It’s no coincidence that some of the hottest baby names right now are literally names that mean fire or translate to something closely related to fire – like a spark, torch, flame, heat, warmth, candle, or smoke.
Either way, names that mean fire are heating up – and three isn’t much that’s going to cool them down.
Just look at Aiden – which translates to ‘little fire’ in Irish. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), Aiden was the 13th most popular boy name of the 2010s and still ranked inside the top-50 in 2023.
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One of the main reasons why names that mean fire are so popular today is because fire is one of the four classical elements – along with earth, water, and air – in ancient Greek philosophy and science.
Not only that, but the 12 zodiac signs are divided up into four elements: fire, earth, air, and water.
The three zodiac signs associated with fire are Aries (March 21 – April 19), Leo (July 23 – August 22), and Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21). If your due date falls on a fire sign, then you know what to do!
10 of the Hottest Names That Mean Fire – Literally
Trying to come up with the perfect baby name for your little ball of heat isn’t easy, but names that mean fire are always a good option – especially since they symbolize strength, passion, energy, and warmth.
They’re generally seen as unique and bold, so they often stand out in the crowd.
While there are literally thousands of potential baby names that mean fire (or something related to fire), we’re going to warm things up with 10 of our personal favorite baby names that directly translate to ‘fire.’
Let’s see if any of these names spark your interest!
10. Aidan
Origin: Irish (derived from the old Irish name “Aodhán,” which is a diminutive form of “Aodh”)
Meaning: Little Fire, Born of Fire
Famous People: Aidan Quinn (American actor), Aidan Turner (Irish actor), Aidan Gillen (Irish actor), Aidan Gallagher (American actor), Aidan McArdle (Irish actor)
9. Ignatius
Origin: Latin (derived from the Roman family name “Egnatius,” which is believed to be of Etruscan origin)
Meaning: Fiery One, Ardent
Famous People: Saint Ignatius of Loyola (Spanish priest and theologian), Ignatius of Antioch (early Christian writer and bishop of Antioch), Ignatius Sancho (African-British writer, composer, and abolitionist), Ignatius Kutu Acheampong (Ghanaian military officer and politician), Ignatius Bonomi (English architect and surveyor)
8. Kasai
Origin: Japanese (derived from the kanji 火災)
Meaning: Fire, Conflagration
Famous People: Noriaki Kasai (extremely successful Japanese ski jumper), Yoshiyuki Kasai (prominent Japanese businessman), Kasai Masai (musical group based in the UK), Kumiko Kasai (Japanese jazz singer)
7. Blaze
Origin: English (derived from the Latin name “Blasius”)
Meaning: Fire, Flame
Famous People: Blaze Bayley (English singer and songwriter), Blaze Foley (American country music singer-songwriter), Blaze Berdahl (American actress and singer), Blaze Riorden (American professional lacrosse player)
6. Ember
Origin: English (derived from the English word “ember,” which refers to a small, glowing piece of coal or wood in a dying fire)
Meaning: Spark, Glowing Coal
Famous People: Ember Moon (ring name of Adrienne Reese of the WWE), Ember Swift (Canadian musician and singer-songwriter), Ember Lumen (protagonist of the 2023 film ‘Elemental’), Ember McLain (antagonist in the Nickelodeon animated television series Danny Phantom)
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5. Seraphina
Origin: Hebrew (derived from the word “seraphim,” which refers to a type of celestial or heavenly being in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic theology)
Meaning: Ardent, Fiery, Burning One
Famous People: Seraphina Affleck (daughter of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner), Seraphina Picquery (fictional character from ‘Fantastic Beasts’), Seraphina Beh (British actress), Seraphina Nova Glass (American author and screenwriter)
4. Pyro
Origin: Greek (derived from the Greek word “pyr,” meaning “fire”)
Meaning: Fire
Pyrotechnics: the name ‘Pyro’ can refer to pyrotechnics, which is the art of making or using fireworks and other devices that produce flames, sparks, or explosions.
