Today’s Thanksgiving! And while it might not look like Thanksgivings past, we’re using today to embrace the “better, not more” philosophy. Sure there will be fewer people around the table, but that’s just a challenge to dive deeper into conversations with our closest loved ones and enjoy the beauty and flavors of the season.
For babies born this time of year, a name that evokes the chill in the air and vibrant colors of nature can make a sweet tribute. So here’s our list of autumn baby names you’re sure to fall for!
Aki
We love the sound of this Japanese baby name. And for parents expecting right now, Aki’s meaning—“born in the autumn”—can’t be any more perfect.
Ash
This name meaning “ash tree” can be a nickname for Asher, an honor name for a beloved Ashley, or a short and sweet name on its own.
Aspen
This nature name makes us think of cool fresh air, a perfect name to signal the transition to winter.
Aurelius
Aurelius is a Latin name meaning “the golden one,” and for this list reminds us of yellow-hued autumn leaves.
Bingham
Meaning “homestead at a hollow,” this surname name makes us think of lush forests. And it’s celebrity approved while still mostly under the radar.
Birch
A name that signifies the birch tree, we think Birch makes a solid, uncommon name for nature-loving parents.
Blair
A Scottish name that feels ultra preppy right now, Blair’s meaning of “dweller on the plain” makes it a touch outdoorsy.
Branch
With eco-consciousness on the minds of new parents, the popularity of “tree names” is continuing to grow (Willow’s in the top 50!). While still a rare name, we expect Branch to continue to rise.
Ceres
Ceres is the name of the goddess of the harvest. Pronounced like the word “series,” this name blends mythology with nature.
Gaia
Pronounced GUY-uh, this Greek beauty meaning “earth mother” has romantic and bohemian vibes.
Garner
A Latin name meaning granary, or, a storehouse for grain, Garner has surname appeal, too.
Goldie
Vintage nickname names are on the rise, but Goldie hasn’t seen the popularity rise of others. Well we think it’s time to change that. Gold has connotations of wealth while the color is rich with autumn charm.
Granger
Equally fitting on our list of occupational baby names, a granger is one who works at a granary. And we appreciate how the name’s strong sound matches its rugged feel.
Kiona
A Native American name meaning “brown hills,” Kiona is also a Hawaiian baby name and the name of a community in the state of Washington. As fans of Fiona, we like this similar-sounding but much less popular alternative.
Lennox
Another option for Maddox or Lennon lovers, baby name Lennox means “elm grove” and sits perfectly in the sweet spot of not too popular yet not unheard of.
Opal
The birthstone for October, Opal came into the top 1000 baby names in 2017. It’s currently ranked at 679, which makes it much less popular than other gemstone baby names like Ruby (#66) and Jade (#104).
Radley
This name meaning “red meadow” feels wearable, maybe because of its similarity to Bradley. Then there are its literary vibes and the obvious nickname option, “Rad.”
Samhain
Samhain is an Irish name meaning “end of harvest season.” Pronounced SOW-in, it’s a gorgeous name but will have the same pronunciation issues in the US as our other Irish favorites, Saoirse and Siobhan.
Sparrow
The “bird baby names” trend is still holding strong with names like Wren and Phoenix rising up the charts. Nicole Ritchie and Joel Madden put Sparrow on the map when they chose it for their son, but it’s a truly gender-neutral choice.
Tess
Oh we just love short-and-sweet Tess! It means “to harvest,” making it perfectly appropriate for the season.
Thérèse
A French name that means “to reap or gather,” this clipped-back variation of Theresa feels especially sophisticated and fresh right now.
Yuri
While the name has many origins and cultural backgrounds, Yuri is on this list of autumn baby names as a Russian variation of George, which means “farmer.”
Zarina
We love a good Z name, and this Persian beauty will surely stand out with its commanding first letter. Zarina has a sound as lovely as its meaning, “a golden vessel.”
And those are our favorite autumn baby names. There are so many styles in this list, so let us know which names you like best! Then head over to our Thanksgiving baby names list for more fall inspiration.
Happy Thanksgiving 2020 to you! Hang in there and be well. ❤️