October Names
Can you believe it’s October already?! This year has gone by quickly and our monthly listed are coming to an end but they aren’t over quite yet. Some of our greatest name finds are often inspired by the months of the year, and more importantly the national holidays each month has to offer. Let’s break down the month of October with our favorite seasonal celebrations.
Alice
Origin: Old French - Meaning: Noble
Celebrate a day full of silliness on October 6th. National Mad Hatter Day commemorate this fictional character from the Lewis Carroll novels Alice in Wonderland.
Archibald
Origin: German - Meaning: Truly Brave, Genuine, Bold
In 1917 Archibald Query of Somerville Massachusetts invented the sweet marshmallow spread known today as Fluff. Be sure to devour this peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich in honor of Mr. Archibald on National Fluffernutter Day, October 8th.
Carson
Origin: Scottish, English - Meaning: Son of the Marsh Dwellers
One of the greatest dad jokes ever made has been “What do you name a baby born in a car? Carson. A comical nod for car lovers and namers alike.
Casper
Origin: Scandinavian, Persian - Meaning: Bringer of Treasure
This treasured name is derived from the same source as Jasper. Casper makes for a fun nod to our favorite friendly ghost just in time for spooky season.
George
Origin: Greek - Meaning: Farmer
On October 12th we celebrate the dedicated and talented farmers across the nation in the midst of harvest season. Without them there would be bare kitchens and empty grocery store shelves. George includes the perfect meaning to honor all our hard-working farmers.
Hazan
Origin: Turkish - Meaning: Autumn
Hazan is delightful for a little girl born during the autumn season.
Helen
Origin: Greek - Meaning: Shining Light
One of the biggest celebration in the month of October is known as Oktoberfest. In America, there is no town in comparison to Helen, Georgia when celebrating this German tradition.
Jack
Origin: English - Meaning: God is Gracious
From recipes to decorations the autumn season isn’t complete without the great pumpkin. We honor our pumpkin obsession with a nod to the holiday tradition of carving Jack-O-Lanterns.
Leary
Origin: Irish - Meaning: Herder
In 1988, Los Angeles political leader Jean O’Leary cofounded National Coming Out Day on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay rights in solidarity to the LGBT community.
Leif
Origin: Scandinavian - Meaning: Descendant
Celebrate your Norse heritage by honoring Icelandic-born explorer Leif Erikson on October 9th. Leif was the very first European to set foot on the continent of North America.
Lucy
Origin: English - Meaning: Light
American sitcom I Love Lucy debuted on October 15, 1951 staring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. I Love Lucy was the first scripted program to be filmed in front of a live studio audience. They filmed 180 episodes during it’s six season run, becoming known as one of the greatest shows of all time winning them five Emmy Awards.
Major
Origin: Latin - Meaning: Greater, Military Rank
The final two weeks in October celebrates the “big four” major professional sports leagues in the United States. There have been 19 occasions in which all four leagues (baseball, basketball, hockey and football) have been played on the same day. An occurrence known as a “sports equinox”. The most recent equinox took place on October 27, 2019.
Marigold
Origin: English - Meaning: Mary’s Gold, Yellow Flower
Marigold’s are the birth flower for the month of October. A modern day nod to Mary that’s as bright as it’s petals.
Octavia
Origin: Latin - Meaning: Eighth
In the old calendar of Romulus the month of October received it’s name from the Latin word octo meaning eight. Octavia is another favorite eight name made famous by actress Octavia Spencer.
Olive
Origin: English - Meaning: Olive Tree
Everyone’s beloved Italian restaurant Olive Garden inspired this name pick in celebration of National Breadstick Day which occurs annually on the last Friday in October.
Opal
Origin: Sanskrit - Meaning: Jewel
This multicolored transparent gemstone is the birthstone of October.
Orecchiette
Origin: Italian - Meaning: Little Ears
Food names have made headlines throughout history so why not consider Orecchiette. This type of pasta fits the trend of ‘ette’ endings just in time for pasta day on October 17th.
Oxford
Origin: English - Meaning: From the Oxen Crossing
Calling all spelling bees. The buzz on the street is October 16th is National Dictionary Day. In honor of this wordly holiday choose a word name inspired by this big book, like Oxford. You could also choose Webster in honor of the very first dictionary being published by Noah Webster in 1806.
Quince
Origin: Latin - Meaning: Apple-like Fruit
This golden fruit is in the Rosaceae Family, like apples and pears. While often eaten raw, Quince is also used to make jams, jellies, marmalades and puddings.
Pulaski
Origin: Polish - Meaning: Place Name
This surname could make for an interesting first name when honoring ones Polish heritage. General Pulaski Memorial Day falls on October 11th, in honor of Polish Immigrant and father of the American cavalry Casimir Pulaski.
Reagan
Origin: Irish - Meaning: Little King
On October 25th, 1988, President Ronald Reagan designated October as Pregnancy and infant Loss Awareness Month acknowledging and honoring grieving families all across America. This later helped launch Infant Loss Remembrance Day which began October 15, 2002. Gender Neutral Reagan feels like the most symbolic name for any little rainbow welcomed.
Sarad
Origin: Hindi - Meaning: Born in Autumn
This seasonal name goes to the boys. This Hindi name means born in autumn.
Salem
Origin: Arabic - Meaning: Peace
The month of October is not complete without a nod to Salem, Massachusetts. This city was featured in everyone’s favorite Halloween movie, Hocus Pocus.
Toby
Origin: Hebrew - Meaning: God Is Good
A biblical nickname that works perfect for baby October. Toby came in at 954 on the charts in 2019 but has since dropped in ranking.