100 Baby Names That Mean ‘Smart’ or ‘Wise’ (2026)

If you’re searching for baby names that mean smart or wise, you’re probably looking for more than a definition 0 you want a name with depth, history, and meaning that will grow well with your child.

This curated list brings together classic, modern, and multicultural baby names connected to intelligence, wisdom, insight, and learning. Each name includes its origin and meaning to help you find an option that feels thoughtful, meaningful, and timeless – whether you’re drawn to strong traditional names or something more unique.

Below, you’ll find 100 baby names that symbolize intelligence and wisdom, organized by boys, girls, and unisex options to make browsing easy.

💡Need names organized by theme and meaning?
Browse our top selections in our Baby Names Guide for even more inspiration, from classic favorites to unique and modern ideas.

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Quick Picks: Smart & Wise Baby Names Parents Love

Short on time? Here are some standout picks parents often gravitate toward:

• Best classic boy name meaning wise: Theodore
• Best modern boy name meaning intelligent: Kenzo
• Best powerful wisdom name: Solomon
• Best classic girl name meaning wisdom: Sophia
• Best strong girl name tied to intelligence: Athena
• Best unisex name meaning wise: Sage

These names balance meaning, style, and longevity – making them popular choices for parents who want something smart and timeless.

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Boys

When choosing a name for your little boy, many parents look for options that reflect intelligence, insight, and wisdom. Below are baby boy names with meanings tied to learning, cleverness, and thoughtful leadership.

Abelard

Of German origin, Abelard means “noble strength” and has long been associated with scholarship and intellect.

Aiden

An Irish name meaning “fiery” or “intelligent,” Aiden combines modern popularity with symbolic mental strength. Looking for a great pairing? See our guide to Aiden middle names for classic and modern options.

Akira

This Japanese name means “bright” or “intelligent,” making Akira a strong, modern choice with global appeal.

💡Want more Japanese name inspiration? Here are more Japanese baby names that mean light.

Alvis

From Old Norse, Alvis means “all-wise” or “all-knowing,” giving it a bold, mythological feel.

Apollo

In Greek mythology, Apollo was associated with wisdom, knowledge, and the arts, making this a powerful and intellectual name.

Arvid

A Scandinavian name meaning “wise ruler,” Arvid feels distinctive while still grounded in tradition.

Bernard

Of Germanic origin, Bernard means “brave bear” and is often linked to wisdom and leadership.

Bodhi

From Sanskrit, Bodhi means “awakening” or “enlightenment,” symbolizing wisdom and awareness.

Conrad

This German name means “wise counsel,” making Conrad a classic choice associated with sound judgment.

Cyrus

A Persian name meaning “sun” or “wise,” Cyrus carries a sense of brightness and ancient authority.

Edwin

With Old English roots, Edwin means “prosperous friend” and has long been associated with intelligence and refinement.

Ethan

A Hebrew name meaning “strong” or “firm,” Ethan is often linked to reliability, intelligence, and resilience.

Frederick

Of Germanic origin, Frederick means “peaceful ruler” or “wise ruler,” offering a timeless and distinguished option.

Gavin

This Celtic name is often associated with wisdom and strength, giving Gavin a sturdy, thoughtful feel.

Gilbert

From Germanic roots, Gilbert means “bright pledge,” reflecting intelligence and dependability.

Hugo

Meaning “mind” or “intellect,” Hugo is a sleek, classic name with strong intellectual ties.

Ignatius

Derived from Latin, Ignatius means “fiery,” often symbolizing passion, intelligence, and strength of mind.

Jairus

A Hebrew name meaning “enlightened” or “he will awaken,” Jairus is tied to wisdom and insight.

Julian

Of Latin origin, Julian blends a soft, timeless sound with associations of maturity and intelligence.

Kenzo

This Japanese name means “wise” or “intelligent,” making Kenzo a modern favorite with clear meaning.

