Ever wondered where some of those mystical-sounding names come from? You know, the ones that make you think of moonlit forests and ancient magic? I’m fascinated by how names connect us to deep traditions, especially those rooted in nature and old wisdom.
What are Pagan and Wiccan Names?
When we talk about pagan names, we’re diving into the world of nature-based spiritual traditions that predate Christianity. These ancient paths celebrated the earth’s cycles and honored multiple deities. Unlike mainstream religions, paganism embraces diversity – from the old Celtic ways to Norse traditions and many others.
Wicca is basically paganism’s cool younger cousin that showed up in the 20th century. It draws from those ancient roots but packages everything for modern life. Wiccans honor both feminine and masculine energies, follow the “harm none” rule, and celebrate eight major seasonal festivals throughout the year.
The names from these traditions? They’re like little time capsules of meaning – connecting to goddesses, natural elements, and magical concepts that have inspired humans for centuries.
Looking for names with deeper spiritual meaning? You might also love names that mean new beginning, perfect for celebrating fresh starts.
Why Choose a Pagan or Wiccan Name for Your Daughter?
Picking a pagan or Wiccan name isn’t just about being different (though they definitely stand out in a classroom full of Emmas and Olivias!). These names carry powerful stories and meanings that can shape how a child sees herself in the world.
Many parents choose these names because they:
- Connect to natural cycles and earth-based wisdom
- Celebrate feminine power and divine feminine energy
- Provide a meaningful link to spiritual traditions
- Offer names with rich historical background
- Simply sound beautiful and unique
I’ve met several parents who chose pagan-inspired names because they wanted their daughters to grow up feeling connected to something larger than themselves – whether that’s nature, ancient wisdom, or a sense of mystery.
For families seeking names with a sense of strength, check out these names that mean warrior that embody courage and determination.
Pagan Girl Names (With Meanings)
Let’s explore some gorgeous pagan names that carry the essence of ancient traditions:
- Rowan – Named after the protective rowan tree, believed to guard against evil
- Willow – Symbolizes flexibility, growth, and harmony with water elements
- Gaia – The primordial Greek earth goddess, mother of all life
- Rhiannon – Welsh goddess associated with birds, horses, and the moon
- Morrigan – Celtic goddess of war, fate, and death, often appearing as a crow
- Luna – The moon personified, representing intuition and subconscious
- Freya – Norse goddess of love, beauty, and fertility
- Cerridwen – Welsh goddess of knowledge, transformation, and rebirth
- Artemis – Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and moon
- Brighid – Celtic goddess of poetry, healing, and smithcraft
- Ostara – Germanic goddess of spring and dawn
- Selene – Greek goddess of the moon
- Skadi – Norse goddess of winter, mountains, and hunting
- Branwen – Welsh goddess of love and beauty
- Isolde – Figure from Celtic legend associated with healing and love
- Dana – Ancient mother goddess from Irish mythology
- Epona – Celtic horse goddess representing fertility and protection
- Maeve – Irish warrior queen and sovereignty goddess
- Tara – Connected to Buddhist and Hindu goddess traditions
- Aradia – Goddess figure from Italian witchcraft traditions
- Cordelia – From Celtic mythology, meaning “daughter of the sea”
- Lilith – Ancient figure representing feminine independence
- Flidais – Irish goddess of forests and wildlife
- Danu – Irish mother goddess of the mystical Tuatha Dé Danann
- Hestia – Greek goddess of hearth, home, and sacred flame
- Nemetona – Celtic goddess of sacred spaces
- Aine – Irish goddess of summer, wealth, and sovereignty
- Athena – Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts
- Inanna – Sumerian goddess of love, beauty, and war
- Bastet – Egyptian cat goddess of protection and pleasure
If you love names connected to natural magic, explore these names that mean forest for more earth-inspired options.
Wiccan Names for Girls (With Meanings)
Wiccan names often blend ancient traditions with modern magical concepts:
- Sage – A healing herb representing wisdom and cleansing
- Amber – Fossilized tree resin used in protection spells
- Autumn – Season of harvest and the thinning veil between worlds
- Rowan – Sacred tree with protective properties
- Willow – Tree associated with moon energy and intuition
- Fern – Plant representing magic, luck, and protection
- Ivy – Symbol of binding, connection, and fidelity
- Hazel – Tree associated with wisdom and divination
- Luna – The moon, representing intuitive cycles
- Aurora – The dawn, symbolizing new beginnings
- Raven – Bird associated with prophecy and magic
- Phoenix – Mythical bird representing transformation
- Aura – The energy field surrounding living beings
- Crystal – Stone tools used in many magical practices
- Ember – The glowing heart of fire, representing transformation
- Solstice – The sun’s peak, marking seasonal turning points
- Faye – Connected to the fairy realm
- Karma – The cosmic principle of cause and effect
- Nova – A new star, representing bright beginnings
- Serenity – State of peaceful calm sought in meditation
- Destiny – The weaving of fate and personal choice
- Trinity – Representing the maiden, mother, crone aspects
- Iris – Flower associated with messages between worlds
- Lyra – Constellation representing the harp of Orpheus
- Eclipse – Powerful celestial alignment for spellwork
- Coven – A gathering of witches
- Vesper – Evening star or prayers
- Persephone – Goddess who travels between worlds
- Thorn – Protective plant used in magical workings
- Aether – The fifth element or spirit in magical traditions
For parents drawn to celestial themes, these names that mean star could provide additional inspiration.
