Choosing a name with deep meaning brings special significance to your child’s identity.
Names that mean knowledge symbolize wisdom, intelligence, and understanding – qualities many parents hope their children will embody.
This guide explores various names across cultures that carry the beautiful meaning of knowledge.
Boy Names That Mean Knowledge
The pursuit of knowledge has been celebrated across cultures for centuries. These boy names capture that spirit of wisdom and learning:
- Alvis (Scandinavian) – “All-wise, knowing all”
- Bodhi (Sanskrit) – “Awakening, enlightenment”
- Conrad (Germanic) – “Brave counsel, wise advisor”
- Edison (English) – “Son of Edward,” associated with knowledge through Thomas Edison
- Gwydion (Welsh) – “Born of trees,” a wizard known for his vast knowledge
- Ken (Japanese) – “Intelligence, wisdom”
- Malik (Arabic) – “King, possessor of knowledge”
- Philip (Greek) – “Lover of knowledge”
- Ransom (English) – “Wise protection”
- Sage (Latin) – “Wise one”
- Solomon (Hebrew) – “Peace,” known as the wisest king
- Theodore (Greek) – “Divine gift,” associated with learning
- Veda (Sanskrit) – “Knowledge”
- Waldo (Germanic) – “Power through knowledge”
- Zain (Arabic) – “Beauty and knowledge”
Looking for names that carry strength along with wisdom? You might be interested in names that mean warrior.
Girl Names That Mean Knowledge
These feminine names celebrate intellectual curiosity and wisdom:
- Athena (Greek) – “Goddess of wisdom”
- Brigid (Celtic) – “Exalted one,” associated with poetry and knowledge
- Cassandra (Greek) – “She who entangles men,” known for prophetic wisdom
- Dana (Hebrew) – “Knowledge”
- Elena (Greek) – “Light, bright one,” associated with learning
- Fatima (Arabic) – “One who abstains,” symbolizing wisdom
- Grizelda (Germanic) – “Gray battle maiden,” represents wisdom
- Hanna (Hebrew) – “Grace, wisdom”
- Iris (Greek) – “Rainbow,” messenger of divine knowledge
- Jyoti (Sanskrit) – “Light of knowledge”
- Kendall (English) – “Valley of the wise ruler”
- Lisa (Hebrew) – “God’s promise,” associated with wisdom
- Minerva (Latin) – “Of the mind, intellect”
- Nina (Sanskrit) – “Eyes of knowledge”
- Sophia (Greek) – “Wisdom”
If you’re drawn to names with deeper spiritual meaning, explore our collection of names that mean destiny.
Gender-Neutral Names That Mean Knowledge
These versatile names work beautifully regardless of gender:
- Aiden (Irish) – “Little fire of knowledge”
- Blair (Scottish) – “Field of knowledge”
- Casey (Irish) – “Vigilant, knowledgeable”
- Dex (Latin) – “Right-handed, skilled”
- Quinn (Irish) – “Wise counsel”
- Raven (English) – “Wise bird” symbolizing knowledge
- Robin (Germanic) – “Bright with knowledge”
- Sage (Latin) – “Wise one”
- Shannon (Irish) – “Old and wise”
- Winter (English) – “Season of reflection and wisdom”
Looking for more nature-inspired meaningful names? Check out names that mean forest.
Names That Mean Knowledge
Classic and Timeless Names
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Sophie | Greek | Wisdom |
| Sophia | Greek | Wisdom |
| Albert | German | Noble and bright, intelligent |
| Conrad | German | Bold counsel |
| Aldrich | English | Wise ruler |
| Alfred | English | Wise counselor |
| Hugh | Germanic | Heart, mind, spirit |
| Bertha | German | Bright one, intelligent |
| Minerva | Latin | Goddess of wisdom |
| Homer | Greek | Pledge, promise (associated with knowledge in literature) |
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Mythological and Historical Names
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Athena | Greek Mythology | Goddess of wisdom and warfare |
| Apollo | Greek Mythology | God of knowledge, music, and poetry |
| Odin | Norse Mythology | God of wisdom, war, and poetry |
| Solomon | Hebrew | Man of peace (renowned for wisdom) |
| Thoth | Egyptian Mythology | God of wisdom and writing |
| Ganesha | Hindu | Lord of intellect and wisdom |
| Vidura | Sanskrit | Wise, skillful (Indian mythology) |
| Merlin | Arthurian Legend | Wise, magician and counselor |
| Saraswati | Sanskrit | Goddess of knowledge and arts |
| Quetzalcoatl | Aztec Mythology | God of wind, wisdom, and knowledge |
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Names from Literature and Philosophy
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Socrates | Greek | Philosopher known for wisdom and questioning |
| Plato | Greek | Philosopher known for knowledge and reason |
| Aristotle | Greek | Best purpose or goal (notable philosopher) |
| Erasmus | Greek | Beloved, associated with knowledge and humanism |
| Dante | Italian | Enduring (known for literature and intellect) |
| Cicero | Latin | Chickpea (renowned Roman philosopher) |
