Stars & Stripes: Patriotic Names for Boys & Girls

From Founding Fathers and other key figures of the American Revolution to leaders in the Civil Rights Movement and other history-makers, check out these sparkler-worthy names in the spirit of Independence Day. Names like George and Thomas honor our nation's earliest leaders, while Lincoln and Kennedy commemorate influential presidents throughout history. For girls, consider patriotic options such as Liberty, America, or historical figures like Betsy (Ross) or Abigail (Adams). Modern options might include Justice, Honor, or Freedom - perfect for families who want to celebrate American values while giving their child a meaningful and distinctive name.

Patriotism means different things to different people. It can reflect a devotion to your community, your state, your country, or the planet, but it always comes with many emotions, traditions, symbols, and ideals. For parents seeking to honor their national heritage through their child's name, patriotic baby names offer a meaningful way to connect your little one to the rich tapestry of American history and values.

We've compiled a list of baby names inspired by key figures and moments in United States history. Whether you're expecting a July baby, are intrigued by history and the diversity of people who helped to shape this nation, or just love old-school baby names, we're guessing at least one of these patriotic names will suit your little firecracker. From founding fathers like George and Benjamin to trailblazing women such as Eleanor and Rosa, these names carry the weight of American legacy while remaining timeless choices for the newest generation.

8 patriotic names for girls

Abigail - Revolutionary First Lady

Abigail Adams holds a distinguished place in American history as the wife of President John Adams, serving as the second First Lady of the United States. Her patriotic legacy extends beyond her marriage, as she was also mother to the sixth U.S. President, John Quincy Adams. Known for her remarkable intellect and forward-thinking ideals, Abigail was a passionate advocate for women's rights and the abolition of slavery during a time when such views were considered radical. In her famous correspondence with her husband, who was one of America's Founding Fathers, she penned the profound question, "how can we fight for that which we deny of others?" challenging the contradiction of fighting for independence while maintaining slavery. Her letters and activism have cemented her reputation as one of America's most influential and patriotic early female figures, making her name synonymous with American values of freedom and equality.

Amber - Gleaming American Beauty

Amber evokes the majestic "amber waves of grain" celebrated in the beloved song "America the Beautiful." This patriotic connection originated from Katherine Lee Bates' 1895 poem "Pikes Peak," which later became the iconic American anthem. The name derives from the precious fossilized tree resin treasured since ancient times for its warm honey-gold hue. As a girl's name, Amber has maintained steady popularity, representing both natural beauty and American heritage. The name captures the essence of America's heartland with its golden warmth and enduring character, making it a subtly patriotic choice that honors our nation's agricultural splendor and natural bounty.

Coretta - Civil Rights Legacy

The name Coretta has seen a remarkable surge in popularity, climbing over 10,000 positions on baby name rankings in just the last decade. This beautiful name carries a powerful legacy through its association with Coretta Scott King, the wife of Martin Luther King Jr. and an influential civil rights leader in her own right. Far more than simply the wife of an iconic figure, she established the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent and Social Change following her husband's assassination and dedicated her life to advancing equality and justice. She also created the prestigious Coretta Scott King Award, which honors outstanding African American authors and illustrators of children's literature. Naming your daughter Coretta connects her to this remarkable heritage of courage, perseverance, and commitment to positive social change in America.

Elizabeth - Historic Royal Heritage

Elizabeth carries a rich patriotic legacy that extends throughout American history. Though not immediately recognized as patriotic, this regal name appears prominently in our nation's story—from Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, wife of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton who helped craft his speeches and established the first private orphanage in America, to Betsy Ross, the seamstress credited with designing the first American flag. The name's versatility shines through its many charming nicknames including Beth, Lizzie, Libby, and Eli, making it a timeless choice that bridges colonial America to the present day. Its royal English heritage combined with its deep American roots makes Elizabeth a sophisticated yet patriotic choice for parents seeking a name with historical significance.