Understanding the Traditions
Overview of Paganism
Paganism isn’t one single religion but rather a tapestry of different nature-centered spiritual paths. The term originally came from the Latin “paganus,” meaning country-dweller, because these nature-based practices persisted longer in rural areas.
Key aspects of many pagan traditions include:
- Polytheism – honoring multiple gods and goddesses
- Nature worship – seeing divinity in natural cycles and elements
- Seasonal celebrations – marking solstices, equinoxes, and other natural turning points
- Ancestral reverence – honoring those who came before
- Sacred feminine – celebrating goddess energies alongside masculine ones
Modern paganism has seen a revival since the mid-20th century, with people reconnecting to these ancient roots while adapting practices for contemporary life.
If you’re drawn to mystical elements, you might also appreciate these names that mean mystery that carry an air of intrigue.
Overview of Wicca
Wicca emerged in the 1950s, primarily through the work of Gerald Gardner, though it draws on much older traditions. It’s a formally structured, nature-based spiritual path that’s recognized as a religion in many countries.
Wicca centers around:
- Balance of energies – honoring both the God and Goddess
- The Wheel of the Year – eight sabbats marking seasonal changes
- The Rede – ethical guideline of “An it harm none, do what ye will”
- Elements – working with earth, air, fire, water, and spirit
- Moon phases – particularly celebrating the full moon (Esbat)
Many modern Wiccans practice either in covens (groups) or as solitaries, adapting the tradition to their personal connection with nature and deity.
Parents seeking names that reflect inner tranquility might love these names that mean calm for a peaceful energy.
Common Sources of Names
Pagan and Wiccan names typically draw from three main wells of inspiration:
- Goddesses from various pantheons:
- Greek (Athena, Artemis)
- Celtic (Brighid, Rhiannon)
- Norse (Freya, Skadi)
- Egyptian (Isis, Bastet)
- Slavic (Lada, Mokosh)
- Natural elements and phenomena:
- Seasons (Autumn, Summer)
- Elements (Terra, Marina)
- Plants (Willow, Ivy)
- Celestial bodies (Luna, Aurora)
- Magical concepts and symbols:
- Mystical creatures (Phoenix, Faye)
- Magical tools (Crystal, Rune)
- Spiritual states (Serenity, Harmony)
These names carry powerful associations within their traditions, connecting the bearer to ancient stories and natural forces.
For those who love the elements, explore these names that mean water for fluid, adaptable options.
List of Pagan and Wiccan Names for Girls
Names of Goddesses
These names connect directly to divine feminine energies from various traditions:
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athena | Greek | Goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare | ah-THEE-nah |
| Freya | Norse | Goddess of love, beauty, and war | FRAY-ah |
| Brighid | Celtic | Goddess of poetry, healing, and fire | BREE-id |
| Isis | Egyptian | Goddess of magic and motherhood | EYE-sis |
| Lada | Slavic | Goddess of love and beauty | LAH-dah |
| Mokosh | Slavic | Earth goddess of fertility and women’s work | MOH-kosh |
| Saule | Baltic | Goddess of the sun and fertility | SOW-leh |
| Kali | Hindu | Goddess of time, change, and destruction | KAH-lee |
| Hekate | Greek | Goddess of crossroads, magic, and the moon | HEH-kah-tee |
| Devi | Hindu | The divine feminine principle | DEH-vee |
| Diana | Roman | Goddess of the hunt and moon | die-AN-ah |
| Demeter | Greek | Goddess of harvest and agriculture | deh-MEE-ter |
| Hel | Norse | Ruler of the underworld | HELL |
| Juno | Roman | Queen of the gods, protector of women | JOO-no |
| Vesta | Roman | Goddess of hearth and home | VES-tah |
I remember meeting a little girl named Brighid whose mother had connected deeply with Celtic traditions during pregnancy. The family celebrated Imbolc (Brighid’s feast day) each February with special candles and crafts, creating a meaningful tradition around her name.
Names that reflect inner knowledge can also be found in these names that mean wisdom for girls who embody thoughtfulness.