Leonard

Of Germanic origin, Leonard means “brave lion” and is often associated with strength and wisdom.

Lucius

Derived from Latin, Lucius means “light,” symbolizing clarity, intelligence, and insight.

Magnus

Meaning “great” or “wise,” Magnus has Latin roots and a strong, commanding presence.

Maximus

A Latin name meaning “greatest,” Maximus conveys strength, confidence, and intellectual power.

Montague

Of French origin, Montague carries connotations of sharpness and strength, both mentally and physically.

Malik

An Arabic name meaning “king,” Malik is associated with authority, wisdom, and leadership.

Neil

With Irish and Scottish roots, Neil is often linked to strength and wisdom, with a simple, enduring style.

Oren

A Hebrew name meaning “pine tree,” Oren symbolizes wisdom, longevity, and steadiness.

Oscar

Of Irish and Norse origin, Oscar means “wise friend,” giving it a warm, intelligent feel.

Osmond

Derived from Old English, Osmond means “divine protection” and is traditionally associated with wisdom.

Patrick

An Irish name meaning “nobleman,” Patrick has long-standing ties to learning and leadership.

Ravi

From Sanskrit, Ravi means “sun,” symbolizing brightness, intelligence, and vitality.

Raymond

Of Germanic origin, Raymond means “wise protector,” blending intellect with strength.

Reginald

Meaning “wise ruler,” Reginald has Old English roots and a classic, authoritative tone.

Reuben

A Hebrew name associated with vision and understanding, Reuben carries depth and thoughtfulness.

Roland

Of Germanic origin, Roland means “famous land” or “wise ruler,” evoking leadership and intelligence.

Ronald

With Norse roots, Ronald is linked to counsel and decision-making, qualities often tied to wisdom.

Solomon

A Hebrew name famously associated with wisdom through the biblical king, Solomon symbolizes insight and judgment.

Sterling

An English name meaning “genuine,” Sterling carries a polished, intellectual feel.

Sullivan

Of Irish origin, Sullivan is sometimes associated with intelligence and insight, with a friendly, modern sound.

Thaddeus

From Aramaic roots, Thaddeus is often linked to wisdom and courage, offering a distinctive classic option.

Theodore

A Greek name meaning “gift of God,” Theodore has long been associated with intelligence and thoughtful leadership. Need ideas to complete the name? Browse our favorite Theodore middle names that flow beautifully.

Ulysses

Connected to Greek mythology, Ulysses is known for cleverness and strategic thinking.

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Chinese Boy Names That Mean Smart or Wise

Cong

Cong means “intelligent” or “clever,” representing mental sharpness.

Jian

Meaning “sharp” or “smart,” Jian reflects quick thinking and insight.

Li

Li means “reason” or “logic,” symbolizing rational thought and intelligence.

Ming

Meaning “bright” or “enlightened,” Ming is associated with clarity and wisdom.

Zhi

Zhi means “knowledge” or “wisdom,” representing deep understanding.

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Girls

Many parents look for girl names that reflect intelligence, insight, and inner strength. The names below are connected to wisdom, learning, clarity, and thoughtful leadership across cultures and time periods.

Alina

Of Slavic origin, Alina means “bright” or “beautiful,” often associated with clarity and intelligence.

Athena

From Greek mythology, Athena was the goddess of wisdom, courage, and strategy, making this a powerful intellectual name.

Bernadette

A Germanic name meaning “brave as a bear,” Bernadette is often linked to strength, intelligence, and resilience.

Callista

Derived from Greek, Callista means “most beautiful” and is sometimes associated with intelligence and excellence.

Chiara

An Italian name meaning “bright” or “clear,” Chiara reflects clarity of thought and insight.

Clara

From Latin, Clara means “bright” or “clear,” symbolizing intelligence and brilliance.

Clio

In Greek mythology, Clio was the muse of history, representing knowledge and intellectual curiosity.

