Bring Joy: Baby Names That Mean Happiness & Bliss

Babies make the world a happier place, and in times when the world might feel overwhelming or grim, our little ones infuse our lives with happiness and joy. There are many happy baby names with origins that literally translate to "happy" or "lucky," and several others with joyful connotations that simply bring a smile to your face. Names like Felix, which means "happy" or "fortunate" in Latin, or Asher, meaning "fortunate, blessed" in Hebrew, carry positivity in their very essence. Girls' names such as Felicity (meaning "happiness") and Joy directly express cheerfulness, while names like Beatrice ("she who brings happiness") carry beautiful happy meanings. Other options like Blythe (meaning "carefree"), Allegra ("cheerful"), and Farah ("happiness") offer international flair with their joyous meanings. If you're looking for a cheerful baby name that conjures those gleeful feelings, this list of fresh, fun, happy names is sure to make you smile.

Happy baby names for girls

Allaire: A Joyful French Choice

Originating as a common French surname and the name of a picturesque commune in France's Brittany region, Allaire offers a distinctive yet melodious choice for parents seeking a name that radiates joy. Sometimes spelled Alair, this elegant name remains refreshingly uncommon, adding to its appeal for those wanting something unique yet beautiful. Linguistically, Allaire is considered by many to be a variation of Hillary, derived from the Greek word hilaros or Latin hilarius, both conveying meanings of "cheerful," "joyful," and "glad." With its French heritage and inherently uplifting etymology, Allaire beautifully embodies happiness while providing your daughter with a sophisticated name that stands out with its positive connotations and cultural richness.

Bea: Short and Sweetly Cheerful

Bea is a delightful diminutive commonly used as a nickname for Beatrix or Beatrice, names that carry the beautiful meaning of "voyager through life." The name's Latin origins stem from the word beatus, which aptly translates to "bringer of joy" – perfect for a happy baby girl. This cheerful name has been carried by notable figures throughout history: Beatrix was the name of the beloved former queen of the Netherlands, while Beatrice appears as a witty and spirited character in Shakespeare's comedy Much Ado About Nothing. Literature lovers will also recognize Beatrix Potter, the celebrated author and illustrator who created the charming Peter Rabbit series. Short, sweet, and infused with joyful connotations, Bea makes for a name that's as sunny as your little one's smile.

Esperanza: Hope and Happiness Combined

Esperanza is the Spanish variation of the hopeful Roman name Esperantia, derived from the Latin root sperare, meaning "hope." This melodious name carries an inherently joyful quality through its beautiful rhythmic cadence and uplifting meaning. Perfect for parents seeking a name that radiates optimism, Esperanza offers versatile nickname options including Espy, Espe, or Anza. Throughout Spanish-speaking cultures, this name symbolizes not just hope but the anticipation of happiness and bright futures, making it an excellent choice for parents wanting to bestow their daughter with a name that embodies positivity and light.

Felicity: The Essence of Pure Joy

Felicity originates from the Latin word felicitas, which beautifully translates to "happiness" and "good fortune." The name is believed to have connections to the Roman Goddess Fortuna, who personified luck and prosperity in ancient mythology. Saint Felicity, a revered Roman Christian martyr, also carried this auspicious name and was known for her seven sons—further cementing the name's association with abundance and blessing. This charming name experienced a significant surge in popularity around 1999, largely attributed to the beloved television drama Felicity starring Keri Russell. Literary enthusiasts might recognize the name from Jane Austen's works, while fans of classic soap operas may recall the dynamic character Felicia, who formed the popular romance with Frisco on General Hospital. With its melodious sound and inherently positive meaning, Felicity remains a timeless choice for parents seeking to bestow joy and good fortune on their daughters.

Farah: A Name That Radiates Happiness

Derived from Arabic origins, Farah literally translates to "joy" or "happiness," making it a perfect choice for parents seeking a name with positive energy. Often spelled Farrah in English-speaking countries, this melodic name carries an air of mystique and global sophistication without feeling overly exotic. The name has geographic significance as well, shared with a river in Afghanistan, adding to its worldly appeal. Farah has gained recognition in popular culture, appearing in various video games including Call of Duty. The name's Western popularity was certainly influenced by the iconic actress and model Farrah Fawcett, star of Charlie's Angels, whose signature feathered hairstyle became a cultural phenomenon in the 1970s. Choosing Farah for your daughter bestows her with a name that embodies cheerfulness while offering elegant multicultural charm.

Shreya: Auspicious and Bright

The beautiful name Shreya derives from Sanskrit, meaning "fortunate" and "auspicious" - perfect qualities to bestow upon your little one. This melodic name is also known as an alias for the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who represents prosperity, abundance, and contentment. With its bright, positive connotations and flowing sound, Shreya creates an immediate impression of joy and good fortune. While it briefly appeared on the U.S. Social Security Administration's top 1,000 baby names list in the early 2000s, it remains a distinctive yet accessible choice that carries a sense of cultural richness and optimistic energy.

