December babies are born in a time of magic—when twinkling lights warm the long nights and families gather to celebrate love and companionship. Whether your little one’s arrival coincides with snowy mornings or the holidays, December baby names offer a perfect combination of timeless beauty and seasonal joy.
Here are the top 25 winter-inspired December baby names:
25 Unique December Baby Names
Gender Neutral December Baby Names
1. Noel or Noelle
Noel is the French word for Christmas, which has become quite a popular name for both boys and girls. Many parents choose the spelling Noel for a boy and Noelle for a girl, although they can be interchanged however you like.
2. Chris
Kris Kringle is the German synonym for Christkind, which was used in place of Santa Claus for years, referring to an angel-like child who was born at Christmas and delivered presents to children. Over the years, Kris Kringle became another name for Santa Claus.
3. Avery
This gender-neutral name means King Elf, which is so appropriate for a holiday where elves are the center of attention.
4. Taylor
Pop superstar Taylor Swift was born on December 13, 1989, giving you the perfect excuse to name your baby boy or girl after one of your favorite singers.
5. North
The name North became popular in 2013 after Kim Kardashian and Kanye West chose the moniker for their first child. With nicknames like Nori and Northie, this super cute and trendy name is also fun for a December baby, referencing the North Pole.
December boy names
6. Nikolaos
Saint Nicholas was the patron saint of children and is another name for good old Santa Claus. If you’re looking for a religious name based on Christmas, Nicholas is a great choice.
7. Alfred
This name means Christmas elf and is a sweet choice for your December baby boy.
8. Gabriel
Like the Angel Gabriel, who was sent by God to tell Mary that she would carry baby Jesus, this name will never get old.
9. Never
Actor Lea Michele brought attention to this beautiful boy name in 2020 when she named her son Ever Leo. Since evergreen trees have long been a symbol for Christmas, this name would be very appropriate for a December baby.
10. Angel
This name means angel and messenger of God, and is a classic name of Italian origin.
11. Elden
A unique name meaning ‘from the valley of the elves’ is perfect for December.
12. Jack
The name Jack has been popular for decades, and the winter nickname “Jack Frost” is a very cute reason to name your December baby Jack.
December girl names
13. Holly
Holly is a classic festive baby name. Holly berries are a lovely red holiday decoration that many people love. The name Holly is also an absolutely adorable baby name for a girl.
14. Elsa
Who wouldn’t want to be named after Disney’s powerful snow queen?
15. Eve
If your baby is born on December 24th, also known as Christmas Eve, the name Eve is a perfect fit.
16. Angel or Angelina
The meaning of this name speaks for itself. You will refer to your little girl as her “little Christmas angel” for the rest of her life.
17. Carol
If your family has a Christmas tradition of singing carols during the holidays, this name might be an important choice for you. The classic female name is also a beautiful reminder of the wonderful sounds of Christmas.
18. Natasha
Natasha, a name of Russian origin, means ‘born on Christmas Day’, which is perfect if your baby makes his grand entrance into the world on December 25.
19. Winter
This name speaks for itself, referring to the era in which your baby was born. With cute nicknames like Winnie or Win, this nickname is both unique and stylish.
20. Stella
Stella, a name that continues to gain popularity in the United States, is of Latin origin and means “star,” which has a very heartfelt meaning for the Christmas season.
21. Ivy
A climbing plant that thrives even in colder weather, ivy symbolizes strength and resilience – qualities that shine through during winter. Timeless and elegant, this name evokes beauty and endurance, making it a perfect choice for a baby born in winter.
22. Luna
Luna, which means “moon” in Latin, represents the peaceful, calm glow of the moon that illuminates the cold December nights. This name invokes the peace, beauty and calm magic of the winter sky. Another cool fact about this name? It’s in the top ten baby names for girls according to 2023 Social Security Administration!
23. Sage
Known for its healing properties, sage symbolizes wisdom, clarity and calmness. It’s a soothing name that reflects calm and peace—qualities that feel especially important during the lull of winter.
24. Celeste
Celeste, meaning “heavenly” in Latin, is often associated with the stars and celestial beauty. The bright constellations visible on December nights make it a fitting, cute name for a baby girl born in winter.
25. Emper
Ember is a warm, glowing name inspired by the soft, flickering light of a winter campfire. It symbolizes the warmth, coziness and beauty of the colder months, making it ideal for a baby born in December.
The essence
As you welcome your December baby, these nature-inspired names perfectly capture the beauty and magic of the season. Whether inspired by the serene moon, hardy evergreens or the festive spirit, each name carries timeless appeal. May the name you choose reflect the warmth, love and joy your little one brings to your family this holiday season.
A version of this post was published on November 19, 2020. It has been updated.