Nature-Inspired Names
These names draw from the natural world that’s central to pagan and Wiccan traditions:
- Aurora (Latin) – The dawn, representing new beginnings
- Summer (English) – The season of fullness and light
- Rain (English) – Life-giving water from the sky
- Willow (English) – Flexible tree associated with moon energy
- Ivy (English) – Ever-growing vine representing persistence
- Amber (Arabic) – Fossilized resin used in protection magic
- Rose (Latin) – Flower of love and beauty
- Laurel (Latin) – Victory, achievement and honor
- Hazel (English) – Tree associated with wisdom and divination
- Autumn (Latin) – Season of harvest and transformation
- Dawn (English) – First light, new beginnings
- Briar (English) – Wild rose, representing both beauty and protection
- Fern (Old English) – Ancient plant representing magic and confidence
- Holly (Old English) – Winter protection, masculine balance
- Meadow (Old English) – Open, fertile space of possibilities
These nature names feel especially powerful because they connect us directly to the natural world. I know twins named Willow and Rowan whose family celebrates each tree’s characteristics as the girls grow – Willow’s flexibility and Rowan’s protective strength.
For those who love celestial connections, explore these names that mean moon for more night-sky inspiration.
Magical or Mystical Names
These names evoke the magical aspects of pagan and Wiccan traditions:
- Morgana – Powerful enchantress from Arthurian legend
- Nimue – Lady of the Lake in Arthurian tales, guardian of Excalibur
- Circe – Greek enchantress who transformed men into animals
- Faye – Connected to the fairy realm and enchantment
- Raven – Bird associated with prophecy and magic
- Phoenix – Mythical bird representing rebirth through fire
- Oracle – Divine messenger or prophet
- Tempest – Magical storm or tumultuous energy
- Destiny – The weaving of fate and personal choice
- Mystic – One who seeks direct connection with divine reality
- Crystal – Stone tools used in magical practices
- Ember – The transformative essence of fire
- Aura – The energy field surrounding living beings
- Sybil – Ancient prophetess or oracle
- Talisman – Object imbued with magical properties
One of my favorite stories comes from a family who named their daughter Phoenix after experiencing several pregnancy losses. They saw her as their miracle, rising from the ashes of heartbreak into new life.
For families drawn to mystical elements, these names that mean magical capture that sense of otherworldly wonder.
How to Choose the Right Name
Considerations for Parents
Finding the perfect pagan or Wiccan name involves balancing several factors:
- Personal meaning: What aspects of these traditions resonate most with you? Are you drawn to goddess energy, natural elements, or magical concepts?
- Pronunciation: Will people be able to pronounce it correctly? If not, are you comfortable regularly correcting them?
- Cultural sensitivity: Some names have deep cultural significance. Research thoroughly to avoid inappropriate cultural appropriation.
- Everyday usability: Consider how the name will serve your child in different settings throughout life.
- Family acceptance: While you shouldn’t let others choose your child’s name, consider how much resistance might affect your child.
- Nickname potential: Some magical names can be shortened to more conventional nicknames if desired.
Remember that your daughter will carry this name throughout her life – in classrooms, job interviews, and countless introductions. Choose something meaningful but versatile.
Parents seeking names with a connection to life’s journey might appreciate these names that mean wanderer for their free-spirited quality.
Tips for Researching Names
Finding authentic pagan and Wiccan names takes some effort:
- Use reputable sources – Look for books by respected scholars and practitioners rather than just quick internet lists.
- Consult experienced practitioners – Many pagan and Wiccan communities are happy to share knowledge about traditional names.
- Understand cultural context – Learn about the culture from which you’re borrowing names to ensure respectful usage.
- Check multiple meanings – Some ancient names have multiple interpretations or associations.
- Consider sound and compatibility – Say the full name out loud to check how it flows with your last name.
- Look for historical usage – Some names have fascinating historical connections that add depth.
- Check modern associations – Make sure the name hasn’t taken on problematic pop culture meanings.
I know parents who created a special ritual to help choose their daughter’s name – they researched several options and then meditated on each one during the full moon before their baby was due. The name that felt most aligned became their daughter’s name.
For families seeking names with magical connections, check out these names that mean butterfly that symbolize transformation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a pagan or Wiccan name for your daughter offers a beautiful way to connect her to ancient traditions, natural cycles, and powerful feminine energy. These names carry stories that can inspire and guide her throughout life.
Whether you’re drawn to goddess names like Freya and Brighid, nature names like Willow and Aurora, or magical concepts like Phoenix and Oracle, the perfect name awaits – one that honors both ancient wisdom and your daughter’s unique spirit.
Remember that a name is more than just a label – it’s an invitation into a particular kind of story. By choosing a name rooted in these earth-honoring traditions, you’re offering your daughter connection to something timeless and powerful.
What pagan or Wiccan name speaks to your heart? The right choice often resonates on a level beyond logic – you simply know when you’ve found “the one.”
For more inspiration, explore our collection of names that mean harmony to find balance and peace in your naming journey.