Life
Are you planning to welcome a new bebe into the world come July? Or perhaps you're newly pregnant, and want your wintertime wee one to bear a name that evokes the wide blue skies of a June afternoon. Either way, I've rounded up 20 bright and breezy unisex baby names inspired by summer and its sunny, carefree days.
It's funny to think of baby names having a seasonal vibe, but so many of them do. I mean if you name your child Autumn or April, there's a pretty obvious connection there. And according to Slate, there is evidence that shows that certain names spike depending on what month the child is born. (Nicholas and Carol rise in popularity in December, while there's a slew of Patricks in March.)
I personally really dig summery baby names, as I like the chill, relaxed feelings they call to mind. The names I've selected below all highlight the positives of summer, and in no way address some of the less enjoyable aspects of the season. You will note there is no mention of naming your child "Mosquito," "Bra Sweat," or "Aloe Vera." Though I suppose you could go that route if you're looking for something more original? And if you don't mind raising a child called Skeeter.
11
Skye
I can remember being 12 years old and being really annoyed that my name wasn't Skye, which I thought was the absolute coolest name ever. But then I also thought "World" would make an awesome name, so I don't know... Skye means, well, the upper atmosphere, but I mean who wouldn't want to be named after that great, wide blaze of blue?
12
Aurora
This name was actually at the top of my list if I'd had a baby girl. I love the power and beauty of Aurora, and I love that it means "dawn," and evokes such positive images of light and new beginnings. Or maybe i just watched Sleeping Beauty too many times as a child. Who knows.
13
July
This is a spin-off of Julia and Julian, both of which originate from Julius Caesar. It's another gender neutral name, and I think a really cute and unusual choice for a boy. It draws to mind popsicles, fireworks, and fireflies — all the delights of this sultry, sunny month.
14
Bee
If you can forget for a moment the stinging insect of summer, this is an incredibly sweet girl's name that means "she who brings happiness." However, if your child ends up being allergic to her namesake, it shall also mean "she who brings an Epi Pen."
15
Somerset
A charming boy's name that has the sound of "summer" within it, Somerset is an old English name and it's derived from "summer settlement." Of course, the most famous Somerset is playwright Somerset Maughn, who once wrote, “Impropriety is the soul of wit.”
16
Birdie
Meaning "bright, little bird, and famous," this is a cheerful, perky German name that inspires images of summertime robins and starlings swooping through a warm evening sky. And hopefully it shall never bring thoughts of pigeons or seagulls chasing down your fries.
17
Leo
The summertime zodiac sign, Leo means "lion," and was the name of several popes. Leo has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and was the 50th most popular boy's name in 2018. My own son is friends with no fewer than three Leos.
18
Eden
While technically not a summer name, Eden means "place of pleasure or paradise," which to me gives off a strong summery vibe as I associate it with gardens and getaways and lush, tropical locales.
19
Cyrus
A Persian name that means "the sun," this is an unusual and original choice. If you fear it will call to mind Billy Rae or Miley, you could opt for the kicky Italian version: "Ciro". Anyway, Claire Danes has a son named Cyrus, so therefore it must be cool, yes?
20
Summer
Clearly the most summery name of all! British in origin, this name inspires thoughts of carefree, easy-going days, and of Zoey Deschanel in retro sundresses, flirting with Joseph Gordon Levitt. Again, this one is a roll of the dice, as your child might not have the most summery of dispositions... but I mean hey, all baby names are a roll of the dice, really. You can name your child Montgomery, and then they end up being more of a Mo. Only time will tell!