Mabel: Lovable and Full of Cheer

Mabel is a charming vintage name with Latin origins that literally means "lovable." This delightful name carries an inherent cheerfulness that has stood the test of time. In popular culture, Mabel appears as a beloved character in the Animal Crossing video game series. The name has also been chosen by celebrities, including actor Bruce Willis for one of his five daughters. British singer-songwriter Mabel McVey, daughter of Swedish singer Neneh Cherry, has brought musical recognition to the name. Fans of 90s television might remember that in the sitcom Mad About You, Helen Hunt's character Jamie named her baby Mabel. With its sweet sound and joyful connotations, Mabel creates an instant smile—perfect for a happy-go-lucky little girl.

Penny: Bright as a Lucky Copper Coin

The name Penny, derived from Penelope meaning "weaver" in Greek, embodies joy and positivity in multiple ways. Traditionally, finding a penny has been considered a sign of good fortune, making this name a natural symbol of luck and happiness. The cheerful Beatles song "Penny Lane" has forever associated this name with upbeat melodies and nostalgic warmth. In pop culture, memorable characters named Penny have brought smiles to audiences, from the free-spirited groupie in Almost Famous to the charming aviator alongside Maverick in Top Gun: Maverick, portrayed by Jennifer Connelly. With its bright, copper-penny connotations and diminutive sound, this name radiates a sunny, carefree disposition perfect for a happy little girl.

Leta: A Joyfully Hidden Gem

Leta is a charming diminutive derived from Leticia or Letitia, originating from the Latin word laetus meaning "happy" or "joyful." This delightful name carries an inherent brightness that parents seeking positivity might appreciate. With historical roots dating back to the Middle Ages, Leta honors Saint Leticia, who was particularly venerated in Spain. The name gained modern recognition when prominent mom blogger Heather Armstrong, creator of the groundbreaking blog Dooce, chose it for her daughter. Despite its cheerful meaning and elegant sound, Leta remains relatively uncommon, making it perfect for parents seeking a name that combines positivity with uniqueness.

Zelda: Blessed with Happiness

Zelda is the feminine form of the Yiddish name Selig, meaning "happiness" and "blessed." It also serves as the abbreviated version of the ancient Germanic name Griselda. The name gained notoriety through the popular video game series The Legend of Zelda and the celebrated Jazz Age figure Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of author F. Scott Fitzgerald. With its distinctive 'z' sound and fashionable 'a' ending, Zelda has experienced a remarkable revival in recent years, currently ranking within the top 700 baby names for girls. Parents are increasingly drawn to this name for its perfect balance of uniqueness and familiarity, vintage charm, and the inherent joyful meaning that promises a happy disposition for your little one.

Happy baby names for boys

Alfie: Cheerful Little Elf

Alfie carries a natural brightness that radiates happiness, despite not literally meaning "happy" or "lucky." Derived from the Anglo-Saxon name Alfred, meaning "counselor" or "wise elf," this cheerful diminutive has captured hearts particularly in the United Kingdom. The name gained significant popularity through beloved British children's literature, including the charming character from Shirley Hughes' illustrated book series and the friendly tortoise in Roald Dahl's classic Esio Trot. With its playful sound and joyful associations, Alfie brings a sense of warmth and good fortune to any child fortunate enough to bear this delightful name.

Asher: Blessed with Joy

The name Asher originates from the Hebrew word osher, which literally translates to "happiness" or "blessing." In biblical tradition, Asher was one of Jacob's twelve sons who was prophesied to enjoy abundance and prosperity—his land was said to be rich with olive oil, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. The name also appears in Old English as a surname for people who dwelled near ash trees. Throughout history, Asher has maintained its association with joy and contentment, making it a perfect choice for parents seeking a name with positive connotations. Notable namesakes include the protagonist of Chaim Potok's renowned novel My Name Is Asher Lev and contemporary American rapper Asher Roth. While traditionally given to boys, the name has recently gained popularity for girls as well, partly due to Australian actress Asher Keddie, recognized for her performances in X-Men Origins: Wolverine and the television series Offspring. For parents looking to bestow their child with a name that embodies happiness and prosperity, Asher offers a meaningful heritage with a modern appeal.

Boone: A Blessing of Happiness

Boone is a short yet powerful name with joyful origins, deriving from the French word bonne, which means "good." In English, the word boon represents "something to be thankful for" or "a blessing" – perfectly capturing the essence of happiness parents wish for their child. This classic boy's name evokes the pioneering spirit of Daniel Boone, the famous American frontiersman known for his optimistic resilience. After remaining under the radar for generations, Boone only recently appeared on the Social Security Administration's top 1,000 baby names list in 2015 and continues gaining popularity in Momcozy's rankings. With its upbeat sound, positive meaning, and strong historical connections, Boone embodies cheerfulness and good fortune – a truly happy choice for a baby boy.

