Naming Military Brats. Honoring Military Heroes.
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, a cease fire was declared between the Allied Nations and Germany during “The Great War” also known as World War I. One year later on November 11, 1919 “Armistice Day” now known as Veterans Day was celebrated marking the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress declared an annual observance in 1926 and it was officially known as a national holiday in 1938 to pay tribute and give thanks to all of our veterans who have honorably served their country.
Whether you come from a military family or you’re looking to honor our brave men and women in the armed forces, we have all the names you need to pay homage to the veterans in you life. From ranks to weapons and from bases to the battle field, these names will be fitting for our newest American soldiers.
Baby names have already been heavily influenced from military ranks over the years. Strong names create strong leaders, and these names lead us on the right foot from the start. Admiral, Lance, Major and Marshall have all ranked in the top 1,000 at least once according to the Social Security Administration but there are a plethora of Military inspired names to choose from for your baby this Veteran’s Day. Let us show you!
Armed Forces
The NATO phonetic alphabet automatically offers all the names we need. They’ve used a few common names like Charlie, Mike and Victor in their telephony codes. These three word/names along with X-Ray are the only ones still used from the original alphabet, but did you know the alphabet has changed over the years?
The very first internationally recognized alphabet was adopted by the International Telecommunication Union in 1927. Several changes to this alphabet was made over a decade later in 1938. The U.S adopted the Joint Army/Navy Phonetic Alphabet in 1941 to standardize all branches of it’s armed forces. This alphabet became known as the Able Baker after it’s words for A and B.
Following WWII further modifications to each letter was implemented to include common sounds and pronunciations in English, Spanish and French. The phonetic alphabet we know and use today came into fruition on March 1, 1956 implemented by the International Civil Aviation Organization and was later adopted by the ITU as the phonetic alphabet in 1959. The phonetic alphabet has not been changed at all since 1965.
From Baker to Zed here are our top choices from all of the alphabetical versions.
U. S. Army
Known as the oldest military branch, the U.S. Army planted it’s roots on June 14, 1775 in the Continental Army in order to fight the American Revolutionary War. Following the war, the Congress of the Confederation established the United States Army on June 3, 1784 replacing the Continental Army.
Military outposts known as Garrisons station troops to provide protection to specific communities in smaller cities. With a meaning of “Stronghold” they’re no doubt you’ll raise one tough son.
Leading by the motto, “This We’ll Defend”, Alistair, Alexander, Warrick and Zander are exceptional names for your future Army Ranger too!
One of the most subtle but strongest ways to honor your little army ranger is by giving them a name that means Army! There are so many to choose from.
Baby Names Meaning “Army”
U.S. Navy
“Father of the American Navy”, Naval Commander, John Paul Jones, Continental Navy Captain John Barry and President John Adams all played vital lead roles during the American Revolutionary War. While John feels like the powerhouse name when representing the United States Navy may we suggest a more updated approach on this name like, Evan, Ian, Jack or Zane.
Thanks to the Chief of Navel Operations, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, October 13th has been declared as the Navy’s birthday in honor of the establishment of the Continental Navy on this day in 1775.
Their motto “Semper Fortis” translates to “Always Courageous” brings to mind three courageous names. Oz, Riley and Thaddeus.
Other courageous leaders include Navy veterans and former Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush. Believe it or not, every president from 1961-1993, with the exception of Reagan, was a Navy Veteran during WWII.
Let’s not rule out some aquatic options for your future sailor. Water themed baby names are a wonderful way to honor the Navy seal in your life, especially if they’re born under a water sign (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces).
There is Anchor, Harbor, Ocean, Sailor and of course, Navy. The name Navy itself current sits in that sweet spot on today’s charts. 433 girls were named Navy last year placing herself at #658 on the current Social Security Administration list. A 157 increase from the year prior.
Here are a few other names for your aqua babe.
Baby Names - Meanings Related to Water
U.S. Air Force
When we ponder on our nations aviation pioneers we immediately think of Amelia Earhart and the Wright brothers. These aviation pioneers may not be tied to the Air Force specifically but they certainly offer us timeless and true inspiration when considering names for our future flyboys.
Light, airy word names, Aerial, Avia, Jett, Neil and Skai give us all the feels when thinking about little airmen too.
You could always stick to the obvious word name, Pilot. Celebrity baby Pilot Inspector Lee made headlines following his birth in 2003. Father and actor Jason Lee explained the inspiration behind his son’s name came from a song by Indie rock band Grandaddy.
One specific Air Force name we can’t forget about is Piper. This musical moniker is also an aircraft. The 1983 Piper PA-48E is a turboprop-powered light close support ground attack aircraft is built by Piper Aircraft Corporation. Piper is much more trendy compared to previously mentioned Navy. Piper comes in at #91 on the charts with 2,881 births in 2020.
U.S. Air Force bases also draw an abundance of inspiration from all over the United Stares. Honor where your relatives were stationed by paying homage to their duty station.