Harriet - Freedom's Pathfinder

Harriet stands as a classic name carried by three remarkable women who profoundly shaped American history. Harriet Tubman, born into slavery, became one of America's greatest heroes after escaping to freedom and subsequently guiding dozens of enslaved people to liberty through the Underground Railroad. Harriet Beecher Stowe, whose powerful anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, ignited national conversations that helped precipitate the Civil War. Harriet Jacobs, whose autobiography Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl provides a harrowing first-person account of slavery's horrors and is now considered an American literary classic. Choosing this name honors these pioneers who embodied American values of freedom, courage, and justice in their most profound forms.

Rosa - Courage for Equality

Rosa stands as an iconic symbol of American patriotism through her profound courage and unwavering commitment to civil rights. When Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat to a white passenger in 1955, she ignited a pivotal moment in American history that catalyzed the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her resolute act of defiance against segregation laws transformed her into a cornerstone figure in the Civil Rights Movement. The Supreme Court eventually ruled bus segregation unconstitutional, largely due to her brave stance. Throughout her life, Rosa received numerous prestigious honors including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and upon her death in 2005, she became the first woman to lie in honor at the Capitol Rotunda. Naming your daughter Rosa connects her to this remarkable legacy of determination, dignity, and the quintessentially American pursuit of equality and justice for all.

Sally - Revolutionary Heroine

Sally holds a special place in American history as the name of the first American woman and first LGBTQ astronaut to journey into space. Sally Ride, a brilliant physicist and NASA astronaut, participated in two groundbreaking missions aboard the space shuttle Challenger. Beyond her remarkable achievements in space exploration, she dedicated her life to inspiring generations of American children to pursue careers in science through her educational company, Sally Ride Science. The name Sally embodies courage, intelligence, and pioneering spirit that helped shape our nation's scientific achievements.

Wilma - Indigenous American Pioneer

Wilma is the name of a truly remarkable American patriot - the first woman elected as chief of the Cherokee Nation. Wilma Mankiller was a fierce advocate for Native American rights who dedicated her life to restoring pride in Indigenous heritage and securing equal rights for all Native peoples. Her leadership transformed the Cherokee Nation's healthcare system, education programs, and community development initiatives. Recognized for her extraordinary contributions, she received honorary degrees from prestigious institutions including Yale University and Dartmouth College, and was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. The name Wilma represents courage, breaking barriers, and an unwavering commitment to justice - qualities that embody the true spirit of American patriotism.

9 patriotic names for boys

Booker - Intellectual Trailblazer

Booker embodies American intellectual resilience as the name of celebrated 19th-century statesman, education reformer, and former slave Booker T. Washington. As one of America's most influential Black leaders after the Civil War, Washington dedicated his life to elevating African Americans through education and entrepreneurship rather than direct political confrontation. He served as the founding president of Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), transforming it into a prestigious Black educational institution. Washington also co-founded the National Negro Business League to promote economic self-sufficiency among Black Americans. His pragmatic approach to racial advancement, while sometimes controversial, helped establish educational opportunities during one of America's most challenging periods.

Cesario - Hispanic American Hero

Honor the legacy of American labor rights with Cesario, the birth name of civil rights icon Cesar Chavez. As a tireless advocate who emerged from humble beginnings as a manual laborer, Chavez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association and dedicated his life to securing better wages, working conditions, and protections for migrant farm workers across America. This powerful Spanish variation of Caesar carries regal undertones—the original Roman family name evolved to signify "emperor" or "king" through Julius Caesar's influence. By choosing Cesario for your son, you celebrate both Hispanic American heritage and the democratic ideals of justice and equality that make our nation strong.

