There’s nothing more inspiring than a fresh start, whether it’s a massive closet purge or the dawn of another day. And a couple weeks into this new decade, we’re feeling motivated to put the past behind us and do more of what brings us joy. No matter what your resolutions are, we can all find inspiration in new beginnings. For this list, we’ve compiled our favorite names that signify firsts, newness, and rebirth.
From Ace to Zora, here are our top “new beginnings” baby names, for a new year:
Ace
A Latin name meaning “one,” Ace is full of positive vibes. It connotes leadership, excellence, and success. And it has the short and bold style–of names like Cash and Rex–that present-day parents are after. For parents who want their child to be called by their given name, Ace is a solid “no-nickname” option.
Alpha
The first letter of the Greek alphabet makes a stunner of a baby name. Unranked in the US since 1944, it’s a rare choice that feels surprisingly name-like. The name is also a celestial one, as alpha refers to the brightest star in a constellation.
Altan
There’s something bold and dramatic about the name Altan, and we’re here for it. Pronounced AL-tahn, this Turkish name means “red dawn,” which is both a beautiful and powerful image. While sharing some similarities in sound to the familiar Elton, its long -AH ending makes it sound fresh to our ears.
Anastasia
A name of Greek and Russian origin meaning “resurrection,” Anastasia is steadily increasing in popularity in the US. Yet it’s a name that feels established, since it’s so heavily used around the world, particularly in Europe. Whether you pronounce it anna-STAY-zhə or ah-nah-STAH-see-ə, it’s a name that’s full of elegance and romance.
Eos
Typically pronounced AY-ohs (not EE-ohs), Eos is the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn. Sibling Selene, goddess of the moon, may have a more easily wearable name. But we love Eos for Greek mythology lovers who aren’t afraid of going bold.
Genesis
The name Genesis is taken from the word meaning “the beginning.” Christian parents might choose it for its religious associations, as Genesis is the first book in the Bible. Currently ranked #57 in the US, it’s one of the more popular word-inspired baby names.
Hana
A name that can be found in many cultures, Hana means “one” in Korean. There’s a simple beauty in this name, in that it’s recognizable, and easy to pronounce and spell, across languages. And its meaning makes it particularly suited for a first-born child.
Iola
Iola is a Greek baby name that means “violet-colored dawn.” Pronounced like Viola without the V, Iola is a rare color name that also signals new beginnings. If you want Violet without the popularity, Iola is a standout but oft-overlooked choice.
Naveen
Hindi Naveen means has a modern-day charm about it that may win over parents seeking a “new” sort of name for their baby. We also love its soft consonant sounds. Disney fanatics may recognize it as the name of the prince from the animated Princess and the Frog, and fans of Lost will know it as the first name of actor Naveen Andrews who played the character of Sayid.
Neo
As a name, Neo exploded into our collective consciousness with the premiere of the first Matrix film. But even with that connection, Neo remains a relatively underused name, as it has never broken into the SSA top 1000. With a new Matrix film in production, though, Neo might find a new surge in use—and we think it has a modern industrial feel that would work for a baby boy or girl.
Nova
Few names in recent times have seen a rise as dramatic as Nova. Baby name Nova had been unranked in the US since 1938, until it came back on the charts in 2011 at #886. Currently, the Latin name meaning “new” is ranked #56! Astronomy lovers may like the name’s celestial ties, too. A nova is a star that suddenly increases in brightness—kind of like the name itself.
Ordell
Latin baby name Ordell means “of the beginning.” Though the name has never been popular in the US, we might recognize it from Tarentino’s character Ordell Robbie, in Jackie Brown or former Baltimore Colts defensive end, Ordell Braase.
Roxanna
Romantic Roxanna is glamorous and intriguing. And its shortened version, Roxie, is right on trend with other playful “nickname names” like Millie, Kit, and Winnie. Meaning “bright dawn,” Roxanna is more underused than its fraternal twin name, Roxanne.
Tan
Short and sweet name Tan means “new” in Vietnamese, and has been traditionally a boy’s name, but we think it has unisex appeal. This is partly because Tan can also be a shortened form of English name Tanner or the Russian Tanya. Or, like ts most famous association, fashion guru and Queer Eye star Tan France, it could be a shortened version of the the name Tanveer.
Zora
The name Zora, meaning “dawn,” is back in the US top 1000 baby names for the first time since 1939. And we’re not surprised. Names that sound like popular names tend to also become popular, and Zora has the feel of recent quick-riser Cora. We’re partial to its literary ties, honoring the important American author Zora Neale Hurston.
And that’s our list of baby names that mean “new”! What are your favorites?