Names That Mean Mother

When you are looking for a name for your baby, pet, creative writing, and so on, the options you can choose from are endless. 

Some people prefer names that are easy to remember and roll right off the tongue. But some might want names with a deeper meaning or with certain historical/religious significance. Either way, I have compiled a list for you with some of the most popular and favorite mother-related names from different language origins and implications. 

A mother signifies for growth, kindness, and strength. And if you want a way of symbolizing all these traits, then choosing names that mean the mother is a good direction! 

You will find some rare and unusual names that mean mother on this list which holds heartwarming meanings. 

So let’s have a look at these adorable names! 

Girl Names That Mean Mother

Aadya

This phrase symbolizes the foremost; Mother Earth. It is also famously known as the name of Goddess Durga.

Aamina

This angelic name is one of a kind. It’s incredibly easy to remember and used generally by the Islamic people. Aamina was the name of the mother of the prophet Muhammad.

This name signifies devotion, trustworthiness, and graciousness. 

Acca

This delightful feminine name means ‘mother of all gods.’

Adanne

This beautiful yet captivating African name is given to the girls who resemble her mother. It also means being the mother’s daughter. 

Bayarmaa

Bayarmaa is perhaps an incredibly famous name, given its simple and intense meaning with easy articulation. With a Mongolian origin, this name means ‘mother of joy.’ 

Bestla

This unique name has been remarkably famous among nordic people. It stems from the ‘mother of Odin.‘ This name brings a tremendous amount of blessings and good fortune.

Candace

This mesmerizing royal name from the Holy Bible is derived from the term Cushitic Kdke. It means ‘pure or noble,’ it was used as a title for a queen or the mother of the queen in the old African kingdom of Kush.

It’s usually pronounced as KAN-dis, or kan-DAY-see. This name became famous in the 20th century by a character in the movie ‘Meet the Stewarts.’

Demeter

Here is another Greek name on the list with a profound meaning. In Greek mythology, Demeter is known as the ‘mother of Earth,’ as well as the ‘goddess of agriculture.’ 

It’s often pronounced as dee-MEE-ter or duh-MEE-ter.

Dori

This soulful feminine name just rolls out of the tongue. The name Dori refers to the ‘mother of sea nymphs.’ 

It is also popularly known as the ‘daughter of the ocean.’ 

Ela

The beautiful name stems from the Aramaic word ‘Elah,’ which means Oak. The strong oak tree or the tree of life is a wonderful symbol of motherhood.

It is a nickname for a variety of other names such as Elizabeth, Elektra, Elen, Eliska, Angela, Elena, Elenora, etc.

Related post: Names that mean Life

Emese

This Hungarian feminine name has a particular enigmatic edge to it, and its essence is no different. In Ancient Hungarian, Emese means ‘little mother.’ This melodic name is derived from the Finno-Ugric word eme, which means mother, and the latter part se, means little.

In Hungarian, Emese was the name of the grandmother of Árpád, the legend and the founder of the Hungarian kingdom.

Related post: Names that Mean Forest

Maia 

For all the Greek anecdotes lovers, the name Maia is primarily given to little girls. This arcane name stems from the mythic mother of Hermes.

This name Maia is also popular in Hebrew households and holds a significant meaning to it. The meaning of Maia is ‘bold and confident.’ While in Hebrew, its other meaning is ‘close to god.’

Maria (De Jesús)

This divine name means ‘Mary, the mother of Jesus’ in Spanish.

Maylis

This name is incredibly popular in the French community; it is a Breton name derived from the name Maelle. 

Maylis is a delightful name, and it means ‘the mother of lilies.’

Mastorava

This melodic name originated from the word mastor, which means ‘earth,’ and ava signifies ‘woman or mother.’ Mastorava is the name of the goddess of Earth.

Mathapelo

This unique name comes from the ancient Sotho language of Africa.  This name means ‘pioneering spirit’ or ‘the mother of prayer.’

Related post: Names that mean Balance

Mayranush

This beautiful feminine name is of Armenian origin, it comprises the word mayr, which means ‘mother’ and anush, which signifies ‘sweet or pleasant.’

Put them together, and you get- Mayranush, which means ‘sweet cheerful mother.’

Mazu

The name Mazu has been obtained from the Chinese language, and it is derived from the word mā, which means ‘mother’ and the other element zǔ, which refers to grandparents or ancestors.

