Names Meanings is a reference site dedicated to the history, meanings, origins, pronunciations, and cultural context of personal names around the world. Our aim is simple: make reliable name knowledge easy to understand—and easy to cite.

Our content is informational, research‑driven, and designed to increase trust in name information online.

Our mission

  • Clarity: Separate linguistic etymology from folk stories and modern associations—while acknowledging both when they matter.
  • Breadth: Cover names across languages, regions, and traditions, including variant spellings, diminutives, and transliterations.
  • Accuracy: Ground claims in credible sources and label uncertainty or competing theories plainly.
  • Respect: Treat names—and the people who carry them—with cultural sensitivity and care.

What you’ll find on this site

  • Etymology deep dives on popular and historically significant names
  • Origin guides (e.g., Arabic, Irish, Yoruba, Japanese) with pronunciation notes and naming customs
  • Meaning‑by‑theme lists (e.g., “names that mean light,” “names that mean peace”)—with proper sourcing
  • Pronunciation & spelling resources (IPA where relevant, transliteration guides)
  • Popularity & data explainers (what datasets mean and how to read them)
  • Laws & customs articles that summarize how naming works in different countries and faith traditions

How we research (our methodology)

We combine primary data, authoritative reference works, and style‑guided editorial judgment:

  1. Primary & official datasets – e.g., national statistics offices and civil registries (for popularity rankings and legal rules).
  2. Scholarly and specialist references – established name dictionaries, linguistic sources, and recognized etymology resources.
  3. Original editorial work – we compile, reconcile, and attribute claims; we clearly mark competing theories or folk etymologies.
  4. Pronunciation & transliteration – we follow mainstream academic transcription systems and include IPA where applicable.
  5. Versioning – articles receive a “Last updated” stamp when we revise for clarity, data refreshes, or new sources.

Source transparency: Each article includes a sources section. When we infer something from context (e.g., regional usage), we say so.

Editorial standards

  • Independence: Our editorial choices are not for sale. We do not accept payment for coverage or link placement.
  • Citations: We cite data and definitions; we avoid vague attributions like “experts say.”
  • Corrections: If you spot an error, email us. We review every note and update the article with a brief “Corrections” line where appropriate.
  • Cultural & religious sensitivity: We consult multiple perspectives for names with religious significance and avoid definitive claims where traditions differ.
  • Accessibility & inclusivity: We respect chosen names, diverse spellings, and non‑Western scripts; where possible, we add phonetic support.

How we sustain our work

Names Meanings is free to read. To keep the lights on, we may use:

  • Display advertising (clearly labeled).
  • Occasional affiliate links to reference materials or educational resources (also clearly labeled). If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission—this never affects our editorial decisions or the price you pay.
  • Optional digital downloads (e.g., tasteful, research‑based name‑meaning prints). These are designed to complement, not replace, the free information on the site.

We do not publish product reviews or commercial roundups in articles; any monetization is separate from our explanatory content.

Who we are

Names Meanings is an independent reference project created by editors, linguistics enthusiasts, and researchers with a shared belief that names deserve careful, well‑sourced coverage.

Our roots: Members of our team previously worked in different roles within the StrongMocha News Group—including editorial, research, audience, and operations. That newsroom experience shapes our approach to sourcing, transparency, and corrections.

Masthead (functional roles):

  • Editorial Lead
  • Research Editor (Data & Sources)
  • Language Editors / Transliteration Review (regional specialties)
  • Fact‑Checking & Standards
  • Audience & Accessibility

We’ll publish individual bios as we expand this page.

Contact us (email only)

We’re happy to hear about corrections, source suggestions, or pronunciation tips.

Email: contact@names-meanings.net
Please include the article URL and a brief note about what you’d like us to review.

  • Information only: Our articles are educational and not legal, religious, or civil‑registry advice. For official naming rules, consult your local authority.
  • Name spellings & scripts: Spelling and pronunciation vary by region and community. We document widely attested forms and mark less common variants.
  • Attribution: Short quotations and data points from official sources are credited. If you believe we’ve misattributed something, email us.

Last updated: August 28, 2025