3 days ago
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Baby names inspired by Pride Month including one that puts inspiring spin on a classic
Every June, the world celebrates Pride Month to honour the LGBTQ+ community, but the celebrations could also inspire parents-to-be.
Parents-to-be pull inspiration from a range of sources when it comes to thinking of baby names. They can look to TV, films, seasons, or even locations to name their child after something special to them.
But what about an inspiring month dedicated to the fight for equal rights and honouring the LGBTQ+ community? Well, as if right on cue, June marks the 55th anniversary of the first Pride march held in the United States.
Pride Month is an observation of queer culture through celebration and protest. Countless communities host Pride marches, demonstrations and parties to honour queer joy all over the world - including Scotland's major cities.
For budding mothers and fathers who feel moved by the event, and want to pay homage to some iconic figures of the LGBTQ+ movement with an equally iconic name for their wee one, Nameberry has comprised a compelling list.
So, if you want your bub's title to be rooted in history, read on for ten Pride-related names that could be the moniker-in-waiting for your adorable new arrival. Who knows, it might even spark an appetite for activism.
Audre
A self-described "black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet," Audre Lorde dedicated both her life and her creative talent to confronting and addressing injustices of racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia.
Born in New York City, Audre uplifted the most marginalised in society.
Her name – a streamlined spelling of contemporary classic Audrey – boasts the fitting meaning of "noble strength".
Bayard
Bayard Rustin was a close friend of Martin Luther King and the chief architect of the 1963 March on Washington.
He didn't become a vocal gay rights activist until the 1980s but he did testify on the behalf of a New York City queer civil liberties law, stating that gay rights had become the new barometer for social change and progress.
His intriguing name comes from a French word meaning 'russet red'.
A trailblazing campaigner for marriage equality, Edie Windsor fought the US federal government in a landmark 2013 lawsuit which paved the way for the legalisation of same-sex marriage across all states two years later.
Edie is a cute, retro nickname that ranks just outside the Top 100 in the UK.
Gilbert
Gilbert Baker was an artist and LGBTQ rights activist.
You might not know a lot about him but you will know of his most famous creation - the rainbow flag.
The rainbow flag has become synonymous with Pride.
Gilbert is a unique pick for a boy's name, but you never know, it could make a comeback very soon.
Gracy
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy was a long-standing advocate of transgender rights and a veteran of the Stonewall riots, which proved to be a quintessential moment for the LGBTQ+ community in the US and across the world.
Gracie is the more popular spelling of the name but the -y ending feels more mature.
Harvey
As California's first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk achieved so much for for the LGBTQ community during his tenure, which was cut devastatingly short when he was assassinated just ten months after entering office.
Harvey is an old school, sophisticated-sounding name which means "iron blazing" or "battle-worthy".
Harvey was in the UK top 100 from 1997-2021, Nameberry reports, but it has fallen slightly in recent years.
Jazz
Jazz is a more contemporary pick after TV personality and trans rights campaigner Jazz Jennings.
The youngest activist on this list, the 24-year-old American YouTuber and LGBT rights activist is one of the youngest publicly documented people to be identified as transgender.
Jazz is a great modern-day pick for those touched by the current LGBTQ+ scene.
Kahlo
Frida Kahlo was a renowned Mexican painter who was was openly bisexual.
Her work often explored themes of identity, gender, and sexuality. She is considered a strong LGBTQ+ figure.
The Kahlo family name was found in the US between 1880 and 1920.
In 2025, it would make for a fascinating artistic baby name. Intriguingly, it's more popular in the US for boys.
Lili or Lilli
The story of Lili Elbe, one of the earliest known recipients of gender reassignment surgery, was fictionalised in the book (then film) The Danish Girl.
These -i ending forms of Lily have historically been most popular in Germany and Hungary – although we have seen a small uptick in them since the birth of Lilibet "Lili", daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Lyon
Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin made history when they became the first same-sex couple to marry in California.
This actually happened twice because their first marriage was voided.
Lyon, who was also a lifelong activist, sadly passed away in April 2020.
This surname, suggesting bravery and a sense of wildness, could make a unique alternative to 'Leo'.
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