You'll find a baby name you love here, whether you want to go classic or creative. Get ideas and find inspiration in your search for the perfect name. Plus: See the top baby names for every year from 1880 to the present.

Famous People

Achievers

What better way to honor men and women in the military than by carrying on their names? Consider a baby name inspired by military heroes from the Revolutionary War to present times.

Parenthood is a big adventure, so why not choose a baby name that reminds everyone of the power of exploration?

Want to name your son after a great American? You're in luck – there are plenty of accomplished figures to choose from.

Name your daughter after one of these accomplished American women, and show her how wonderful it is to be born a girl.

If your baby is bound for greatness, try starting with a name inspired by one of the world's best thinkers.

If you're interested in naming your baby after a man or woman of science, here's an inspiring selection of possibilities to get you started.

World Leaders

Baby names inspired by people who have fought for racial justice and social change, as well as people who have unjustly lost their lives to discrimination.

The names of American presidents and first ladies provide a rich tapestry of potential baby names – and a way for you to show your patriotic spirit.

Of course your little one is destined for important things, so a name inspired by a great world leader may be in order.

Looking for royal baby name inspiration? Learn about the meanings and histories of these names from European royal families.

What better way to honor African American heritage than to name your child after one of these famous achievers?

Pay tribute to American Indian history and culture by choosing one of these meaningful names for your child.

Give your child a strong sense of Asian American history and identity with one of these distinctly beautiful names.

Celebrate Latino culture and history by naming your baby after one of these notable Hispanic Americans.

Arts & Entertainment

Literature

What better place to find your baby's name than in a much-loved book?

Hoping your little one will have super powers? Find inspiration in these great names from classic comic books.

Don't be afraid to venture into the realm of fantastical creatures, folk heroes, and gods and goddesses for baby naming ideas.

If you get your fill of drama from the theater, look no further than the Bard for inspiration – you'll find names to fit any personality.

Words can't describe how your baby makes you feel, but these notable wordsmiths can inspire your choice of a name.

Music & Visual Art

Add a little harmony to your baby's life with these names inspired by musical terms and instruments.

Nothing brings back memories like your favorite song. Keep your baby's life in tune with these names taken from popular tunes.

Musicians have a knack for picking unique baby names. Some are melodious, others less so, but all are great inspiration material.

Fashionistas, slip off those oversize shades and peruse our showing of the top names in the business.

From old master to the avant-garde, the art world offers plenty of options for naming your own great creation.

Films & Television

Looking for a baby name fit for the limelight? Get inspiration from our list of African American celebrity names, from the new to the classic.

Your favorite television shows may offer a wealth of appealing baby name choices. Thank the writers, who get paid to pick names with pizzazz!

Add a touch of the fabulous '80s to your baby's life with these names inspired by the era's best movies.

Are you a huge fan of Disney movies? Get inspiration for your baby's name from these Disney characters.

Love the movies? Consider naming your little star after one of these Oscar-winning actors and actresses.

The wizarding world of Harry Potter offers some magical baby names inspiration. See a slideshow of our favorite characters and actors from the books and films.

Fans of Lord of the Rings return to Middle-earth for baby names inspiration. See a slideshow of our favorite characters and actors from the books and films.

Pixar fans look to these beloved children's movies for baby names inspiration. See a slideshow of our favorite characters and voice actors from the films.

Sports

From basketball to swimming, African Americans have triumphed in sports. Find a champion of a name for your champion of a baby.

Check out these baby names inspired by baseball greats and you just might find a hit.

Check out our list of basketball stars to find a slam dunk of a name for your baby.

Calling all football fans! Football stars are a great source of inspiration for baby names. Huddle up and look for a winner.

If you're inspired by incredible athletes, look no further than the Olympic Games. Choose an Olympic name for your baby and there's no doubt you'll have a winner.

Having a kick-filled pregnancy or just love soccer? Check our list of baby names inspired by famous soccer champions.

Celebrations & Belief

Holidays

These baby names bring to mind the pure magic of Christmas and the winter season. Help it last all year long with these merry name ideas.

Having a Hanukkah baby? Give your child a name inspired by this Jewish holiday known as the Festival of Lights.

If your child is born on or near Halloween – or if you just love the holiday – consider these baby names that have Halloween flavor.

What can possibly create deeper gratitude than your pregnancy? Consider a baby name inspired by the holiday that celebrates thanks for all we have.

With its themes of freedom, compassion, and new life, Passover is a perfect source for baby name inspiration.

Whether your little cherub is due near Valentine's Day or you're just a sucker for all things valentine, a love-filled baby name could be the perfect fit.

Whether you're expecting a July baby or just consider yourself a patriot, a baby name inspired by Independence Day will suit your little firecracker.