According to Chinese folklore, Mazu is the goddess of the sea.

Related post: Names that mean Shy

Mi

This is an incredibly popular name; the meaning of the name Mi in Burmese is ‘mother.’

Nnenne

If you’re looking for a beautiful feminine name that rolls off the tongue, then this is the one for you. Nnenne resonates with the ‘mother’s mother.’

Nîştîman

Here’s another arcane moniker for a girl. This gentle name is derived from the Kurdish word nîştîman, and holds the meaning’ motherland.’

Nnebuogor

This nine-letter moniker is a unique feminine name for your baby girl; it means ‘mother is a reward.’ 

Nokhanyo

This is a common feminine name that means ‘mother of culture or enlightenment’ in the Xhosa language of Africa.

Nothando

In most of the southern African regions, the name Nothando is quite famous among Zulu people and it means the ‘mother of affection or love.’

Ochmaa

Ochmaa is a remarkably popular name with Mongolian roots. It means ‘flame mother.’

Od Ana

This fierce name is derived from the fine blend of the words fire, and ana, which collectively means mother.

Od Ana is the name of the goddess of fire and the marriage in Mongolia and Turkic areas. 

Odmaa

Here’s another delightful Mongolian name. This beautiful name means ‘star mother.’ 

Onaqiz

This graceful name hails from the heart of central Asia- Uzbekistan. This gentle name is ideal for your daughter as it is composed of the word ona, which means ‘mother,’ it is also a phrase of respect for women. And the latter element qiz, means ‘girl.’

Oysadaf

Here’s another intriguing addition to this list- the name Oysadaf. This name is derived from the Uzbek word oy, which resonates with ‘moon,’ and the other word Sadaf, which means ‘mother of pearl.’

Panima

This gentle feminine name means the individual is the mother of God.

Quilla

If you’re looking for a mystic name for a beautiful girl, then Quilla is a perfect choice. According to ancient Inca mythology, Quilla or Killa was known as the goddess of the moon. She was worshipped primarily by women, and illustrated on discs crafted of gold or silver.

Reniala

This stunning name Reniala has various meanings in different cultures. But primarily in Malagasy, this moniker means ‘baobab tree.’

It’s composed with a fine blend of words, the first element reny, means’ mother,’ and the other word ala, resonates with ‘forest.’ Related post: Names that mean forest

Riera

Riera is another gorgeous name, which comes from the Catalan dialect, and it means ‘torrent.’ It is taken from the Catalan moniker of the Virgin Mary; she was known as the ‘mother of God of the torrent.’

Sadap

This is perhaps a very prevalent feminine name given to girls for its simple, and heartfelt meanings. It is derived from the Arabic word, sadaf, which means ‘a shell or a pearl.’ Sadap is a sweet and melodic name baby girl, and it means ‘mother of pearl’ in Turkish. 

Sáráhkká

If you’re looking for an angelic name , then Sáráhkká is a perfect choice. This beautiful make is composed with the blend of the word sárra, and the word áhkká, which means ‘mother or woman.’

According to Sami mythology, the meaning of this mesmerizing name is ‘goddess of childbirth.’ 

Su Ana

This is hands down one of the most delightful names; it is derived from the word su, which means ‘water,’ and the other element ana, which resonates with ‘mother.’ In Turkish culture, Su Ana means a ‘spirit of water.’

Takhat

If you are looking for a unique name for your little girl, then Takhat is the name you should consider. 

This gorgeous name comes from the ancient Egyptian language and means ‘the mother of the ruler’ or ‘the king’s wife.’

Tiramayr

This mellifluous name comes from the Armenian language, which means ‘mother of God or Virgin Mary,’ Tiramayr is easy to pronounce and a memorable name for your baby girl.

Umi

Here’s another lovely name for your daughter; Umi has its origin in the Arabic language, and it means ‘mother.’

Umihana

Umihana is yet another pretty feminine moniker of Islamic origin that you should consider. 

Umihana is derived from the Arabic name Umm Hani or Umm-i-Hani, it means ‘mother of Hani, or sister of Ali.’

Uwa

If you’re looking for an outside-the-box name for your child, then this Nigerian moniker is a great option. This mesmerizing name literally translates into ‘mother.’ 

