50 patriotic baby names for parents who love their country
Today, we’re talking about life, liberty and the pursuit of… patriotic names!
In a world where parents prefer unique baby names with meaningful origins, there’s no better source of inspiration than America — the land of the free and home of the brave.
And that’s especially true for babies born on or around the Fourth of July, Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day.
Take the name America, for example. You might not know anyone with this name, but it does exist. Just look at America Ferrera, an American actress best known for her role in “Ugly Betty.”
In a 2011 interview with “The Guardian,” Ferrera revealed the origin story behind her name — and it had nothing to do with the United States.
She was named after her mother, who was named after the Latin American holiday, the Day of Americas. The holiday is celebrated on April 14, which happens to be the day Ferrera and her mother were born.
While the name America hasn’t cracked the Social Security Administration’s annual top 1,000 since 2015, the name Liberty has done so every year since 2001.
Naming your child Liberty can be a nod to American values, but it can also be a direct nod to the Statue of Liberty, located in Staten Island.
It can also be a reference to the Liberty Bell — which can also double as a first and middle name. You can change the spelling to make it more unique, as in Libertie Belle.
Names tied to the colors red (Ruby, Roux, Rohit), white (Gwen, Alba, Bianca) and blue (Cyan, Azure, Indigo) can also be considered patriotic names.
Let’s take a look at some other patriotic names inspired by America, its history, its morals, and its proud people.
30. Knox
Origin: Knox is of Scottish Gaelic origin.
Meaning: The name Knox comes from a Scottish surname and place name that was derived from the Gaelic word cnoc, meaning “round hill.” Fort Knox is a United States Army installation in Kentucky that houses a large portion of the United States’ official gold reserves.
U.S. popularity: Knox was the 208th most popular boy’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 1,770 baby boys.
29. Boston
Origin: Boston is of English origin.
Meaning: The name Boston refers to the American city in Massachusetts, which supposedly got its name from a town in Lincolnshire, England. The city of Boston is a patriotic place as the home of the Boston Tea Party, the Freedom Trail and a replica of the “Mayflower.”
U.S. popularity: Boston was the 639th most popular boy’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 429 baby boys.
28. Rosie
Origin: Rosie is of English and Latin origin.
Meaning: The name Rosie is a diminutive of the name Rose, which itself is derived from the Latin word rosa, meaning “rose.” Rosie the Riveter is a cultural icon representing the American women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II.
U.S. popularity: Rosie was the 392nd most popular girl’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 779 baby girls.
27. Sam
Origin: Sam has multiple origins.
Meaning: The name Sam is a shortened form of names that start with Sam, including Samuel (“name of god”), Samson (“sun”) and Samantha (“god has heard”). Uncle Sam is the national personification of the U.S. and is often depicted as a tall, elderly man with white hair, a goatee, and dressed in red, white, and blue.
U.S. popularity: Sam was the 672nd most popular boy’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 403 baby boys.
26. Banner
Origin: Banner is of English, French and Latin origin.
Meaning: The name Banner comes from the English word banner, which is derived from the Late Latin word bandum and French word baniere, meaning “flag” or “piece of cloth attached to the upper end of a pole or staff.” In this case, it refers to the American flag or the patriotic song “Star-Spangled Banner.”
U.S. popularity: Banner has not been featured in the top 1000 names for any year of birth beginning with 1900.
25. Revere
Origin: Revere is of Latin and French origin.
Meaning: The name Revere comes from the French word révérer and Latin word revereri, meaning “to regard with deep respect and veneration.” In this case, it honors Paul Revere, who warned colonial militias that the British were coming prior to the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
U.S. popularity: Revere has not been featured in the top 1000 names for any year of birth beginning with 1900.
24. Justice
Origin: Justice is of French and Latin origin.
Meaning: The name Justice comes from the French word justice and Latin word iustitia, meaning “righteousness” and “equity.” In English, it means “judge” or “just behavior.” It honors America’s desire to uphold the moral righteousness of a cause and dedication to equality, justice and the rule of law.
