Names That Mean Mother or Father

  1. Liav
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "my father"
    • Description:

      This Hebrew name honors Dad in a subtle way and could be used as an alternative to Levi.
  2. Jarita
    • Origin:

      Hindi-Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "mother or legendary bird"
    • Description:

      Delicate and lacy, with less emphasis on the jar syllable.
  3. Eviatar
    • Origin:

      Variation of Abiathar, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "my father is great"
  4. Abush
    • Origin:

      Yiddish diminutive of Abraham
    • Meaning:

      "Father of multitudes"
    • Description:

      Whether you're looking for an unexpected nickname for the imposing Abraham or a fresh spin on the Biblical classic, this highly unusual variation might appeal to namers with a sense of adventure.
  5. Eliab
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is father"
    • Description:

      Prince of the tribe of Zebulon in the Exodus, everyone will misunderstand this as Elias, with a stuffed nose.
  6. Madrona
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "mother"
    • Description:

      A bit grown-up for a tiny baby.
  7. Iyabo
    • Origin:

      African, Yoruba
    • Meaning:

      "mother has returned"
    • Description:

      A lively name often used to honor a deceased grandmother in Yoruba culture.
  8. Mitrofan
    • Origin:

      Slavic and Russian variation of Metrophanes, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "mother appearing, shining mother"
    • Description:

      Mitrofan comes from the obscure Greek name Metrophanes. It is primarily used as a first name but is also seen as a surname in countries such as Romania.
  9. Abihail
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "father of might"
    • Description:

      There are two Abihails in the Old Testament, but her similarity to Abigail is probably responsible for its being so little known or used.
  10. Yetunde
    • Origin:

      Yoruba
    • Meaning:

      "mother returned"
    • Description:

      West African name best known as that of Yetunde Price, half-sister of Venus and Serena Williams who was tragically murdered in 2003.