Naming a child is one of the most exciting yet challenging tasks for parents. If you’re drawn to the name April, either for its springtime connotations or its unique sound, you might be wondering what other names are similar. In this article, we’ll explore a range of boy, girl, and unisex names like April, as well as their meanings, origins, and popularity.
Boy Names Like April
If you want a name similar to April but with a more masculine edge, you might consider the following options:
- August: Like April, August is a month name with an uplifting, summery feel. It’s also a popular choice for boys, ranking #170 on the Social Security Administration’s list of top names in 2020.
- Asher: This Hebrew name means “happy” or “blessed” and has risen in popularity in recent years, now ranking #28 on the SSA’s list.
- Aries: As the zodiac sign associated with April, Aries is a unique choice with a fiery, adventurous vibe.
However, if you’re looking for a name that is not necessarily similar to April but still has a strong and unique sound, you might want to consider the following options:
- Ezekiel: This Hebrew name means “God strengthens” and has a strong, powerful sound. It’s currently ranked #121 on the SSA’s list.
- Xander: This Greek name means “defender of the people” and has a cool, modern feel. It’s currently ranked #167 on the SSA’s list.
Another option is to consider names that have a similar meaning to April. For example, the name Aviv is a Hebrew name that means “spring” and has a similar sound to April. Alternatively, the name Ren is a Japanese name that means “lotus” and can be a unique and meaningful choice for a boy’s name.
Girl Names Like April
If you’re looking for girl names similar to April, you have plenty of options ranging from vintage classics to modern trends:
- Aria: This Italian name means “air” and has a musical connection, making it a lovely choice for parents who appreciate the arts.
- June: Like April, June is a month name with a cheerful, upbeat sound. It’s been making a comeback in recent years and now ranks #184 on the SSA’s list.
- Lily: This classic flower name is a perennial favorite, ranking #31 on the SSA’s list in 2020. It has a delicate yet impactful sound that pairs well with April.
If you prefer names with a similar meaning to April, you might consider:
- Avril: This French name is a variation of April and means “opening buds of spring”.
- Chloe: This Greek name means “blooming” or “fertility”, which ties in nicely with the springtime theme of April.
- Flora: Another flower name, Flora means “flowering” or “blossoming”. It has a vintage charm that pairs well with April.
Unisex Names Like April
If you’re open to gender-neutral names that share characteristics with April, consider these options:
- Aspen: This nature name has a modern, sleek feel and can be used for both boys and girls. It refers to the tree known for its striking gold leaves in the fall.
- Phoenix: As a symbol of rebirth and renewal, the phoenix bird has a meaningful connection with April. This name can be used for all genders and has a strong yet mystical feel.
- River: If you’re drawn to April’s watery connotations, you might like River as a unisex name choice. It has a calming, nature-inspired feel that works well for free-spirited parents.
Another option for a unisex name similar to April is Sage. This name has a natural and earthy feel, and is associated with wisdom and healing. It can be used for both boys and girls.
If you’re looking for a name that has a similar sound to April, but with a different spelling, consider Avery. This name is unisex and has a modern feel. It means “ruler of the elves” and has been gaining popularity in recent years.
Unique Names Like April
For those who want a name that stands out from the crowd, here are some unique options that share qualities with April:
- Aviva: This Hebrew name means “springtime” and has a joyful, bohemian feel. It has yet to crack the SSA’s list of top names, making it a rare choice.
- Nova: This Latin name means “new” and has a futuristic, cosmopolitan vibe. It’s become increasingly popular in recent years, now ranking #56 on the SSA’s list.
- Saffron: As a spice often used in springtime dishes, Saffron has a unique, exotic sound. It’s a relatively rare name, with less than 100 girls given the name in the US per year.
If you’re looking for a name that has a similar meaning to April, you might consider the name Maeve. This Irish name means “she who intoxicates” and is associated with the month of April due to the blooming of flowers and the start of spring. It’s a unique name that has been gaining popularity in recent years, but is still relatively uncommon.
Long Names Like April
If you’re drawn to the two-syllable simplicity of April, you might like some of these longer names that share a similar sound:
- Arabella: This elegant, regal name has a feminine yet powerful sound. It’s of Latin origin and means “yielding to prayer.”
- Atticus: This ancient Roman name has been revived in recent years, likely due to its association with the beloved character in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. It has a strong yet literary feel.
- Ambrosia: Meaning “food of the gods,” this Greek name has a rich, indulgent sound. It’s rarely used as a first name but could make a unique middle name choice.
Other long names that share a similar sound to April include:
- Aurelia: This Latin name means “golden” and has a soft, romantic sound.
- Adelaide: A German name meaning “noble kind,” Adelaide has a vintage charm and a regal feel.
- Arianna: This Greek name means “most holy,” and has a melodic, lyrical sound.
Short Names Like April
If you prefer shorter names but want to maintain the sunny, positive vibe of April, these might be good choices:
- Ava: This classic name has a sleek, modern feel and ranks #3 on the SSA’s list of top names for girls in 2020. It also has the added bonus of being easy to spell and pronounce.
- Axel: This German name has a rugged, edgy sound and has been gaining popularity in recent years. It ranks #155 on the SSA’s list for boys in 2020.
- Axie: This nickname for the old-fashioned name Axton has a playful, whimsical sound. It’s a name that’s sure to bring a smile to people’s faces.
If you’re looking for a short name that’s a bit more unique, you might consider:
- Iris: This name means “rainbow” in Greek and has a lovely, delicate sound. It’s currently ranked #129 on the SSA’s list for girls in 2020.
- Kai: This name has a strong, simple sound and means “sea” in Hawaiian. It’s currently ranked #113 on the SSA’s list for boys in 2020.
- Luna: This name means “moon” in Latin and has a dreamy, mystical feel. It’s currently ranked #23 on the SSA’s list for girls in 2020.
April in Other Languages
The name April has a straightforward translation in multiple languages:
- French: Avril
- Spanish: Abril
- Italian: Aprile
- Portuguese: Abril
- German: April
Each of these names has a distinct flair in its respective language, and might be worth considering if you have a connection to a particular culture.
In addition to these translations, April is also associated with various cultural and religious celebrations around the world. For example, in Japan, April is the month of cherry blossoms and is celebrated with the tradition of hanami, or flower viewing. In India, the festival of Baisakhi is celebrated in April to mark the beginning of the Sikh New Year.
Furthermore, April is also known for its significance in history. The American Civil War began in April 1861, and the sinking of the Titanic occurred in April 1912. Additionally, April 22nd is celebrated as Earth Day, a global event that promotes environmental protection and sustainability.
Where did the Name April Come From?
Now that we’ve explored multiple names similar to April, you might be curious about the origin of the name itself. April is an English name derived from the Latin word “aperire,” which means “to open.” It likely referred to the opening of the buds and flowers in springtime, which is when the month of April falls in the northern hemisphere.
The name April has been in use since the 19th century and has maintained a steady yet moderate level of popularity. In 2020, it ranked #403 on the SSA’s list of top names for girls, and didn’t crack the top 1000 for boys.
There you have it – a comprehensive guide to names like April for all genders and styles. Whether you’re expecting a child or simply love the sound of the name, we hope this article has given you plenty of inspiration for your naming journey.
Interestingly, the name April was not commonly used as a given name until the 20th century. Prior to that, it was primarily used as a nickname for women born in the month of April. It wasn’t until the 1920s that the name began to gain popularity as a standalone given name, likely due to the trend of using month names as baby names.