Oftentimes, parents who seek out names that mean “explorer” are travelers themselves, and they want their little ones to experience the many joys of traveling the world. If this is you, you’re in luck, because there’s a name that means “explorer, traveler, wanderer, or adventurer” in nearly every country.
A beautiful name that inspires exploration is Amelia. This girl’s name is of Latin origin and actually means “work.” However, it was the name of the American aviation pioneer, author, and explorer Amelia Earhart. As of 2023, Amelia (and Emelia) was one of the top three most popular girl names in America. But if you’d rather select a less common name, Marlowe and Wanda are great picks, too.
Although the name Marlowe hasn’t been a popular name for decades, it’s expected to make a comeback in 2024, and the same can be said for the name Wanda. Marlowe is of English origin and means “driftwood,” which is a piece of wood that has washed up onto a shore, whereas Wanda is a Slavic and German name that translates to “wanderer.” Giving your daughter one of these names implies that she will explore the world and touch down on many shores.
As for boy names that mean “explorer,” a few of our favorites are Christopher and Scott. Although the Greek name Christopher means “Christ-bearer,” it was the name of Saint Christopher, who was the “patron saint of all travelers.”
Then there’s the Gaelic name Scott, which literally means “from Scotland.” However, when on Scottish soil, the name Scott means “wanderer.”
Aaludaiperumal
Meaning: Explorer of the Sea
Origin: Indian
Gender: Boy
Alexandrine
Meaning: Explorer Alexandrine Tinne
Origin: Dutch
Gender: Girl
Amelia
Meaning: Explorer Amelia Earhart
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Christof
Meaning: Explorer Christopher Columbus
Origin: English
Gender: Boy
Christofer
Meaning: Explorer Christopher Columbus
Origin: English
Gender: Boy
Christoforos
Meaning: Explorer Christopher Columbus
Origin: English
Gender: Boy
Christoforus
Meaning: Explorer Christopher Columbus
Origin: English
Gender: Boy
Cortez
Meaning: The Spanish explorer
Origin: Spanish
Gender: Boy
Cristobal
Meaning: Explorer Christopher Columbus
Origin: English
Gender: Boy
Cristoforo
Meaning: Explorer Christopher Columbus
Origin: English
Gender: Boy
Eric
Meaning: Explorer Eric the Red
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Erics
Meaning: Explorer Eric the Red
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Erica
Meaning: Explorer Eric the Red
Origin: Norse
Gender: Girl
Henry
Meaning: Explorer Henry Hudson
Origin: English
Gender: Boy
Kristofer
Meaning: Explorer Christopher Columbus
Origin: English
Gender: Boy
Marco
Meaning: Explorer Marco Polo
Origin: Italian
Gender: Boy
Nishaaj
Meaning: Explorer
Origin: Muslim
Gender: Boy
Raadi`d
Meaning: Explorer
Origin: Muslim
Gender: Boy
Raadid
Meaning: Explorer
Origin: Muslim
Gender: Boy
Rick
Meaning: Explorer Eric the Red
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Ricky
Meaning: Explorer Eric the Red
Origin: Norse
Gender: Boy
Roald
Meaning: Explorer Roald Amundsen
Origin: Scandinavian
Gender: Boy
Scout
Meaning: First explorer
Origin: American
Gender: Boy/Girl
Wal
Meaning: Explorer Sir Walter Raleigh
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Walter
Meaning: Explorer Sir Walter Raleigh
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Wat
Meaning: Explorer Sir Walter Raleigh
Origin: German
Gender: Boy