Baby Names
Who wouldn’t want to be named after a winner?
Before Sha’Carri Richardson ran up the stairs to lay in her grandmother’s chest after winning the 400-meter race and qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, most of us didn’t know her name. But moment by moment, we’ve heard new and familiar names announced as top contenders in their sport who are now headed to Tokyo to represent America in the 2020 Olympics.
Not only do these competitors inspire us to reach for everything we want and operate at our best level, but hearing their names cheered on and celebrated also drops more ideas for selecting that special name for your baby. They make you think a bit harder and even want to dig up the meaning to see if the name has any semblance to how competitive and outstanding these achievers are. You should definitely consider some Olympians’ names for your baby. And don’t for one second think this is just about running, swimming, playing soccer or golf, etc. — records are being broken and new ones are set. These athletes are pushing themselves despite their circumstances and beating the odds. History is being made.
But that is nothing new! Olympians have been wowing the world as they represented their countries since the first Olympic games in 1896. And as the world changed, so did the Olympics.
This list of diverse names reflects those changes and represents winners both past and present. Whether you want one for your baby that says they’re strong, they’re determined, or they’re chosen and special, there’s something here. And there’s something in the Olympics.
Tara
Tara is such a pretty name for a girl. Its simplicity has a sweet tone even though the Irish meaning is “rocky hill.” The inspiration for this name is from Tara Davis, a proud Texan, American Track and Field runner, and Hunter’s girlfriend. This year Davis qualified for her first Olympic games in the long jump.
Venus
Your baby girl will enter this world commanding attention with the name Venus! It is powerful and magnetic. Venus Williams is a famous tennis star and a four-time Olympic gold medalist.
Jrue
If you’re going for a unique name, Jrue is it! It sounds like Drew, which is short for Andrew, but looks like True with a ‘J.’ It’s Hebrew and means “the Lord is exalted.” Jrue Holiday is a basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks and excited to be a part of the USA basketball team in this year’s Olympics.
Alina
Alina sounds exactly like its Slavic meaning, “bright, beautiful.” Alina Zagitova is a Russian figure skater who won an Olympic gold medal as a young teenager and has top skating performances. You should put this one on the shortlist for girl names.
Duke
Duke Kahanamoku is a legendary Hawaiian Olympic swimmer and surfer who won three gold medals in the 1900s. The boy name Duke exudes royalty, and although it looks like Luke with a ‘D,’ the names are worlds apart. It is English and is a rank of nobility. I’m pretty sure your little man will run the house.
Jerome + David
These names are side by side for a reason. Jerome Avery was a guide in the Paralympics for David Brown, a totally blind sprinter. The camaraderie and teamwork they exhibit are heartwarming. And the best part is seeing Avery mouth “Go, David,” and watching him slow just a bit so Brown can run alone across the finish line. (Tears) Jerome is a masculine name for your baby that sounds like a loyal best friend. It’s Greek and means “sacred name.” David reminds me of King David in the Bible, and the name is Hebrew meaning “beloved.” Either one of these names would be a great choice.
Usain
Usain Bolt’s Olympic accomplishments are summed up in his last name! He’s fast. At one time he was known as the fastest timed human alive. He won three gold medals in three different track games in 2016 as he represented Jamaica. Usain is Arabic and means “beautiful,” and it totally stands outside of the lines of typical names.
Dominique
Dominique Dawes made history in 1996 as the first Black person to win an individual event medal in gymnastics. Dominique is a French/Latin, gender-neutral name that means “of the Lord.” It’s a name that can be both exotic and remind you of a childhood friend.
Naomi
Naomi Graham represents America beyond heading to the Olympics for boxing. She’s also an active-duty soldier in the army. Naomi has such a sweet ring to it for your baby girl, and it’s Jewish and means “pleasant one.” Maybe your little princess will be super kind, but know how to pack a punch.