Chance: The Joy of Possibility

Chance embodies optimism in its purest form, originating as a shortened version of the more formal Chauncey or, as with celebrated American artist Chance the Rapper, Chancelor. This distinctive name derives from Old French and carries the meaningful definition of "fortune" or "good luck." The simplicity of this one-syllable name offers versatile appeal, making it an excellent gender-neutral option that conveys positivity and opportunity. Notable bearers include musician Chance the Rapper, while Sean "Diddy" Combs chose it for his daughter, demonstrating its flexibility across gender boundaries. Parents who choose this name for their child impart a sense of optimism and limitless potential—qualities that align perfectly with the boundless possibilities awaiting a new life.

Edmund: Prosperous Protector

Edmund means "protector of wealth," originating from the Old English ead, meaning "fortune" or "prosperity," and mund, meaning "to protect." This distinguished name carries an air of nobility, tradition, and quiet strength. Though considered old-fashioned by some, Edmund has timeless appeal and aristocratic charm. Literary enthusiasts might recognize it from C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in the Chronicles of Narnia series, where Edmund falls prey to the White Witch's temptation of Turkish delight before finding redemption. The name also brings to mind the legendary mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, who made history as the first person to summit Mount Everest alongside Tenzing Norgay in 1953. For parents seeking a name with rich historical significance and positive meaning, Edmund offers both dignity and optimism.

Felix: The Literally Happy One

Felix is a charming boy's name with Latin origins meaning "happy" and "fortunate." Dating back to ancient Roman times, this joyful name has adorned at least three Popes throughout history and appears in the New Testament of the Bible. Felix enjoys widespread popularity across Europe, particularly in Spanish and German-speaking countries. The name's short, crisp sound combined with its positive meaning makes it increasingly appealing to modern parents. Notable bearers include the son of actress Gillian Anderson, known for her roles in The X-Files and The Crown. With its blend of classical heritage and cheerful significance, Felix perfectly embodies happiness for a little boy.

Jasper: Bright and Treasured

Jasper is a name of Persian origin meaning "bringer of treasure" or "treasurer." This bright and fortuitous name has historical significance as it appears in ancient texts, including the Bible, where jasper is mentioned as a precious gemstone believed to provide protection by absorbing negative energy. With its uplifting connotations and connection to wealth and light, Jasper makes an excellent choice for parents seeking a name that radiates positivity. Currently ranking at number 140 on baby name popularity lists, this gem of a name offers the perfect balance between distinctive and familiar. Your little treasure will carry this name of prosperity and joy throughout life.

Madoc/Maddox: Fortunately Generous

Madoc is an Old Welsh name meaning "charitable" or "fortunate," perfectly embodying a happy disposition for your little one. It's a distinctive variation of the increasingly popular and unisex name Maddox, which has gained considerable attention in contemporary culture. Literary enthusiasts might recognize Madoc Brandybuck as a character from J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved works, while pop culture followers will note that Maddox appeared as a character in the hit television series The Vampire Diaries. The name gained celebrity status when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie chose Maddox for their oldest son. Both variations offer a strong yet cheerful sound that suggests a bright, generous personality—ideal qualities to wish upon a child.

Isaac: The One Who Laughs

Isaac derives from the Hebrew word Yitzhak, meaning "he will laugh" or "laughter." In Biblical tradition, Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah, born to them in their old age as a fulfillment of God's promise. The name carries connotations of joy and delight, making it perfect for parents seeking a name with happy associations. Throughout history, Isaac has been carried by notable figures including physicist Isaac Newton, science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi, and legendary musician Isaac Hayes. The friendly nickname Ike offers a casual alternative. With its cheerful meaning and distinguished history, Isaac remains a timeless choice for parents wanting to bestow their son with a name symbolizing happiness and laughter.

Naim: Comfort and Contentment

The name Naim (pronounced nah-eem) is a beautiful boy name of Arabic and Hindi origin that carries the heartwarming meanings of "tranquility," "contentment," and "comfort." This melodious name also appears in variations such as Naeem, Na'im, and Nayeem, offering flexibility while maintaining its essence. Parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name often gravitate toward Naim for its positive connotations and peaceful vibration. The name suggests a happy, serene disposition—qualities every parent hopes their child will embody. With its cross-cultural appeal and uplifting significance, Naim represents the perfect blend of distinctiveness and accessibility for families looking beyond conventional naming choices.