3. Brenda
Origin: Old Norse (derived from the Old Norse name “Brandr,” meaning “sword” or “torch”)
Meaning: Sword, Torch, Flaming Sword
Famous People: Brenda Lee (American singer from the 50s and 60s), Brenda Blethyn (English actress), Brenda Song (American actress from ‘The Suite Life’ series), Brenda Fassie (South African singer and songwriter), Brenda Strong (American actress and yoga instructor)
2. Flare
Origin: English (derived from the English word “flare,” which refers to a sudden burst of bright light or flame)
Meaning: Burst of Light, Sudden Blaze
Famous People: Ric Flair (American professional wrestler), Charlotte Flair (American professional wrestler, daughter of Ric Flair), DJ Flare (American turntablist)
1. Fiamma
Origin: Italian (derived from the Italian word “fiamma”)
Meaning: Fire, Flame
Famous People: Fiamma Nirenstein (Italian-Israeli journalist and author), Fiamma Ferragamo (Italian businessperson and shoe designer), Fiamma Luzzati (Italian cartoonist), Fiamma Fumana (Italian music group)
God-Inspired Boy Names That Mean Fire
Many cultures have gods and deities associated with fire – each embodying different aspects of this powerful element – so it’s only natural that parents use them as inspiration when naming their children.
In most mythologies and religions, fire is a symbol of transformation and renewal.
Therefore, names that mean fire and names inspired by a fire deity signify a desire to embrace change and growth throughout one’s life – and reflect a hope that the child will be enthusiastic and energetic.
With that said, let’s take a look at some of our favorite boy names inspired by fire gods.
10. Ra
Origin: Ancient Egypt
Meaning: Sun, Sun God
Mythology: Ra is one of the most important deities in ancient Egyptian religion and is considered the god of the sun, order, kings, and the sky. He was believed to travel across the sky in a solar boat during the day and journey through the underworld at night, symbolizing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
9. Helios
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Sun
Mythology: Helios is the personification of the sun in Greek mythology. He drove the chariot of the sun across the sky each day, from east to west, and sailed around the northerly stream of the earth-encircling river Oceanus to return to the east at night. He was later replaced by Apollo as the god of the sun in Greek mythology.
8. Hephaestus
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Craftsmanship, Blacksmithing
Mythology: Hephaestus is the god of fire, metalworking, stone masonry, forges, and the art of sculpture in Greek mythology. He’s the son of Zeus and Hera, and is responsible for creating many of the gods’ weapons and items, including Zeus’s thunderbolts, Hermes’s winged helmet and sandals, and the armor of Achilles.
7. Vulcan
Origin: Roman
Meaning: Fire, Metalworking
Mythology: Vulcan is the god of fire, metalworking, and the forge in Roman mythology – the counterpart to the Greek god Hephaestus. He’s also associated with volcanoes and is sometimes considered the god who causes volcanic eruptions. The ancient Roman festival Vulcanalia, celebrated on August 23, was dedicated to him.
6. Agni
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Fire
Mythology: Agni is one of the most important Vedic gods and is considered the god of fire, including the fire of the sun, lightning, and sacrificial fire. He serves as a mediator between humans and gods, conveying offerings to the divine through fire rituals and sacrifices.
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5. Kagutsuchi
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Incarnation of Fire, Fire God
Mythology: Kagutsuchi, also known as Homusubi, is the god of fire in Japanese mythology. According to the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), Kagutsuchi was born to the primordial deities Izanagi and Izanami. However, his birth was so intense and fiery that it caused severe burns to his mother, Izanami, leading to her death.
4. Zhurong
Origin: Chinese
Meaning: Zhu the Glorious, Vermilion Bird
Mythology: Zhurong is a prominent deity in Chinese mythology, particularly known as the god of fire – though he is also associated with the South, as part of the Five Emperors of Chinese mythology. One of the notable myths involving Zhurong describes his battle with Gonggong, the god of water.
3. Alaz
Origin: Turkic
Meaning: Flame, Blaze
Mythology: In the pantheon of Turkic mythology, Alaz is revered as the god of fire, often considered a protector and a purifying force. Fire worship has ancient roots among Turkic peoples, and Alaz is seen as a manifestation of the sacred and beneficial aspects of fire.
2. Logi
Origin: Old Norse
Meaning: Fire, Flame
Mythology: Logi is the personification of fire in Norse mythology and is sometimes referred to as Hálogi, meaning “High Flame.” He appears in the Prose Edda, where he is described as a powerful fire giant and participates in an eating contest with the god Loki and another figure named Hugi.
1. Cacus
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Fire-Breathing
Mythology: Cacus is a figure in Roman mythology, known as a fire-breathing giant and the son of Vulcan, the god of fire. He is most famous for his encounter with the hero Hercules. According to the myth, Cacus lived in a cave on the Aventine Hill in Rome and terrorized the region by stealing cattle and breathing fire.
