What Child Is This?

Origin: English Meaning: God is gracious

Originally used as a nickname for John, Jack has become an excellent name in its own right. With this year’s film Rise of the Guardians introducing the character of Jack Frost to a whole new generation, we think Jack is the perfect name for a holiday baby. If you want something a little trendier, consider Jackson.

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: father of light

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, may only come once a year, but bequeath your little fellow with the name Abner, and he’s sure to light up your life all-year round. Aside from the unique, powerful sound of this Hebrew moniker, we love that it makes for a pretty awesome nickname: Abe.

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: variant of David, beloved

This name comes from Davey Stone, the main character from Adam Sandler's 2002 Hanukkah comedy 8 Crazy Nights. Though the movie's not exactly kid-friendly, we're sure your little Davey will appreciate his namesake when he grows up.

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: God is my strength

In the Bible, the archangel Gabriel is the one who foretells the birth of Jesus — an adorable name for your own little angel.

Origin: Greek

Meaning: farmer

Every year families across the country fall in love all over again with George Bailey, the main character from the holiday classic and American Film Institute’s #1 Most Inspirational Film of All Time, It’s a Wonderful Life.

Origin: English

Meaning: full of life and energy

For a Hanukkah-inspired name, Dreyden gives a nod to the Dreidel, a spinning top game played during the Jewish holiday. The Yiddish word "dreydl" comes from "dreyen," which means "to turn," so it's the perfect name for a boy who will grow up to live a fast-paced life with adventure at every turn.

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: praised

Hanukkah celebrates the re-dedication of the temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt. This name pays tribute to the bravery of Judah Maccabee who led the army against Antiochus during that time. For something a little more outside-the-box, consider Maccabee instead.

Origin: American

Meaning: diminutive form of Christopher

If you want a really subtle seasonal name for your tyke, this first name hints at the nickname for Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, without being holiday heavy-handed.

Origin: Greek

Meaning: victory of the people

If you want to encourage a giving spirit in your little one, consider this name as a tribute to St. Nick. It is said that the real-life man who Santa Claus is based on, St. Nicholas, would secretly hide bags of gold in the homes of the poor in his town.

Origin: English

Meaning: born in December

Other month names like April, May, January, and August have made their mark in baby-naming, but December is pretty unique while still having a nice ring to it.  If you want something more subtle, opt for Declan or Decio.

Origin: Germanic

Meaning: grey ruler

This name might be a little out there, but what better way to pay tribute to America's favorite dysfunctional family, the Griswolds, from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Even better if your son ends up having a cousin named Ed.

Origin: French

Meaning: born on Christmas day

This French variant on the word Christmas also has its origin in the word birth — how fitting for a baby boy (or girl with the alternative Noelle) born on or around Christmas day!

Origin: English

Meaning: the direction North

The weather outside is starting to get a bit frightful, but if you and your family are fans of the cold weather, pay tribute to Santa's homeland with this unique name. A boy named North is sure to become a true snow baby!

Origin: English

Meaning: wolf counsel

Who could forget the endearing Ralphie from the holiday favorite A Christmas Story? If you value persistence (or have an affinity for Red Ryder BB guns), Ralph might be the perfect name for your son — just make sure he doesn’t shoot his eye out!

Origin: English

Meaning: famous wolf

This is an old-school name that’s in need of a comeback, especially since it’s shared by “the most famous reindeer of all.” If little Rudolph gets teased for his name, he can just remind his classmates that there would have been no Christmas if Rudolph’s red-nose hadn’t saved it. Take that, bullies! Or, you can just call him Rudy.

Origin: Greek

Meaning: to honor God

Tiny Tim is a minor character in Charles Dickens, but he’s the one who inspired grumpy ol’ Ebenezer Scrooge to have a heart. He also spread Christmas spirit with his famous line, “God bless us, every one!”

Origin: Latin

Meaning: peace

Wishing for peace for the world this holiday season? With this name (or the alternative Paxton), maybe, just maybe, your little newborn will spend the cold winter nights sleeping in heavenly peace.

