After the summer of sport we’ve enjoyed in 2024, you might be looking for a baby name that stands out, embodies strength, and carries a winning legacy. Sporty names, particularly those inspired by famous athletes, are a perfect way to give your child a unique and empowering identity. From the football stars of the Euros to Olympic and Paralympic champions, we've rounded up some of the best athlete names to help you find a baby name with sporting star quality.
Baby names inspired by Wimbledon tennis stars
Wimbledon represents class, power, and a competitive spirit, so why not look to its legends for baby name inspiration? Here are some of the most famous athletes’ names from the tennis world:
• Serena – Inspired by Serena Williams, this powerful female athlete name is synonymous with success and elegance.
• Venus - We don't want to risk sparking any sibling rivalry by suggesting the name of just one of the Williams sisters and Venus is also the Roman goddess of love and beauty, so a fitting name for your little goddess.
• Roger – The classic and stylish name of tennis legend Roger Federer. It’s a great choice for those who want a name that balances charm and strength.
• Novak – With Serbian roots, this unique athlete name is ideal for a baby destined to stand out, just like Novak Djokovic.
• Rafa – A spirited name that honours the resilience of Rafael Nadal. Short and catchy, Rafa is a cool athlete name for your future tennis star.
• Andrew - In honour of Andy Murray's last Wimbledon appearance during 2024's summer of sport, how about Andrew for your baby name?
• Emma - A British tennis star, being named after Emma Raducanu could inspire Wimbledon-worthy tennis skills in your little love.
Football players’ names
If you caught football fever during the summer’s Euros, there's no shortage of football players' names that are both strong and timeless. These names are sure to be popular on and off the pitch:
• Leo – Inspired by the iconic Lionel Messi, this short and powerful name is perfect for a future champion.
• Cristiano – Named after the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, this is one of the best footballer names for parents who love grandeur and flair.
• Harry – A nod to England’s star striker, Harry Kane. It’s both royal and athletic, a popular athlete name perfect for any baby boy.
• Kylian – Inspired by football sensation Kylian Mbappé, this modern name suggests speed and power, making it one of the most stylish footballers names today.
• Jude - one of the stars of England's Euro 2024 team, carrying Jude Bellingham's name might just inspire football greatness in your little one.
• Ollie - who can forget Ollie Watkins' winning goal in the dramatic last minutes of the Euro 2024 semi-final clash with the Netherlands?
Olympians and famous athletes names for your little champion
For parents looking for more than just football inspiration, some of the best athlete names come from Olympians and Paralympians across various sports and there are also some standout Team GB athlete names to choose from:
• Simone – Named after gymnastics superstar Simone Biles, this graceful yet powerful female athlete name is a fantastic choice for parents wanting a name associated with greatness.
• Usain – Inspired by Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world, this name represents speed, energy, and victory.
• Rebecca - she may have retired from swimming but sporting superstar mum, Rebecca Adlington, is a firm favourite with Mother&Baby.
• Nadia – A beautiful name honouring the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 at the Olympics, Nadia Comăneci. It’s a name that embodies precision and excellence.
• Michael - inspired by the great Michael Phelps, this is one for future water babies.
• Ellie - If you're drawn to the inspiration of Paralympic swimmers' names, consider Ellie (inspired by Ellie Simmonds) for a name that suggests perseverance.
• Mo - a running legend who epitomises determination and resilience both on and off the track.
• Jess - Jess is a cute girl's name but also makes us think of the power and multiple sporting talents of famous mum, Jessica Ennis-Hill.
Baby names inspired by athletes: a winning start in life
Choosing a name for your child is just the first step on an exciting journey. Drawing from athletes names means your baby will carry the legacy of greatness, whether it’s inspired by football, tennis, or the athletes of the Olympics and Paralympics. Whatever you choose, your little one will be connected to a world of inspiration, perseverance, and success right from the start.
Rebecca Lancaster is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby, drawing on ten years of parenting her two children to help others navigating their own parenting journey. As a freelance writer, she spent ten years working with leading lifestyle brands, from travel companies to food and drink start-ups, and writing everything from hotel reviews to guides to the best British cheeses. She’s particularly interested in travel and introducing her children to the excitement of visiting new places, trying different foods (less successfully) and experiencing different cultures.