Crispus - Revolutionary Martyr

The name Crispus carries profound historical significance while offering a distinctive Latin origin meaning "curly-haired." This uncommon name belongs to Crispus Attucks, widely recognized as the first person to die in the American Revolutionary War during the Boston Massacre of 1770. Born to an African enslaved father and a Native American mother from the Natick Tribe, Crispus Attucks's background reflects America's diverse heritage. Though uncertainty remains about whether he was free or an escaped slave at the time of his death, his sacrifice became symbolic in American history. In the years leading to the Civil War, Attucks emerged as a powerful icon of the abolitionist movement, representing the contributions of Black Americans to the founding struggle for independence. Choosing Crispus for your son honors this revolutionary figure's legacy of courage and ultimate sacrifice for American liberty.

Franklin - Presidential Visionary

Franklin stands as a distinguished patriotic name honoring one of America's most versatile Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin. This notable statesman played a crucial role in drafting and signing the Declaration of Independence, establishing himself as a cornerstone of American liberty. Franklin's remarkable legacy extends far beyond politics—he excelled as an accomplished writer, publisher, scientist, inventor, and diplomat. His intellectual contributions to understanding electricity fundamentally changed science, while practical inventions like bifocal glasses and the lightning rod improved daily life. The name carries the weight of American ingenuity, independence, and the pioneering spirit that helped forge the nation. Franklin also adorned America's hundred-dollar bill and served as the first United States Postmaster General, cementing his place in American history and making this name a powerful patriotic choice for boys.

George - Founding Father's Legacy

George is a timeless name with Greek origins meaning "farmer" or "earthworker." In American history, it carries profound patriotic significance through George Washington—the revered Founding Father who led Continental forces to victory in the Revolutionary War before becoming the nation's first president. His enduring legacy is commemorated through countless monuments, the capital city, and even a state bearing his name. The name George maintained remarkable popularity in the United States, ranking among the top 20 boys' names for nearly two centuries until the mid-20th century. Choosing this distinguished name for your son connects him to a pillar of American democracy and independence, whose leadership helped establish the republic that endures today.

Haym - Revolutionary Financier

Haym is a powerful Hebrew name meaning "life," and carries a rich patriotic legacy in American history. It honors Haym Salomon, a Polish-born Jewish immigrant who became one of the most significant financial contributors to the American Revolutionary War. As a skilled broker and negotiator, Salomon arranged crucial loans and personally donated his entire fortune to support General Washington's Continental Army. His extraordinary patriotism extended to providing financial assistance to several Founding Fathers, including James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. Despite his tremendous wealth at the peak of his career, Salomon's unwavering commitment to American independence left him penniless by the time of his death in 1785. Choosing this name for your son celebrates both Jewish-American heritage and the selfless sacrifice that helped birth our nation.

Lincoln - Emancipation Leader

The name Lincoln carries the powerful legacy of America's 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, who guided the nation through its darkest hour during the Civil War. Known as 'Honest Abe,' his leadership was defined by moral courage and unwavering commitment to preserving the Union. His issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 marked a pivotal moment in American history, setting the stage for the abolition of slavery with the 13th Amendment. Lincoln's tragic assassination in April 1865, just days after Confederate surrender, transformed him into a martyred symbol of American resilience and unity. The name has grown steadily in popularity among American parents, reaching its highest ranking at 45th place in 2020, reflecting enduring admiration for Lincoln's principles of equality, integrity, and perseverance—quintessential American values that parents might hope to instill in their sons.

Martin - Dream of Equality

Martin derives its origins from Mars, the Roman god of war, yet its most celebrated namesake is undoubtedly Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a Baptist minister from Atlanta, Dr. King became America's foremost civil rights leader, winning the Nobel Peace Prize for his unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance against racial inequality. Though tragically assassinated in 1968, his powerful legacy continues through the national holiday bearing his name and his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, which remains one of the most stirring calls for equality and justice in American history. Naming your son Martin connects him to this profound heritage of courage, eloquence, and the quintessentially American pursuit of liberty and justice for all.