Goddess-Inspired Girl Names That Mean Fire
Alright, we’ve talked about some of the fire-related gods across various mythologies, but what about their goddess counterparts? They exist too – and they deserve just as much recognition as any other deity.
And that’s true with just about any religion or mythology throughout history.
These goddesses are revered for their association with fire’s protective, creative, transformative, and natural powers – embodying both its destructive (which can be used for good) and nurturing aspects.
With that said, let’s take a look at some of our favorite goddess-inspired names that mean ‘fire.’
10. Hestia
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Hearth, Fireside
Mythology: Hestia is the Greek goddess of the hearth, home, and domesticity, and is the daughter of Cronus and Rhea – making her one of the twelve Olympian deities. She’s a virgin goddess, similar to Athena and Artemis, and she is often associated with the sanctity of family and the home.
9. Vesta
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Hearth, Home
Mythology: Vesta is the Roman goddess of the hearth, home, and family, and is the Roman counterpart to the Greek goddess Hestia. She’s often depicted as a serene and modest woman, sometimes holding a flame or hearth-related objects, emphasizing her role as the guardian of the hearth.
8. Sekhmet
Origin: Ancient Egypt
Meaning: Power, Might
Mythology: Sekhmet is a powerful and fierce goddess in ancient Egyptian mythology who is depicted as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a lioness, symbolizing her ferocity and strength. Sekhmet is known as the goddess of war, destruction, and healing. She is also associated with the sun.
7. Arani
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Fire, Spark
Mythology: Arani is a figure in Hindu mythology, specifically in Vedic texts. She personifies the sacrificial fire and is associated with the process of igniting fire during rituals. This fire is essential for performing yajnas (sacrificial rituals) and is considered sacred.
6. Brigid
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Exalted One, Brightness, Fire
Mythology: Brigid, also known as Brigit or Brighid, is one of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the pantheon of gods in Irish mythology, and is associated with spring, fertility, healing, poetry, and smithcraft.She is often depicted as a woman of great beauty and radiance, sometimes with flames emanating from her head.
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5. Gabija
Origin: Lithuanian
Meaning: To Burn, To Make a Fire
Mythology: Gabija is a deity in Lithuanian mythology, specifically the goddess of fire and the hearth. She’s revered as the protector of the home and family, embodying the sacred fire that provides warmth, light, and protection, and is sometimes depicted as a beautiful woman with fiery hair.
4. Pele
Origin: Hawaiian
Meaning: Lava, Volcano
Mythology: Pele is a prominent goddess in Hawaiian mythology, known as the goddess of volcanoes, fire, and creation. She’s believed to reside in the crater of Kīlauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and is a central figure in many Hawaiian chants, songs, and dances.
3. Caca
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Fire
Mythology: In Roman mythology, Caca is a lesser-known deity associated with fire and the hearth. She’s the sister of Cacus, a fire-breathing giant and thief who lived in a cave on the Aventine Hill in Rome. According to the legend, after Cacus stole cattle from Hercules and hid them in his cave, Caca revealed their location to Hercules, thus betraying her brother.
2. Malina
Origin: Inuit (specifically Greenlandic)
Meaning: The Sun
Mythology: According to Inuit myth, Malina is the personification of the sun, and she is often depicted in stories alongside her brother Anningan, the moon god. Malina and Anningan had a quarrel, which resulted in Malina fleeing into the sky, where she became the sun. Anningan pursued her, becoming the moon.
1. Alectrona
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Beaming Sun
Mythology: Alectrona, also spelled Electryone or Electryo, is a relatively obscure figure in Greek mythology. She’s known as a goddess of the sun or morning, possibly connected to the earliest light of day, and is considered a daughter of Helios, the sun god, and Rhode.
Sun-Inspired Names That Mean Fire
The Sun is a universal symbol of life, light, and energy. Naming a child after the Sun can reflect a wish for them to bring light and positivity into the world – something the world can always use a little more of.
So, why not name your little ball of heat after the biggest fireball to ever exist?
We already talked about some of the Gods and Goddesses that represent the sun (and fire, in general), so let’s take a look at some of our other favorite sun-inspired names related to fire, heat, and warmth.
