The most beautiful names in the world according to science

Choosing a name for your child is often a real challenge, with parents struggling with indecision and uncertainty. If you really have no guidance, science can even step in.

Thanks to the joint efforts of the University of Birmingham, the My 1st Years brand, and Dr. Bodo Winter, Associate Professor of Cognitive Linguistics, we’re closer to understanding which names resonate particularly sweetly with the human ear and why.

In essence, through scientific methods, it’s possible to determine the most beautiful name in the world, whether for a baby girl or a baby boy.

Many factors come into play when choosing a baby’s name: honoring a family tradition, choosing a name with a special meaning or featuring a unique initial, opting for originality or preferring something classic. But, above all, finding a beautiful name that resonates and is meaningful is the primary goal.

Dr. Bodo Winter’s science has provided concrete answers in designating the name with the most harmonious sound in the world.

Female names: the most beautiful according to science

Female names often evoke images of delicacy, are more musical, or come from nature, such as plants and flowers. According to the study conducted by the University of Birmingham, some names are more harmonious than others. Here’s a selection of the most beautiful girl names in the world, according to science:

• Sophie/Sofia: A French version of Sofia, which translates to wisdom
• Ivy/Edera: Evokes the image of a climbing plant, associated with fidelity and perseverance
• Phoebe: A nickname of Greek origin meaning bright or radiant
• Viola: Typical of royalty, it derives from Latin and means she who triumphs over evil
• Willow/Salice: Evokes the image of a willow tree, associated with flexibility and grace
• Hanna/Anna: A variant of the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning grace or favor
• Ellie: Shortened form of names like Eleanor or Elizabeth, which can mean God is my light or God’s promise
• Emma: German name meaning she who is strong, powerful
• Olivia: Of Latin origin, with the twig Olive tree, meaning he who brings peace
• Caterina: from the Greek "katharos," meaning pure

Male names: the most beautiful according to science

Although we often tend to think of male names as more decisive, research shows that even these can exude musical beauty. Thanks to linguistic analysis conducted by a team of experts, a list of the best-sounding male names has emerged. Let’s explore this list together, revealing the most beautiful male names in the world, according to science:

• Jesse: of Hebrew origin, meaning gift
• Charlie: diminutive of Charles, can mean free man or strong man
• Louie: variant of Louis, with Germanic roots, meaning famous in war or famous warrior
• William: name of Germanic origin meaning resolute protector or courageous defender
• Freddie: diminutive of Frederick, meaning powerful peace or prince of peace
• George: of Greek origin, meaning he who works the land or farmer
• Ali: Arabic name meaning high or sublime
• Daniel: of Hebrew origin, meaning God is my judge
• Riley: of Irish origin, meaning courageous
• Matthew: biblical name of Hebrew meaning gift of God

How to choose your children’s names?

If it’s true that science helps define the most beautiful names in the world, then we can add other insights from studies in the linguistics and psychology of names to Dr. Winter’s conclusions.

For example, soft sounds and open vowels (such as "a," "e," "o") tend to be more popular because they are easy to pronounce and associate positive emotions.

Short names (2-3 syllables) are more "musical," and a name becomes more beautiful than others because it is linked to beloved characters or positive values.

Furthermore, harmonious consonant and vowel combinations are perceived as more pleasant.

People tend to prefer names with liquid consonants (l, r) and open vowels because they stimulate areas of the brain associated with auditory pleasure.

Choosing a name that’s fun to say and pairs well with the family name also makes a difference. The origin and culture of the name should be considered. You could choose a name that reflects the family’s cultural roots or has a special meaning related to the family context.

Uniqueness is another important aspect to consider. It’s best to avoid overly common names that could cause the child to be confused with others in their class, but neither should names that are too strange that could make life difficult. Finally, it’s best to listen to your instincts and consider your personal feelings.

Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: I nomi più belli al mondo secondo la scienza