We have been through a wild ride these past several months and you might be attracted to the idea of a baby name for your newborn that imparts joy. After all, we could all use plenty of it. Happy baby names are simply appellations that are traditionally associated with blissful emotion. These names for boys come from a variety of naming traditions that range from Hebrew to Tibetan. Nothing is off the table!
If you are interested in a baby name for boys that means “happy,” you have come to the right place. We’ve taken a deep dive into names and their meanings to discover the most aesthetically pleasing options with optimal, delightful meanings behind them. Are you ready to learn some optimistic baby names that will surely cheer you up? Here are 25 radiant baby names for boys that mean “happy.”
25. Caius
Caius is a criminally underused name for boys in the US. You will find the name in UK’s top 1000 today but it is curiously unheard of here. Caius is pronounced KY-us and rhymes with eye-us. The name has Latin origins and means “rejoice.” We think you should!
24. Felix
Felix was formerly a Roman surname but was adopted as a nickname by the ancient Roman Sulla, who thought that he was especially endowed with luck by the gods. Thus, the name came to mean “fortunate” or “happy.” This name has been in the US top 1000 names for boys since 1880 (when the records began). It’s a top 500 name today and it is trending up!
23. Asher
In the Bible, Asher was one of Jacob’s twelve sons who supplied their names to the tribes of Israel. Asher is derived from the Hebrew word osher, which means “happiness.” The name has exploded in popularity in the US over the last twenty years. It’s now more popular here today than ever before ranking at 47 last year.
22. Bayo
Bayo is a shortened form of Adebayo. Both names are found commonly across Africa with origins in Nigerian and Yoruba. This amazingly playful name means “the crown meets joy.” We can get behind that!
21. Ziven
Another name we would love to hear more often in the US is the Slavic name Ziven which you will find in Russia and neighboring countries today. Ziven is pronounced zVen. Many will want to say “seven” but this name is a single-syllable charmer. This baby name means “vigorous” and “lively.” This one ought to put some pep in his step!
20. Gaius
Gaius has been the name of many ancient Romans, including Julius Caesar. Gaius is pronounced GUY-us. Gaius was little-used in the US before 2000 but it has emerged as a possibility thanks to other Roman classics coming into style like Atticus and Cassius. Gaius has Latin origins and it means “to rejoice.”
19. Onni
Onni is the Number 1 boy’s name in Finland yet virtually unknown in the English-speaking world. If you have Nordic heritage, you should consider this one because it means “happiness” and “luck.”
18. Ayokunle
Like Bayo, Ayokunle comes from Yoruba and it could be a perfect choice for the right parents who might have spent a little longer than expected to get pregnant. This name means “joy has filled the home.” How unique and precious is that? This rhythmic name is pronounced eye-OH-koon-lay.
17. Gil
Gil is a Hebrew name that sounds like “gill.” In Spain, the name has taken on a different sound and is said like the word “zeal.” Which is just out there in the open! The Hebrew origins of this name mean “happiness.” Gil was a top 1000 name from 1945-1971 and today it has not shaken its grandpa image yet.
16. Festus
In the Bible, Porcius Festus was a Roman official who mingled with St Paul. In modern times, this name has had more love in African communities than anywhere else. Festus was once a top 1000 name for a couple of years in the 1880s. The name has Latin origins and means “festive.” Surprise!
15. Anand
Pronounced UH-nund, Anand has a strong sound that should appeal to many new parents. This handsome baby name has Sanskrit origins and it means “bliss.” We will take it!
14. Simcha
Simcha is a Hebrew name and celebratory choice as it means “gladness,” and “mirth,” and “festivity.” Many will want to say “sim-cha”, but this one is pronounced seem-ca. This name is not really moving the needle in the US today and we would for it to make a debut in the US top 1000 soon.
13. Helier
Jèrriais is a Norman language that’s spoken by the people of the Channel Islands and Jersey in particular. Helier originates in this language as a name that means “cheerful.” Saint Helier is the Patron Saint of Jersey and the name of its capital. As you might imagine, this one is scarcely found in the US today.
12. Zelig
Don’t let a certain problematic film director steal this phenomenal name from the word of possibilities. Zelig is a Yiddish variation of Selig and has traditionally been given to both boys and girls. This jolly name means “blessed” and “happy.”
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11. Fane
Fane, used as a nickname in the Middle Ages for someone with a cheerful disposition. This forgotten English name means “joyous.” We think the reticence around this name is due to the fact that it sounds like “feign.”
10. Dechen
Dechen is a Tibetan name which is rare in the US today. But, if you want to honor heritage, this would be an excellent baby name as it means “endless delight.” We would like that too!
9. Bairam
Bairam is the name of two Mohammedan festivals, one that ends Ramadan and one that takes place 70 days later. Thus, this baby name with Turkish origins means “festival.” This makes for a great cross-cultural choice as it sounds so similar to English names Byram and Byron.
8. Isaac
Isaac evolved from the name Yitzchaq, derived from the Hebrew word tzachaq, meaning “to laugh.” The biblical figure was born to very old parents, Abraham and Sarah. The name means “laughter” and you can’t be mad about that. The name is one of the world’s most beloved as it is found in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions.
7. Jubal
Jubal is a Latin name mentioned in the bible that has somehow not enjoyed the same favor as others in its class. For musically inclined parents, this could be a great option. In the Book of Genesis Jubal is credited with inventing the lyre and other musical instruments. This name that sounds similar to jubilee and means “ram’s horn.”
6. Naim
Naim and its variants can be found in Arabic as a name meaning “comfort.” In Hebrew as a name meaning “pleasant.” And, in Scottish tradition, the name means “river with alder trees.” Not bad, right? Although you will find this baby name around the world it has not found a home in the US yet.
5. Tate
Tate has been a popular name for boys in the US since the seventies and is currently a top 500 baby name. The name has also been used for baby girls in recent years as parents are seeing it as a unisex possibility. This English name made its way to England’s shores via the Vikings. It means “cheerful.”
4. Parvaiz
Parvaiz is a boy’s name of Persian origin meaning “lucky” and “happy.” The baby name is popular across the Middle East, particularly in Iran. Unfortunately, this one is not yet popular in the US, but you can change that, new parents!
3. Alan
Alan and alternative spellings Allen and Allan all come from the Irish root that means “handsome” and “cheerful.” All three spellings have historically been popular in the US and remain favorites today. This name has been in use by the Celts since the Middle Ages.
2. Zorion
Zorion is a Basque name that will likely look like a cross between Zorro and Orion to most Americans. Zorion is an established name in Spain but has fallen from fashion there. This funky and fun Z-name means “happiness.”
RELATED: 25 Joyous Baby Names for Girls That Mean ‘Happy’ from a Variety of Traditions
1. Revel
Revel is a unisex baby name that we love for both boys and girls. Revel is a touch rowdy, and is only given to about 10 boys a years. We think this should change! This word-name means “rejoice.” If you are attracted to this name but think it would be too much, try it as a middle because it plays very well with others.
There you go! Do you feel a little lighter after scrolling through this list? We hope you enjoyed these cheery baby names and their upbeat meanings. All of these names will impart joy and optimism for a very happy life!
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