10. Kalinda
Origin: Sanskrit (also related to the Kalinda Mountains in Hindu mythology, from where the river Yamuna is said to originate)
Meaning: Sun, The Sun
Famous People: Kalinda Sharma (fictional character from the TV series ‘The Good Wife’), Kalinda Ashton (Australian writer), Kalinda Gray (American theatre actress)
9. Samson
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The name “Samson” (שִׁמְשׁוֹן, Shimshon) means “sun” or “sunlight.” In the biblical context, Samson was a judge of Israel known for his incredible strength, which he derived from his uncut hair.
Famous People: Samson Kitur (Kenyan athlete), Samson Siasia (Nigerian football coach), Samson Tam (Hong Kong entrepreneur), Samson Folarin (Nigerian journalist known for his investigative reporting)
8. Cyrus
Origin: Persian
Meaning: The name “Cyrus” (Old Persian: Kuruš) is often interpreted to mean “sun,” “like the sun,” or “throne.”
Famous People: Cyrus the Great (founder of the Achaemenid Empire, the first Persian Empire), Cyrus Vance (American lawyer and former Secretary of State under Jimmy Carter), Cyrus McCormick (American inventor and businessman), Cyrus Chestnut (American jazz pianist, composer, and educator), Cyrus Broacha (Indian TV personality, comedian, and author)
7. Apollo
Origin: Greek
Meaning: The name “Apollo” is derived from the Greek name “Apollon.” Apollo is a major figure in Greek mythology, the god of the sun, light, music, poetry, healing, and prophecy.
Famous People: Apollo Creed (fictional character in the ‘Rocky’ film series), Apollo Robbins (American sleight of hand artist), Apollo Milton Obote (Ugandan political leader), Apollo Nida (reality TV personality), Apollo Papathanasio (Greek heavy metal singer)
6. Elio
Origin: Latin, Spanish, Italian
Meaning: In Latin and Italian, “Elio” is derived from the Greek name “Helios,” which means “sun.” Helios was the Greek god of the sun.
Famous People: Elio Di Rupo (Belgian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Belgium), Elio Germano (Italian actor), Elio Petri (Italian film director and screenwriter), Elio Pandolfi (Italian actor and voice actor), Elio de Angelis (Italian racing car driver)
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5. Sunny
Origin: English
Meaning: The name “Sunny” means “bright” or “cheerful,” evoking images of sunshine and happiness.
Famous People: Sunny Deol (Indian actor, film director, producer, politician), Sunny Hostin (American lawyer, journalist, and TV host), Sunny Anderson (American chef and TV personality)
4. Solara
Origin: Latin
Meaning: The name “Solara” is derived from the Latin word “sol,” meaning “sun.”
Famous People: Solara isn’t a popular name yet and there aren’t any famous people with that name, but who knows – maybe your daughter will be the first!
3. Soleil
Origin: French
Meaning: The name “Soleil” means “sun” in French
Famous People: Soleil Moon Frye (American actress, director, and screenwriter), Soleil Errico (professional surfer from the United States), Soleil Wheeler (professional Fortnite streamer and gamer)
2. Solstice
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “Solstice” comes from the Latin word “solstitium,” which means “the standing still of the sun.”
Significance to the Sun: Solstice refers to the two times in the year (summer and winter solstice) when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, resulting in the longest and shortest days of the year.
1. Sky
Origin: English
Meaning: The name “Sky” comes from the English word for the expanse of air over the Earth.
Famous People: Sky Ferreira (American singer, songwriter, model, and actress), Sky Brown (British-Japanese professional skateboarder and surfer), Sky Katz (American actress and rapper), Sky Dayton (American entrepreneur), Sky du Mont (German actor)
Baby Names Inspired By Famous Firefighters
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And where there’s a fire, there’s a firefighter doing everything in his or her power to stop it from spreading and harming anyone in its path – some of whom are volunteers.
These men and women are true heroes and they deserve to be revered and remembered.
And since firefighters represent bravery, courage, selflessness, sacrifice, and resilience, naming your child after a famous firefighter is a great way to inject those same qualities into their own personality.
With that said, here are some baby names inspired by famous (and some fictional) firefighters.
10. Steven
Origin: Greek
Meaning: derived from the Greek name “Stephanos” (Στέφανος), which means “crown” or “garland”
Who Is Steve Buscemi: He’s an American actor and filmmaker known for his roles in “Reservoir Dogs,” “Fargo,” “The Big Lebowski,” “Armageddon,” “Ghost World,” and “Boardwalk Empire.” Before he became an actor, he served as a firefighter with Engine Company 55 in New York City’s Little Italy from 1980 to 1984.
