In this topsy-turvy world, who doesn’t want their little one to have a life of peace? While you will do the best you can to offer as much serenity as possible to your new little one, you might also consider gifting them with a name that means peace. As Mother Teresa once said, “Peace begins with a smile.” And anyone who has ever held a smiling baby in their arms can surely speak to the tranquil power of that moment.
A warm feeling everyone craves, peace is soothing, relaxing, and healing. It’s a blessing to the world (one we can all agree the world needs more of right now), so it would be nice to have your baby’s name reflect that. The hope? Not only will your child bring more untroubled contentment to your life, but they’ll also grow up to be peacemakers for other people. And, hey, if giving your kid a name that means peace just so happens to magically make them a bit calmer during their toddler years, so be it. Who are you to argue with the naming gods?
So, if you’re looking for that kind of name, you’re in luck. Below, you’ll find a bunch of beautiful options — some literal, some symbolic, all refreshingly serene choices for your future peacemaker.
Alanna
This pretty Gaelic name means “serenity,” which every new mother needs. If your daughter can offer this to you too, what a bonus!
Amity
This name sounds like something straight out of a magical forest. Amity means “harmony and friendship” and is the perfect name to match your little one’s sweet and charming face.
Aarav
This unique name has Hindi roots and means “peaceful.” Based on its Sanskrit origin, it’s also related to music, and in certain contexts, it is associated with wisdom as well.
Axel
This rock ‘n roll vibe-of-a-name is of Scandinavian origin and means “father of peace.” Don’t be surprised if your son joins a rock band in high school. It’s on you; you picked the name!
Chessy
The Parent Trap lovers will fall for this name right away. Chessy is often thought of as a nickname for names like Chelsea or Cecilia, but it’s also a standalone name with Slavic origins meaning “at peace.”
Colm
Colm is a fine Irish name that means “dove” — which, as you likely know, is a symbol of peace. It makes an elegant name for your little boy.
Columba
Another name that means “dove,” this Latin option offers traditional-mixed-with-modern vibes that would be perfect for your little girl.
Dove
Or you could just skip straight to the literal option and bless your baby bird with the simple name of Dove! Bird-inspired baby names are a timeless option that somehow also have a modern feel.
Evania
This Greek name even sounds serene when you say it out loud. Evania means “peace” and is a very popular moniker in Spain. It also means “goodness.”
Frederick
What’s cuter than having a little Freddie running around the house? This English name means “peaceful ruler.”
Frida
Your little one will be in excellent company with a name like Frida. Not only will you be naming her after the extraordinary artistic legend Frida Kahlo, but this name also means “peace,” “serenity,” “beautiful,” and “beloved.”
Fritzi
Stahhhhp. This adorably sassy name of German origin means “peaceful ruler” and couldn’t be better suited for your firecracker of a kid.
Galen
This charming, gender-neutral name works for a boy or a girl. Of Greek origin, it means “calm,” “peaceful,” and “healer.”
Geoffrey
Bring back a popular name from the ‘80s (and the Middle Ages) for your little boy. This English moniker means “pledge of peace” or “God’s peace.”
Godfrey
This cute Germanic name means “peace of God.” Bonus: Its unique nature makes it highly unlikely that your little one will run into other Godfreys on the playground.
Harmony
Music lovers should consider Harmony, a name with obvious musical ties that also means “union” or “unity.” For a child with a good ear and the desire to live in peace with those around her, this name is a slam dunk.
Humphrey
Here’s looking at you, kid! This English name means “peaceful warrior” and has tons of charm and appeal — just like Bogie.
Irene
This elegant name has remained a popular name over the decades, which says a lot since it originated from the Greek goddess of peace.
Jaylen
A modern-sounding form of Galen, this name means “tranquil healer.” It’s a great pick if you want something distinctive but not too far out there, as it sounds similar to the oh-so-popular Jayden.
Kazumi
This cool, tranquil Japanese name means “beautiful peace.” And let’s be real, that’s exactly what you would love from your new bouncing baby boy.
Koji
Another boy’s name from Japan, Koji has many meanings: “peace,” “good fortune,” “happiness,” and even “boss” and “two.” It’s a short, spunky name that’ll stand out in a crowd, and might feel especially tempting if you’re naming your second child.
Lana
This gorgeous Hawaiian name means “calm as still waters,” a beautiful metaphor for peace. Plus, your baby would share the name with To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before star Lana Condor, who is downright lovely, and musician Lana Del Rey.
Levi
Meaning “joined in harmony,” this Hebrew name for your little boy is short and sweet — not to mention the name of a great Elton John song.
Malu
A beautiful feminine Hawaiian name, Malu means “peace.” And, seriously, just the mere act of choosing a Hawaiian name for your little one (much less one that actually means peace) can make you feel more serene, don’t you agree?
Milo
You can’t get much more likable than this boy name of German origin that means “mild,” “peaceful,” and “calm.” Then, of course, there’s This Is Us actor Milo Ventimiglia, which is another reason it’s a hot pick.
Mira
This two-syllable name may be short, but it packs the sweetest punch. It has Eastern European roots and means “peaceful ocean.” Mira has an aquatic yet 13th-century feel that your child will appreciate as they grow up.
Noah
This popular boy’s name means “rest” or “repose,” and of course has ties to the Bible and the story of Noah’s ark. It’s a soft baby boy name that honors gentleness and care.
Oliver
This popular boy’s name means “olive tree,” and you likely know that “extending an olive branch” symbolizes a peaceful connection. It’s one of those old-timey names that sound cool, too.
Olive
In the same vein, Olive is also associated with the olive branch as a symbol of peace. This retro-sounding name has recently resurfaced in popularity, making it both classic and trendy.
Salem
If you want a baby name that means peace but still feels a little moody, with Salem you can have it all. The name has Arabic and Hebrew origins and means a few different things: “peaceful,” “safe,” “perfect,” and “complete.”
Selma
Selma has Turkish and Arabic roots and means “peaceful” or “safe.” Actress Selma Blair is the most famous person with this name, and her activism and artistry just make the name even more inspiring.
Serenity
Serenity means “peace” or “calm.” It’s a virtue name much like Hope, Faith, or Mercy, but one that calls for your baby girl to find her own inner peace. Serena and Serene are some beautiful derivatives.
Shalom
Supermodel Shalom Harlow immediately comes to mind when considering this name, which means “peace,” “well-being,” or “complete.” The word shalom is also the Hebrew greeting for “hello” and “goodbye.” This name feels like a poignant way to remind your child to be open to the world while feeling whole and at peace with who they are.
Shiloh
This Hebrew name isn’t just the name of Brangelina’s firstborn; it’s also a sweet name that means both “peaceful” and “tranquil.” It’s a gorgeous, soft-sounding gender-neutral option.
Solomon
The Biblical figure Solomon is known for his wisdom and prosperity, but the name itself also means “peace” or “peaceable.” A little chunky baby boy nicknamed Solly sounds almost too adorable to handle.
Tully
This Irish name, which means “peaceful,” could work for a boy or girl. Fun fact? Alexander Hamilton wrote editorials during his time using Tully as a pen name.
Winifred
A pretty Welsh name for your baby girl, Winifred means “blessed peacemaking.” That’s not all there is to love about this name, though. First of all, it comes with great potential nicknames like Winnie or Freddie. Second, and arguably most importantly, it’s the first name of the oldest Sanderson sister from the 1993 Disney cult classic Hocus Pocus (but you already knew that).
Choosing a baby name that means peace may not have a global peacemaking effect (although, who knows what your kid will grow up to do?), but it’s sure to bring a bit more tranquility to your mama heart.