Origin: French

Meaning: bright

With dancing and beautiful costumes for the girls, a duel with a giant rat for the boys, and delectable sweets brought to life for everyone, The Nutcracker is a timeless Christmas classic anyone can enjoy. The name Clara, the story’s main character, is sure to bring sweet dreams to your baby girl for years to come.

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: life

We all know the Biblical history of Eve — she was Adam’s wife, the first woman God created, and the mother of humanity — but let’s put that aside for a second and look at Christmas Eve. It’s a time of happiness, anticipation and excitement, and a pretty sweet night to call your namesake. Plus, Eve is a nice alternative to current favorites Eva and Ava.

Origin: Greek

Meaning: messenger of God

Some people joke about how choosing names like Angel means that your kid will turn out just the opposite, but we’re sure that won’t happen with your little angel. If you’re really worried there might be truth to the myth, consider the variation Angela.

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: army

This name honors the bravery of the army led by Judah Maccabee who fought to liberate the temple from Antiochan rule — the story on which the celebration of Hanukkah, or "Festival of Lights," is based on.

Origin: Greek

Meaning: diminutive form of Cynthia or Lucinda

The Grinch may have stolen Christmas, but it was Cindy Lou who saved it. Sharing a name with this littlest who in Whoville would be an honor for any little girl.

Origin: English

Meaning: plant with red berries

A girl named this will get to sing about her name in all kinds of Christmas carols like “Deck the Halls” and “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas.” It’s also a good excuse to have a family movie night on cold December nights to watch Audrey Hepburn in her famous role as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Origin: Latin

Meaning: happiness

Give your daughter this namesake and you will literally be bringing joy to the world. There's absolutely no better gift for the holidays than a new, healthy baby in the family!

Origin: English

Meaning: cheerful, happy

This name is packed with holiday spirit and good cheer, and it's also a variation of the name Mary, one of the most important figures in the Christmas story.

Origin: American

Meaning: the season

A pretty name for a little girl (or boy) born during the changing of the seasons, Winter (or alternate spelling, Wynter) also makes a nice middle name for those parents who want to keep the first name more traditional.

Origin: French

Meaning: born on Christmas day

If you want to honor your Christmas season baby but want to stay away from cliché holiday names, this is a beautiful choice with some French sophistication.

Origin: Gaelic and Swahili

Meaning: purpose

Drawn from the word Nia, meaning goal or purpose, this name is one of the seven principles of the December holiday of Kwanzaa. Another Kwanzaa name idea is Imani, meaning faith.

Origin: Hebrew, Spanish

Meaning: God has favored me, little girl

This is a pretty name to symbolize each of the nine arms of the menorah. On the last night of Hanukkah, the shamash, or extra light, is lit along with the eight lights of the eight days of Hanukkah, to create nine candles shining out in the darkness.

Origin: English

Meaning: honor

For the new little light in your life, this name is perfect — a shortened version of menorah, the candelabrum lit during the eight days of the Hanukkah holiday.

Origin: English

Meaning: frozen rain

Dreaming of a white Christmas? There's nothing like the awe of witnessing your first snowfall, and naming your baby after those fluffy flakes means she gets to carry that magical moment with her the rest of her life. Bonus: She gets to share her name with Snow White!

Origin: English

Meaning: form of Charles

Sadly, door-to-door Christmas caroling has been on the decline in recent years, but musically-inclined families can help bring it back with this namesake that also gives a nod to the Dickens’ holiday classic A Christmas Carol.

Origin: Latin

Meaning: star

Think your baby has star potential? Give this namesake to your daughter, and she’s sure to shine bright, inside and out, just like the North Star in the Christmas story.

Origin: French

Meaning: beauty

From church bells and sleigh bells to Jingle Bells and Silver Bells, these ringing lovelies are all around during the holiday season and make the perfect inspiration for your daughter’s name. And Belle is a nice alternative to the extremely popular,Twilight-inspired Bella.