U.S. popularity: Justice was the 900th most popular boy’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 256 baby boys.
23. Arnold
Origin: Arnold is of Germanic origin.
Meaning: The name Arnold is derived from the Germanic elements arn, meaning “eagle,” and walt, meaning “power” or “authority.” It can be a nod to America’s national bird, the bald eagle.
U.S. popularity: Arnold last appeared in the SSA’s top 1,000 in 2004 when it was the 901st most popular boy’s name in the U.S.. It was a top-100 boy’s name between 1912 and 1931.
22. Aquila
Origin: Aquila is of Roman and Latin origin.
Meaning: The name Aquila comes from a Roman cognomen, which is derived from the Latin word aquila, meaning “eagle.” Like Arnold, it’s a nod to America’s national bird, the bald eagle.
U.S. popularity: Aquila has not been featured in the top 1000 names for any year of birth beginning with 1900.
21. Stella
Origin: Stella is of Latin origin.
Meaning: The name Stella is derived from the Latin word stella, meaning “star.” In a patriotic sense, it can refer to the 50 stars representing the 50 states on the American flag or the country’s national anthem, “Star-Spangled Banner.”
U.S. popularity: Stella was the 46th most popular girl’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 4,357 baby girls.
20. Key
Origin: Key is of English origin.
Meaning: The name Key is derived from the Middle English word keie and Old English word cæg, meaning “instrument for opening locks.” In this case, it refers to Francis Scott Key, an American lawyer credited with writing America’s national anthem, “Star-Spangled Banner,” in 1814.
U.S. popularity: Key has not been featured in the top 1000 names for any year of birth beginning with 1900.
19. Sousa
Origin: Sousa is of Portuguese and Latin origin.
Meaning: The name Sousa originally indicated someone who lived near the Sousa River in Portugal and can be derived from the Latin words salsus, meaning “salty,” or saxa, meaning “rocks.” In this case, it refers to John Philip Sousa, best known for writing the America’s national march, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
U.S. popularity: Sousa has not been featured in the top 1000 names for any year of birth beginning with 1900.
18. Indie
Origin: Indie has multiple origins.
Meaning: The name Indie can be a diminutive of the names India (country southern Asia) or Indiana (state in midwestern U.S.). In this case, it’s a shortened form of the word independent, which can be a nod to America’s values or the “Declaration of Independence,” signed in 1776.
U.S. popularity: Indie was the 579th most popular girl’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 514 baby girls.
17. Vernon
Origin: Vernon is of Norman, French and Gaulish origin.
Meaning: The name Vernon comes from a Norman surname and French place name, which is believed to be derived from the Gaulish word vern, meaning “alder tree.” In this case, it refers to Mount Vernon, the former home of George Washington, the first President of the United States, in Fairfax County, Virginia.
U.S. popularity: Vernon hasn’t appeared inside the SSA’s top 1,000 since 2003 when it was the 950th most popular boy’s name in the U.S.. It was a top-100 boy’s name in 1906 and between 1908 and 1937.
16. Ellis
Origin: Ellis is of English and Hebrew origin.
Meaning: The name Ellis is believed to be derived from the names Elias and Elijah, meaning “my God is Yahweh.” In this case, it refers to Ellis Island, a historic immigration station in New York Harbor that served as the primary entry point for millions of immigrants coming to the U.S. from 1892 to 1954.
U.S. popularity: Ellis was the 273rd most popular boy’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 1,228 baby boys. It also ranked 757th among girl names with 370 recorded births.
15. Betsy
Origin: Betsy is of Greek and Hebrew origin.
Meaning: The name Betsy is a diminutive of the names Elisabeth, Elisabet and Elisheva, meaning “my God is an oath.” In this case, it refers to Betsy Ross — the woman who, according to legend, sewed the first American flag in 1776.