| Descartes | French | Philosopher known for “I think, therefore I am” |
| Seneca | Roman | Old, experienced (philosopher) |
| Emerson | English | Brave, powerful (linked to poet Ralph Waldo Emerson) |
| Aurelius | Latin | Golden, associated with philosopher Marcus Aurelius |
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Names from Science and Invention
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isaac | Hebrew | Laughter, associated with scientist Isaac Newton |
| Galileo | Italian | From Galilee, known for scientific knowledge |
| Nikola | Slavic | Victory of the people (linked to Nikola Tesla) |
| Ada | Germanic | Noble, associated with Ada Lovelace (mathematics) |
| Darwin | English | Dear friend (renowned scientist Charles Darwin) |
| Edison | English | Son of Edward, associated with inventor Thomas Edison |
| Faraday | Irish | Descendant of Fardach (scientist Michael Faraday) |
| Blaise | Latin/French | Stammerer (known for Blaise Pascal, philosopher and scientist) |
| Curie | French | Derived from “curie,” related to Marie Curie’s contributions to science |
| Rosalind | English | Gentle horse (known for Rosalind Franklin’s DNA work) |
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Names with Wisdom or Knowledge in Meaning
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Sage | English | Wise |
| Kenzo | Japanese | Wise, three |
| Akira | Japanese | Intelligent, bright |
| Ramona | Spanish/Germanic | Wise protector |
| Quinn | Irish | Wise, intelligent |
| Prudence | Latin | Caution, foresight |
| Pallas | Greek | Wisdom |
| Veda | Sanskrit | Knowledge, sacred knowledge |
| Raina | Slavic | Queen, with associations to wisdom |
| Zaki | Arabic | Pure, wise |
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Modern and Unique Names
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Alvis | Norse | All-wise |
| Kendi | African (Swahili) | The loved one, also means wise |
| Elara | Greek | Bright, intelligent |
| Ena | Celtic | Ardent, associated with wisdom |
| Neriah | Hebrew | Lamp of the Lord (knowledge symbol) |
| Liora | Hebrew | Light, knowledge |
| Dara | Hebrew/Celtic | Wisdom or compassion |
| Rune | Norse | Secret lore, knowledge |
| Laima | Baltic | Luck, associated with wisdom |
| Priya | Sanskrit | Beloved, respected (associated with wisdom) |
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Popular Names That Mean Knowledge
These widely-loved names carry meanings of wisdom:
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander | Greek | “Defender of knowledge” |
| Alice | Germanic | “Noble and wise” |
| Brian | Irish | “Strong, virtuous, and wise” |
| Chloe | Greek | “Blooming wisdom” |
| Ethan | Hebrew | “Strong, wise” |
| Hugh | Germanic | “Mind, spirit, wisdom” |
| Kenneth | Scottish | “Born of fire, knowledge” |
| Raymond | Germanic | “Wise protector” |
| Sophia | Greek | “Wisdom” |
| Thomas | Aramaic | “Twin, associated with learning” |
For those interested in names with celestial connections, explore our collection of names that mean star.
Vibrant Names That Mean Knowledge
These dynamic names combine energy with wisdom:
- Apollo (Greek) – “God of knowledge and light”
- Aurora (Latin) – “Dawn, enlightenment”
- Blade (English) – “Sharp mind”
- Blaze (Latin) – “Fire of knowledge”
- Elektra (Greek) – “Bright, intelligent”
- Helios (Greek) – “Sun god, all-seeing wisdom”
- Phoenix (Greek) – “Reborn with wisdom”
- Spark (English) – “Light of knowledge”
- Tesla (Serbian) – “From wisdom”
- Vivo (Latin) – “Alive with knowledge”
If you’re drawn to powerful names, you might enjoy names that mean lightning.
Unique Names That Mean Knowledge
Stand out with these distinctive choices:
- Alden (English) – “Old wise friend”
- Callista (Greek) – “Most beautiful wisdom”
- Daedalus (Greek) – “Cunning craftsman”
- Gallio (Latin) – “Thoughtful seeker”
- Kenna (Scottish) – “Born of fire, knowledge”
- Lysander (Greek) – “Liberator of wisdom”
- Novalis (Latin) – “New wisdom”
- Pallas (Greek) – “Wisdom, craft”
- Sage (Latin) – “Wise one”
- Theon (Greek) – “Theoretical knowledge”
For more distinctive choices, explore our guide to names that mean mysterious.
Beautiful Names That Mean Knowledge
These names blend aesthetic appeal with meaningful wisdom:
- Alvis (Scandinavian) – “All-knowing”
- Calliope (Greek) – “Beautiful voice of wisdom”
- Cordelia (Latin) – “Heart of wisdom”
- Hermione (Greek) – “Messenger, knowledge”
- Linnea (Swedish) – “Lime tree, wisdom”
- Medea (Greek) – “Cunning one”
- Minerva (Roman) – “Of the mind”
- Sadie (Hebrew) – “Princess of knowledge”
- Sophia (Greek) – “Wisdom”
- Vivian (Latin) – “Alive with wisdom”
Interested in names with celestial beauty? Discover our collection of names that mean moon.
