Cross Cultural Baby Names for Girls and Boys
There is something truly beautiful about a name that has meanings from various cultures from all over the world. These multicultural names can represent so much more than multiple denotations, they can be a symbol of inclusiveness and universality.
Cross cultural baby names can represent your family heritage. Naming your child with this in mind can be a sweet way to honor your union and new family unit.
Multicultural Names for Baby
When choosing a cross-cultural name, it’s important to honor its origins and meaning to ensure your choice reflects significance or appreciation within your family, not appropriation.
Aya
This short and sweet three letter baby name comes from Japanese and Hebrew origins. Aya can mean either “colorful” or “bird”.
Adrian
This universal name is simple enough to pronounce in multiple languages. It comes from Latin origin and can mean sea or water.
Bodhi
From Sanskrit and used in Buddhist cultures, Bodhi means awakening or enlightenment. It’s been adopted internationally and works well across many languages. It’s also on our list of Boho baby names.
Dara
Dara can make for a nice gender neutral name choice meaning “star” in Khmer, Thai and Lao. In Hebrew, Dara means compassion or pearl of wisdom. In Punjabi, Dara means “leader.” And Dara’s Persian meaning can translate to “rich”or “well off.”
Elio
This bright and energetic name means sun in Italian and Spanish, with Greek origins from Helios. Elio is charming, stylish, and increasingly global.
Emilia
A name of Spanish, Italian, and Hungarian origin, Emilia is a super sweet name with a meaning that rivals most, because, well it directly means “rival”.
Eugene
A popular name in Greek, French, and English cultures, Eugene means “well-born” or “noble.” From the Greek to the French and across the seas to England, Eugene is certainly a well-traveled title. The boy’s name means “well-born” or “noble,” making it a prestigious appellation for your new addition.
Gabriel
Gabriel has ties to Christian, Jewish, and Muslim texts and has the meaning of “God is my strength”.
Gianna
This name of Italian and Hebrew origins means “God is gracious.” It’s also a Latin feminization of the name John.
Hugo
Hugo is of German, Spanish and Portuguese origin and means “mind” or “intellect” making it the perfect cross cultural baby name choice for your little thinker.
Idris
Idris means “to study” in Arabic and was the name of a Koranic prophet. As a Welsh name, Idris means “lord”.
Isabella
Of Spanish and Italian origins, Isabella means “God is my oath”. The nicknames Isa and Bella are both super cute.
Jasmine
A Persian name meaning “gift from god” Jasmine is also a beautiful botanical baby name and has ties to Spanish cultures when spelled, Jazmin.
Kai
Kai is another name that has many origins and meanings. It’s been featured on our list of Tropical Island Baby Names, for its Hawaiian ties. In some Europe countries, Kai is is thought to have Frisian origin and means “warrior.” Kai is also used throughout African, Chinese, Maori, Turkish and Native American cultures. Not to mention that it is also another gender neutral name choice!
Kalina
Meaning “love and affection” Kalina is of Bulgarian origin but has also been tied to other Slavic languages, including Polish.
Leila
Of Arabic and Persian origin, Leila means night or dark beauty. It’s also used across Hebrew, Swahili, and Western cultures, offering timeless elegance.
Lina
Of Greek, Persian and Kurdish origins. In Greek, Lina means “sunlight”, and similarly in Persian, it means “light”, “a ray of sunlight” or “beautiful girl”. In Kurdish, it means “cascade falls”.
Luca
Most popular in Latin America, the name Luca is also widely used in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Georgia. It is from Latin origin and means “light”.
Malik
Malik means “king” in Arabic. There’s also a translation in Greenland, where it means “wave”.
Marco
Marco is a name of Spanish and Italian origin and a great cross cultural name choice for your little explorer.
Mia
Meaning “mine” in Italian and Spanish, or “bitter” in Scandinavian origin, Mia is generally a nickname for Maria. But on its own, Mia has been among the most popular names for several years.
Mona
This pretty four-letter name packs a lot of meaning in its few letters. In Arabic, Mona means “wishes” and “desires”. In Irish Gaelic it can mean “little noble one”. Mona is also sometimes associated with the Greek word monos which means “moon”. Mona is also a Scandinavian short form of Monica
Naomi
For a name that is simple enough for various languages and different accents to pronounce, this pretty name for girls means “pleasantness” in Hebrew and “honest and beautiful” in Japanese.
Nicolas
While popular with both Spanish or French speaking cultures, Nicolas is actually of Greek origin and means “victory of the people.” It also has Russian ties, when spelled Nickolas.
Nora
A beautiful name that has French and Arabic ties, Nora comes from the name Eleanora, which means “light.” Fun fact, there are several towns in Australia, Sweden, and the United States named Nora, which makes it a sweet name that’s inspired by a place.
Oscar
Of English and Irish origins, the name Oscar means “God spear,” “deer-lover,” or “champion warrior.”
Page
Used as a status name for a young servant, the name Page has English, Scottish, and French origins.
Poppy
Meaning “red flower”, Poppy is of Latin and Old English origins and makes for a sweet name choice for a little girl.
Rafael
With roots in Hebrew, Spanish, and Portuguese cultures, Rafael means God has healed. This beautiful and timeless name carries both spiritual depth and artistic flair – think of Renaissance painter Raphael. It’s a popular name across Europe and Latin America and can be shortened to the charming nickname “Rafa.”
Ravi
A bright and positive name of Sanskrit origin, Ravi means sun. Common in Indian cultures, but short, warm, and pronounceable internationally.
Roberto
The name Roberto means “bright fame” and is popular among Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese cultures.
Samir
Arabic for “companion in evening talk”, Samir is one of the most beautiful cultural names. In Sanskrit, Samir means “air.” Samira is the feminine version in both cultures.
Shreya
Shreya is a name with ties to the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi. It means “good fortune, beauty and excellence.”
Talia
It’s an Indigenous Australian name that means “by the water.” In Hebrew it means “dew from God.” Talia can also be a nickname for the Russian name Natalia.
Tariq
Of Arabic origin, meaning morning star or he who knocks at the door. Common in Muslim cultures and increasingly recognized globally.
Victoria
Victoria is the Latin word for “victory”. In Roman mythology, Victoria was the name of the goddess of victory. The name also has english ties thanks to Queen Victoria. Check out more Victorian Baby Names inspo here!
Yara
Yara is considered to be a gender-neutral name of Arabic and Brazilian origin, meaning “small butterfly” or “water lady.”
Cross Cultural Baby Name Combos
You may want to choose only first and middle names that align with your family’s heritage ethnicity. But if you’re open to celebrating or commemorating a mixture of cultures, here are some meaningful combinations.
Elio Rafael: Sunlight meets healing. This Spanish-Italian name duo feels warm and grounded – perfect for a spirited and kind little one.
Kai Shreya: Ocean/warrior/forgiveness + beauty and excellence. A bold and modern name with depth and global flair.
Gabriel Hugo: A perfect name combo for the angelic, little thoughtful babe.
Dara Emilia: A nice combination of strong and sweet, this name is fitting of a baby with a strong personality.
Adrian Nicolas: A great name for a leader and sea lover alike.
Naomi Aya: What a sweet, serene, and oh-so-pleasant a cross cultural name combo.
More Baby Name Inspiration
If you’re still amassing your list of baby names, consider some of these great lists!
Names Inspired by Nature
Gender Neutral Names
Future Scientist Names
Ethereal Baby Names
Bohemian Girl Names
Twin Names that Make the Perfect Pair
