140+ Rainbow Baby Names With Hope and Meaning
A rainbow baby is a baby born after a pregnancy or infant loss. The name comes from the rainbow that appears after a storm. For many families the name chosen for this baby carries hope, light or joy, and it can hold the memory of the baby who came before.
Below are rainbow baby names grouped by meaning. We kept to names with well-established meanings. If a name matters to you, check its origin in a trusted source too, and choose what feels right for your family.
Table of Contents
Names That Mean Rainbow
A few names that carry the word itself, in other languages.
- Iris – the Greek goddess of the rainbow, and the Greek word for rainbow.
- Keshet – Hebrew for rainbow, used as a girl's name.
- Niji – Japanese for rainbow.
- Rainbow – the word itself, used as a given name.
- Arcobaleno – Italian for rainbow, as a bold middle name.
- Irisa – a variant of Iris.
- Iridescent – glints in every colour.
- Prism – light split into colours.
- Spectrum – the whole range of colours.
- Iris Hope – rainbow and hope together.
Hope and Promise Names
Names that speak of hope after loss.
- Hope – the plain English word.
- Esperanza – Spanish for hope.
- Tikva – Hebrew for hope.
- Nadia – from a Slavic word for hope.
- Elpis – the Greek spirit of hope.
- Spes – the Roman goddess of hope.
- Faith – trust through hard times.
- Promise – a vow for the future.
- Trust – a strong, quiet word.
- Haven – a safe place.
- Amity – friendship and peace.
- Harmony – peace in balance.
- Serenity – calm after the storm.
- Solace – comfort in sorrow.
- Comfort – an old virtue name.
- Mercy – kindness shown.
- Verity – truth, from Latin.
- Constance – steadiness, from Latin.
- Patience – the long wait.
- Wren – a small bird of hope.
- Dove – a symbol of peace.
- Olive – the branch of peace.
Joy and Happiness Names
For the smile after a hard time.
- Joy – gladness, in one syllable.
- Felix – Latin for lucky or happy.
- Felicity – happiness, from Latin.
- Gioia – Italian for joy.
- Beatrice – from Latin, meaning she who brings happiness.
- Beatrix – a close variant of Beatrice.
- Asher – Hebrew for happy or blessed.
- Letitia – Latin for joy.
- Hilary – from the Latin for cheerful.
- Hilarion – a rarer form meaning cheerful.
- Merry – cheerful and bright.
- Bliss – complete happiness.
- Delight – a small joy.
- Jubilee – a joyful celebration.
- Cheer – warm spirits.
- Glee – a happy burst.
- Rejoice – to feel great joy.
- Sunny – warm and happy.
- Lark – a bird known for song.
- Carol – a song of joy.
- Melody – a pleasant tune.
Light and Dawn Names
Names about the sun coming back.
- Aurora – Latin for dawn.
- Dawn – the first light.
- Lucy – from the Latin for light.
- Lucia – the feminine form of the Latin for light.
- Clara – Latin for bright or clear.
- Claire – the French form of Clara.
- Phoebe – Greek for bright or radiant.
- Lux – Latin for light.
- Luz – Spanish for light.
- Nur – Arabic for light.
- Nuru – Swahili for light.
- Ray – a beam of light.
- Skye – the open sky.
- Aurelia – Latin for golden.
- Sol – Latin for sun.
- Stella – Latin for star.
- Estelle – French for star.
- Luna – Latin for moon.
- Celeste – Latin for heavenly.
- Lumi – Finnish for snow, a soft light.
- Halo – a ring of light.
- Daybreak – the moment the dark lifts.
Colour Names
A nod to the rainbow through its colours.
- Violet – a purple flower and colour.
- Indigo – deep blue-violet.
- Scarlet – bright red.
- Ruby – a red gem.
- Amber – golden orange.
- Saffron – a golden-orange spice.
- Marigold – a yellow flower.
