9 baby names that can also be spelt backwards – and aren't Anna

Yahoo Life UK · Jan 22, 2026 11:24 · 3 min read

9 baby names that can also be spelt backwards – and aren't Anna — Portrait of a cheerful smiling baby looking at camera

From family trees to literature and pop culture, there are many places to get baby name inspiration… including the grammar books. Palindromes – words that are spelt the same both forwards and backwards – are something many of us learn about in primary school and can give you plenty of ideas for baby names. Kayak is probably the most well-known pali...

From family trees to literature and pop culture, there are many places to get baby name inspiration… including the grammar books.

Palindromes – words that are spelt the same both forwards and backwards – are something many of us learn about in primary school and can give you plenty of ideas for baby names.

Kayak is probably the most well-known palindromic word, but likely not something you want to call your child. However, there are a surprising number of names that are just as good when read forwards and backwards.

Here’s a selection of palindromic names for inspiration.

9 palindrome baby names

Otto

A name that's been growing in popularity in the UK over the past decade: more than 400 baby boys were named Otto in England and Wales in 2024, the most recent year for which records are available.

Of German origin, Otto means “wealth”, according to baby naming site The Bump.

Hannah

A biblical name with its roots in the Hebrew language, Hannah means “grace”, according to Ancestry UK. Hannah can also be spelt Hanna, which is another palindrome.

Hannah was a particularly popular choice in the mid 90s, when it featured regularly among the top 10 baby girl names in England and Wales.

Eve

Meaning “life”, the name Eve is of Hebrew origin, per Nameberry, and was the name of the first woman created by God in the bible.

Nearly 200 babies were named Eve in England and Wales in 2024.

Close-up shot of mother cuddling close to yawning baby — Otto is the 113th most popular boys' name in England and Wales.

Asa

A gender-neutral name of Hebrew origin, Asa means “doctor” or “healer”, according to The Bump. In the Bible, King Asa is mentioned as a descendant of David and the third king of Judah.

In 2024, 93 baby boys and five baby girls were named Asa in England and Wales. Famous people with the moniker include the actor Asa Butterfield, who starred in the Netflix series Sex Education.

Ava

Currently the ninth most popular girls' name in England and Wales, Ava has been in the top 10 since 2011. While its roots are uncertain, it's thought to come from the Latin word “avis”, meaning “bird” or “birdlike”.

The Bump says it may also have links to the name Eva, meaning “life”.

Another similar palindromic name is Ada, which is of German origin and means “noble” or “nobility”. Ada is also in the top 100 girls’ names, ranking at number 40.

Habibah

Habibah is a girls' name of Arabic origin and is spelt the same both forwards and backwards. The female version of Habib, according to Ancestry UK, can mean “beloved” or “darling”.

A LatinX toddler points his index finger, while sitting in his living room wearing jean overalls and a long sleeved t-shirt.

Elle

With stylish connotations, thanks to the fashion magazine, Elle is derived from the French word meaning “she”. It can also be said to relate to the names Elaine, Helen and Eleanor, which are of Greek origin and mean “sun ray” or “light”.

Famous people named Elle include model Elle McPherson and actor Elle Fanning.

Pip

A gender-neutral name, the best known Pip is probably Pip from the Dickens novel Great Expectations. Pip can be used as a name in its own right or as a diminutive of Philip, Pippa or Philippa.

Of English origin and stemming from the Greek name Philip, Pip means “lover of horses”. Relatively uncommon, it was given to six boys and six girls in England and Wales in 2024, meaning it's a name that will help your child stand out from the crowd.

Natan

An alternative spelling of Nathan and linked to the name Nathaniel, Natan originates from the Hebrew language and means “giving”, according to Ancestry UK.