Naming expert Natalie Mulholland shares her favorite names that mean “happy” and “happiness”

If you’re expecting a bundle of joy, choosing a name for your little one that means “happy” or “happiness” is the perfect way to celebrate their arrival and match the sunshine and optimism they’re sure to bring into the world. In this article, we’ve compiled the best masculine, feminine, and gender-neutral names that mean “happy,” with help from naming experts. Keep reading to find the perfect name!

Baby Names Meaning Happy

Naming expert Natalie Mulholland recommends the following names that mean “happy” or “happiness”:

  • Asher: “Happy” or “blessed,” Hebrew origin.
  • Beatrice: “She who brings happiness" or "bringer of joy,” Latin/Italian origin.
  • Cayo: “Rejoice,” Spanish/Latin origin.
  • Felicity: “Happiness” or "good fortune," Latin origin.
  • Nara: “Joyful” or “flower from heaven,” Japanese/Korean origin.
  • Ori: “My joy” or “my light,” Hebrew origin.
  • Tate: “Cheerful” or “glad,” Old English/Norse origin.
Section 1 of 4:

Boy Names that Mean “Happy”

  1. There are lots of masculine names that mean “happy” or “joy.” These cheerful options are a sweet way to welcome a baby boy and inspire him to always look on the bright side of things. For instance:
    • Anand: “Happiness or joy,” Sanskrit origin.
    • Asaad: “Happier” or “luckier,” Arabic origin.
    • Cayo: “Rejoice,” Spanish and Latin origin.[1] ​​
    • Felix: “Happy” or “lucky,” Latin origin.[2]
    • Fortunato: “Happy” or “lucky,” Latin origin.
    • Gaius: “To rejoice,” Latin origin.
    • Gil: “Happiness or joy,” Hebrew origin.
    • Harshad: “Bringer of joy,” Indian origin.
    • Isaac: “One who laughs or rejoices,” Hebrew origin.
    • Koji: “Happiness” or “good fortune,” Japanese origin.
    • Makari: “Happy” or “blessed,” Greek origin.
    • Naeem: “Happiness” or “comfort,” Arabic origin.
    • Rhys: “Enthusiasm” or “passion,” Welsh origin.
    • Ron: “Joy,” Hebrew origin.
    • Said: “Happy,” “joy,” or “blessed,” Arabic origin.
    • Selig: “Happy in life” or “blessed,” Yiddish origin.
    • Yoshiro: “Happy individual,” Japanese origin.
    • Zorion: “Happy,” Basque/Portuguese origin.

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Natalie Mulholland is a naming expert and content creator who focuses on sharing a name’s origin, meaning, category, notable people, and more.

    Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson is a naming expert. She shares name meanings and tips with her 20k+ followers on her Instagram, @little_name_library.

    Jennifer Ficarra is a name consultant and the founder of Nom de Bloom. She also shares naming content on social media.

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Section 2 of 4:

Girl Names that Mean “Happy”

  1. There are plenty of beautiful girl names that relate to happiness and cheer. For instance, naming expert Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson says, “Names like Eden, Grace, Joy,… and Clara often feel comforting because they’re soft-sounding and emotionally grounded.” She especially adores the name Lettie (a diminutive of Letitia), which has Spanish roots and means “joy and gladness.”[3] Other names include:
Section 3 of 4:

Gender-neutral Names that Mean “Happy”

  1. There are plenty of names that mean “happy” or “joyful” that aren’t traditionally masculine or feminine. In particular, Dr. Wilson says names like “Sunny, Pax, or Winnie give a sense of joy and warmth in a way that’s gentle and immediate.”[15] Check out some of these other great gender-neutral options:
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Section 4 of 4:

More Joyful Name Ideas

  1. Looking for more names that have joyful and positive meanings? We’ve got you covered! Check out these lists, which are full of other beautiful names for boys and girls, as well as gender-neutral options:

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References

  1. Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  2. Jennifer Ficarra. Name Consultant. Expert Interview
  3. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  4. Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  5. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  6. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  7. Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  8. Jennifer Ficarra. Name Consultant. Expert Interview
  9. Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  1. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  2. Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  3. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  4. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  5. Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  6. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  7. Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  8. Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  9. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  10. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  11. Natalie Mulholland. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  12. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview

About This Article

Natalie Mulholland
Co-authored by:
Naming Expert
This article was co-authored by Natalie Mulholland and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Natalie Mulholland is a naming expert and content creator based in Athens, Georgia. With a lifelong interest in names, Natalie started creating content around this passion in 2023. She brings a linguistically focused approach to her content, sharing a name’s origin, meaning, category, notable people, and more. She is expecting to receive her bachelor’s degree in human development and family science from the University of Georgia in 2025.
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Co-authors: 4
Updated: December 11, 2025
Views: 437
Categories: Naming a Baby
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 437 times.

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