U.S. popularity: Betsy last appeared inside the SSA’s top 1,000 in 2006 when it was the 747th most popular girl’s name in the U.S.. It has never appeared inside the top 100.
14. Maverick
Origin: Maverick is of English origin.
Meaning: The name Maverick comes from the English word maverick, meaning “independent.” It’s a nod to America’s morals, which are reflected in phrases like “Land of the Free,” and can even be a nod to Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July.
U.S. popularity: Maverick was the 37th most popular boy’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 6,962 baby boys.
13. Cannon
Origin: Cannon is of Middle English and Latin origin.
Meaning: The name Cannon comes from the Middle English word canon, meaning “a church official,” or the Italian word cannone, meaning “large tube.” In this case, it refers to the cannons that were used in the nation’s fight for independence, defense, and military strength throughout history.
U.S. popularity: Cannon was the 636th most popular bou’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 430 baby boys.
12. Rush
Origin: Rush is of Old English origin.
Meaning: The name Rush comes from an old surname given to someone who lived near rushes. It’s derived from the Old English word rysc, referring to the grasslike plant that grows in a marsh. In this case, it’s a nod to Mount Rushmore — a massive granite sculpture located in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
U.S. popularity: Rush has only appeared in the SSA’s top 1,000 twice since 1900. It first cracked the list in 1900 (957th most popular name) and returned in 1903 (836th most popular name).
11. Archie
Origin: Archie is of Germanic origin.
Meaning: The name Archie is a diminutive of Archibald, which comes from the Germanic elements erkan, meaning “pure” or “holy,” and bald, meaning “bold” or “brave.” In this case, it refers to The Gateway Arch — a monumental steel arch in St. Louis, Missouri that stands as a symbol of westward expansion.
U.S. popularity: Archie was the 347th most popular boy’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 940 baby boys.
10. Brave
Origin: Brave is of French and Italian origin.
Meaning: The name Brave comes from the French word brave and Italian word bravo, meaning “bold” and “exhibiting courage or courageous endurance.” In this case, it honors the brave men and women who have fought or are fighting for the “land of the free and home of the brave.”
U.S. popularity: Brave has not appeared in the top 1000 names for any year of birth beginning with 1900.
9. Valor
Origin: Valor is of English and Latin origin.
Meaning: The name Valor comes from the English and Latin word valor, meaning “bravery” or “courage.” It’s another virtue name that honors military service, the defense of freedom and the protection of the nation’s ideals.
U.S. popularity: Valor has not appeared in the top 1000 names for any year of birth beginning with 1900.
8. Liberius
Origin: Liberius is of Latin origin.
Meaning: The name Liberius is a Late Latin name derived from the Latin word liber, meaning “free.” It refers to the freedoms and rights Americans have to be who they want to be, think what they want to think and speak what they want to speak. It’s also a unique take on the popular name Liberty.
U.S. popularity: Liberius has not appeared in the top 1000 names for any year of birth beginning with 1900.
7. Eleutheria
Origin: Eleutheria is of Greek origin.
Meaning: The name Eleutheria comes from the Green name Eleutherios, meaning “free.” It’s another name that honors the freedoms American servicemen and servicewomen fight for daily.
U.S. popularity: Eleutheria has not appeared in the top 1000 names for any year of birth beginning with 1900.
6. Saoirse
Origin: Saoirse is of Irish Gaelic origin.
Meaning: The name Saorise comes from the Irish Gaelic word saoirse, meaning “freedom” or “liberty.” It’s a perfect name for Irish-American parents who want to show their patriotism.
U.S. popularity: Saoirse was the 959th most popular girl’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 270 baby girls.
5. Oakley
Origin: Oakley is of Old English origin.
Meaning: The name Oakley comes from an Old English surname and place name that meant “oak clearing.” The oak tree was designated as America’s national tree in 2004. Congress passed the bill and then-President George W. Bush signed it into law.
U.S. popularity: Oakley was the 153rd most popular girl’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 1,874 baby girls. It also ranked 396th among boy names with 799 recorded births.
