25 Baby Names Inspired by Heroic Women for International Women’s History Month

As we celebrate International Women’s History Month, it’s important to recognize and honor the strong and inspiring women who have made an impact on our world. One way to do so is by choosing a baby name that pays homage to these heroic figures. From activists to scientists, there are countless women whose names can serve as a powerful reminder of their legacy.

Choosing a baby name is an important decision for any parent, and what better way to honor your child than by giving them a name inspired by a historic woman who made a significant impact on the world? By choosing one of these names, parents can instill a sense of strength, resilience, and determination in their daughters. Whether you’re looking for something classic or unique, plenty of options pay homage to the brave women who came before us.

Harriet

One of the most celebrated heroines in American history, Harriet Tubman is best known for helping slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad in the 1850s. Not everyone knows that Tubman, who fled slavery in 1849, set up a vast espionage ring for the Union during the Civil War. She served as a cook, nurse, and even a spy for the Union during the Civil War and was the first woman in American history to lead a military expedition. Despite all of her many accomplishments, she was only paid $200 for her years of service and was not offered a pension, as was customary for spies. Harriet is a German name that means “estate ruler.”

Marie

Marie Salomea Skłodowska-Curie, a physicist and chemist of Polish origin who became a naturalized French citizen, conducted groundbreaking research on radioactivity. Her contributions to the field were so significant that she became the first woman ever to receive a Nobel Prize. Not only that, but she also has the distinction of being the first to win two Nobel Prizes and the only person to have won in two different scientific fields. Marie is the French form of Mary, meaning “drop in the sea” or “bitter.”

Althea

Althea Neale Gibson was an American tennis player, professional golfer, and one of the first Black athletes to cross the color line of international tennis. One of the truly inspiring women on this list that many people do not know about. In 1956, she became the first African American to win a Grand Slam title. Althea is a unique Greek name that means “with healing power.” Althea fell from favor in the seventies and has never made a return. Let’s bring back this handsome option!

Emmeline

Emmeline Pankhurst was a fervent feminist and a prominent women’s rights activist who, along with her husband, fought tirelessly for the cause of women’s rights during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After her husband passed away, she joined forces with her three daughters to establish “The Women’s Social and Political Union,” which became widely known as the suffragettes – a movement campaigning for women’s right to vote. Emmeline’s unwavering dedication to the cause made her an influential figure in women’s rights activism history. Emmeline is an Old French name of German origin, meaning “industrious.”

Rosa

Rosa Parks remains one of the most visible figures of the Civil Rights Movement who is often referred to as “the first lady of civil rights” and “the mother of the freedom movement.” She was instrumental in the Montgomery bus boycott, among many other successful activities. Rosa is the Latinate form of Rose that refers to the flower. This name is one of America’s favorites as it has been in the top 1000 since records began for naming in 1880.

Indira

As India’s Prime Minister for a remarkable 15-year term, Indira Gandhi played a significant role in establishing and promoting democracy in the country. Her unwavering commitment to public service and her leadership skills helped pave the way for many positive changes in India. Unfortunately, her life was tragically cut short by assassination in 1984, but her legacy as a trailblazer and champion of democracy lives on. Indira is a name of Sanskrit origin, meaning “beautiful.”

Billie

Renowned US tennis player Billie Jean King, who has won an impressive 20 Wimbledon titles, is perhaps best known for her historic victory over Bobby Riggs in the landmark “Battle of the Sexes” match in 1973. After Riggs made derogatory comments about women’s athletic abilities, King stepped up to the challenge and defeated him in a thrilling match, winning a $100,000 prize. This momentous event showcased King’s exceptional skills on the court and helped break down gender barriers and promote equality in sports. Billie is a gender-neutral form of William, meaning “steadfast protector.”

Benazir

Benazir Bhutto made history as the first woman to lead a Muslim state during her tenure as Pakistan’s 11th Prime Minister from 1993 to 1996. Her unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights led her to end military dictatorship in her country while also advocating for women’s rights. Tragically, Bhutto’s life was cut short when she was assassinated in a suicide attack in 2007. Still, her legacy as a trailblazer and champion of democracy continue to inspire people around the world. Benazir is a name of Pakistani origin, meaning “unparalleled.”

