Names that mean peace (2024)

Here are a few of our personal favorites – peaceful baby names that just might catch your eye, your fancy, and even lower your pulse:

Baby girl names that mean peace

Serenity

Serenity means "peaceful disposition." Of English origin from the Latin word serenus, meaning "clear calm," the name Serenity is sometimes considered to be an American creation, often grouped together with some of the new-school virtue names. In today's stress-filled, yoga-conscious world, serenity is in high demand. Not surprisingly, this peaceful name is slowly climbing the ranks and currently stands at #72.

Galene

Galene means "calm" or "one who is relaxing and quiet." Derived directly from the Greek word galene, it's often thought of as a feminine version of the name Galen. Galena is another common version of this name. Galene is also the name of a goddess who represents the calm sea in Greek mythology. At its current rank of #7,602, this lovely name is in no immediate danger of being too popular, perhaps making it perfectly unique for your special, calm baby.

Winifred

Winifred means "friend of peace" or "peaceful friend." This vintage name is of Teutonic, English, and Welsh origin. In Wales there is a Saint Winifred, and the name is said to mean "blessed peacemaking." The common nicknames "Winnie" or "Freddie" only add to this name's appeal. Winifred Mason Huck served on the U.S. Congress, in the House of Representatives. It's current ranked #1,867.

Aquene

Aquene, pronounced Ah-keen-ah, is a Native American word for "peace." Sources say it's a female name used by the Algonquin tribe. This smooth-as-flowing-water name currently ranks #20,495 in the U.S.

Irina

Irina is a Russian version of the name Irene. In Greek, this regal name means "woman of peace," and there is a goddess Irina of Greek mythology who personifies peace. The name Irina enjoyed early popularity in Europe before it came onto the radar in America. Its current U.S. rank is #1,523, down 207 spots on our list from last year.

Jemima

Jemima means "dove" in Hebrew, which is a universal symbol of peace. Some sources say the name means "warm like a dove." Jemima was the oldest daughter of Job in the Old Testament. More common in the UK, the name got a collaborative U.S. outing in the 1968 Disney film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which featured an adorable little-girl character named Jemima Potts. And Beatrix Potter fans are sure to recognize the name Jemima Puddleduck. This girls' name currently ranks #2,641 in the U.S.

Frida

Frida means "peace" or "woman of peace." Of Germanic origin, in German Frieden translates directly as "peace." Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is hands down the most well-known Frida. This strong, creative baby-girl name is more popular in Scandinavian countries than in America, where it is currently ranked #981.

Olive

Olive means "peace"—indirectly, since the name is derived from the Latin word oliva, meaning "olive," or "olive tree," and an olive branch is another universal symbol of peace. There was a Saint Olive from Palermo, Italy, who was reportedly a healer. This sweet vintage name is often found on lists of botanical varieties. Olive is the chosen baby girl name for multiple celebrities, including Drew Barrymore and Sacha Barron Cohen. Current ranking #109, it climbed 80 spots since 2020.

Paloma

Paloma is another name that means "dove" or "beautiful dove." Of Spanish origin, the daughter of Spanish painter Pablo Picasso and fashion designer Paloma Picasso bears this name. This strong and lovely name has the bonus feature of ending in the ever popular ah sound. It is currently ranked #1,125 on our U.S. list.

Baby boy names that mean peace

Axl

The name Axl has Hebrew and Scandinavian origins. It is said to come from the Hebrew name Absalom, meaning "man of peace" or "father of peace." Of Scandinavian origin, this hip and timeless name is more commonly spelled with an e: Axel. Singer Fergie has a son named Axl. No matter how you spell it, this name is currently ranked #742.

Callum

This Latin-originated name means "dove" or "white dove," a universal symbol of peace. Callum is popular in Scotland where, in Gaelic, it means "of Saint Columba," which means – you guessed it – "dove." Colm is an alternative spelling of Callum. Irish novelist Colm Tóibín wrote Brooklyn, the best-selling book that was adapted for a movie, and nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. British actor Callum Woodhouse starred in the hilarious PBS Masterpiece series The Durrels of Corfu. This solid name ranks #357, up 106 spots from last year.

