30 names that mean happy

What’s a more joyous moment than that of having a baby? Becoming parents for the first time, or again, is such a cheerful time in our life, it only feels appropriate to reflect this feeling when choosing our bundle of joy’s name. 

One of our greatest desires as parents is also for our little ones to grow up, find their passions and live life to the fullest, feeling happiness and freedom wherever they go. To wish them a lifetime of joy, giving them names that mean happiness feels momentous. The below names mean happiness, and can all be wonderful options for you to choose from, whether you’re having a girl or a boy or want a unisex name. 

For more happy baby names, check out our Baby names that mean light post, or our Baby names inspired by beautiful places blog. These happy names are sure to bring brightness to your day, and much joy to your baby in life.

Girls names that mean happiness

1. Joy

This gorgeous English name actually derives from the Old French word joie, and does exactly what it says on the tin, meaning ‘happy’.

2. Lowena

Also spelled Lowenna, this Cornish name means ‘joyful’ or ‘glad’.

3. Gwyneth

A lyrical Welsh name, deriving from the word gwynaeth, which can mean ‘luck’ or ‘happiness’.

4. Beatrice

From the Latin words viatrix and beatus, we love this Italian and French form of Beatrix, meaning ‘blessed voyager’ – an image of happiness and freedom.

5. Preeda

Originating in Thai language, this beautiful name meaning ‘joyful’ has been trending.

6. Allegra

If you’re looking for a name that sounds like music, Italian names are always a no-brainer. Allegra derives from the Italian word allegria, which means ‘happiness’.

7. Felicity

The Ancient Latin word felicitas for ‘lucky’ and ‘fortunate’ has grown and changed over centuries, developing into the beautiful English name that means ‘happiness’.

8. Behati

‘Blessed’ and ‘she who brings happiness’ are the meanings of the gorgeous African name Behati.

9. Naomi

A Biblical name deriving from Hebrew Na'omi, Naomi has often been associated with the meanings ‘cheerful’ or ‘pleasantness’.

10. Farrah

This short and sweet Arabic name deriving from the word farah means ‘joy’.

Boys names that mean happiness

1. Alan

Alan is both an Irish name meaning ‘cheerful’ and an English name from the Gaelic word ailin, which means ‘little rock’. Old French also had the word ailin, and it meant ‘handsome’.

2. Edwyn

Also spelled Edwin, this regal name means ‘a happy friend’ in German, but it also derives from the Old English ead, meaning ‘riches’ and weard, meaning ‘guard’. 

3. Jay

From the English and Hindu words meaning ‘victory’, this is a name often associated with celebrations and cheerfulness.

4. Felix

From the Ancient Latin word meaning ‘lucky’ or ‘fortunate’, we love that the name has preserved its original spelling. 

5. Isaac

This is such a joyful name, from the Hebrew word yitzchaq which means ‘he who laughs’.

6. Ayo

This short African baby name means ‘happiness’ in Nigerian. 

7. Farshad

From the Persian word فرشاد, this boy name means ‘great happiness’ and ‘glory’ in Arabic. In its English translation, this name is formed from the words far and shad, meaning ‘extreme happiness’.

8. Winston

For a traditional-sounding name, Winston derives from the Old English words wynn and stonn, which mean ‘joy’ and ‘stone’, suggesting indestructible happiness.

9. Luke

The Greek name Loukas means ‘from Lucania’, a region in Southern Italy known for its bright sunlight. The English form of this name means ‘giver of light’ and light is so often a symbol of happiness and joy. 

10. Benedict

A noble-sounding name deriving from the Ancient Latin word benedictus, meaning ‘the blessed one’, with blessings standing as a symbol of happiness and joy for life. 

Gender-neutral happy names

1. Asher

Originally a boy’s name but lately used for girls too, it comes from the Hebrew word meaning ‘lucky’ or ‘happy’.

2. Tate

The Old Norse word teitr meaning ‘cheerful’ has stood the test of time, used as an Old English family name and now being a common first name. 

3. Onni

This is a short, fun Finnish name that means ‘happiness’.

4. Keiko

A sweet Japanese name meaning ‘happy child’.

5. Blythe

This name is from the Old English word blithe, which meant ‘carefree’ or ‘cheerful’.

6. Gale

We love this Hebrew name that means ‘father’s joy’. 

7. Marni

This used to be a girl’s name, but it’s being used more and more for boys too. It comes from the Hebrew word meaning ‘rejoice’.

8. Lowen

Lowen derives from the Cornish word that means ‘joy’.

9. Revel

From the Latin word rebellare, the name has now taken on the meaning of ‘rowdy’ and ‘joyous’.

10. Makenna

Once an Irish surname meaning ‘son of Kenneth’, this name has now taken on the meaning of ‘the happy one who gathers many’. 

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