Roxane

Roxane Gay is an American writer, professor, editor, and social commentator. Gay is the author of The New York Times’ best-selling essay collection and seminal work Bad Feminist. She is one of today’s most talented thinkers and writers who communicates racial and feminist struggles through her own personal experiences. Roxane can be found in Persian, Slavic, and Polish traditions as a name meaning “dawn.” The name has not been widely used since the sixties, which we think you should help change!

Florence

Florence Nightingale often referred to as “The Lady with the Lamp,” devoted her time and efforts to nursing wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. Her unwavering passion and dedication to this profession revolutionized the public’s perception of it. She recognized the importance of proper sanitation in patient care, which is said to have saved countless lives. Nightingale’s impact on healthcare and her tireless work in improving conditions for patients continue to inspire nurses today. Florence is a name of Latin origin, meaning “prosperous.”

Amelia

In 1932, Amelia Earhart made history as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. Three years later, she achieved another milestone by becoming the first woman pilot to complete a solo flight from Hawaii to California. Earhart’s lifelong passion for flying led her to embark on a daring mission to circumnavigate the globe in 1937. Tragically, her plane went missing during this journey, and she was never seen again. Despite her mysterious disappearance, Earhart’s legacy as an aviation pioneer and trailblazer for women in the field continues to encourage the next generation. Amelia is a name of German origin, meaning “industrious.”

Gloria

Gloria Steinem is a feminist icon and a leading women’s rights movement figure. She was born in Ohio in 1934 and began her career as a journalist, writing on issues such as women’s reproductive rights, gender equality, and social justice. In 1969, she co-founded Ms. Magazine, which quickly became a platform for feminist voices and helped to shape the discourse around women’s issues. Throughout her life, Steinem has advocated for many causes, including racial justice and LGBTQ+ rights. Today, at the age of 87, Gloria Steinem remains an influential voice in feminist discourse and continues to inspire new generations of activists with her powerful message of equality for all. Gloria is a name of Latin origin that indeed means “glory.”

Teresa

Mother Teresa, born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in 1910 in present-day North Macedonia, was a Catholic nun and missionary who dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, an organization that now operates in more than 130 countries worldwide. Mother Teresa’s work focused on providing care for those who were marginalized or forgotten by society, including people with leprosy, HIV/AIDS patients, and abandoned children. Her selfless dedication to helping others earned her numerous honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Teresa is a name of Spanish origin, meaning “harvesting.”

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Eleanor

Eleanor Roosevelt was an American politician, diplomat, and activist who significantly impacted the country’s history. She was born in New York City in 1884 and married Franklin D. Roosevelt, who became the president of the United States in 1933. As first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the role into an active one, advocating for civil rights, women’s rights, and economic justice. She also served as a United Nations delegate and played a key role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Her advocacy work continued after her husband’s death, and she remained an influential figure until her own passing in 1962. Eleanor is an English name from French with an unknown meaning.

Pearl

Pearl S Buck was an American writer and activist who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938. She was born in West Virginia in 1892 and grew up in China, where her parents were missionaries. Her experiences living overseas informed much of her writing, which often explored themes of cultural identity, family dynamics, and the struggles women and marginalized groups faced. Buck’s most famous work is the novel “The Good Earth,” which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1932 and has been translated into over 30 languages. Beyond her literary contributions, Buck was also a vocal advocate for civil rights and women’s rights, working to advance these causes throughout her life. Pearl is a name of Latin origin, meaning exactly what you think it does.

Elsie

WWII veteran Elsie S. Ott was the first woman to receive the US Air Medal. Ott contributed to the elevation of military medical care and was one of the most famous women veterans that Americans should know. Elsie is an adorable name with Hebrew origins, which means “God is abundance.”

Shirley

A source of endless political inspiration, Shirley Chisholm was an educator, and community organizer turned politician who became the first Black woman elected to Congress by constituents in her Brooklyn borough. Later, she would become the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for president of the United States from one of the two major political parties. If you are looking for a name that embodies Chisholm’s “Unbossed and Unbought” ethos, pick this English name that means “bright meadow.”

Ada

Ada Lovelace was an English mathematician and writer who is widely regarded as the world’s first computer programmer. She was born in London in 1815 and showed an early aptitude for mathematics, which she pursued with the help of tutors and mentors. Lovelace is best known for her work on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, a mechanical calculator considered one of the precursors to modern computers. Her notes on the machine included what is now recognized as the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine, making her a pioneer in computer programming. Today, she is remembered as a trailblazer for women in STEM fields and an inspiration to generations of programmers and innovators. Ada is a name of German origin, meaning “noble.”