Vallivana

Vallivana is the perfect feminine name. This name originates from the Catalan language; it is primarily the title of the Virgin Mary. This name is pronounced (va-lyre-VA-na) in Catalan. 

Villemo

Here’s another enigmatic addition to this list- the name Villemo. This moniker is very popular in Sweden and other Nordic countries. August Strindberg initially used Villemo for the first time in the year 1849 in his plays and other poems. 

August composed the moniker Vellamo or Wilhelma using various Old Norse elements like vil, vili which means, ‘will or desire,’ and the other Scandinavian word mor, which means ‘mother.’ 

Wurunšemu 

This unique name is incredibly famous for its encouraging and profound meaning. It is derived from the Hattian goddess of sun and land.

Wurunšemu, also known as goddess Arinna, signifies ‘Mother of the land.’ 

Xuela

This gentle moniker roots back to the famous works of Antiguan-American novelist Jamaica Kincaid. 

This uncommon feminine name comes from the mythical character Xuela Claudette Richardson from the fiction ‘The Autobiography of My Mother.’

Yao

This alluring feminine name is derived from ancient Chinese. Yao means ‘Jade’ or ‘the mother of pearls.’

Yáochí Jīnmǔ

This charming name is an epithet or the title of the Queen Mother of the west, which means the ‘golden mother of Pearl lake.’

Yemọja

Yemoja is an established name in the western African provinces. This unique name is derived from the Old Nigerian language from Yeye emo eja, which means ‘mother of a fish’ or ‘mother who has a fish as a child.’ 

Yemọja is primarily known as the goddess mother, cherished by women of the Yoruba culture.

Related post: Names that mean Guide

Boy Names that Mean Mother

While boy names that mean mother are uncommon, we’ve found a few!

Aditey/Aditya

The name refers to being the son of the mother of God or the son of Earth. This name is popular among Indians. Famously also known as the son of Aditi. 

Accolon

Accolon is the perfect masculine name with a Greek and Arthurian origin. It means the one who is from the mother of God. 

Ammianus

This is a male name inspired by the late Roman Cognomen Ammianus; its derived from the Greek word ἀμμά (amma), which means ‘ desert mother.’ 

But later, this word eventually altered into a phrase used for denoting ‘spiritual mother.’

Concetto

This is an intriguing and unique name for a male. It originated in Italy. Concetto means the ‘immaculate conception of the mother may be in her mothers’ womb.’

Darel

This ancient Hebrew name is derived by the combination of Dar, which means ‘mother of pearl,’ and the word El, which refers to ‘God.’ You might have heard its English variant as Darell.

Dalewin

This is an old Polish name given to males. It’s derived by the combination of Dale, which means ‘far away,’ and win, which refers to ‘uncle.’ Thus, it signifies ‘one whose mother’s family is far away.’ 

Dmitrei

This perfect Christian name for your little newborn baby is of Norman origin. It signifies the devotion towards mother earth or the true follower of Demeter, also known as the Greek goddess of agriculture.  

Alternative spellings that are used all around the globe- Dmitry, Dmitrii, Dmitriy, Dima, Demitri, etc.

Ilfar

This radiating masculine name originated from Ancient Danish. It is derived from (il), which means ‘motherland’ and the latter part, (far), means lighthouse. 

Izumo

This is an extremely rare Japanese name to come across; the name Izumo is from an incredibly old city or province located in Japan. It is a very popular shrine, attracting a tremendous amount of people every year. 

Maternus

The name Maternus is derived from the Latin word ‘maternus,’ which means motherly or maternal.’ This loving motherly name was given to two saints back in the third and fourth centuries AD.

Metrodoros

This masculine name is derived from the Ancient Greek word (metros), which originated from (meter), which means mother.

And the latter element is derived from (doron), which signifies ‘gift or a reward.’

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Metrophanes

This is a Greek name derived from (meter), which means ‘mother’ which is given to the boys. This word refers to ‘the elements or the characteristics adapted from the mother.’ 

Based on numerology, individuals with the name Metrophanes are rational and business-oriented. In addition, they are trustworthy and incredibly helpful.

Nanak

Nanak is an extremely popular Punjabi name given to a boy when he is born in his mother’s hometown. This name means – ‘the mother’s village.’

