Choosing a name for your baby can be a chore, but we implore you to go with your gut! Food, cooking, and the best part, eating are all enjoyed by every single human. If you fancy yourself an epicure, a gastronome, a true lover of the art of cooking, consider names inspired by the culinary arts. We’ll look to famous chefs, famous ingredients, and even drinks to inspire some of the very best baby names that are food adjacent.
We found some sweet, spicy, quirky, and cheesy names we think are appropriate for children. We’re not suggesting you name your child broccoli or chorizo, but you should definitely consider names of herbs, berries, and cakes. Without cooking up too much of a mess, we’ve found the 25 best baby names inspired by food we think are delectable. Bon appétit! Mangia!
25. Pepper
Pepper is a very cute name for girls that has Latin origins and means “berry.” Pepper, like it’s ingredient inspiration, the peppercorn has a spicy quality while still being widely adored. A little girl with the name Pepper is sure to be a fireball.
24. Chip
Chip is a common nickname for Charles which is a French name that means “free man.” Yay! But, you’re here for the food! Chips as in potato chips or french fries are golden, fried, crunchy treats that we all love and adore. Chip is a classic name for boys that doubles as a food name, hiding in plain sight.
23. Brie
Brie is a French name and feminine form of Brian that means “marshland.” Brie also refers to the famed cheese-making region of France that’s famous for its soft cheeses. Is there anything better than a creamy cheese? Absolutely not! Brie would be a fantastic name for a little girl and you could alternatively spell it, Bree.
22. Reuben
Reuben is a Biblical name that has origins in Hebrew and means “behold, a son.” We think it actually means “behold, a sandwich.” The classic deli staple, a Reuben sandwich consists of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread. Reuben is a name that’s simply griddled to perfection.
21. Ginger
Names inspired by spice and flavor will always inspire parents. As a name, Ginger started out as a pet form of Virginia and in the UK it was a unisex nickname given to people with red hair. Virginia means “pure.” It stands to reason that the name Ginger means “pure zest.”
20. Benedict
Benedict is a Latin name that means “blessed,” but we know why you’re here! Eggs benedict is a classic brunch dish that was invented in New York City to the acclaim of a nation. The dish consists of a toasted English muffin, poached eggs, ham or Canadian bacon, and hollandaise. This food-inspired name offers you the opportunity to give your baby boy a classic moniker that also reminds you of breakfast.
19. Clementine
Clementine is the French form of the Latin name Clement and it means “merciful.” A clementine is a citrus fruit that somehow improves on the good old orange. Clementine makes for a cute name for a girl that is both sweet and floral.
18. Caesar
Caesar might be a classic Latin name that means “long-haired.” Caesar might have been the name for some of the world’s most powerful emperors. It also belongs to the world’s most powerful salad. This legendary salad is surrounded by myth, but it has been attributed to restauranteur Caesar Cardini who invented the dish in Tijuana, Mexico in 1924. May we forever honor his service and contribution to society.
17. Rosemary
Rosemary is an English name with Latin origins. It, of course, refers to our favorite plant, but in Latin, it means “dew of the sea.” The name was given to the plant because of its ability to thrive in coastal climates.
16. Bran
Not just a weird kid in Game of Thrones, Bran is an English name with Celtic origins that means “broom-covered hill.” Bran was a Celtic god of the underworld! Yay! Bran is the hard outer layer of cereal grain.
15. Poppy
Poppyseed muffins, salad dressings, cookies, and bagels are an integral part of life. We need the humble poppyseed! Poppy is a charming, English name for girls with Latin origin and it refers to the red flower. Celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver named his daughter Poppy.
14. Layton
Layton is an Old English name that’s a great alternative to Clayton. It also has a traditional food meaning. Layton means “herb garden” or “settlement with a leek garden.” Yum! Herbs and leeks, we’re all about this suttle food-name for boys.
13. Saffron
Saffron is a precious spice that comes from crocus and has a subtle orange-scent and intense yellow hue. Saffron is a much more common name for girls in the UK than the US, but we think some food-inspired Americans are ready to change that! Accomplished British actor Saffron Burrows recently dazzled audiences in Mozart in the Jungle. She wears the name well.
12. Jacques
The chef’s chef, Jacques Pépin was born in France, but he’s been teaching Americans to cook for decades. Jacques is a very French name that means “supplanter.” This name would honor a great chef and it’s an excellent alternative to Jack.
