Choosing a name for your baby is no small task; the moniker you pick follows them around for life. A lot of parents like to find a name that is meaningful in some way, and if you’re expecting a little valentine, there are some really cute February baby names to consider. If you’re not a fan of the holiday, don’t worry, there are still plenty of options that have nothing to do with Cupid.
February is famous for Valentine’s Day, but there are also other great events that can help inspire your baby’s name. Black History Month is observed in February and there is no shortage of amazing Black figures to name your baby after. If you have a more playful attitude, let a fun national or world-day in February influence your name choice, like World Nutella day on Feb. 5, Galentine’s Day on Feb. 13, or National Drink Wine day on Feb. 18 (Rosé could totally be a baby name, right?).
There are also some fantastic traditional baby names that are inspired by the month of February. So, if you’re feeling stuck, here are some great suggestions for your little love.
1. Violet
In addition to being a cute name no matter when a baby is born, Violet is also one of the official flowers for the month of February. Naming them Violet is a fun and subtle way to pay homage to your baby’s birth month.
2. Primrose
February’s second flower is the primrose, which also happens to make for a really cute baby name. It’s the name of Katniss’s little sister in the Hunger Games, so if you’re a big fan of the series it makes this name all the more fun.
3. Amato
If you love the idea of a Valentine’s Day inspired-name for your baby, consider Amato, which means “loved.” It also has Italian roots, so if you have any Italian ancestry it’s also a fun way to celebrate your heritage.
4. Phil
There is a prominent figure named Phil who has a very important job every February, to let us know how much more winter we have before spring finally arrives. Yes, Phil is the name of the famous groundhog who looks for his shadow on Feb. 2, and it’s also a really cute baby name.
5. Lincoln
President’s Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February each year. One of the reasons it’s celebrated in February is because Abraham Lincoln’s birthday was Feb. 12. So, if you’re a big fan of Abe, naming your baby Lincoln is a sweet way to honor him.
6. Paris
Back to Valentine’s Day-inspired names, you can opt to name your little one Paris, which is considered to be the City of Love. It’s another subtle nod to the holiday without being overly obvious. Plus, it’s also a really great name in general.
7. Maya
In recognition of Black History Month, consider naming your little one after Maya Angelou. She was a fierce civil rights activist, author, and famous poet whose work continues to be admired today. If the name Maya doesn’t fit your style, there are plenty of other Black figures to consider naming your baby after.
8. Aphrodite
The name Aphrodite is a fun choice for parents who love Valentine’s Day or Greek mythology because she was the Goddess of love. She ruled over love, procreation, and beauty and was considered to be both desired and unattainable.
9. Rose
Sticking with the theme of love, no flower represents love quite like the rose. They’re most commonly associated with love and romance, but were also once associated with confidentiality by ancient Romans. Symbolism aside, Rose is also just a pretty name any baby would be lucky to have.
10. Romeo
Romeo is obviously one of the leading characters in the tragic Shakespearean romance Romeo and Juliet. For many, the name is synonymous with romance, which is a big theme in the month of February. Romeo also happens to be the name of one of Victoria and David Beckham’s boys, and who doesn’t want their baby to have a little celeb status?
11. George
For anyone who is really patriotic, you can name your baby George in honor of George Washington, the first president of the US. President’s Day was originally established to honor him, with his birthday on Feb. 22, before it evolved into the broader recognition it is today.
12. Venus
More into Roman mythology than Greek? Name your baby Venus after the Roman Goddess of love and beauty. It’s another subtle call out to Valentine’s Day, or it can be after Venus Williams, who, to be honest, any baby would be lucky to be named after.
13. Mabel
Another Valentine’s Day-inspired name to consider is Mabel, meaning “lovable” (which your February baby will absolutely be). This is a great choice for parents who want to name their baby something classic but uncommon because Mabel hasn’t landed in the top 100 baby names since 1922.
14. Edison
In February of 1846 Thomas Edison was born, so your babe is in some good birthday-month company. You can honor the famous February-born inventor’s memory by naming your baby Edison (or Thomas, of course). If nothing else, it’s just a really cute name.
15. David
If you’re wanting to name your baby something traditional, consider David which means “beloved” in Hebrew. Since February is the month of love, this seems like a very fitting name.
16. Ruby
In 1960, Ruby Bridges made history when she was only six years old as the first Black student to attend William Frantz Elementary in Louisiana. She arrived at school with a police escort for protection and her enrollment triggered integration in schools across the south.
All of this is to say, by sharing her name, your little one might follow in Ruby’s fiercely brave footsteps. What a wonderful way to honor your baby being born during Black History Month.
17. Archer
Archer literally means “bowman,” and who’s a cuter bowman than Cupid? Naming your baby Archer is a sneaky way of showing Valentine’s Day some love while still making sure your kiddo grows up with a fantastic name.
18. Susan
Babies born in February share a birthday month with legendary women’s rights and civil rights activist, Susan B. Anthony, who they’d be lucky to be named after. Babies born on February 15 will share their actual birthday with Susan, which seems like a very good reason to honor her memory.
19. Amethyst
Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February, and while the stone itself is very pretty, Amethyst also happens to be a beautiful name for a baby. It’s also a really unique name, as Nameberry says it’s never made it into the top 1,000 baby names.
20. Valentine
If you really, really love Valentine’s Day, go ahead and lean into it by naming your February-baby, Valentine. It’s a Latin name that means “strength” and “health,” and while still uncommon, is beginning to rise in popularity.