4. Diversity
Origin: Diversity is of English origin.
Meaning: The name Diversity comes from the English word diversity, meaning “variety” or “inclusion.” It honors one of the foundational aspects of American identity and represents the variety of people, cultures, backgrounds and perspectives that make up the nation.
U.S. popularity: Diversity has not appeared in the top 1000 names for any year of birth beginning with 1900.
3. Democracy
Origin: Democracy is of English origin.
Meaning: The name Democracy comes from the English word democracy, meaning “government by the people.” It honors the principle that American people have the ultimate power to elect their leaders, make laws and shape the future of the nation.
U.S. popularity: Democracy has not appeared in the top 1000 names for any year of birth beginning with 1900.
2. Gloria
Origin: Gloria is of Latin origin.
Meaning: The name Gloria comes from the Latin word gloria, meaning “glory” or “worldly honor.” It refers to the honor, pride and admiration that a nation and its people feel over their accomplishments, sacrifices and the values they stand for.
U.S. popularity: Gloria was the 671st most popular girl’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 436 baby girls.
1. Honor
Origin: Honor is of English origin.
Meaning: The name Honor comes from the English word honor, meaning “glory,” “renown” or “fame earned.” It can refer to the glory and honor American people feel for their country or can be a direct reference to the Medal of Honor, the United States Armed Forces’ highest military decoration.
U.S. popularity: Honor has not appeared in the top 1000 names for any year of birth beginning with 1900.
Patriotic names inspired by former Presidents
Looking for patriotic names for a baby boy? Look no further than the Presidents of the United States!
For example, the name Donald — the 657th most popular boy’s name in 2023 — could be a nod to current President Donald Trump. The names James and David could reference current Vice President JD Vance.
In fact, the name James might be the most popular of the bunch.
Not only was it the fourth most popular boy’s name in 2023, but it’s tied to five different presidents — James Madison, James Monroe, James Polk, James Buchanan and James Garfield.
The name Theodore — honoring Theodore Roosevelt — ranked seventh in 2023, while William — honoring William Henry Harrison, William McKinley and William Howard Taft — ranked 10th.
Here are some other patriotic names honoring former presidents of the United States.
10. Lincoln
Origin: Lincoln is of English origin.
Meaning: The name Lincoln comes from an English surname originally derived from an English city called Lindum Colonia. It translates to “lake colony.” It can honor Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States who served between 1861 and 1865.
U.S. popularity: Lincoln was the 64th most popular boy’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 4,842 baby boys.
9. Millard
Origin: Millard is of Old English origin.
Meaning: The name Millard comes from an occupational English surname meaning “guardian of the mill” in Old English. It can honor Millard Fillmore, a former Vice President who took office in 1850 following the death of then-President Zachary Taylor.
U.S. popularity: The name Millard hasn’t appeared inside the SSA’s top 1,000 since 1970 when it was the 937th most popular boy’s name in the country. It peaked in 1904 at No. 210 on the list.
8. Ulysses
Origin: Ulysses is of Greek and Latin origin.
Meaning: The name Ulysses is the Latin form of the Greek name Odysseus, which is derived from the Greek word odyssomai, meaning “to hate.” It can honor Ulysses S. Grant, a commander of the Union forces during the American Civil War who went on to become the 18th American president.
U.S. popularity: The name Ulysses hasn’t appeared inside the SSA’s top 1,000 since 2005 when it was the 984th most popular boy’s name in the country. It peaked in 1907 at No. 365 on the list.
7. Rutherford
Origin: Rutherford is of Old English origin.
Meaning: The name Rutherford was originally used as a surname that’s derived from the Old English elements hriðer, meaning “cattle” or “ox,” and ford, meaning “river crossing.” It can honor Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States who served between 1877 and 1881.
U.S. popularity: The name Rutherford has only appeared inside the SSA’s top 1,000 once since 1900. It was the 910th most popular boy’s name in 1905 — two decades after Rutherford B. Hayes left office.