- Goldie – warm yellow.
- Sunflower – tall, yellow, cheerful.
- Sage – a green herb.
- Hazel – a green-brown tree.
- Jade – a green stone.
- Emerald – a deep-green gem.
- Ivy – green and climbing.
- Coral – a pink-orange sea colour.
- Azure – a bright sky blue.
- Blue – simple and strong.
- Cobalt – a deep blue.
- Lilac – a pale purple flower.
- Lavender – a soft purple plant.
- Rose – a pink flower.
- Poppy – a red flower.
- Cerise – cherry red in French.
- Navy – a deep blue.
- Pearl – a soft white gem.
- Silver – a bright metal tone.
- Ash – a pale grey wood.
- Slate – a grey-blue stone.
Gift and Blessing Names
Names meaning gift, which suit a baby many have waited for.
- Matthew – Hebrew for gift of God.
- Theodore – Greek for gift of God.
- Dorothy – Greek for gift of God.
- Dorothea – the fuller form of Dorothy.
- Nathaniel – Hebrew for gift of God.
- Jonathan – Hebrew for the Lord has given.
- Nathan – Hebrew for he gave.
- Theo – the short form of Theodore.
- Dora – a short form of Dorothy.
- Matilda – Germanic for mighty in battle.
- Gabriel – Hebrew for God is my strength.
- Michael – Hebrew for who is like God.
- Joanna – Hebrew for God is gracious.
- Hannah – Hebrew for grace.
- Anna – the same root as Hannah.
- Grace – favour freely given.
- Benedict – Latin for blessed.
- Bennett – a form of Benedict.
- Eden – the garden of first stories.
Nature and Weather Names
Nature after a storm.
- River – flowing water.
- Rain – the storm that feeds the rainbow.
- Willow – a graceful tree.
- Rowan – a hardy tree with red berries.
- Juniper – an evergreen shrub.
- Fern – a green leafy plant.
- Lily – a white flower, long a symbol of purity.
- Daisy – a small, cheerful flower.
- Meadow – an open field of flowers.
- Brook – a small stream.
- Sky – the open air above.
- Cloud – soft and gentle.
- Storm – strong, then calm.
- Breeze – a gentle wind.
- Zephyr – the Greek west wind.
- Journey – the path forward.
- Everly – a name that sounds like forever.
- Kai – Hawaiian for the sea.
- Autumn – the season of change.
- Spring – the season of renewal.
- Phoenix – the bird reborn from ashes.
How to Choose a Rainbow Baby Name
How to Choose a Rainbow Baby Name
Naming a baby after a loss can bring joy and grief at the same time. A few thoughts may help.
1. Take your time
There is no deadline. Some families pick a name early; others wait until they meet their baby. Both are fine.
2. Decide whether to honour the baby before
Some families give a middle name or a nursery detail that remembers the baby they lost. Others prefer a fresh start. Both choices are valid.
3. Check the meaning
A name with a clear meaning, such as Hope or Aurora, can mean a lot. Confirm the origin in a trusted name book, because many online lists copy errors.
4. Say it with your surname
Say the full name aloud, in a calm voice and a loud one. It will be spoken for a lifetime.
5. Choose what feels right, not what others expect
Relatives may have views. The name is for your child and your family, and nobody else decides.
FAQs
What is a rainbow baby?
A rainbow baby is a baby born after a pregnancy or infant loss. The word comes from the rainbow that follows a storm.
Do I need to choose a rainbow-themed name?
No. Many parents pick a name with no theme at all. A rainbow link, if you want one, can sit in a middle name or a quiet detail.
Where can I find support after a loss?
Talk to your midwife, doctor or a local bereavement support service. Many hospitals and charities offer free counselling for parents and families.
Conclusion: Rainbow Baby Names
Whatever you choose, the name is yours to give with love and care. If you are still browsing, the modern Hindu baby girl names page offers more name ideas.