Levi

Levi means "joined in harmony" in Hebrew. In the bible, Levi is the third son of Jacob. "Levi" was also Matthew's name before he became Jesus's apostle. Levi Strauss of blue jean fame is the most popular bearer of this name. Actor Matthew McConaughey has a son named Levi, as does U2 guitarist the Edge. This timeless name is #12 on the 2021 list.

Luam

Luam means "peaceful" and "calm." Of African origin, this unique name is considered gender neutral. It currently ranks #18,082 for boy names on the BabyCenter list. Olympic Snowboard Cross gold medalist Tanya Frieden from Swizerland, whose last name happens to mean "peace" in German, has a son named Luam: double peace!

Jonah

Jonah, like Jemima, also means "dove." A biblical name of Hebrew origin, you might be familiar with the bible story of Jonah the boy who survived being swallowed whole by a whale, unscathed and all the wiser. Popular country and western singer Jo Dee Messina has a son named Jonah. This vintage name ranks #46 on the boy name list.

Solomon

Solomon is derived from the Hebrew word shalom, which means "peace" or "peaceable." A biblical moniker, namesake King Solomon was a wealthy and wise king of Israel. Toni Morrison's acclaimed book Song of Solomon was a pick for Oprah's book club; fans of Charles Dickens will find the name Solomon to be recurrent. Gospel and rhythm and blues singer Solomon Burke and abolitionist-author of the autobiographical movie 12 Years a Slave Solomon Northup both bore this classic name. It's currently ranked #501.

Frederick

Frederick means "peaceful ruler," derived from the Latin roots frid, meaning peace, and ric, which means ruler. Frederick Douglas, a former slave who became a leader of the abolitionist movement, is perhaps the most famous Frederick in American history. This vintage classic currently ranks #838.

Paxton

Of Latin and English origin, Paxton means "peace town." This name is all the more attractive for its cool nickname, Pax. You might recognize the name Paxton as that of the good-hearted, young diesel engine in Thomas the Tank Engine. There have been several professional Canadian ice hockey players named Paxton over the years. Moving steadily up the baby-name rankings, it's currently #236 on the U.S. list.

Unisex names that mean peace

Sheehan

Sheehan means "peacemaker" or "descendant of the peaceful one." Being of Celtic origin, it's a common Irish surname. This pleasing-to-the-ear name is equally fitting as a distinctive name for a boy or a girl. Its current rank is #14,112 for boy names and #16,190 for girl names.

Amani

Amani means "peace," "faith," or "wishes." This beautiful name is of Indian or Arabic origin and arguably looks, sounds, and and feels truly unisex. There is a Kenyan musician named Amani. It currently ranks #540 as a girl's name and #1,769 as a boy's name.

Shiloh

Shiloh means "peaceful" and "tranquil" in Hebrew." Though the etymology of this name is somewhat uncertain, it also appears in the Old Testament in reference to the Messiah, and is said to mean "he who is to be sent." Despite the male connotations, Shiloh ranks higher (#460) as a girl's name than it does as a boy's name (#650). The most famous Shiloh today is probably the first biological child of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Irie

Irie means "cool," "peace," and "positive." This neutral name is likely taken from Jamaican Patois or Caribbean origin. Irie, pronounced eye-ray, is an oft-used Jamaican-English adjective implying "good" or "no worries." The concept of "irie" is commonly referred to in the lyrics of reggae songs, such as "Feeling Irie," sung by many reggae greats including Bob Marley and Gregory Isaacs. This cool name is currently listed at #1,738 for girls in the U.S., and #3,871, up over 1,000 spots since last year.

Noe

Noe (pronounced no-ee, like Zoe) is most commonly used as a boy's name, but is considered unisex. This singular name is likely a Greek or Latin variation of the name "Noah," which comes from the ancient Hebrew noach, meaning "rest" or "repose." Currently ranked #1,199 on our list, some readers might recognize it as the name of the San Francisco neighborhood Noe Valley.

Jalen

Jalen is thought to mean "healer" or "tranquil." Of potential Greek origin, this easy-on-the-ears name is believed to be a version of the name Galen, or possibly an American invention – a combination of the names Jay and Allen or Jay and Helen. American former pro basketball player Jalen Rose may be contributing to this name's popularity. Considered unixex, Jalen is on the rise for both sexes, at #187 for boys and #13,011 for girls (up over 1,200 spots from the previous year).