Samuel - Spirit of Independence

The name Samuel embodies the spirit of American independence and innovation. It's a name with deep patriotic roots, most notably carried by Samuel Adams, one of the Founding Fathers who played instrumental roles in pivotal Revolutionary events including the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. His fierce advocacy for independence and liberty has forever linked this name with American patriotism.

The patriotic legacy of this name extends beyond the Revolutionary era. Samuel Gompers made history as a pivotal labor leader who established the American Federation of Labor in 1886, fighting for workers' rights across the nation. And of course, Uncle Sam has served as the iconic personification of American government since the 19th century, becoming especially powerful as a symbol of national unity and resolve during both World Wars. Choosing this name connects a child to America's revolutionary spirit and continued pursuit of liberty.

5 unisex patriotic names

America - Named for the Nation

The name America works beautifully for both boys and girls, making it a truly patriotic unisex choice. This distinctive name has fascinating origins - most commonly attributed to Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, with the name Amerigo meaning "home ruler." Some historians alternatively credit Welsh businessman Richard Amerike, who financed exploration voyages in the late 15th century. As a baby name, America enjoyed popularity in the early 1900s, then vanished from the top 1,000 names for nearly nine decades before making a comeback in 1998. Choosing this name reflects both national pride and a bold, independent spirit that transcends gender norms.

Boston - Historic City Heritage

Boston is a versatile name that works beautifully for both boys and girls, carrying deep patriotic significance. As the capital of Massachusetts and one of America's oldest Puritan settlements, Boston played a pivotal role in shaping colonial American history. The city served as the birthplace of numerous revolutionary events, including the famous Boston Tea Party and the Battle of Bunker Hill. During the Revolutionary War, Boston functioned as a crucial hub of resistance against British rule, embodying the spirit of American independence. Today, choosing Boston as a baby name honors this rich heritage while giving your child a strong, distinctive identity connected to American history.

Ellis - Gateway to Freedom

Ellis is a distinguished name with Welsh and English origins that carries profound patriotic significance in American history. This versatile unisex name is forever linked to Ellis Island in New York Harbor, one of America's most iconic symbols of freedom and opportunity. Originally called Kioshk by Native Americans, meaning "Gull Island" due to its seabird population, the island was later known as Little Oyster Island throughout the 1700s. It was renamed after Samuel Ellis, a merchant who purchased the property in the late 18th century. Ellis Island eventually became America's busiest immigration station from 1892 to 1954, processing over 12 million immigrants seeking new lives in the United States. Today, Ellis Island stands alongside the Statue of Liberty as a powerful monument to America's immigrant heritage, making Ellis a name that embodies the American spirit of welcome, diversity, and the pursuit of freedom.

Jubilee - Celebration of Liberty

Jubilee carries a profound historical significance as a name symbolizing freedom and celebration. With deep linguistic roots spanning Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Old French traditions, it represents times of rejoicing and liberation. In Jewish tradition, the Jubilee was celebrated every 50 years as a sacred period when debts were forgiven and slaves were freed. In American history, Jubilee Day—now commemorated as Juneteenth—marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, making it a powerful symbol of patriotic values and hard-won liberty. Unlike traditional virtue names such as Faith, Hope, and Charity, Jubilee offers a bold, joyful choice with its distinctive J-beginning while still honoring American ideals of freedom and celebration. This melodic name works beautifully for any child, regardless of gender, making it both timeless and contemporary.

Liberty - American Core Value

Liberty embodies the fundamental American principle of freedom and derives from the Latin goddess Libertas, who personified freedom itself. This powerful virtue name has deep historical significance in America, from the iconic Liberty Bell that rang to announce the reading of the Declaration of Independence to the majestic Statue of Liberty welcoming newcomers to American shores. As one of the inalienable rights mentioned in the Declaration of Independence alongside life and the pursuit of happiness, liberty represents the cornerstone of American identity and political philosophy. The name carries a strong, dignified quality while offering a meaningful connection to the nation's founding principles, making it a truly patriotic choice for children of any gender.