to playground. |
| Victoria | Victory | Regal without being stuffy. Carries confidence. |
| Charlotte | Free woman | Gentle elegance with a strong meaning. |
| Eleanor | Bright, shining one | Vintage charm with modern appeal. |
| Margaret | Pearl | Traditional with great nickname options (Maggie, Meg, Greta). |
| Grace | Grace, elegance | Simple beauty that speaks for itself. |
| Alice | Noble | Literary and timeless. Sweet but not saccharine. |
| Julia | Youthful | Classic across cultures. Sounds beautiful in any accent. |
| Caroline | Free woman | Southern charm meets international appeal. |
Best Classic Boys' Names
Strong, handsome names that have proven themselves over generations.
| Name | Meaning | Why It's One of the Best |
|---|---|---|
| William | Resolute protector | Royal pedigree, works in every context. Will, Liam, Bill – options abound. |
| James | Supplanter | The gentleman's choice. Never trendy, never tired. |
| Alexander | Defender of the people | Powerful meaning, flexible length. Alex for casual, full name for formal. |
| Benjamin | Son of the right hand | Warm and friendly while still substantial. |
| Henry | Ruler of the home | Distinguished without pretension. |
| Thomas | Twin | Solid, dependable, universally recognized. |
| Charles | Free man | Aristocratic but approachable. |
| Edward | Wealthy guardian | Old-fashioned in the best way. |
| Daniel | God is my judge | Biblical strength with modern ease. |
| Samuel | Asked of God | Gentle strength. Sam is an effortlessly cool nickname. |
💡 Can't decide between classics? See which names you and your partner both love by matching together.
Best Modern Girls' Names
Contemporary names that have earned their place among the greats.
| Name | Meaning | Why It's One of the Best |
|---|---|---|
| Olivia | Olive tree | Literary, romantic, currently beloved – but with staying power. |
| Sophia | Wisdom | What better meaning for your daughter? Elegant in every language. |
| Emma | Whole, universal | Short, sweet, and eternally charming. |
| Amelia | Industrious, striving | Adventure and determination in one beautiful package. |
| Isla | Island | Serene beauty. Simple spelling, distinctive sound. |
| Ava | Life | Vintage Hollywood glamour meets modern minimalism. |
| Luna | Moon | Celestial, feminine, increasingly beloved. |
| Aria | Air, melody | Musical and light. A 21st-century classic in the making. |
| Harper | Harp player | Literary connection, modern surname-name trend. |
| Evelyn | Wished for child | Old-fashioned sweetness with contemporary cool. |
Best Modern Boys' Names
Names that feel fresh but have the depth to last.
| Name | Meaning | Why It's One of the Best |
|---|---|---|
| Oliver | Olive tree | Friendly and distinguished. The modern classic. |
| Noah | Rest, comfort | Biblical with a gentle sound. Universally loved. |
| Liam | Strong-willed warrior | Short-form of William that became its own powerhouse. |
| Theodore | Gift of God | Intellectual charm, adorable nickname (Theo). |
| Leo | Lion | Fierce meaning, friendly sound. International appeal. |
| Sebastian | Venerable | Romantic, literary, and substantial. |
| Lucas | Light | Bright meaning, classic feel, modern popularity. |
| Elijah | My God is Yahweh | Biblical coolness with artistic vibes. |
| Felix | Happy, lucky | What parent doesn't want happiness for their child? |
| Oscar | Divine spear | Irish and literary. Distinguished but warm. |
Best Nature-Inspired Names
Names drawn from the natural world – beautiful for any child.
| Name | Meaning | Why It's One of the Best |
|---|---|---|
| Lily | Lily flower | Pure, delicate, eternally lovely. |
| Rose | Rose flower | Classic floral that never fades. |
| Violet | Violet flower | Vintage flower name with color appeal. |
| Ivy | Ivy plant | Short, strong, climbing ever higher. |
| Willow | Willow tree | Graceful and flowing. |
| River | River | Unisex nature name with movement and life. |
| Jasper | Treasurer; gemstone | Earthy and warm. Works as nature or vintage. |
| Rowan | Red-haired; rowan tree | Unisex Celtic nature name. |
| Aurora | Dawn | Celestial beauty, princess connection. |
| Sage | Wise; herb | Meaning and nature combined. Perfectly unisex. |
💡 Love nature names? Discover which ones match with your partner and find your perfect fit.
