Life
With the hurdles you face, the necessity for endurance, and the long hours you put in, the process of picking out a baby name might as well be considered an Olympic event. Every parent wants to go for the gold and hit a home run with their name choice (are these sports terms working?), but it can be difficult to sort through all the options out there. If you're in need of some direction and you have a soft spot for sports, you might consider looking at baby names inspired by past Olympians.
What better way to celebrate your little champ's entrance into this world than by giving them a leg up on the competition with a moniker fit for a medalist. Though you can't guarantee that your tiny tot will turn into an pint-sized player, giving them a name inspired by some of the world's best athletes could be just the nudge they need to start their sports saga.
Regardless of whether or not your lithe little one will grow up to have a fondness for fitness, they will at least have an interesting story to tell about the inspiration behind their moniker. So check out some of these sporty baby names inspired by Olympians.
1
Natasha
According to Advocate, Natasha Kai was one of the first olympians to openly compete as member of the LGBT community. Natasha, who's name means "child born on Christmas" in Russian, brought home the gold for the U.S. women's national soccer team in 2008.
2
Eric
Eric Heiden made history by winning all five gold medals available for speed skating in the 1980 Winter Olympics, according to the official site for the Olympics. Eric, which means "eternal ruler" in Old Norse, is perfect for your speedy son.
3
Jesse
According to the official site for the Olympics, Jesse Owens managed to break or equal nine Olympic records in 1936 and also set three world records. Jesse, which can be used for either a boy or a girl, simply means "gift" in Hebrew.
4
Apolo
Apolo Ohno "holds the record for most medals won by a U.S. Winter Olympian," according to Biography. Plus, he's appeared on television shows and won Dancing with the Stars, so you know he's a triple threat. Apolo, a variation of Apollo, means "strength" and was the name of god of light in Greek mythology.
5
Gabby
According to her website, Gabrielle "Gabby" Douglas, is the first woman of color and first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to become the Individual All-Around Champion. Short for Gabrielle, Gabby means "God gives strength" in Hebrew.
6
Sage
Winner of the first gold medal in the 2014 Olympics, Sage Kotsenburg is best known for his snowboarding skills and his chill demeanor, according to ESPN. A unisex option, Sage means "wise person" in English.
7
Dom
According to her website, Dominique Dawes was the first female African-American gymnast to win an individual medal at the 1996 Olympics. Dom is a gender-neutral choice and can be short for either Dominic or Dominique which means "of the Lord."
8
Michael
As noted on the official Olympics site, Michael Phelps is, "the most decorated Olympian of all time." So if your son spends more time in the water than on dry land, this could be right up your alley. Michael means "close to God," in Hebrew.
9
Florence
Better known by her nickname, "Flo-Jo," Florence Joyner was one of the greatest Olympians. Even after her untimely death, she still holds the world records in the 100- and 200-meter events, according to Biography. Florence means "prosperous and flourishing" in French.
10
Tenley
In the 1956 Olympics Tenley Albright was the first U.S. woman to win a gold medal in figure skating , according to Team USA. Amazingly, Albright became a world-renowned surgeon after graduating from Harvard Medical School, as stated on the official Olympics site. Tenley is a gender-neutral option and comes from the English word for "town."
11
Scott
Scott Hamilton is an Olympian known for beating cancer, his larger-than-life personality, and making male figure skating popular again in the U.S., according to Achievement. The name Scott means "of Scotland" in Gaelic.
12
Bonnie
Bonnie Blair, a speed skater, set plenty of records throughout her Olympian career, according to the official Olympic records. Bonnie means "pretty" in Scottish, and could be a sweet name for your future daughter.
13
Greg
Known for his LGBT activism as well as earning a perfect score in diving, Greg Louganis is regarded as one of the best divers, according to Biography. Greg, short for Gregory, comes from the Greek word meaning "watchful, alert."
14
Picabo
Picabo Street famously brought home the gold medal in women's skiing at the 1998 Olympics, according to Biography. A unisex option, Picabo comes from the Native American word meaning, "shining waters."
15
Dara
According to her website, Dara Torres made Olympic history by being the oldest swimmer to compete in the games in 2008. A name choice for boys or girls, Dara means "star" in Sanskrit.
16
Seimone
Seimone Augustus brought home the gold in both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics for her amazing performance in women's basketball, according to her official Olympic records. Seimone, the feminine version of Simon, means "he was heard" in Hebrew.
17
Richard
Richard "Dick" Button made figure skating what it is today. In the 1948 and 1952 Olympics, Button was the first to introduce the double Axel and triple jump and did so successfully, winning gold both times, according to the Olympic records. Richard means "brave power" in German and is a strong contender for your future son.
18
Ryan
Viewers have long tuned in to watch the fierce competition between Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte when it comes to swimming in the Olympics. A champion in his own right, Lochte has won 11 Olympic medals so far, according to his official record. A name for either a boy or a girl, Ryan means "little royalty" in Irish.
19
Mia
If you were a soccer fanatic in the late '90s or early '00s, you probably had a poster of Olympic gold medal winner, Mia Hamm, as her Olympic bio states. Mia comes from the Egyptian word for "beloved."
20
Carl
According to the official Olympic records, track and field legend Carl Lewis is one of only four Olympians to hold nine gold medals. In German, Carl means "free, strong man."
21
Lisa
A three-time gold medal winner, Lisa Fernandez was a star on the U.S. Women's Olympic Softball Team, according to her biography on Team USA. Lisa, short for Elizabeth, means "my God is abundance" in Hebrew.