Do you have Irish roots, or just happen to love all things Irish? Check out these names inspired by St. Paddy's Day and let your baby go green!

Peruse these names inspired by famous magicians and jokesters, as well as April Fool's Day itself. They're great name ideas if you love a sense of humor – or just want to honor the magic and mischief of childhood.

You could find the perfect baby name for your little one with this list inspired by America's heroic labor reformers.

Savor these delicious baby names inspired by fruits, vegetables, spices, drinks, and other culinary concoctions.

Faith

Biblical names never go out of style – they've been among the most popular names for boys and girls for centuries. But there are many you may not be familiar with.

If you're religious or spiritual, one of these beautiful, faith-based names could be the perfect fit for your baby.

If you want to name your heavenly bundle after a saint, you have plenty of choices – from Adelaide to Zita and Adrian to Xavier.

Natural World

Seasons

With its celebration of new life, spring is a perfect source for baby name inspiration. Check out these names that capture the youthful essence of the season.

If you love summer, take a look at these baby names inspired by sun, water, and the warmest season.

If your baby has a fall due date or autumn is simply your favorite time of year, consider these baby names inspired by the season.

Are you a cold weather lover or having a winter baby? These baby names evoke the stark beauty of "Old Man Winter."

Nature

Browse our list of girl, boy, and unisex baby names inspired by stars, planets, moons, astronauts, and more.

Color your child's world with one of these creative names inspired by all the hues of the rainbow. You can even deck out the nursery in the same shade.

Give your child a gemstone name – like Ruby, Emerald, or Pearl – and let her shine her whole life through.

If you like flower names, you're in luck – there are plenty of them, ranging from garden-variety to off-the-beaten-path.

Give your child a name inspired by the natural world and you could gain a whole new appreciation for its beauty.

Heritage & Regions

Heritage

Consider one of these names that evoke the rich history of African religions.

Give your baby a tangible connection to his or her African heritage with one of these beautiful names

Breaking down name popularity by race gives visibility to African American baby names – and what lovely names they are.

What better way to honor African American heritage than to name your child after one of these famous achievers?

Pay tribute to American Indian history and culture by choosing one of these meaningful names for your child.

Give your child a strong sense of Asian American history and identity with one of these distinctly beautiful names.

Celebrate Latino culture and history by naming your baby after one of these notable Hispanic Americans.

Looking for a baby name fit for the limelight? Get inspiration from our list of African American celebrity names, from the new to the classic.

Places

See BabyCenter's list of the most common baby names in Mexico since 1930. On this list, you'll find the most traditional Mexican names.

See our list of the most common baby names in Spain for boys and girls since before 1920 to the present.

Hunting for great baby names? Get inspiration by looking over our international lists of names that are popular in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Get your child's life journey off to a great start with one of these well-traveled names.

The spirit of early American cowboys and lawmen, rustlers and outlaws, and farmers and frontierswomen lives on in their rugged, folksy names. Add the excitement of the frontier to your baby's life with these names inspired by the Wild West.

Whether there's some Dixie in your family tree or you just have a soft spot for a charming drawl, our Southern-style baby names may be just the inspiration you need.

Classic & Alternative Sources

Classic

Baby names evoking power and resilience through meaning or association.

Gender-neutral names can be utterly charming, giving male and female bearers a dash of strength and sensitivity.

Want to give your baby a sophisticated name – perhaps something that evokes royalty or stars of the stage and screen?

Consider reaching back into history for the perfect name for your little one. Like antiques and fine wine, these golden names have lasting appeal.

Find a baby name that evokes madras shorts and polo shirts. Here's a list of preppy baby names that come straight out of New England prep schools.

If your last name is a mouthful or you want to keep things simple, one of these short and sweet baby names could be just the thing.

Find out the most popular baby names each year, from today's hottest names all the way back to the darlings of the 1800s.

Alternative

Looking for a great name that's uncommon but still sounds like a classic? Dive in. You'll find dozens to choose from!

If you prefer Sundance to the Oscars and have a soft spot for the Ramones, these hipster baby names may be just your thing.

There's no rule that says you can't put a "nickname" on your baby's birth certificate. So bypass the longer version and go straight for the good stuff.

Disappointed that your favorite baby name is in the top 10? Here are some similar – but more unusual – alternatives to today's trendiest names.

These unusual baby names have a "cool" factor that just might help your kid stand out from the crowd.

Take a look at some of the most unexpected and creative names of the year. You'll either be inspired - or entertained! - by the names parents are choosing.

Looking for dark baby names, Goth baby names, or names with just a little more edge? Take a look at our twisted list.

If you love celebrity baby names but don't want to copy them exactly, get ideas here for inspired and similar-sounding alternatives.

See our slideshow of baby names that have caught on as names for dogs, cats, and animal characters in books and movies. They're great for humans too!