Noam: Pleasant and Delightful

Noam (pronounced no-am) is a Hebrew name meaning "beautiful" and "good looking." It carries a naturally positive connotation that parents are increasingly drawn to. The name may remind you of Noah, which is currently the most popular baby name for boys in the U.S. Noam has a distinctive yet accessible sound that feels both modern and timeless. Notable bearers include American intellectual and theoretical linguist Noam Chomsky, and actor Sacha Noam Baron Cohen, known for his comedic roles in films like Borat. The name's cross-cultural appeal and uplifting meaning make it an excellent choice for parents seeking a name that radiates positivity and pleasant associations.

Otto: Prosperous and Joyful

Otto is a charming German name meaning "wealth" or "fortune," which explains why it was bestowed upon four German kings throughout history. This delightful palindrome has been experiencing a global resurgence, particularly in the United States and Scandinavian countries. The name carries both playful and regal qualities, making it versatile for any personality. In popular culture, Otto appears as memorable characters like Otto Maddox in the cult classic Repo Man and the adorable yellow minion in Minions: The Rise of Gru. With its simple yet distinctive sound and rich heritage, Otto offers parents a name that's simultaneously cheerful, strong, and historically significant—truly a name fit for a happy, fortunate child.

Happy baby names that are gender neutral

Bennett: Little Blessed One

The name Bennett is believed to have originated from the English name Benedict, which derives from the Latin word benedictus meaning "blessed." Though traditionally given to boys, this charming gender-neutral name has been steadily climbing in popularity for both boys and girls on baby name charts. Its positive meaning creates an aura of joy and good fortune, making it a perfect choice for parents seeking a name that conveys happiness and optimism. The versatility of Bennett allows it to work beautifully regardless of gender, and its sophisticated sound paired with the friendly nickname "Benny" offers the best of both worlds.

Blythe: Carefree and Merry

Blythe derives from Old English origins and beautifully embodies the meaning "cheerful" or "carefree." This elegant name carries a light, joyful quality that resonates through literature, notably in Percy Shelley's poem "To a Skylark" with the famous line "Hail to thee, blithe spirit." While actress Blythe Danner (mother of Gwyneth Paltrow) represents its most recognizable namesake, this sophisticated yet cheerful choice remains relatively uncommon. Perfect for parents seeking a name with both historical depth and an inherently optimistic meaning, Blythe offers a distinctive option that works wonderfully regardless of gender, though it's traditionally been more common for girls.

Clover: Symbol of Good Fortune

Clover embodies cheerfulness and good fortune, derived from the legendary four-leaf clover that promises luck to its finder. This charming, nature-inspired name carries the whimsical energy of meadows and the magical folklore traditions of Ireland. Its uniqueness makes it stand out in a classroom while still maintaining an approachable, sunny disposition. Notable parents who have chosen this delightful name include the family of beloved children's author Roald Dahl, whose granddaughter bears the name, and professional skateboarding icon Steve Caballero, who named his daughter Clover. For parents seeking a name that radiates positivity and carries a touch of enchantment, Clover offers the perfect blend of distinctiveness and joyful meaning.

Ellery: Cheerful and Bright

Ellery is a charming name of British origin that literally means "cheerful" or "joyful." This increasingly popular gender-neutral name is believed to derive from the medieval name Hilary, which was traditionally more common for boys. The alternative spelling Elleri offers a subtle variation while maintaining the name's bright essence. Notable parents who chose this distinctive name include musician Ben Harper and Academy Award-winning actress Laura Dern for their son. Despite its appealing meaning and melodic sound, Ellery remains relatively uncommon—it has only appeared on the Social Security Administration's top 1,000 baby names list three times: in 1904, 1908, and 1959. For parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name that embodies happiness, Ellery offers an excellent choice with its positive connotations and elegant sound.

Irie: Positive Energy from Jamaica

Irie (pronounced eye-ray) is a gender-neutral name with Jamaican origins that radiates positivity and good vibes. In Jamaican Patois, the term means "cool," "positive," "good," or "no worries" - embodying a carefree and joyful outlook on life. This uplifting name has deep cultural roots in Caribbean culture and is frequently referenced in reggae music, including songs by legendary artists like Bob Marley and Gregory Isaacs. Choosing Irie for your child bestows them with a name that carries a built-in philosophy of peace, happiness, and living harmoniously. Its unique sound and positive connotation make it an increasingly popular choice for parents seeking a name with both cultural significance and cheerful meaning.

Harmony: Perfect Balance and Joy

Harmony is a beautiful name that embodies the essence of peace and agreement. Derived from the Greek goddess Harmonia, daughter of Aphrodite and Ares, this name represents the perfect balance between opposing forces. In music, harmony refers to a pleasing combination of notes played simultaneously, creating something more beautiful than individual sounds alone. As a name, it conveys not just musical symmetry but also the idea of living together peacefully and maintaining balance in life. This increasingly popular gender-neutral name has been steadily climbing both boy and girl name charts in recent years, appealing to parents who want their child's name to reflect joy, balance, and a peaceful disposition.