6. Chester
Origin: Chester is of English and Roman origin.
Meaning: The name Chester comes from an English surname given to a person from Chester, a Roman settlement in Britain. The name is derived from the Latin word castrum, meaning “camp.” It can honor Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States who served between 1881 and 1885.
U.S. popularity: The name Chester hasn’t appeared inside the SSA’s top 1,000 since 1995 when it was the 918th most popular boy’s name in the country. It was a top-100 name between 1900 and 1929.
5. Grover
Origin: Grover is of Old English origin.
Meaning: The name Grover comes from an English surname that’s derived from the Old English word graf, meaning “grove of trees.” It can honor Grover Cleveland, the 22nd President of the United States who served between 1893 and 1897.
U.S. popularity: The name grover hasn’t appeared inside the SSA’s top 1,000 since 1974 when it was the 949th most popular boy’s name in the country. It peaked in 1918 at No. 188 on the list.
4. Woodrow
Origin: Woodrow is of English origin.
Meaning: The name Woodrow comes from an English surname that means “row of houses by a wood” in Old English. It can honor Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States who served between 1913 and 1921.
U.S. popularity: The name Woodrow hasn’t appeared inside the SSA’s top 1,000 since 1983 when it was the 955th most popular boy’s name in the country. It cracked the top 100 every year between 1912 and 1919.
3. Truman
Origin: Truman is of English origin.
Meaning: The name Truman comes from an English surname that means “trusty man.” It can honor Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States who served between 1945 and 1953.
U.S. popularity: The name Truman hasn’t appeared inside the SSA’s top 1,000 since 2015 when it was the 973rd most popular boy’s name in the country. It peaked in 1945 at No. 248 on the list.
2. Herbert
Origin: Herbert is of Germanic origin.
Meaning: The name Herbert is derived from the Germanic elements heri, meaning “army,” and beraht, meaning “bright.” Together, it means “bright army.” It can honor Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States who served between 1929 and 1933.
U.S. popularity: The name Herbert hasn’t appeared inside the SSA’s top 1,000 since 2002 when it was the 978th most popular boy’s name in the country. It was a top 100 name between 1900 and 1946.
1. Lyndon
Origin: Lyndon is of English origin.
Meaning: The name Lyndon comes from an English surname and place name meaning “linden tree hill” in Old English. It can honor Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States who served between 1963 and 1969.
U.S. popularity: The name Lyndon hasn’t appeared inside the SSA’s top 1,000 since 1989 when it was the 895th most popular boy’s name in the country. It peaked in 1964 at No. 347 on the list.
Patriotic names inspired by former First Ladies
Looking for patriotic names for a baby girl? Look no further than the First Lady of the United States!
For example, the names Melania (wife of President Donald Trump) and Usha (wife of Vice President JD Vance) are two options, despite neither cracking the SSA’s top 1,000.
Other rare baby names inspired by former First Ladies include Lady (honoring Lady Bird Johnson, wife of Lyndon Johnson) and Mamie (honoring Mamie Eisenhower, wife of Dwight D. Eisenhower).
Common names include Eleanor (after Eleanor Roosevelt), which ranked 14th in the U.S. in 2023, and Elizabeth (after Elizabeth Monroe), which ranked 15th in 2023.
Here are some other patriotic names inspired by former First Ladies.
10. Martha
Origin: Martha is of Aramaic origin.
Meaning: The name Martha is derived from the Aramaic word marta, meaning “the lady” or “the mistress.” It’s further derived from the Aramaic word mar, meaning “master.” It can honor Martha Washington, wife of George Washington, or Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson, wife of Thomas Jefferson.
U.S. popularity: Martha was the 673rd most popular girl’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 435 baby girls.
9. Abigail
Origin: Abigail is of Hebrew origin.
Meaning: The name Abigail comes from the Hebrew name Avigayil, which is derived from the Hebrew elements av, meaning “father,” and gil, meaning “joy.” It means “my father is joy” and can honor Abigail Adams, the wife of John Adams, or Abigail Fillmore, wife of Millard Fillmore.
