"vision during sleep, aspiration"
Origin: Old English/Norse
Language: English
Dream
Pronunciation: [ dr-EEM ]
Boy Name
#2,236 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
1 Syllable
A name that carries the weight of possibility
American
Whimsical
Modern
Bold
Unique
Playful
Meaning & Origin
"joy, music (original Old English meaning)"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Things to Know About This Name
- The phrase 'dream boy' is commonly used to describe an idealized fantasy romantic partner, which some may find awkward as a legal name
The Story of Dream
Dream comes from the Old English 'drēam,' which originally meant 'joy, music, and merriment' rather than the visions of sleep we associate with the word today. The 'vision during sleep' meaning developed through Norse influence ('draumr'). As a given name, Dream follows the word-name trend where meaningful English words are used as names to express hopes and aspirations parents have for their children.
Dream entered mainstream baby naming consciousness when Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna named their daughter Dream Renée Kardashian in 2016. The choice aligned with the celebrity trend of aspirational word names (alongside True, Psalm, and Chicago). For boys, the name Dream has been used in African-American communities as part of the broader movement to celebrate hope and possibility through naming.
In African-American culture, the word 'dream' carries the powerful legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech (1963), one of the most important speeches in American history. Naming a child Dream can be a deliberate invocation of this legacy of hope and equality.
Fun Facts
- Old English 'dream' originally meant 'joy and music,' not visions of sleep—the sleep meaning came from Old Norse
- Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech (1963) gives this name a powerful cultural resonance in American history
Dream in Other Languages
Arabic
حلم (Hulm)
French
Rêve
German
Traum
Italian
Sogno
Spanish
Sueño
Famous People Named Dream
D
Dream Renée Kardashian
Other
2016
Daughter of Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna, whose name sparked widespread discussion about celebrity word names
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #2,236
- Total SSA Count
- 64
- Cultural Origins
- American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Dre
Pairs Well With
Dream James
Dream Anthony
Dream Isaiah
Dream Joseph
Dream Michael
Dream Alexander
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Dream is also used as a girl name, ranked #368.
View Dream as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dream
What does the name Dream mean?
"vision during sleep, aspiration" (from Old English/Norse). "joy, music (original Old English meaning)" (from Old English). Dream comes from the Old English 'drēam,' which originally meant 'joy, music, and merriment' rather than the visions of sleep we associate with the word today. The 'vision during sleep' meaning developed through Norse influence ('draumr'). As a given name, Dream follows the word-name trend where meaningful English words are used as names to express hopes and aspirations parents have for their children.
What is the origin of the name Dream?
Dream has Old English/Norse, Old English, and American origins. In Old English/Norse, it means "vision during sleep, aspiration". In Old English, it means "joy, music (original Old English meaning)".
Is Dream a boy or girl name?
Dream is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2236. As a girl name, it is ranked #368. Dream is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Dream?
Dream is pronounced dr-EEM.
How popular is the name Dream?
Dream is currently ranked #2236 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dream?
Common nicknames for Dream include Dre.
What are good middle names for Dream?
Popular middle name pairings include Dream James, Dream Anthony, Dream Isaiah, Dream Joseph, Dream Michael, and Dream Alexander.
What are good sibling names for Dream?
Names that pair well with Dream as siblings include Bliss, True, Sage, Journey, Story, and Wonder.
How many syllables does Dream have?
Dream has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dream a common or rare name?
Dream is an uncommon name, ranked #2236 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Dream
Dream is a boy name with American origins . The name means "vision during sleep, aspiration" in Old English/Norse .
Is Dream a boy or girl name? Dream is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,236 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #368. Dream is more commonly used as a girl name.
Dream is currently ranked #2,236 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dream has 1 syllable and is pronounced dr-EEM, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Dream include Dre. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.