11. Gabrielle
Chef Gabrielle Hamilton has been awarded numerous James Beard Awards for both her cooking and her writing. She opened her New York City restaurant, Prune in 1999 and it became a sensation. Gabrielle is a gorgeous name for girls that has French vibes and means “God is my strength.”
10. Colby
Should you name your child after a block of American cheese? 100% yes. Colby cheese hails from Colby, Wisconsin, and is a type of mild cheddar that’s beloved for its creamy texture. The name Colby has emerged as a popular gender-neutral name for children. It’s an English name that means “coal town.”
9. Anise
Anise is a girl’s name that also belongs to a licorice plant. Anise, the spice comes in the shape of a star which gives this warming seasoning even more sweetness. A little girl names Anise will always be your little star!
8. Sage
Traditionally, Sage was a given name for boys, but now, more and more parents are naming their daughters the name. Sage comes from Latin and means “wise and knowing.” The herb, sage is a treasured one that is found in many of the warm, savory dishes of fall.
7. Mashama
Mashama is a name from the Shona language that’s widely spoken in Zimbabwe and it means “to surprise.” Mashama Bailey is an American chef who worked with Gabrielle Hamilton at Prune before returning to Savannah, Georgia, and opening her own restaurant, the award-winning, The Grey. We love the name Mashama!
6. Chadwick
We hope you’ll never tire of the cheese and dairy-inspired names on this list. Cheese is just the greatest! Chadwick is an English name that few people know means “dairy farm.” Sign us up! Chadwick Boseman of Black Panther fame is helping give this name a much-needed boost.
5. Madeleine
The proper French spelling of this name is Madeleine and it means “woman from the high tower” and is associated with Mary Magdelene. Madeleines also happen to be the name of delicate small cakes baked in shell-shaped molds. This sweet name is perfect for lovers of classic French baked goods.
RELATED: 30 Fabulous French-Inspired Baby Names for Francophiles
4. Grant
Grant Achatz is a Chicago-based chef who is known for his progressive culinary takes on his dishes which contributed to the popularity of molecular gastronomy. Grant is an attractive name for boys that has Scottish origins and means “large.”
3. Olive
Classic, simple, and a delicious food, Olive is an unbeatable name for a little girl. Well, Olive didn’t make the top spot, but she came close! People have very strong opinions about olives and we’re here to tell olive detractors of the world to get a grip! Olives are the best and so is this name!
2. Puck
Colorful character and chef, Wolfgang Puck runs more than 50 restaurants and has a frozen food and kitchenware empire. He’s doing fine. We love the Puck. But, we mostly just really enjoy his name. Wolfgang is a German name that means “traveling wolf.” Puck was the name of a mischievous character in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and was a part of English mythology before that. We think either of these unique names would be great for a baby boy.
1. Nigella
Nigella Lawson is a hugely popular food writer and chef based in London. Nigella is the perfect name for a chef because it also belongs to a small black seed that’s absolutely delicious. Nigella seeds taste like a cross between oregano and black pepper and look very similar to sesame seeds. Nigella is the female form of the name Nigel and means “black” or “dark.”
There’s no shame in admitting that the favorite part of your day revolves around a meal. We all love food and it is a source of constant surprise and inspiration. If you want to take your love of food to a whole new level, consider these baby names inspired by food, chefs, and cooking. For even more baby names, keep reading. We have names that mean “sweet” to share with you.
Honey
Honey has been considered a sweet nickname for our children, but few American parents have chosen it as a given name. In England, it’s a very favored choice for girls. Perhaps we should follow the Brits and start using this name more freely.
Maple
Maple is an English tree name that comes from Latin, meaning “piece of cloth.” Maple syrup is the clear inspiration for this sweet name. We’re not sure why this appellation has not taken off in the US.
Sugar
Probably the most on-the-nose sweet name on this list, Sugar gets right to the point. Like Honey, Sugar has been reserved as a nickname for most. We think it has potential as a given name.
Candy
Candy was a popular given name in the US from the 1940s through the 1980s. Unfortunately, it has fallen from favor today. The name is considered a diminutive form of Candace, but it could simply refer to sweet treats.
Melissa
Likely the most popular of the names that mean “sweet,” Melissa is of Greek origin and means “honeybee.” Melissa was an exceptionally popular choice in the 1970s, but it is still in the top 500 most popular names for girls in the US today.