Frida

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist known for her powerful self-portraits and depictions of Mexican culture. She was born in Mexico City in 1907 and began painting after a bus accident left her with lifelong injuries. Her work often explored themes of identity, gender, and social justice, drawing on both personal experiences and the broader cultural context of Mexico. Kahlo’s distinctive style blended elements of traditional Mexican folk art with surrealism and other modernist movements, creating a unique visual language that has captivated audiences around the world. Beyond her artistic achievements, Kahlo was also an icon of feminist and LGBTQ+ activism, using her platform to advocate for women’s rights and challenge societal norms around gender expression. Today, she is widely regarded as one of the most important artists of the 20th century, whose legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and activists alike. Frida is a name of German origin, meaning “peace.”

Madeleine

Madeleine Albright was an American diplomat and politician who served as the first female United States Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001. Born in Czechoslovakia in 1937, Albright and her family fled to the United States during World War II. She went on to earn a PhD in political science from Columbia University. She became involved in politics, serving as a staff member on the National Security Council under President Jimmy Carter. During her tenure as Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton, Albright played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, including efforts to promote democracy and human rights around the world. Albright was a vocal advocate for women’s rights and gender equality throughout her career, inspiring generations of young women to pursue careers in politics and diplomacy. Madeleine is a name of French origin, meaning”high tower.”

Coretta

The English name Coretta comes from Cora, a name meaning “maiden.” This name fell out of the top 1000 in 1970, which we find unacceptable! Coretta Scott King was an American author, activist, civil rights leader, and the wife of Martin Luther King Jr. An advocate for African-American equality; she was a leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Bring back this name and honor a true American hero.

Irena

Irena Sendler was a Polish social worker and activist who is best known for her heroic efforts to save Jewish children during the Holocaust. Born in 1910, Sendler grew up in Poland and became involved in the underground resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II. She worked with a network of volunteers to smuggle Jewish children out of the Warsaw Ghetto and place them with non-Jewish families or in convents, often using false documents to hide their identities. Despite great personal risk, Sendler continued this work for several years, ultimately saving an estimated 2,500 children from almost certain death. After the war, she was imprisoned and tortured by the communist regime that took power in Poland but later received recognition for her wartime heroism from numerous organizations around the world. Irena is a name of Greek origin, meaning “peace.”

Dolores

Dolores Huerta is an American labor leader and civil rights activist who has played a key role in the fight for social justice for over six decades. Born in 1930 in New Mexico, Huerta grew up during the Great Depression and witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by farm workers and other marginalized groups. She co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) with Cesar Chavez in 1962, leading boycotts, strikes, and other protests to secure better working conditions and higher wages for farm workers across California and beyond. Huerta also worked to promote voting rights, women’s rights, and environmental justice throughout her career, receiving numerous accolades and honors for her advocacy work. Today, she continues being outspoken on issues of social justice and inspires others to join the fight for a more equitable world. Dolores is a name of Spanish origin, meaning “lady of sorrows.”

Patsy

Patsy Mink was an American politician and civil rights activist who became the first woman of color to be elected to the United States Congress in 1964. Born in Hawaii in 1927, Mink faced discrimination and racism as a Japanese-American during World War II but earned degrees from the University of Hawaii and the University of Chicago Law School. She served in Congress for over two decades, championing causes such as women’s rights, civil rights, and education reform. Mink co-authored Title IX, a landmark legislation that prohibits gender discrimination in education programs receiving federal funding. She also ran for president twice and played a key role in establishing the Asian-Pacific American Caucus within Congress. After her death in 2002, she was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama for her lifelong commitment to social justice and equality. Patsy is an English short form for Patricia, meaning “noble.” It’s delightfully vintage!

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Maya

Maya is a beloved multicultural name that you will find in a number of naming traditions. Maya was the legendary Greek mother of Hermes by Zeus and can mean “water,” “illusion,” or “mother.” Maya Angelou is arguably the most celebrated American poet of all time, with many awards for a body of writing that spanned genre and was produced for over 50 years. Angelou worked alongside civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X to fight for equality for all. She would make a great inspiration for this gorgeous name that’s currently more popular than ever before.

What did you think of these inspiring women? We hope we shared the best heroic names to honor International Women’s History Month! Each one of these daring women changed the world for the better.