U.S. popularity: Abigail was the 31st most popular girl’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 5,661 baby girls.
8. Dolley
Origin: Dolley is of Greek origin.
Meaning: The name Dolley is a diminutive of the name Dorothy, which comes from the Greek name Dorotheos and is derived from the Greek elements doron, meaning “gift,” and theos, meaning “god.” It means “gift of God” and can honor Dolley Madison, wife of James Madison.
U.S. popularity: Dolley has not appeared in the SSA’s top 1000 names for any year of birth beginning with 1900.
7. Harriet
Origin: Harriet is of Germanic origin.
Meaning: The name Harriet is a variant of the names Henry, Harry and other names starting with Har-. It’s ultimately derived from the Germanic name Heimrich, meaning “home ruler” and can honor Harriet Lane, who acted as First Lady for her uncle James Buchanan, who was a lifelong bachelor.
U.S. popularity: Harriet last appeared inside the SSA’s top 1,000 in 2019 when it was the 989th most popular girl’s name in the country. Prior to that, it last cracked the list in 1970 and peaked in 1917 at No. 104 on the list.
6. Edith
Origin: Edith is of Old English origin.
Meaning: The name Edith comes from an Old English name Eadgyð, which is derived from the Old English elements ead, meaning “wealth,” and guð, meaning “battle.” It can honor Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt, wife of Theodore Roosevelt, or Edith Bolling Galt Wilson, wife of Woodrow Wilson.
U.S. popularity: Edith was the 504th most popular girl’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 602 baby girls.
5. Lucretia
Origin: Lucretia is of Roman and Latin origin.
Meaning: The name Lucretia comes from the Roman family name Lucretius, which is believed to be derived from the Latin word lucrum, meaning “profit” or “wealth.” It can honor Lucretia Rudolph Garfield, wife of James Garfield who served as a First Lady up until her husband’s assassination.
U.S. popularity: Lucretia hasn’t appeared inside the SSA’s top 1,000 since 1977 when it was the 975th most popular girl’s name in the country. It peaked in 1941 at No. 548 on the list.
4. Rosalynn
Origin: Rosalynn is of Germanic origin.
Meaning: The name Rosalynn is derived from the Old German elements hros, meaning “horse,” and lind, meaning “soft.” It can also be a combination of the names Rosa (meaning “rose”) and Lynn (meaning “lake”). It can honor Rosalynn Smith Carter, wife of Jimmy Carter.
U.S. popularity: Rosalynn has not appeared in the SSA’s top 1000 names for any year of birth beginning with 1900.
3. Florence
Origin: Florence is of Latin origin.
Meaning: The name Florence comes from the Latin names Florentius and Florentia, which are derived from the Latin word florens, meaning “prosperous” or “flourishing.” It can honor Florence Kling Harding, wife of Warren G. Harding.
U.S. popularity: Florence was the 521st most popular girl’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 580 baby girls.
2. Jacqueline
Origin: Jacqueline is of French and Hebrew origin.
Meaning: The name Jacqueline is the feminine form of the French name Jacques, which itself is the French form of James and Jacob — a Hebrew name meaning “supplanter.” It can honor Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy, wife of John F. Kennedy.
U.S. popularity: Jacqueline was the 539th most popular girl’s name in the United States in 2023 when it was given to approximately 560 baby girls.
1. Betty
Origin: Betty is of Hebrew origin.
Meaning: The name Betty is a diminutive of the name Elizabeth, which comes from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning “my God is an oath.” It can honor Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Ford, wife of Gerald Ford.
U.S. popularity: Betty hasn’t appeared inside the SSA’s top 1,000 since 1996 when it was the 904th most popular girl’s name in the country. It was a top 100 name every year between 1903 and 1962, a top five name between 1923 and 1940, and was the second most popular name between 1928 and 1934.