Air Force Bases in the United States
U.S. Marine Corps
Founded on November 10, 1775 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the United States Marine Corps as the Continental Marines.
An estimated 186,009 active duty members currently serve in the USMC with another 102,415 in the Reserves. Symbolized by their colors scarlet and gold we recommend golden hued Aurelia for your future golden girl and of course Scarlett for your vibrant red head.
The USMC are also represented by the bald eagle making avian inspired Arden an amazing choice for your son or daughter. Arden was last ranked in the top 1,000 in 2019 at #952 for girls and last ranked for boys in 1959 at #927. A rare find indeed.
Marines stand true to their motto “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful) making loyal lad Truman our top pick for you future Marine!
The Marines also have some of the most notable people in history we’d love to pay our respects to by highlighting their names.
Nicholas
Origin: Greek - Meaning Victory of the People
Major Samuel Nicholas was the first commissioned officer in the United States Continental Marines.
Lewis
Origin: English - Meaning: Renowned Warrior
General Lewis Burwell Puller is the most decorated Marine in American history with five Navy Crosses, one Distinguished Service Cross, one Silver Star, two Legion of Merit with ‘V” Devices, one Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device, three Air Medals and a Purple Heart.
Opha
Origin: Unknown - Meaning: Unknown, Possible Diminutive of Ophelia
Sergeant Opha May Johnson was the very first female known to have enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, joining the Reserve on August 13, 1918 during World War I. .
U.S. Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard was founded on August 4, 1790 at the request of Alexander Hamilton. The Douglas A. Munro building is the current headquarters of the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard also has an Air Station located in Elizabeth City , North Carolina.
Both Douglas and Elizabeth are classic contenders ready to make a comeback!
For more modern and chart topping choices look no further than the United States Coast Guard Cutters. 17 out of 28 of these commissioned vessels names have ranked in the top 1,000 at least once on the Social Security Administration charts since 1900.
USSCG Ship Cutters
Battle Ready
When you enlist in the Military you have to be ready for anything, including battle. These five names will insure they are ready for the battlefield.
Ottilie
Origin - German, Female Version of Otto
Meaning - Prosperous in Battle
Milo
Origin - Latin, Old German
Meaning - Merciful Soldier
Maud
Origin - Variant of Matilda
Meaning - Battle Mighty
Harvey
Origin - French
Meaning - Battle Worthy
Kane
Origin - Gaelic, French
Meaning - Fighter, Field of Combat
Ready. Aim. Name.
From guns to armed vehicles, these names give a shoot off true power and grit. Get ready to aim and name with these options.
Names Inspired By Military Weapons
Flower Power
Flower power names Violet, Lilian, Hadley and Daisy all rank in the top 150 but there are two blossoming florals we think honor our veterans perfectly.
Alaska
Origin: Word Name - Meaning: Great Land, Mainland
The Alpine Forget-Me-Not is the official state flower of Alaska. Originated in 1921, National Forget-Me-Not Day reminds us to help, honor, and support our disabled or injured American Soldiers who sacrifices have gifted us the freedoms we have today. This awareness day is celebrated annually on November 10th. Alaska is currently unranked.
Poppy
Origin: Latin - Meaning: Red Flower
The red Poppy is used to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem, “In Flander Fields”, written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. In honor of our Armed Forces service members who have passed away in the line of duty we were these patriotic blooms in their memory.
Honoring The Red, White and Blue
From Rose and Hunter to Mauve and Clementine, color names are one of those trending themes that can be as subtle or as avant-garde as you choose. We opted for the boldest and most beloved names to represent our red, white and blue.
Color names representing the U.S. Flag
Victorious Virtues
Virtues play a pivotal role in our faith, morals and values. They lay the foundation of our theological ideologies that carry us through our walk of life. As our veterans lead with their virtues in the Armed Forces, let us honor them with these victorious virtue names.
Honor
Origin: English - Meaning: Virtue Name
Justice
Origin: Latin - Meaning: Fairness
Liberty
Origin: Latin - Meaning: Independence, Freedom
Other Names to Consider
Archie
Origin: Teutonic - Meaning: Truly Brave
Crew
Origin: Latin - Meaning: Chariot
Cadence
Origin: English - Meaning: Rhythm, Flow, Keeping in Step
Heidi
Origin: German - Meaning: Noble Kind
Short for Heidelberg, Germany, the headquarters of American Forces in Europe
Mars
Origin: Roman Mythology - Meaning: God of War
Montgomery
Origin: Norman - Meaning: Man Power
Wyatt
Origin: English - Meaning: Brave in War
With 180 Military inspired names on this list you’ll be sure to find the perfect name to honor the Veteran in your family.
Please feel free to share a little bit about the Veteran in your life in our comment section for our Veterans Day celebration or you can share your favorite names from this list.
Happy Veteran’s Day to all!