9. Molly
Origin: Irish
Meaning: a diminutive form of the name Mary, which has roots in the Hebrew name Miriam (meaning bitter, beloved, and rebellious)
Who Is Molly Williams: often celebrated as the first known female firefighter in the United States. She was an African American woman who worked as a cook for the New York City Fire Department’s Oceanus Engine Company #11 in the early 19th century.
8. Jack
Origin: English
Meaning: derived from the name John, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning “God is gracious” or “God has shown favor”
Who Is Jack Morrison: Jack Morrison is a fictional character from the 2004 movie “Ladder 49.” The film, directed by Jay Russell, follows the life and career of a firefighter in Baltimore, Maryland. Morrison is played by Joaquin Phoenix.
7. Wallace
Origin: Old French and Scotiish
Meaning: derived from the Old French word “waleis,” which means “foreign” or “Celtic”
Who Is Chief Wallace Boden: Chief Wallace Boden is a fictional character from the television series “Chicago Fire,” which is part of the “Chicago” franchise created by Dick Wolf. Wallace is played by Eamonn Walker.
6. Tommy
Origin: English
Meaning: a diminutive form of the name Thomas, which is derived from the Aramaic name “Ta’oma’,” meaning “twin.”
Who Is Tommy Gavin: Tommy Gavin is a fictional character (portrayed by Denis Leary) from the television series “Rescue Me,” which aired from 2004 to 2011. The show, created by Leary and Peter Tolan, focuses on the lives of New York City firefighters in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
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5. Jerry
Origin: English, Germanic
Meaning: a diminutive form of the names Gerald (meaning ‘ruler with the spear’) or Jeremiah (meaning ‘Yahweh will exalt’ or ‘appointed by God’)
Who Is Jerry Reilly: Jerry Reilly is a fictional character from the television series “Rescue Me.” He’s portrayed by Jack McGee, who spent several years as a firefighter for the New York City Fire Department in order to pursue his acting career.
4. Red
Origin: English
Meaning: derived from the Old English word “rēad,” meaning “red” (typically associated with the color red)
Who Is Paul Neal “Red” Adair: Red Adair, born Paul Neal Adair, was a renowned American oil well firefighter and blowout specialist. He became famous for his expertise in controlling and extinguishing oil well fires, a highly dangerous and specialized field.
3. Kelly
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Irish surname “Ó Ceallaigh,” which means “descendant of Ceallach.” The name “Ceallach” itself is believed to mean “warrior” or “bright-headed” in Gaelic.
Who Is Kelly Severide: Kelly Severide is a fictional character from the television series “Chicago Fire.” He’s portrayed by Taylor Kinney and is a lieutenant and later captain in the Chicago Fire Department, assigned to Rescue Squad 3 at Firehouse 51.
2. Chuck & Larry
Chuck: a diminutive or nickname for Charles, which is of Germanic origin and means ‘man’ or ‘free man’
Larry: a diminutive form of the name Lawrence, which is of Latin origin and means ‘from Laurentum’
Chuck & Larry: “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry” is a 2007 American comedy film that follows two New York City firefighters, Chuck Levine (played by Adam Sandler) and Larry Valentine (played by Kevin James).
1. Marsh
Origin: English
Meaning: derived from the Old English word “mersc,” which means “marsh” or “swamp.”
Who Is Eric Marsh: Eric Marsh was a real-life firefighter and the superintendent of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a highly skilled wildfire suppression team based in Prescott, Arizona. He died along with 18 of his crew members on June 30th, 2013 while fighting the Yarnell Hill fire.
Did Any Of Those ‘Names That Mean Fire’ Stand Out To You?
Names that mean fire (or something close to it) often symbolize strength, power, and resilience – qualities that can be inspiring and reflect a hope that your child will grow up to be strong, fearless, and capable.
And it’ll mean a little extra to them because you’re the one who gave it to them.
Just as fire transforms and illuminates, a name with this powerful of a meaning can inspire your child to shine brightly and embrace life’s challenges with vigor, determination, and a never-ending will to improve.
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So, as you sift through dozens of baby name books and thousands of lists, consider the glowing potential of names that mean fire, and let your child’s name be a beacon of light and strength in their life’s journey.