Best of… National Park Baby Names

US National Park maps with pronouncements like “Adventure Awaits” are adorning the walls of nurseries everywhere these days, and we think there must be something to it. Parents wanting to instill the explorer spirit in their little one, expose them to nature, or even just get them outside may find inspiration in the names of US National Parks. 

So for all you nature lovers, here is our list of the best National Park baby names, from Acadia to Zion!

Acadia

Acadia National Park in coastal Maine is one of the most beloved parks in the US. First known as Sieur de Monts and then Lafayette National Park, the name Acadia was chosen in 1929, perhaps borrowed from the Greek region of Arcadia (which was named for the mythological Arcas). Beautiful Acadia has a lot of syllables packed into its six letters, but it’s easily pronounced and comes with nickname option Cady.

Anderson

Andersonville National Historic Site in Georgia serves as a memorial to American prisoners of war throughout our country’s history. But despite the somber history of Andersonville prison (or Camp Sumter as it was known), Anderson’s history of use as a last name makes it wearable for a baby born today. Anderson Cooper, its most famous contemporary bearer, gives the name some precedent. And nickname Ander trims it down a bit.

Bowie

Bowie is one of those rock ‘n roll surname names, like Jagger, Lennon, or Hendrix. Our inspiration here, however, is Fort Bowie National Historic Site, a 19th century Army outpost in Arizona. This association makes the name as much reverential as rockstar– perfect for parents who have connections to the desert and classic rock.

Cabrillo

We like the last name of Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo as a first name. Cabrillo National Monument commemorates Cabrillo’s voyage to the coast of what is now California. If you want a subtle homage to California and place-name/surname is your style, Cabrillo might just work.

Cade

Cades Cove is a large valley surrounded by mountains in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While Cade is an English surname meaning “round” or “barrel,” depending on the source, Cades Cove gives it a more majestic connotation. The name is a modern one, though it appeared as a given name in Gone with the Wind through minor character Cade Calvert. The name’s simplicity gives it a warmth of familiarity, even though it’s uncommon. 

Dayton

We think place-name Dayton could be a newcomer to the Peyton/Leighton crowd. The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park honors three famous Dayton, Ohio residents: Orville and Wilbur Wright and African-American poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar. So even if you have no connection to the city, there’s loads of inspiration in the name Dayton.

Ebey

This name, pronounced like the letters E and B, comes from Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve in Washington. The first historical reserve in the US, it was named after one of the first settlers to the island, Colonel Isaac Neff Ebey, who reportedly called the place a “paradise of nature.” While it doesn’t have a history of use as a first name, we think Ebey’s as wearable as Evie or Phoebe.

Elias

The largest US national park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve in Alaska provides the inspiration for this name. Elias is a Greek name with biblical roots that has steadily climbed the popularity charts to #67, where it currently stands. Though its ties to the park’s mirror-like water and towering mountain backdrop steer it more “nature name” than biblical.

Estes

Pronounced ES-tis, this name has the  -s ending that we’re all loving right now. Estes Park, a base for Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, gives the name connotations of natural, striking beauty. And the name’s meaning, “from a famous ruling house,” links it to fame and fortune.

Frederica

Sure, Frederica is a bit old fashioned, but nickname Freddie fits right in with the other “nickname names” that are flying up the charts. Fort Frederica National Monument in Georgia was named after Frederick, Prince of Wales, son of King George II. The feminized version, Frederica, is a name that means “peaceful ruler.”

Halea and Kala

We split up the name of Hawaii’s Haleakala National Park and couldn’t decide which part we liked best. So we’re giving you both! Halea is a variant of Haley, which means “hay field,” though the Halley’s Comet association makes it feel ever-so-slightly celestial. Kala is a sweet Hawaiian name meaning “virtue” or “princess.”

Katahdin

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine gives us this beauty of a name. The park takes its name from Mount Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine. Pronounced ka-TAY-din, the American Indian word means “highest land” or “big mountain.” We like Katahdin in the middle name spot, or as a first name with nickname Kat.

Kenai

Named for the coastal Alaskan city of Kenai, Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its rugged landscape, glaciers, and sea life. A name meaning “flat lands,” it might be most associated with the protagonist of Disney’s Brother Bear. It could be a divine choice for winter-loving parents who adore both the mountains and the seas.

Lassen

The main feature of Northern California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park is Lassen Peak, one of the mountains in the Cascade Volcanic Arc. The active volcano is surrounded by geothermal areas, making the park an inspiring place for adventurers (and adventurous baby namers!). Lassen Peak was named after Danish blacksmith Peter Lassen, whose surname means “son of Lars.” 

Lowell

Bear and Fox, Birdie and Wren: we’re seeing animal-inspired baby names everywhere these days. Lowell, meaning “young wolf,” makes a subtle addition to the pack. Peaking in popularity in the 1930s, Lowell is currently outside the top 1000 baby names in the US. This is an all-around great name, especially if Lowell National Historical Park in Massachusetts has some significance to you.

Mead

A nice juxtaposition against the nearby Vegas Strip, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a breath of fresh air for hikers, campers, and fisherfolk. While the name means “from the meadow,” Lake Mead gives this name calming water vibes. Mead also works as an alternative to Reed. Or you can add an -e to the end to make it the surname Meade.

Rainier

Rainier is a name meaning “wise army,” but it feels less “warrior” and more rugged nature name to us. Its volcano namesake, Mount Rainier, is the cornerstone of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington and forms the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic landscape. The name Rainier is also associated with the Monoco royal family, making this brawny name just a bit regal.

Sequoia

Sequoia means “sparrow” and was the name of the early 19th century Cherokee Indian (Ssiquoya) who developed the Cherokee writing system. While he was the original bearer of the name, Sequoia is much more likely to be associated with the eponymous sequoia trees of Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Park, home to these awe-inspiring ancient giants. 

Thaddeus

Thaddeus Kościuszko National Memorial in Philadelphia preserves the home of the Polish freedom fighter who fought in the American Revolutionary War. His first name, meaning “gift of God,” currently ranks #710 on the US popularity charts. Thaddeus–Thad or Tad for short– is one of the lesser used Biblical names, making it an off-beat alternative to top-10 Noah and Elijah.

Zion

With famous musicians and athletes choosing this name for their babies, we’re sure to see more Zions in the near future. While Zion is mostly associated with the biblical Promised Land, Zion is a also a Hebrew name meaning “highest point.” However, our inspiration is another one of America’s national parks. With Emerald Pools trailhead and landmark rock, Angel’s Landing, Utah’s Zion National Park is loaded with positive associations of natural beauty. The name Zion can let you pass those on to your little one. 

And that’s our (long!) list of our favorite National Park baby names. Other adventurers out there, tell us what we missed!