Eleanor

With Old French and Greek roots, Eleanor is often associated with intelligence, strength, and leadership.

Freya

A Norse goddess name, Freya is connected to wisdom, power, and feminine strength.

Hermione

Derived from Greek mythology, Hermione is associated with knowledge, wit, and learning.

Juno

In Roman mythology, Juno was the queen of the gods and is linked to wisdom and authority.

Justine

From Latin, Justine means “fair” or “just,” reflecting sound judgment and balance.

Keira

An Irish name often associated with intelligence and strength, Keira has a modern, confident feel.

Lucy

Derived from Latin, Lucy means “light,” symbolizing clarity, insight, and intelligence.

Margaret

Of Greek origin, Margaret means “pearl” and is traditionally linked to wisdom and refinement.

Maeve

From Irish mythology, Maeve was a powerful queen associated with intelligence and independence.

Minako

A Japanese name meaning “intelligent child” or “beautiful child,” Minako carries an elegant, thoughtful meaning.

Minerva

In Roman mythology, Minerva was the goddess of wisdom and the arts, making this a rare but powerful intellectual name.

Phoebe

Of Greek origin, Phoebe is associated with intellect, prophecy, and brightness.

Priscilla

From Latin roots, Priscilla is often associated with wisdom, discernment, and maturity.

Prudence

A virtue name meaning “good judgment,” Prudence directly reflects wisdom and careful thinking.

Ramona

Of Spanish origin, Ramona means “wise protector,” combining intelligence with strength.

Sage

An English word name, Sage is directly associated with wisdom, insight, and thoughtful decision-making.

Sofia

Derived from Greek, Sofia means “wisdom” and has a timeless, elegant appeal.

Sophia

A classic Greek name meaning “wisdom,” Sophia is one of the most enduring names tied to intelligence.

Sybil

From Greek mythology, Sybil refers to a prophetess or oracle, symbolizing intuition and insight.

Thea

Of Greek origin, Thea means “goddess” and is often associated with strength and intelligence.

Veronica

With Greek roots, Veronica is associated with determination, intelligence, and clarity.

Wren

A nature-inspired name, Wren symbolizes cleverness, adaptability, and resourcefulness.

Zora

Of Slavic origin, Zora means “dawn” or “light,” representing clarity and intelligence.

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Chinese Girl Names That Mean Smart or Wise

Hui

Hui means “intelligent” or “wise,” symbolizing mental strength and understanding.

Jing

Meaning “smart” or “clever,” Jing reflects sharp thinking and insight.

Lian

Lian is often associated with cleverness and resourcefulness.

Xiao

Meaning “clever” or “smart,” Xiao reflects intelligence and mental agility.

Yi

Yi means “intellect” or “wisdom,” representing thoughtful understanding.

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Unisex

Unisex baby names that reflect intelligence and wisdom offer flexibility while still carrying meaningful symbolism. The names below are associated with insight, learning, and thoughtful strength.

Aiden

An Irish name meaning “fiery” or “intelligent,” Aiden has a modern, energetic feel and broad appeal.

Alden

Of Old English origin, Alden means “wise friend,” making it a timeless and thoughtful gender-neutral option.

Arden

With Celtic roots, Arden is often associated with strength, intelligence, and a connection to nature.

Sage

An English word name, Sage directly represents wisdom, discernment, and thoughtful decision-making.

Wren

A nature-inspired name, Wren symbolizes intelligence, adaptability, and resourcefulness.

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Choosing a baby name is a deeply personal decision, and names connected to intelligence and wisdom often carry lasting appeal. Whether you’re drawn to classic choices rooted in history or modern names with global influence, the options above highlight meaningful names tied to learning, insight, and thoughtful strength.

As you narrow down your favorites, consider how each name sounds, what it represents, and how it might grow with your child over time. A name connected to wisdom or intelligence can be a subtle but powerful way to reflect the values that matter most to you.

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