Baby Names
Because it’s a family tradition.
For families all over the country, a trip to the ballpark to cheer on their favorite team is a treasured tradition. If you're a true baseball fan looking for some baby name inspiration, you'll be happy to know that there are tons of baby names inspired by baseball. These name choices run the gamut, with options that honor some of the greatest athletes to walk the planet and commemorate America's favorite pastime.
Growing up, going to baseball games was just the best. My parents took me to my first ball game when I was just 2 weeks old, and I still remember my dad teaching me how to record the score of the game in the scorebook (a skill I still remember to this day). But of course, there was also a lot of cheering for our favorite star players like Daryl Strawberry and Mike Piazza. I grew up going to Shea stadium, home of the Mets, and the team still holds a special place in my heart because they are tied to some of my favorite childhood memories with my dad. I even considered naming my child Shea. So, baseball-inspired baby names? I totally get it.
Some of the names on this list are inspired by all-star players, while others honor more of the sport itself. Either way, you can score big with one of these monikers, and bringing your little baseball-inspired baby to the ballgame will be that much more fun when they're named after your favorite sport.
11
Camden
Camden Yards is the home of the Baltimore Orioles, and the stadium’s name also makes a very cute baby name for fans of the team. Camden is a Scottish name that means "winding valley," and it works well for both boys and girls.
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Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Dodgers may no longer be a team, but they reigned as one of the best teams in baseball for many years back in the day before the club relocated to Los Angeles in 1957. The name Brooklyn means "water, stream," and is a combination of two shorter monikers, Brook and Lynn.
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Jackie
Born Jack Roosevelt Robinson, the boundary-breaking ballplayer known best as Jackie Robinson was the first African American baseball player to play in the Major Leagues. Jackie means "God is gracious," and with this legendary ball player, he certainly did live up to his name. The name Jackie can be a shortened version of Jacqueline for a girl or, like Robinson himself, a nickname for names like Jack or Jackson for boys.
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Rickey
Rickey Henderson is considered to be one of the greatest leadoff hitters and baserunners in baseball. Playing primarily for the Oakland Athletics, the left fielder had 10 All-Star game appearances, played in two World Series, and earned the nickname “Man of Steal” thanks to his stellar baserunning. The name Rickey means "powerful, strong ruler."
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Mike
There are lots of noteworthy Mikes in baseball right now, but my personal favorite is Mike Piazza of the New York Mets. Los Angeles Angels fans will no doubt recognize the name of Mike Trout, a standout nine-time All-Star player and 2012 Rookie of the Year, and with five All-Star game appearances under his belt, Michael Brantley of the Houston Astros is also a particularly popular player of late. The name Mike means "Who is like God?" and is short for Michael.
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Summer
Summer is the season for some great outdoor family time at the ballpark, so it's the perfect name to honor this tradition. As a baby name, Summer is one of those monikers that can mean many different things to parents, so it’s a great choice for couples who might be on the fence (quite literally) about a baseball-themed baby name.
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Sandy
If you know baseball, then you know the name Sandy Koufax. Koufax played for the Brooklyn/LA Dodgers and is the youngest player ever to be elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame at age 36. The name Sandy means “defender of men,” and can be used for both boys and girls.
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Cy
Another legendary baseball name is, of course, Cy. Denton True “Cy” Young pitched for several different teams during his long career of 22 seasons, and holds the record for most wins, most career innings pitched, most career games started, and most completed games. The name Cy means "a master, or lord" and I definitely think this particular Cy was a master at the game.
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Wrigley
If you're a Chicago fan, then you've probably been to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. One of the most iconic historical stadiums in America, it’s a place that tops the bucket lists of die-hard baseball fans. Wrigley is an Old English name meaning "to strive."
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Ace
Ace is the term used by baseball players and fans for a standout pitcher, and it's honestly a pretty cool name if you ask me. As a baby name, Ace means "unity." While the name naturally lends itself to boys, it could make an adorable gender neutral moniker as well.
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October
Similar to the significance of the name April in honor of baseball’s opening day, October is a sweet choice for babies whose parents want to memorialize the game’s fall classic. The name is definitely unique, but playoff baseball is the best kind of baseball, so why not inject that same thrilling energy into your baby’s name?
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Hank
Though he was named Henry Louis Aaron at birth, legendary player Hank Aaron is one of baseball’s most recognizable names. Nicknamed “Hammer” and “Hammerin’ Hank” by fans thanks to his batting skills, Aaron hit a record 755 home runs during his storied 23-season career.. Additionally, Aaron is another baseball baby name that could be used to honor this historic player.
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Nolan
Another MLB great whose first or last name could be used as a baseball-themed baby name is Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. The eight-time All-Star pitcher earned the nickname “The Ryan Express” while playing for the Mets, Angels, Astros, and Rangers throughout his career. Nolan is an Irish name that means “champion,” which is just utterly fitting.
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Willie
Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, Willie Mays is lauded as one of the best players to ever step foot on a baseball field. Mays played in a historic 24 All-Star games throughout his career and earned 12 Gold Glove awards for his skills in center field. Surprisingly, Willie is his given name and not short for another name like William, but you could definitely go that route with your little one if you wanted.
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Lou
Even if you’re not the biggest baseball fan, you’ll likely still recognize the name Lou Gehrig. Born Henry Louis Gherig, he was one of the best to ever play the game, but was forced to retire at age 36 when he developed a rare neuromuscular disease that is now commonly referred to by his name. The name Lou could be short for Louise for a girl or Louis for a boy, but it could also stand alone as a cute gender neutral baby name choice.
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