Best International Names
Names that cross borders beautifully.
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Why It's One of the Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mateo | Spanish | Gift of God | International Matthew. Warm and handsome. |
| Luca | Italian | Light | European charm, unisex potential. |
| Sofia | Greek/Spanish | Wisdom | Sophia's international sister. |
| Mila | Slavic | Gracious | Short, sweet, globally beloved. |
| Elena | Greek/Spanish | Bright, shining | Helen updated for the modern world. |
| Kai | Hawaiian/Japanese | Sea/Ocean | Two-letter versatility. |
| Zara | Arabic | Blooming flower | Exotic but accessible. |
| Diego | Spanish | Supplanter | Spanish James with distinct character. |
| Maya | Sanskrit/Greek | Illusion/Mother | Works in virtually every culture. |
| Remi | French | Oarsman | Chic French minimalism. |
Best Strong Names for Girls
Names that convey power and confidence.
| Name | Meaning | Why It's Strong |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | Defender of the people | Queen energy. Powerful meaning. |
| Valentina | Strong, healthy | Latin strength with romantic flair. |
| Diana | Divine | Goddess and princess. Untouchable. |
| Vivian | Alive | Vibrant energy in every syllable. |
| Athena | Goddess of wisdom and war | Ultimate power name. |
| Matilda | Battle-mighty | Roald Dahl's fierce heroine. |
| Scarlett | Red | Bold color, bold personality. |
| Beatrice | Bringer of joy | Literary strength (Dante's muse). |
| Georgia | Farmer | Place name with down-to-earth appeal. |
| Francesca | Free | Italian elegance, independent spirit. |
Best Gentle Names for Boys
Soft sounds, strong character.
| Name | Meaning | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Elliot | The Lord is my God | Soft sounds, solid meaning. |
| Julian | Youthful | Romantic and refined. |
| Gabriel | God is my strength | Angelic but not weak. |
| Adrian | From Hadria | Mysterious and elegant. |
| Nathaniel | Gift of God | Poetic, biblical, distinguished. |
| Emmett | Universal | Warm and approachable. |
| Owen | Young warrior | Gentle sound, strong meaning. |
| Caleb | Faithful | Biblical with modern ease. |
| Ian | God is gracious | Scottish simplicity. |
| Miles | Soldier; merciful | Musical connection, friendly sound. |
Best Uncommon Names Worth Considering
Beautiful names that haven't hit the mainstream yet.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | Why It's Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cora | Girl | Maiden | Short, vintage, elegant. |
| Thea | Girl | Goddess | Greek mythology, modern brevity. |
| Margot | Girl | Pearl | French sophistication. |
| Silas | Boy | Forest | Biblical, naturalistic, strong. |
| August | Boy | Great, magnificent | Month name with gravitas. |
| Jude | Boy | Praised | Beatles connection, understated cool. |
| Wren | Either | Small bird | Tiny but mighty. |
| Nora | Girl | Honor | Irish sweetness. |
| Quinn | Either | Wise | Celtic strength, unisex appeal. |
| Ellis | Either | Benevolent | Surname-first name, gentle sound. |
What Makes a Name "The Best"?
The names on this list share common qualities:
Timelessness. They don't feel tied to a specific decade.
Versatility. They work at every life stage and in multiple contexts.
Beautiful meaning. The meaning adds depth to an already lovely sound.
Ease of use. They're not difficult to spell or pronounce.
Nickname options. Most offer flexibility for different situations.
Ready to Find Your Best Name?
The best name is one you both love saying. Start matching names with your partner and discover which of these classics feels perfect for your baby.
Matchling Team
The Matchling Team helps expecting parents find the perfect baby name through smart matching technology.
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