Moreover, the name Nanak roots back to the God Gurunanak. This holy name also resonates with good fortune and blessings from heaven.

Nwoye

This is an exceptional name used by the African people of the Igbo tribe. It’s a masculine name, which means ‘boy born on Orie’ in the Igbo culture. Its less prominent meaning is reckoned to be ‘his mother’s pride.’

Sambu

This male name means someone who the Divine holy mother attended. 

Senenmut

This masculine name is derived from Ancient Egyptian and dates back to the 18th Dynasty. The meaning of the name Senenmut is ‘the brother of mother.’ It is often spelled as Senemut, Senmut, or Senmout. 

Tiyamiyu 

This gentle name is derived from the Yoruba word ‘Ti-iya-mi-loju,’ which means ‘my mother is the dearest or the greatest.’ 

Related post: Names That Mean Kindness

More Names That Mean Mother

Here’s a collection of more feminine names related to mothers, motherhood, fertility, and creation.

Mother Goddesses

Whether you take inspiration for names that mean mother, or simply enjoy reading through the concepts, here are many creative ideas! 

• Ambika– mother goddess in Jainism. Her name literally means mother.
• Asherah– Ancient Semitic mother goddess
• Atabey– supreme goddess of the Tainos religion of the native tribes of the Caribbean. She reigned over fresh water, earth, and fertility
• Atua-anua– mother goddess in Easter Isle mythology
• Aveta– Gallo-Roman mother goddess often depicted with infants at her breast or with baskets of fruit
• Babalon– The Great Mother in Aleister Crowley’s Thelema occult system
• Bachue– The mother of humanity in the Muisca religion of the Andes Mountains. She was also known as Furachogua, which means the good woman.
• Ceres– Roman goddess of grain, crops, fertility, and motherly relationships. Her Greek counterpart was Demeter.
• Chaxiraxi– the Sun Mother in the Canary Islands
• Cihuacóatl– Aztec motherhood and fertility goddess worshipped by midwives
• Cybele– The national goddess of Phrygia, this Anatolian deity was often thought to be the mother of all human beings
• Danu– Irish mother goddess
• Durga– Hindu deity of protection, strength, motherhood, destruction and wars. She is an aspect of the goddess Devi
• Eingana– Creator goddess in Australian aboriginal mythology, also known as The Dreamtime Snake, and mother of all water animals and humans
• Eschetewuarha– Primary deity of the Chamacoco people of Paraguay, her name means “universal mother.” In return for people singing to her each night, she ensures that rain falls and the sun doesn’t burn the earth
• Hathor– Egyptian sky deity who represented music, dance, joy, love, and maternal care
• Hebat– “The Mother of All Living” in the bronze- age Hurian people
• Hera– Greek goddess of women, family, marriage, and childbirth
• Isis– this ancient Egyptian goddess was considered to be the divine mother of the pharaohs. Today, she is sometimes worshipped as the personification of nature and the feminine aspect of divinity in modern Paganism
• Kahausibware– creator goddess and serpent deity of the people of the Solomon Islands
• Kamakhya– mother goddess of desire, fertility and creative power in northeast India
• Kishar– Babylonian mother goddess whose name means “Whole Earth”
• Kunapipi– mother goddess in Australian Aboriginal mythology. Her name means “womb”
• Lakshmi– goddess of wealth, fortune, power, beauty and prosperity in Hinduism
• Leimarel Sidabi– mother goddess of all creation and guardian of humanity in India
• Leto– Greek goddess of motherhood and mother of Apollo and Artemis
• Lisin– Ancient Sumerian mother goddess
• Quiritis– pre-Roman goddess of motherhood
• Rhea– Greek mother of the gods

Related post: Names that mean Alone

More Words That Mean Mother

These words are synonymous with “mother” or mean mother in other languages.

• Ancestor
• Caregiver
• Child-bearer
• Creator
• Custodian
• Dame
• Eomeoni (Korean)
• Forebear
• Ibu (Malay, Javanese)
• Madre (Spanish)
• Matka (Czech) 
• Matres (Latin)
• Matriarch
• Matron
• Mor (Swedish)
• Mutter (German)
• Okaasan (Japanese)
• Progenitor

Related post: Names that mean Home

Wrap Up- Names That Mean Mother

We hope we’ve nurtured creative ideas for names that mean mother with this post!