Baby Names Inspired By Thanksgiving

If you're expecting a little one around Thanksgiving, it can be meaningful to choose a name inspired by being grateful for what you have been given. After all, the Thanksgiving holiday is a time to gather with those you love, share a delicious meal, and reflect on the blessings in all of our lives. Late fall is also the time of year associated with a bountiful harvest in nature, and what's a better example of bounty than the arrival of your new baby?

There are plenty of names inspired by this season that can connect abundance, beauty, and thankfulness in a meaningful way. Some names, like Maple or Hazel, relate to the falling leaves and colors outside the window, while other names may speak to the foods we enjoy this time of year, such as Apple or even Bartlett, like the pear. You could also go historical and choose a name that was popular with pilgrims, like John, William, or Elizabeth. Whether you want a name that directly connects to Thanksgiving or is inspired by the themes surrounding it, these are some meaningful choices to consider.

Autumn is a somewhat obvious, but still beautiful choice for a baby born in the fall around Thanksgiving. The name evokes everything that fall is known for: colorful leaves, crisp air, and gathering with family over a feast. It's been a consistent favorite among parents, with the name landing as the 88th most popular girls' name in 2025, according to the U.S. Social Security Administration.

Grace has a meaningful connection to Thanksgiving because it is associated with the idea of gratitude. The name comes from the Latin word "gratia," which translates to "favor." Grace was also a common and popular name that Puritans chose for their daughters, giving it another connection to this holiday of thankfulness and blessings.

The name Maisie sounds similar to maize, which we more commonly know as corn and as one of the harvest foods most associated with Thanksgiving. This name sounds vintage and cheerful, and is an unusual way to incorporate the idea of the fall holiday into your baby's name. It's become a popular name over the last decade, especially in 2025 when it hit No. 233 on the SSA's baby names list.

This romantic name comes straight from Roman mythology. Pomona was the goddess of fruit trees, orchards, and abundance. The name is symbolic of the season of harvest, which plays perfectly with Thanksgiving themes. You can go with Mona for a nickname, which still earns you originality points since neither is on the current list of top 1,000 U.S. baby names.

The well-known actress Zendaya has brought attention to this name that has Zimbabwean and Zambian roots. Zendaya is a variation of "tendai" in the Shona language, which translates to "to give thanks." It's a unique and yet instantly recognizable option for a baby girl born during the fall and Thanksgiving season.

Asher is a solid choice for a Thanksgiving baby, as the Hebrew name means "to be blessed" or "to be happy," and it's easy to feel that way on a holiday that celebrates being together and filling your stomach. Asher is considered a gender-neutral name, and Ash or Asha are variations on the name.

Shakir (pronounced Shah-Keer) is derived from Arabic origins and means "thankful" or "appreciative." For baby girls, you can opt for Shakira, which has been more popular in the United States — ranking No. 780 on the SSA's list of baby girls' names — perhaps thanks to the famous singer.

Ephraim is a perfect choice to celebrate the idea of a bounty, as it is a biblical name that means "fruitful" or "productive," which pilgrims certainly had to be upon their arrival off the Mayflower. The name Ephraim also connects to the idea of your little one being prosperous and abundant. For a girl, you could adjust the name to Effie.

The name Jadon translates to "thankful" or "grateful," which is a great match for a Thanksgiving baby name. Jadon has Hebrew roots and appears in the Old Testament. Though traditionally a male name, today, it works for either gender. You can play with the spelling of the name and change it to Jaydon, or use Jade as a nickname.

Benedict translates in Latin to "blessed" or "well spoken of." The classic-sounding name dates back centuries and is linked to a saint who stood for the idea of community, an important part of Thanksgiving. It was a popular boys' name in the United States during the first half of the 20th century, but then dropped off the top 1,000 list in 1969. However, the name experienced a resurgence in 2018, and in 2025, rose to No. 814 on the list.