Asel
Asel is a name found across the Middle East and in parts of Europe. According to Nameberry, the appellation can be found in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Kazakh naming traditions. This cute name means “honey.”
Anika
Anika is a Nordic diminutive form of Anna, which is how many people encounter this name. However, in the Hausa language, the name means “sweetness of face.” The name is mildly popular in the US and ranks in the top 900 most popular names for girls.
Eulalie
Eulalie is a French name, a form of Eulalia, meaning “sweet speech.” This darling name was last popular in the US in 1899! It’s time to dust off this treasure for the next generation.
Myra
Myra is a name of Greek origin, and it shares the same root as myrrh. Thus, the name means “sweet-smelling oil.” The name peaked in popularity in the US in the 1940s, but it is still a top 1000 name today.
Dulcie
Dulcie is a vintage name that hasn’t been a popular option in the US for over 100 years. The name is of Latin origin and is related to the elaborate name Dulcibella (also a great option). Dulcie means “sweet,” and Dulcibella means “sweet beauty.”
Pamela
Pamela is a name of English origin that means “all honey.” The name was one one of America’s most beloved, but sadly this name has fallen from favor today.
Melina
If you’re looking for an alternative to Melissa, consider her Greek cousin, Melina. Melina is a darling name that means “little honey.” Melina had its most popular year in 2008, but that could change if you choose this one for your little sweetie.
Nemy
Nemy comes from the Mende language of West Africa and means “sweet.” Pronounced NEE-mee, this cute name has it all. Most parents in the US have not encountered this one, making it a unique option.
Sadbh
Sadbh is a name of Irish origin that will stump most Americans. It rhymes with “hive.” It’s a top 100 name in its native Ireland. Although virtually unknown here, this name has a winning meaning in “sweet” and “goodly.”
RELATED: 50 Hot Names that Mean Fire and Offer Plenty of Warmth
Vevina
Vevina is a name of Scottish origin, often found in prose, meaning “sweet lady.” We would love to hear more of this name in the US. It’s completely accessible and has a fresh, rhythmic sound.
Naamah
Naamah is a name of Hebrew origin that can be found in the bible. Say this one correctly as NAY-ah-mah. It means “sweetness,” “grace,” and “beauty.” Sadly, this name has yet to take off in the US substantially.
Nazanin
Nazanin is a name of Persian origin that means “sweetheart.” You will hear this name often across the Middle East. To nail this name’s pronunciation, put emphasis on the final syllable, like nah-zah-NEEN.
Soma
Soma is a unisex name of Sanskrit origin that means “lunar nectar.” Doesn’t that sound magical? Some are related to Chandra, a Hindu moon god. We think this name is perfect in every way and hope more parents in the US will choose it.
Rosamel
Another unisex option, Rosamel, is a French and Spanish name from Latin with roots that mean “rose and honey.” This absolutely stunning appellation deserves more love from parents in the US.
Nidia
Meet Lydia’s cool cousin, Nidia. This name is of Greek origin and means “sweet and graceful.” Nidia has yet to take off in the US, but we think it has mountains of potential.
Darva
Darva is a name for girls of Slavic origin that means “honeybee.” This name has a Slavic edge that many parents find attractive and interesting today. However, it’s not a popular option here yet.
Anoush
Anoush also spelled Anush, is an Armenian name that means “sweet.” We find this name has such a pleasurable sound to it. You guessed it; this name is rare in the US today.
Hulda
Hulda was once a very popular name in the US, but that has not been true since the 1920s! The name is of Hebrew origin and means “sweet” and “lovable.” Let’s bring this charmer back.
Zusa
New parents today can’t get enough of a name with a Z in it, and that’s exponentially true for names that start with the letter. Z-names are all the rage. Zusa is one such example that most parents are not acquainted with yet. Zusa is a name of Yiddish origin that means “sweet.”
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The Ultimate List of Baby Names for Winter Babies
Ihanelma
Ihanelma is a bit of a mouthful, but we think that’s kind of a good thing for sweet names. It is of Finnish origin, and, as Namberry points out, comes from the Finnish word ihana, meaning “lovely” or “sweet.” The pronunciation of the name is ee-han-a-nell-ma.
There you go! We hope you fell in love with one of these names that mean sweet. As you have seen, names that mean “sweet” come from all around the world from various naming traditions. If you want even more baby name inspiration, keep reading. We’ve got names inspired by food and cooking for you to take a look at as well.