Top Names That Mean Knowledge
These popular choices have stood the test of time:
- Albert (Germanic) – “Noble, bright”
- Catherine (Greek) – “Pure wisdom”
- David (Hebrew) – “Beloved, wise”
- Edward (English) – “Wealthy guardian of knowledge”
- Elizabeth (Hebrew) – “God is abundance, wisdom”
- James (Hebrew) – “Supplanter, wisdom”
- Margaret (Greek) – “Pearl of wisdom”
- Robert (Germanic) – “Bright fame, wisdom”
- Stephen (Greek) – “Crown of knowledge”
- William (Germanic) – “Resolute protector, wise”
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Traditional Names That Mean Knowledge
These time-honored names carry deep wisdom:
| Name | Origin | Traditional Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Abraham | Hebrew | “Father of many nations, wise leader” |
| Alfred | English | “Wise counselor” |
| Bernard | Germanic | “Brave as a bear, wise” |
| Eleanor | Greek | “Light of wisdom” |
| Frederick | Germanic | “Peaceful ruler with knowledge” |
| George | Greek | “Earth worker, wisdom” |
| Lawrence | Latin | “Crowned with wisdom” |
| Martha | Aramaic | “Lady of the house, wise” |
| Samuel | Hebrew | “Name of God, wisdom” |
| Victoria | Latin | “Victory through wisdom” |
Looking for more names with deep meaning? Explore our collection of names that mean protector or guardian.
Mythological Names That Mean Knowledge
Draw inspiration from ancient myths and legends:
- Apollo – Greek god of knowledge and light
- Cerridwen – Welsh goddess of knowledge and transformation
- Ganesha – Hindu deity of wisdom and learning
- Hermes – Greek messenger god with divine knowledge
- Isis – Egyptian goddess of wisdom
- Mimir – Norse giant known for infinite knowledge
- Odin – Norse god of wisdom
- Saraswati – Hindu goddess of knowledge
- Thoth – Egyptian god of wisdom and writing
- Zeus – Greek king of gods, all-knowing
For more mythologically inspired choices, check out names that mean phoenix.
Literature-Inspired Names That Mean Knowledge
These names draw from literary traditions celebrating wisdom:
- Albus (from Harry Potter) – “White, wisdom”
- Aramis (from Three Musketeers) – “Wise friend”
- Beatrice (from Divine Comedy) – “Bringer of wisdom”
- Gandalf (from Lord of the Rings) – “Elf with knowledge”
- Holmes (from Sherlock Holmes) – “Near wisdom”
- Merlin (from Arthurian legend) – “Sea fortress, wisdom”
- Prospero (from The Tempest) – “Fortunate, wise”
- Rowena (from Ivanhoe) – “Fame and wisdom”
- Santiago (from The Alchemist) – “Seeker of wisdom”
- Watson (from Sherlock Holmes) – “Son of Walter, knowledge”
If you enjoy names with deeper meaning, discover names that mean illusion.
Adorable Names That Mean Knowledge
Sweet names carrying wisdom’s light:
- Albie – Diminutive of Albert, “bright with wisdom”
- Birdie – “Little bird of knowledge”
- Buddy – “Friend of wisdom”
- Dot – “Gift of knowledge”
- Kitty – “Pure wisdom”
- Mimi – “Beloved wisdom”
- Pippa – “Lover of horses and knowledge”
- Rosie – “Rose of wisdom”
- Scout – “Listener, wise observer”
- Winnie – “Holy wisdom, blessed”
For more endearing options, explore names that mean blessing.
Japanese Names That Mean Knowledge
Beautiful names celebrating wisdom from Japanese culture:
- Akira (明) – “Bright, intelligent”
- Chieko (智恵子) – “Child of wisdom”
- Fumio (文雄) – “Scholarly hero”
- Hiroaki (博明) – “Widely bright”
- Keiko (恵子) – “Blessed with wisdom”
- Nori (典) – “Doctrine, wisdom”
- Satoshi (聡) – “Clear-thinking, wise”
- Takashi (賢) – “Noble, wise”
- Tomoko (智子) – “Wise child”
- Yuki (由紀) – “Excellent wisdom”
Interested in more names with deep meaning? Check out names that mean memory.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name that means knowledge gives your child a powerful foundation rooted in wisdom and understanding.
Whether you prefer traditional choices like Solomon and Sophia, or unique options like Akira and Cerridwen, these names carry the weight of intellectual heritage and the promise of future wisdom.
The beauty of names meaning knowledge lies in their diversity – from ancient mythological references to modern literary inspirations, from simple traditional choices to unique cultural selections. Each name tells its own story of wisdom, learning, and enlightenment.
Remember that the perfect name balances meaning with sound, and cultural significance with personal resonance.
Take time to consider how the name will grow with your child and reflect the values you wish to instill.
Want to explore more meaningful names? Discover our guide to names that mean transformation, perfect for those seeking names that represent growth and change.
Note: Name meanings can vary across cultures and sources. Always verify the meaning and cultural significance of a name before making your final choice.